San Elijo State Beach
2050 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff, CA 92007, United States
Overview
Located along Coast Highway 101, San Elijo State Beach offers 171 campsites, including full-hookup spaces for motorhomes under 24 feet and non-hookup spaces for RVs up to 35 feet. There is one group site at Grunion Run that can fit up to 40 guests and 2 vehicles/motorhomes within the camp. ADA-accessible sites are available upon request.
Although the beach is open all year, guests are limited to 7 nights during the high season from March through November and 14 nights during the rest of the year. There is a maximum annual stay limit of 30 days. Guests who are just passing through while hiking or biking can stay at a shared campsite from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dogs must be on a leash of no longer than 6 feet, and no pets are allowed on the beach.
Best Campsites at San Elijo State Beach
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at San Elijo State Beach Campground.
Sites #24, 117, 119: Best Inland Non-Hookup Sites
- Close to camp host, water, bathrooms, showers, and dump station
- Short walk to the beach stairways
- Lookout point nearby
Sites #107–108: Best Inland Hookup Sites
- Close to the camp host
- Easy beach access with a lookout point
- Close to showers to save propane, if applicable
Sites #1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9: Best Ocean Non-Hookup Sites
- Close to dump station, water, showers, camp store, and laundry
- Quick access to the beach
- Lookout point nearby
Sites #11, 13: Best Ocean Hookup Sites
- Close to the camp host
- Easy beach access with a lookout point
- Close to showers to save propane, if applicable
Unique Experiences
- Take a scenic walk along the 2-mile beach to admire the bluffs and breathe the clear ocean air.
- Hit the waves to enjoy consistent breaks and excellent surfing at any time of year.
- Snorkel around the nearby reefs and kelp beds to view the local wildlife in this unique habitat.
- Visit during the off-season to fish for croakers, guitarfish, or even sharks while surrounded by the tranquil waters.
- Stop by the camp store for firewood and snacks to have a cozy bonfire with fresh, gooey smores.
San Elijo State Beach Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
35 FeetMax Length of Stay
7 daysMax people per site
8, 40 for groupsMax vehicles per site
2Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
Yes, but not on beach/trailsSan Elijo State Beach Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesOnline reservations are available at www.reservecalifornia.com. Reservations by phone can be made by calling 1-800-444-7275. Inland sites are $35 per night without hookups, and ocean non-hookup sites are $50. Full hookups are available for an additional $25 per night. Reservations for the hike and bike pass-through campsite are $10 per person and can only be made after 4 p.m.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
Group reservations for Grunion Run can be made online at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275. The cost is $400 per night and includes up to 10 vehicles, with up to 2 vehicles/motorhomes permitted in the camp itself. Each reservation also includes the use of six picnic tables, a fire pit, a barbeque, and a set of full hookups with 50-amp electric.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations are subject to a non-refundable $7.99 fee. Any reservations that are canceled after 6 p.m. the day before check-in will also be charged the cost of one night. Cancellations can be made by phone at 1-800-444-7275 or online at www.reservecalifornia.com.
San Elijo State Beach Campground Cost
Inland sites
$60Ocean sites
$75Inland non-hookup sites
$35ocean non-hookup sites
$50Group Campsite
$400Activities
Surfing / Windsurfing
Swimming
Snorkeling
Photography
Whale Watching
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Potable Water
Wifi
Campfire Rings
Picnic Tables
Trash
Cell Service
Alcohol
Campground Host
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to San Elijo State Beach
San Elijo State Beach stands out from many other campsites because of its proximity to the beach. Its rates for group camping are slightly more expensive than other group sites in the area, but San Elijo offers a set of hookups to justify the added cost.
South Carlsbad State Beach
The Pelican Point group site is $650 for up to 40 people, which is $250 more than San Elijo’s Grunion Point for the same number of guests. The prices are the same for individual campsites and hookups. South Carlsbad also offers double-hookup sites for $100.
San Clemente State Beach
San Clemente has two group sites for $250–$300 per night, each of which can accommodate 50 guests or 10 more than San Elijo. However, Group Camp 2 is tent camping only. Full hookups in individual sites are $65 for a night, but the walk to the beach is longer compared to the $75 ocean site with hookups at San Elijo.
San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre Bluffs offers dry camping with a dump station for $40 per night, and the San Onofre San Mateo Campground features hookup sites with electricity and water only for $65. The San Onofre Bluffs campground fits 50 people and costs $250. San Mateo’s tent-only group site is available for $200 for up to 40 people.
Silver Strand State Beach
All RVs are required to back into campsites, and only vehicles with a gray-water system and at least a portable chemical toilet are allowed. No tent camping or sleeping outdoors is allowed at Silver Strand. An inland site is $50, and a premium site is $65 per night.
