South Carlsbad State Beach
7201 Carlsbad Blvd, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
Overview
There are over 200 sites available at South Carlsbad State Beach, including accessible campsites, primitive sites for tents or RVs, and limited sites with full and double hookups. The on-site dump station is $10. There is no Wi-Fi available. The maximum motorhome size is 35 feet.
Each campsite can accommodate 8 people, and special-event permits may be required for large groups. Pets are allowed in camp but not on the beach. During the busy season of March through November, camping is limited to 7 consecutive nights, which is also tracked by license plate. That limit is doubled during the off-season period of December through February.
Best Campsites at South Carlsbad State Beach
These are some of the better campsites at South Carlsbad, based on location and proximity to the facilities or beach access. Have a favorite of your own? Let us know in the reviews!
Sites 99-101
- Cheaper ($35) Inland campsites
- Directly across from beach access stairs
- Very close to facilities
Sites 69-75
- Campsites at the end of the line for less traffic
- Close to Beach access / Tower 27
- Nearby to facilities
- 73-75 are Inland, 69-72 are beach view ($50)
- Potentially loud if the nearby group campsite is in use
Sites 2-10, 124-130, 131-134, 215-222
- Very close to entrance, Camp Store, Wavehuggers Surf School & Beach access
- 131-134 are paved pads on inland side
- 215-222 are paved pads on ocean side
- 128 is a large lot next to campground host, providing a fenced border on one side for more privacy
Unique Experiences
- Experience the stunning water from the beach, or embrace your adventurous side by body surfing or scuba diving.
- The firm, dense sand and varied terrain make South Carlsbad State Beach a wonderful place to enjoy a jog in the refreshing ocean air.
- Skip the crowds in this more remote area for a tranquil day at the beach surrounded by the beauty of nature and the nearby cliffs.
- Catch a picturesque sunset or snap some photos from the top of the bluff for an unforgettable view of the sun dipping below the ocean horizon.
- After a day at the beach, stop by The Camp Store to hear music by local artists and enjoy a pizza straight from a smokey, wood-stone pizza oven.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
35 FeetMax Length of Stay
7 days Mar-Nov, 14 Dec-Feb, 30 days/yearMax people per site
8 (40 at group site)Max vehicles per site
2Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
Yes, but not on beach/trailsSouth Carlsbad State Beach Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations are coordinated through ReserveCalifornia.com or the Customer Contact Center, which is available 7 days a week at 1-800-444-7275 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Inland sites are $35, and ocean sites are $50. Hookups are an additional $25. Double-hookup sites are $100 total. Limited ADA-accessible campsites are available as well. 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 camping reservations can also be made at ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling the Customer Contact Center. Special-event permits may be required depending on the number of people. The Pelican Point group site starts at $650 and can accommodate up to 40 guests. Only two vehicles are able to park at the campsite itself, although an additional eight can park in the lot.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Cancellations can be made online or by contacting the Customer Call Center. There is a nonrefundable $7.99 fee to cancel or change a reservation, including for early departures. Campsites will only be held until the day after arrival, after which the reservation will be canceled as a no-show at 12:00 p.m.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground Cost
Inland sites
$35Ocean sites
$50Double-hookup Sites
$100Group Campsite
$650Activities
Scuba Diving
Snorkeling
Swimming
Exhibits / Guided Tours
Surfing / Windsurfing
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Trash
Campfire Rings
Cell Service
Picnic Tables
Wifi
Alcohol
Potable Water
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to South Carlsbad State Beach
Although many of the nearby beaches and parks have similar activities, South Carlsbad State Park is more remote and accessible for disabled visitors. Other beaches are also more friendly for pet owners since dogs are not allowed on the beach at this park.
Doheny State Beach
Doheny State Beach doesn’t offer RV hookups, but there is a dump station on site. This location offers a more active visitor’s center and aquarium instead of a camp store or restaurant.
The group camp site is cheaper at a rate of $300 per night compared to the Pelican Point group site at South Carlsbad. However, only tent camping is allowed at Doheny State Beach. ** **
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria State Beach offers seven group sites instead of the single one at South Carlsbad. Five sites can accommodate up to 25 guests. The remaining two can accommodate 40 and 65 guests.
Leo Carrillo State Beach
RV sites at Leo Carrillo can only accommodate motorhomes or trailers up to 31 feet compared to 35 feet at South Carlsbad. Dogs are allowed in the day-use areas and on the North Beach, so travelers with canine companions may prefer this location with fewer restrictions on pets. Electricity is available, but there are no water or sewer hookups.
El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan is happy to welcome motorhomes and trailers up to 42 feet, but there are no hookups at this location. Dogs are allowed in day-use areas and campgrounds. This beach also offers a wider range of natural features, including tide pools and El Capitan Creek.
