The Best Camping in Carlsbad CA
Camping in the Carlsbad area is paradise for surfers, beachcombers, sunbathers, divers, and families. Travelers will find miles upon miles of sandy beaches with beautiful conditions for watersports of all kinds as well as nearby dining, shopping, family-friendly entertainment, and nightlife.
Here is a list of great campgrounds whether you are looking for a more rustic experience or planning to camp with full amenities. Whatever you choose to do, a perfect escape awaits you in Carlsbad!
Best Carlsbad Beach Camping
San Elijo State Beach
This campground has 220 sites, including sites with full hookups, double hookups, no hookups, and one group site. Approximately half of the sites have ocean views. Fires are allowed in designated fire pits.
The campground has a laundry facility, hot showers, and a camp store. Leashed dogs are allowed in the campground but not on the beach. The beach can be accessed via multiple staircases leading from the campground or from a day use area. Beach wheelchairs are available onsite.
What’s Unique About San Elijo State Beach Campground?
This bluff-top campground is popular for its expansive, scenic views. Snorkelers and divers can also enjoy a nearby reef.
San Elijo State Beach Campground Details
Price Range: $35-$100 Types of Camping: Tent, RV/Trailer Fires Allowed: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes, leashed and in campground only
South Carlsbad State Beach
This campground has 220 sites, including sites with full hookups, double hookups, no hookups, and one group site. Approximately half of the sites have ocean views. Fires are allowed in designated fire pits.
The campground has a laundry facility, hot showers, flush toilets, and a shop. Leashed dogs are allowed in the campground but not on the beach. Beach wheelchairs are available for rent.
What’s Unique About South Carlsbad State Beach Campground?
This bluff-top campground is popular for its scenic views, its proximity to an expansive five-mile stretch of sandy beach, and nearby dining and entertainment in Carlsbad.
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground Details
Price Range: $35-$100 Types of Camping: Tent, RV/Trailer Fires Allowed: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes, leashed and in campground only
Other Carlsbad RV Parks
Olive Avenue RV Resort
Campers at Olive Avenue RV Resort choose from 60 paved campsites offering full hookups (30/50 amp electrical). cable, and wifi. Guests also have access to a heated pool and hottub, a dog park, laundry facilities, restroom facilities with hot showers, a recreation room, and a clubhouse with a partial kitchen.
What’s Unique About Olive Avenue RV Resort?
This is a relatively small RV park for an urban setting, which provides for a quieter and more personable experience.
Olive Avenue RV Resort Details
Price Range: $75-$90 (varies seasonally, monthly rates available) Types of Camping: Self-contained RVs/Trailers only (no tents, camper vans, vehicle tents, school bus conversions, or horse trailers) Fires Allowed: Yes Pets Allowed: Two pets are allowed per site. Dogs must be leashed and breed restrictions apply.
Harbor Beach
Camping at Harbor Beach is permitted on a first come, first served basis in two beachside parking lots. Lots 11A and 11B are open year-round and Lot 12 is open from September 15 through May 15. Campers may stay for a total of 5 nights in any 30-day period.
Restrooms are available, and campers can easily access dining and shopping in the town of Oceanside. Note that pop-outs, slide-outs, and awnings cannot be used and tents are not allowed. Find more information at https://www.ci.oceanside.ca.us/civicax/filebank/blobdload.aspx?BlobID=52737.
What’s Unique About Harbor Beach?
Camping at Harbor Beach is all about location—stay just a stone’s throw from the Oceanside City Pier, four miles of palm-lined beach, and all the amenities of downtown Oceanside. Rent kayaks, view sea lions, or visit any of Oceanside’s six other nearby beaches.
Harbor Beach Details
Price Range: $30.00 (September 16-May 14); $35.00 (May 15-September 15) Types of Camping: RV/Trailer Fires Allowed: No Pets Allowed: Leashed in the parking lot and along The Strand.
Oceanside RV Resort
This solar-powered campground offers all modern amenities, including but not limited to a pool and hot tub, clubhouse, game room, dog park, laundry, wifi, and cable. Guests can also rent a kitchen. Campers may select their site from a variety of options based on their equipment type and hookup preferences. Campers appreciate the privacy fences located at every RV site.
What’s Unique About Oceanside RV Resort?
This campground offers glamping in spacious canvas-sided accommodations. Glampers also enjoy beautiful wood floors, rustic decor, and a large front porch.
Oceanside RV Resort Details
Price Range: Variable based on site selection and dates of reservation; weekly and monthly rates are available Types of Camping: RV/Trailer, pull through, back in, full hook up (30 amp electrical), tent, glamping tents Fires Allowed: In Pets Allowed: Yes, with breed restrictions for dogs
Paradise by the Sea RV Resort
This campground offers a resort-style pool and hot tub, laundry, wifi, and HD cable. Campers may select their site from a variety of options based on their equipment type and hookup preferences. Access to Buccaneer Beach is a quick walk away on the Loma Alta Creek Nature Trail.
What’s Unique About Paradise by the Sea RV Resort?
This RV resort is adjacent to Buccaneer Park and it is easy to walk from the resort to Buccaneer Beach.
Paradise by the Sea RV Resort Details
Price Range: Variable based on site selection and dates of reservation; weekly and monthly rates are available Types of Camping: RV/Trailer, pull through, back in, full hookups (up to 50 amp electrical), tent Fires Allowed: In Pets Allowed: Yes
Free RV Camping Near San Diego
Options for free camping are somewhat limited but for those who are just passing through or don’t mind a bit of a drive to the beach, keep the following options in mind:
Rest Stop on Highway 5 North of Oceanside
This rest stop is just north of Oceanside on Highway 5. Restrooms, drinking water, trash, picnic tables, and other basic amenities are available.
Casino Pauma
Located in Pala, California, this casino welcomes campers to stay for up to three days for free upon registration. Campers have reported receiving vouchers for the casino and/or food and beverages. No other amenities are available.
Pechanga Casino
Located in Temecula, California, this casino allows for 24 hours of free camping in its parking lot. No amenities are provided.
Walmart
The Escondido location of Walmart may allow free overnight parking. No amenities are provided.
Boondockers should be aware of changes in company policies or other restrictions on free camping. Always double-check that where you want to camp is indeed free!
Common Carlsbad RV Camping Questions
While Southern California beaches do provide respite and relaxation, planning to ensure parking and camping reservations are all set is important for any trip to these popular beaches.
Can you park overnight at Carlsbad beach?
Multiple vehicles are permitted at each campsite, so overnight parking is easy if you are also camping. Ponto Day Use area also provides parking, although this area closes at 10 pm. Campers may also consider the overnight parking at Oceanside’s Harbor Beach, although a fee applies depending on how long you park.
How do I reserve a campsite at South Carlsbad State Beach?
Reserve online at https://www.reservecalifornia.com or call 1-800-444-7275. Take note that popular destinations such as South Carlsbad State Beach Campground are often sold out as soon as dates are made available. **However, PowerCamper now makes it possible to be notified immediately of any camping reservation cancellations at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground! **Sign up today to stay in the know and snag those hard-to-come-by spots!
About the Author
Josh Shogren
Josh Shogren is the owner of Power Camper. He is a lifelong camper and loves finding the hidden gem campgrounds and camping sites!
