The best camping near San Elijo State Beach

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Elijo State Beach adventure.

96% (82 reviews)

Combine beachfront camping with easy access to urban amenities at this Southern California park.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near San Elijo State Beach

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in San Elijo State Beach

Grunion Run Group Camp

In San Elijo State Beach

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(82)

San Elijo Campground

156 sites · RVs, Tents In San Elijo State Beach

Top-rated campgrounds near San Elijo State Beach

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Splitrock Farm and Retreat

47 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Fallbrook, CA

About Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home For more information... Visit our website www.splitrock.camp Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock Farm Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.

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Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

22 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents67 acres · Palomar Mountain, CA

This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago.Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African American to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day.Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any sacred space; with RESPECT.We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.

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San Diego Canyon Creek

5 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · El Cajon, CA

As you enter into our little oasis, you'll see why we want to share the space. It is a great environment to get away from the city or pass through on your road trip. The driveway enters down to our creek-side camping where a hammock under a tree awaits a quiet reader or a bird watcher. We have multiple species of song birds. It's just a 30 minute drive to the beach, or mountains, a short walk to the neighborhood park- equipped with a playground, or a five minute drive to a local ecological reserve containing multiple trails. If you'd like to hang out on the property, we offer a table and chairs with each campsite to lounge in while enjoying the fresh air and nature. In addition, we have a propane-powered fire pit, an outdoor kitchen with full amenities, including, hot water, a two burner stove, a toaster oven and a BBQ area. The bathroom now includes a flush toilet, sink and shower. Fun Fact: Harbison Canyon was named after John Stewart Harbison - aka the King of the Bee Keepers. He arrived with over one hundred colonies of bees in 1874 and within 7 years he became the worlds largest honey producer. Today there are just a few bees in the area.

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San Diego Mountain Lodge

43 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Santa Ysabel, CA

San Diego Mountain Lodge is a beautiful escape to nature sprawled out over about 40 acres on a breathtaking spot that we call Hideout Mountain in Santa Ysabel, CA. Multiple experiences are offered: -- glamping in our vintage camper trailers, -- RV sites with full hookups and incredible views of Lake Henshaw -- campsites, -- luxury camping in our remodeled cabins (studio, 1br, and 2br cabins) each with different amenities ranging from full kitchens, wood burning fireplaces, large outdoor decks and private fire pits. Gather and share ideas with fellow guests at our community firepit and picnic tables. What makes Hideout Mountain a magical place? #1 on the list are the stunning views as far as the eye can see of Lake Henshaw and the valley and surrounding mountains. We also have a one-of-a-kind, world renowned restaurant and bar on the property: Josie's Hideout Saloon, open on weekends with live music. We are located just a few minutes drive away from downtown Santa Ysabel and Julian, with easy access off Hwy 76.

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Campo Nopalito

6 sites · Lodging15 acres · Valley Center, CA

Welcome to Nopalito Farm! We’re so happy you’ve decided to spend some time on this beautiful property! In case you’re interested, here are a few interesting things about our farm. Nopalito Farm has been in operation since late 2014, but the property itself has been a working farm for over 50 years. Lemons and avocados were the primary crops from the 70’s through the 00’s, and are still prominent throughout our 15 acres. Our predecessors then diversified the growing operation by planting a wide range of fruit trees ranging from guavas and passion fruit to peaches and figs. For a decade, hops were grown on 2 acres and were sold to breweries throughout southern California. We’ve since replaced the hop yard with perennial flowers, but continue to cultivate a wide variety of delicious fruits.

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Native Falls Campground

63 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents25 acres · Temecula, CA

The reimagined Native Falls Campground is conveniently located only minutes from Temecula Valley wine country, yet offers a totally unique and serene lodging experience unlike anything in the area! Our hours are from 9am to 6pm everyday. Check in time starts at noon. Accommodations include fully furnished cabins, RV sites, and tent camping. The campground includes a lake with a waterfall, a sandy beach, lake toys, and catch & release fishing. Additional amenities include a Pickleball Court, shuffleboard, Pool Table, fire pits, picnic tables, hiking trails, and more!

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Hidden Falls Preserve

16 sites · Tents56 acres · Winchester, CA

This secret off-grid getaway on 56 acres gives stunning views at private tent sites with hiking, bird-watching, and wildflower-spotting. Relax in the shade of a eucalyptus grove, enjoy the sun shining over the sage scrub, enjoy the dark night, and find the hidden waterfalls. A short drive to Temecula, Diamond Valley Lake, and Lake Skinner, our private, scenic campsites offer both serenity and nearby activities including wine tasting, restaurants, hot air balloons, and paragliding. We are 100% off-grid with no hookups or water sources (yet), no showers (yet) in the middle of a conservation area. A significant portion of our proceeds goes directly to a local non-profit for habitat restoration efforts within the Conservation Area, and other bird study projects. We hope to attract campers that want an off-the-beaten-path type experience without having to go to the mountains.

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Coastal Rancho Soledad

4 sites · RVs, Tents2 acres · Chula Vista, CA

Today's Noon Weather (June 18, 2024) 71 degrees Farenheit/21 degrees Celcius Your perfect base camp to relax, "work" remotely, and explore San Diego from a coastal micro-climate. Designed to welcome RVing guests in a "city-close but just far enough away" ranch-style setting. A must-stop refuge whether returning from your Baja expedition or starting a new one! ******************Conveniently located :-) 3 miles from bay marina/boat ramp 4 miles from Pacific Ocean beaches and State Park 15 miles (30 minutes) from San Diego Zoo 5 miles from US/Mexico border Convenience and grocery stores within walking distance Public transportation and trolley line accessible *******************What to expect: County residential estate at the end of a private gravel road in a tree-lined valley through "rural looking" properties. Ample turn-around on site suitable for trailers and larger vehicles. Neighboring residential subdivision 200 feet away separated by hillside. A screened area with "classic" trucks and "legacy" equipment next to two shipping containers. Pet friendly place where Gwen (canine camp host assistant roaming the property) will announce your arrival. Please let me know if anyone in your group is sensitive to dogs and I can assign her to temporary office duties inside the house. An ambitious landscape design with planting in progress. ******************What we hope you find: A glimpse of the Pacific Ocean and a coastal breeze to greet you on arrival. Spaces for solitude and reflection. Spaces for conversation. Space for celebration. Please note 3D view from space on most mapping services is outdated (zombie-land-like landscape is no longer).

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The Crest Co-Op

3 sites · RVs1 acre · Spring Valley, CA

Hi! We look forward to the opportunity of hosting you! Please make sure you read this entire section to ensure a mutual fit. Please also make sure that you message us the type and length of your vehicle/camper/RV when sending a booking request. People that stay with us love our views. The view from our large driveway where you'll be parked faces north where you will see the 3 largest peaks in the region, and at the top of our driveway you can see the ocean and downtown San Diego. The sunsets are unreal! Our guests also love the recommendations. As avid travelers that fell in love with San Diego, we can offer recommendations for the best restaurants for any dietary situation, beaches, breweries, bars, surf spots, distilleries, coffee shops, hikes, or whatever you are into. When you submit a request or message, please let us know what kind of vehicle you have, especially the length. Please note that if the total length of your vehicle (for those with trailers that includes the length of the truck nad hitch) should be under 33 ft. This is a general guideline since we've found some people with larger vehicles struggle to turn around in our driveway. Also please let us know if you plan to use electricity or water, and add on the electricity since this costs us a lot of money. San Diego Gas and Energy charges the most for energy than anywhere else in the country (our average electricity bill is over $700 per month) so we unfortunately have to pass on some of these costs if you decide to plug in. Wifi and water are free. Last, if you tell us a little about yourself and what you're looking to do in San Diego we can try to make your stay more enjoyable with conversation and recommendations. A little about us: After spending a few years traveling around the world (mostly in a 20ft converted sprinter campervan) and working remotely, we chose San Diego to settle down and start a family. Our house is a fixer-upper with about an acre of land. We recently added a garden, citrus trees, grill, patio, and plan to add more amenities for campers. We love our home and the land around it, and we hope you do too! We are open to both short-term and long-term stays. We thank you for sharing our space that we call the Crest Co-op, and we thank you for contributing to our never-ending-projects-fund.

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Temecula Campground Retreat

11 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Fallbrook, CA

Opening Special! Join us in the month of June for a heavily discounted rate, as we softly open to work out all the kinks that go along with opening as a new campground. The bathroom building with hot showers is freshly renovated and campsites are freshly raked. We really look forward to hosting you as our guests! Welcome to our serene getaway nestled in the heart of Fallbrook, CA, where the rustic charm of farm country meets the tranquility of nature. Situated just 30 minutes from the historic allure of Old Town Temecula, our 15-acre campground offers a haven for those seeking respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. Immerse yourself in the lush surroundings of our property, adorned with mature pomegranate groves, fragrant orange trees, and a variety of other fruit trees. Wake up to the sweet melodies of birdsong and the scent of fresh citrus wafting through the air, as you breathe in the crisp, clean country air. Whether you're pitching a tent beneath the starlit sky or parking your RV amidst the sprawling landscape, camping at our site offers an unparalleled connection to the great outdoors. Spend your days exploring the scenic hiking trails that wind through the surrounding mountains, or simply relax and unwind amidst the natural beauty that surrounds you. For those craving adventure, nearby attractions such as Old Town Temecula beckon with their rich history, charming boutiques, and renowned wineries. But with the serene beauty of our campground at your doorstep, you may find that the greatest adventures lie right here, amidst the rolling hills and fruit-laden trees of Fallbrook. Escape the ordinary and discover the magic of camping in the country at our picturesque retreat. Book your stay today and experience the beauty of Fallbrook, CA, where every moment is an opportunity to reconnect with nature and rejuvenate your soul.

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Dutchman Canyon

7 sites · Lodging, Tents150 acres · Dulzura, CA

This 150 acre slice of heaven contains an isolated private perennial stream that has run the last two years from January to July. Located down a bumpy dirt road off of Highway 94 Dutchman Canyon is at 1300 feet above sea level, The temperature in Dulzura remains nice year round. There are many Oaks, Sycamores, Eucylptus, Pepper and Pine Trees on the property. The fire road has been cleared to the top of the grade and a slight ocean view is available down the Otay Valley Road view line for hikers or mountain bike enthusiasts. A hiking trail has also been cleared to a stand of Eucylptus trees on the hillside with a pond area at their base on the west facing slope. The Dulzura winery is located across the valley and we are only 1/8 mile from the General Store of Dulzura. The Tecate Border crossing to Mexico is 10 miles south of the property. Located a few miles west of Deer Valley we have deer in the canyon year round looking for fresh water from the creek.

87%

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Skyrocket Ranch

9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Temecula, CA

Welcome to The Skyrocket Ranch, a truly enchanting destination nestled on 20 acres of picturesque land in the hills of Temecula. Our property invites you to experience a harmonious blend of tranquility, natural allure, and convenient access to city amenities and renowned wineries. Set along the serene banks of Sandia Creek, our ranch provides a serene oasis where you can unwind and reconnect with the outdoors. Venture outdoors to explore our expansive grounds, revealing lush orchards and captivating views at every corner. The presence of charming rural luxury homes enhances the appeal and exclusivity of this remarkable location. A highlight of your stay here is the chance to observe wildlife thriving in its natural habitat. Keep an eye out for graceful deer, vibrant birds, and other captivating creatures that make our property their home. Nature enthusiasts and photographers will discover endless inspiration in this environment. While our land offers a peaceful escape, it's also conveniently proximate to the city and renowned wineries. Immerse yourself in Temecula's vibrant Old Towne, where you can indulge in delectable cuisine, explore local boutiques, and immerse yourself in the thriving arts and culture scene. For wine aficionados, a short journey will lead you to world-class wineries, inviting you to relish award-winning vintages amidst breathtaking vineyard vistas. Whether you're seeking a tranquil retreat, an adventure in nature, or a wine-tasting escapade, The Skyrocket Ranch offers an ideal launchpad for your next exploration. Awaken to the soothing sounds of nature, breathe in the invigorating country air, and embark on an unforgettable journey right from our doorstep. Book your stay at The Skyrocket Ranch and discover the magic of this extraordinary destination. We eagerly await the opportunity to welcome you and share the captivating beauty of our land.

The best camping near San Elijo State Beach guide

Overview

About

A half-hour north of San Diego in Encinitas, San Elijo State Beach attracts surfers, swimmers, snorkelers, divers, and campers with its two-mile-long stretch of Pacific Ocean beach and 171 campsites (roughly a third of which offer front-row views of the beach and the ocean beyond). Campground facilities include fire rings, showers, a dump station, and laundry facilities. There’s also a seasonal camp store selling firewood and groceries, but the campground’s proximity to the stores and restaurants in nearby Cardiff make it just as easy to pop into town.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve your campsite up to six months in advance on the California State Parks website or over the phone.
Campsites at this park fill up quickly, so it's wise to reserve your site well in advance to avoid disappointment, particularly if you are visiting in the summer or on weekends.
The maximum length for trailers and motorhomes is 35 feet for non-hookup sites and 24 feet for hookup sites.
If no campsites are available at San Elijo State Beach, you may want to check availability at South Carlsbad State Beach, a 15-minute drive north up the coast.

When to go

While San Elijo State Beach is a year-round destination, summer is the best time to visit, when the weather is warm and lifeguard towers are staffed every day, from late morning until evening. Early fall is a good alternative for good weather but fewer crowds. Campers are limited to one week of camping at a time during the March through November high season, or two weeks during the rest of the year.

Know before you go

You can pick up groceries and supplies in Cardiff-by-the-Sea, on the opposite side of Highway 101 from the park.
Well-behaved, leashed dogs are allowed in the campground. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
San Elijo State Beach has six accessible campsites along with accessible toilets and showers (though the shower controls and coin box may be out of reach to wheelchair users). There's also a beach wheelchair available for self-service check out at nearby Cardiff State Beach.
Beware of riptides. If you do get caught in a riptide, remain calm and swim parallel to the shoreline until you are free.