The best camping near San Elijo State Beach

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.

1. You can reserve your campsite up to six months in advance on the California State Parks website or over the phone.
2. 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.
3. The maximum length for trailers and motorhomes is 35 feet for non-hookup sites and 24 feet for hookup sites.
4. 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.

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.

• 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.