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South Carlsbad State Beach Camping

9 reviews
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South Carlsbad State Beach - Tim Buss
Photo: Tim Buss
South Carlsbad State Beach - valeehill
Photo: valeehill
South Carlsbad State Beach - Chris Hunkeler
Photo: Chris Hunkeler
South Carlsbad State Beach - bossco
Photo: bossco
South Carlsbad State Beach - Tim Buss
Photo: Tim Buss

Campgrounds

Campgrounds in South Carlsbad SB

Overview

A brief introduction to South Carlsbad SB

Park summary to come 🙂

Factsheet

Information about South Carlsbad State Beach

Location

Address

7201 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA 92008

Coordinates

33.1013° N, 117.3186° W

Directions

South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is located 50 miles north of San Diego on the California Coast. From San Diego drive north on I-5 N. Take exit 45 from the I-5 N and follow Poinsettia Lane. Turn right on to Carlsbad Boulevard until you reach the campground.

Elevation

85 ft (26 m)

Area

44 acres (18 ha)

Terrain

Beach

Contact

Phone

(760) 438-3143

Website

South Carlsbad State Beach on California State Parks

Email

SDCD.Concessions@parks.ca.gov

Operator

California State Parks

Links

Facebook

South Carlsbad State Beach on Facebook

Twitter

California State Parks on Twitter

Instagram

California State Parks on Instagram

Resources

Maps

Videos

Reservations

Reservations available

Up to 6 months in advance of arrival date

Fees

  • Inland campsites (no hook-ups): $35 per night

  • Inland campsites with hook-ups: $60 per night

  • Ocean campsites (no hook-ups): $50 per night

  • Ocean campsites with hook-ups: $75 per night

  • Ocean double campsites with hook-ups: $100 per night

  • Group campsites: $500 per night

  • Additional vehicles: $15 each

Online booking

South Carlsbad State Beach Campground at Reserve California

Phone reservations

(800) 444-7275

Sold-out?

Scan South Carlsbad State Beach for cancelations

Campground

Season

Open year-round

Access

  • Drive in

  • Walk in

Number of sites

215

Site types

  • Tent campsites

  • RV campsites

  • Trailer campsites

Check-in time

2:00 p.m.

Check-out time

12:00 p.m. (noon)

Pets

Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a six-foot leash. Dogs are not allowed on the beach. Pets must be in your tent/vehicle at night. Service dogs are welcome in all areas.

Campfires

In designated areas only

Group camping

Yes (Pelican Point Group Campsite)

Campsites

Max. site occupants

8

Vehicles per site

3

Maximum vehicle length

35'

Pad type

  • Dirt

  • Paved

Campsite features

Picnic table, fire ring, grill, some sites with hook-ups

Accessibility

Number of accessible sites

10

Accessible campsites

16, 77, 87, 97, 108, 119, 126, 148, 153, and 184

Accommodations

  • Accessible campfire center

  • Accessible parking

  • Accessible restrooms with showers

  • Accessible tables (South Ponto Day Use Area)

  • Accessible vistas

  • Beach access ramp

  • Beach wheelchairs

  • Level, spacious, paved pads

Amenities

Facilities

  • Amphitheater

  • Bike trails

  • Campsite office

  • Day use areas

  • Lookout points

  • Outdoor showers

  • Parking

  • Picnic areas

  • Restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers

  • Visitor center

Hookups

  • Power

  • Sewage

  • Water

Conveniences

  • Camp store

  • Campfire center

  • Grocery stores nearby

  • Laundry

On site

  • Firewood

  • Grills

  • Potable water

  • Picnic tables

Support

  • Campground host

  • Lifeguards (seasonally)

Waste

  • Sani-dump station

  • Recycling

  • Waste (household only)

Activities

Sports

  • Bicycling

  • Body surfing

  • Kayaking

  • Surfing

  • Swimming

  • Windsurfing

Nature

  • Bird watching

  • Interpretive programs

  • Scuba diving

  • Snorkeling

  • Stargazing

Recreation

Service

Wifi

Unavailable

Carriers

  • AT&T

  • T-Mobile

  • U.S. Cellular

  • Verizon

Nearby

Attractions

Campgrounds

To come

Members say

Pros

  • Long sandy beach with warm water

  • Campsites with amazing views of the ocean

  • Nearby city amenities and restaurants

Cons

  • Small campground that books quickly

  • Sites are a bit close to one another

  • Some theft in the area

Tips

  • Oceans can be dangerous; check conditions before swimming

  • Campground will be closed from October 24 – November 11 for scheduled maintenance

  • Please respect speed limits within the park

Best campsites

1 – 72, 156 – 222

ARE South Carlsbad State Beach campsites SOLD OUT?

We can help! Many campsite reservations are cancelled daily. Just tell us when you’d like to camp at South Carlsbad State Beach, and how long you want to camp for. We’ll text you when a suitable spot opens up!

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Reviews

Camper reviews for South Carlsbad SB

Events at camp store on weekends.

This campground is so fun. The sound of the waves can be heard throughout the campground as it is right next to a rocky beach. It can be loud due to the PCH traffic though. they have a restaurant/store that has fire pits and hires local bands to play on evening weekends. It’s very fun. Also, they have RV sites with double RV parking spots.

Barbara L stepner
Barbara L stepner reviewed South Carlsbad SB
on September 20th, 2023

Loved this place!

So beautiful to have the ocean in your back yard and hear the waves 24/7. It’s very difficult to get a spot there so we appreciate any time we can spend there.

Lorraine McMullen
Lorraine McMullen reviewed South Carlsbad SB
on August 31st, 2023

campnab

campnab was great letting me know of opening

Tony Martinez
Tony Martinez reviewed South Carlsbad SB
on June 3rd, 2023

Best oceanfront campsites in SD

As San Diego locals, we often stay at South Carlsbad SB, and cannot say enough good things about it. The premium sites are definitely worth the extra cost if you can get them. Clean bathrooms and hot showers, plus a well-stocked camp store. They even have live music on the weekends. The beach is rocky but still amazing, with a fun surf spot directly out front.

Jen Rose
Jen Rose reviewed South Carlsbad SB
on May 31st, 2023

Beach Camping at South Carlsbad

South Carlsbad is a great spot to beach camp with the family. Most of the sites are large, we fit two motorhomes on ours. The facilities are well taken care of and it's a quick walk down to the beach. The camp store is nice if you forgot something or want to grab a beer and watch the sunset.

Shane Hopkins
Shane Hopkins reviewed South Carlsbad SB
on May 30th, 2023

Relaxing place

Our stay was a relaxing one. It was quiet at night and during the day, friendly people. The campsites and restrooms were well maintained. The staff was very friendly. It's a nice place to stay.

Rocky Leivan
Rocky Leivan reviewed South Carlsbad SB
on May 29th, 2023

Our favorite campground

We love South Carlsbad State Beach! Great large camp sites, clean restrooms, camp store, and lots of restaurants within walking distance!

Courtney Tibbets
Courtney Tibbets reviewed South Carlsbad SB
on May 22nd, 2023

What an incredible experience

Because of Camp Nab we were able to nab a corner ocean view camp spot. It was so special for our family. Thank you Camp Nab! Will definitely use Camp Nap again this summerl

Karen Cook
Karen Cook reviewed South Carlsbad SB
on May 14th, 2023

campnab is legit

totally helped me get a campsite thanks !!!

violet bombolo
violet bombolo reviewed South Carlsbad SB
on May 9th, 2023

Map

View a map of South Carlsbad SB

UNABLE TO RESERVE A CAMPSITE?

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