State Beaches Campgrounds North of San Diego

[Jakessweetthing]

OK, I need a little more help:
So I checked and reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance, on the reserve California site, so I may have a little more time. (fingers crossed.) North of San Diego are some state beaches, some with hookups, my first two preferences would be San Elijo SB and South Carlsbad AB. the other one would be San Onefre SB. We would be there the middle of June after the 16th. PLEASE give me your opinions and Any other suggestions would be great. We will be killing time and relaxing while our granddaughter is at Sea Camp in San Diego. So we want to stay within easy driving distance. THANKS

[FrankoToo]

Book early no matter where as any of the coastal campgrounds will be hard to get into especially in June. I don't have any recent experience in any of the campgrounds mentioned but if you're willing to consider San Onofre, I would suggest checking out San Clemente a couple more minutes to the north.

[hwy395lvr]

Your chances of securing a reservation are better at South Carlsbad State Beach.Many more sites than San Elijo. San Elijo sells out faster due to the access at the south end. The cliff sites level off and you can walk right onto the sand on the south end versus using the stairways for access on the north side.The full hook-up sites at San Elijo are small and really have no view of the water. The South Carlsbad hook-up sites are fairly new and have no vegetation or cover between neighbors, if that is a concern. I've stayed at San Onofre close to the 5 fwy. Did not sleep a wink due to the freeway and train traffic. It's not that close to the beach either.

[Gonzo42]

There are actually two 'San Anofre' locations. One with electric and water is about a mile from the shore, east of the freeway. The 'Cliffs' section is close to shore but has NO hookups. Parked in either one gets you the privilege of using the surfing beach.

[1320Fastback]

I am ashamed to say the poster from Missoula knows more than me who lives 7 miles from most of these campgrounds.

I will say San Onofre is a bit of a drive if going to San Diego often. Traffic here is a absolute disaster and 5 south is a parking lot pretty much every evening and all day on the weekends.

[ohhell10339]

San Onofre is much more out of the way, being next to the big empty Camp Pendleton north of Oceanside. Much quieter than other alternatives, but a bit far from the action. The various state park campgrounds south of Carlsbad are wonderful; you can walk the beach or the promenade above, or stroll into town. Spring for a beach view site if you can get one. My favorite one is the South Carlsbad unit that's right near the goofy surfer statue.

San Elijo is a cool location and the campground is nice. However, you do have to deal with the Coaster train roaring through every so often. At the Carlsbad beach/parks, the Coaster tracks are on the other side of the highway.