Beach Camping in California

[bjohns]

We are planning to be in AZ for the coming fall/winter/spring with our motor home and want to head over to the coast with our TC. Are there spots where we can camp on or at the beach along the coast of CA? In the "old days" we used to do this a lot, but we haven't been out there in quite awhile so we don't know if beach camping is available any more.

[iwon415]

Rates are low? I think California has some of the highest public campground prices around...

[tad94564]

There is no beach camping in California.

There, I just made more room in the reservation system for us locals.. 🙂

Wrights Beach is great, been there done that; headed to Bodega Dunes next weekend. There's a few more north on hwy 1 that are also on the beach.

[wintersun]

Most of the places that have campgrounds at the beach are CA State Parks and so the rates are very low. Check the state website for information on the parks. In addition to some mentioned there is a great place near San Simeon.

The Gold Bluff beach campground has a maximum vehicle length limit that restricts its use to truck campers and tent campers. You will not find a wilder beach in this hemisphere. Also an elk herd in this area as well as a second one
up on the bluff where there is additional camping available.

Also private RV parks at Marina and Moss Landing that are steps from the beach and the ocean. At Moss Landing you can walk to good places for breakfast, lunch, and or dinner (seafood, Mexican, Thai).

[sky_free]

There are lots of choices. Here are some of them in Northern/Central California that we know something about that are right on the beach or super close.
Wrights Beach just north of Bodega Bay. This is our first choice.
In Bodega Bay on the strand, Doran Beach.
Half Moon Bay State Beach
New Brighton State Beach and Seacliff near Capitola
Morro Bay strand
Pismo Beach North. This is our second choice, but it's more in the trees and grass right behind the dunes.

[Not_a_Clue]

Not a Clue wrote:

bjohns wrote:
We are planning to be in AZ for the coming fall/winter/spring with our motor home and want to head over to the coast with our TC. Are there spots where we can camp on or at the beach along the coast of CA? In the "old days" we used to do this a lot, but we haven't been out there in quite awhile so we don't know if beach camping is available any more.

Not sure what part of California you are looking at, but if you go during the week you should be able to find spots in the winter season.

Look for State Parks, like Doheny, Carlsbad, etc.... in Southern Ca, use Reserve America for State Parks.

[Not_a_Clue]

bjohns wrote:
We are planning to be in AZ for the coming fall/winter/spring with our motor home and want to head over to the coast with our TC. Are there spots where we can camp on or at the beach along the coast of CA? In the "old days" we used to do this a lot, but we haven't been out there in quite awhile so we don't know if beach camping is available any more.

Not sure what part of California you are looking at, but if you go during the week you should be able to find spots in the winter season.

Look for State Parks, like Doheny, Carlsbad, etc.... in Southern Ca.

[Fresno_Tundra_D]

Pismo coast village. If you want to be right on the sand go just 1-2 miles south and drive onto the beach and camp by the dunes. Lots of wind and lots of sand.

[805gregg]

We just camped at Hobson County park in Ventura right on the beach, all spots in Ventura county are first come first served, easy to get in mid week

[Tiger4x4RV]

korbe wrote:
Truck Campers are able to get to Gold Bluff Beach Campground at Prairie creek.

I've been there and it is gorgeous. My Tiger was the largest vehicle there - 20 feet long, 87" (7.25 ft) wide.

State park official website: "Davison Road, the access road to Fern Canyon and Gold Bluffs Beach, has vehicle limitations 8' wide and 24' long. No trailers are allowed."

[Gonzo42]

Really tough to get beach spots now in the summer weather. I have a spot at San Onofre on the bluffs for next month. Emma Woods and the other beaches next to it are almost impossible. Reports on line indicate that there might be problems in that the local fire dept and police dept are holding spots. I can't verify this.

Several of the CA state beaches are reserved through reserveamerica.com but not all of them. Check also with the different cities and counties.

After Labor Day it may be easier to get, as that day marks the unofficial end to summer season, and kids go back to school about then.

[korbe]

Truck Campers are able to get to Gold Bluff Beach Campground at Prairie creek.

[_DJ_1]

I believe this park has some spots right at the surf!!!

Sonoma

[the_bear_II]

There are lots of spots right on the beach or with views of the ocean and easy access to the beach.

Many state and county campgrounds along the coast with a few private RV resorts as well.

www.rvparkreviews.com is your best source to find them.

Our favorite is Emma Woods State Beach north of Ventura.