Southern California · California
San Elijo State Beach is a California State Parks campground on the coast at Encinitas, just south of Carlsbad in northern San Diego County, and it delivers the classic Southern California beach-camping experience. Roughly 156 sites are spread across coastal, street-side and interior spots along the bluff, so the view and the price vary a lot depending on where you land. It suits beachgoers, surfers and families who want the ocean at their door without a private-resort price.
| Hookups | ~26 full-hookup sites; many water/electric; some none |
|---|---|
| Sites | ~156 |
| Max RV length | ~35 ft (site dependent) |
| Cost | ~$35–75/night (hookups and ocean view raise the rate) |
| Reservations | ReserveCalifornia, up to 6 months out |
| Best for | Classic SoCal beach camping near San Diego |
San Elijo State Beach is a California State Parks campground on the coast at Encinitas, just south of Carlsbad in northern San Diego County, and it delivers the classic Southern California beach-camping experience. Roughly 156 sites are spread across coastal, street-side and interior spots along the bluff, so the view and the price vary a lot depending on where you land. It suits beachgoers, surfers and families who want the ocean at their door without a private-resort price.
About half the sites have water and electric, a small block of around 26 sites has full hookups, and the rest are dry. Rates run roughly $35 to $75 a night, with hookups and ocean views pushing toward the top of the range. RVs up to about 35 feet fit, depending on the site, so check dimensions carefully. Booking is on ReserveCalifornia up to six months out, and premium oceanfront sites go fast. The trade-off is that the best sites are scarce and competitive, and many sites are near the road rather than the water.
Excerpts from the RV Parks Guide articles that cover this campground. Each links to the full guide.
Regional guide
Southern California RV Parks: 20 Best Campgrounds by RegionIn Encinitas/Solana Beach just south of Carlsbad, San Elijo has roughly 156 sites mixing coastal, street-side and interior spots. About half offer water and electric, and a small block — around 26 sites — has full hookups. Premium oceanfront sites command the top prices.
Read the guide →Our verdict
Book it if you want affordable oceanside camping near San Diego and can plan six months ahead for a good site. Skip it if you run over 35 feet or must have full hookups on a specific date.
A small block of about 26 sites has full hookups. Roughly half of the campground offers water and electric, and the remaining sites have no hookups.
Roughly $35 to $75 per night; hookups and ocean views raise the rate, and premium oceanfront sites command the top prices.
About 35 feet, depending on the site. Check the specific site's dimensions on ReserveCalifornia before booking.
Yes, book on ReserveCalifornia, where sites open up to six months in advance. Oceanfront sites go quickly.
It sits in Encinitas, just south of Carlsbad in northern San Diego County; our guide does not give an exact mileage to downtown.
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