San Elijo State Beach Camping & Day Use

San Elijo State Beach is one of the most popular places to camp along the beach in Southern California. The campground is situated in northern San Diego County and is divided into two sections: North and South.

San Elijo State Beach can best be described as a bluff-top camping destination. About half of the 170 campsites have uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. Access to the beach is via wooden staircases that drop you directly onto the beach from the campground.

Being situated on the bluff does have its benefits. If there happens to be a Tsunami, it would need to be at least 100 feet high before you get wet.

Some of the non-ocean campsites back up to Highway 101, and you will get some road noise.

Campsite assignments are made upon arrival, unless you have reserved a specific site. Peak-season reservations are a must, but you should not have problems getting an ocean-view campsite after the busy summer.

Visitors enjoy swimming, surfing, camping, and picnicking. San Elijo also has a day-use parking area, a store, and a snack shop with a fantastic view of the beach below.

Best Campsites at San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo Beach State Beach campsites 145 through 171 are all on the ocean view and in the park’s north section.

Sites 1 through 43 and 47, 49, 51, 54, and 56 are also located on the park’s ocean side. The remaining campsites do not have views; many back up to Highway 101.

San Elijo campsites 4, 26, 58, 92, 143, and 164 are handicap accessible.

If you don’t have a camping trailer, California has contracts with several vendors to deliver one to your reserved campsite. Campsites 145 through 171, located at the north end, offer ocean views. Areas 1 through 43 and 47, 49, 51, 54, and 56 are located in Oceanside.

San Elijo State Beach Campground Rules

The usual rules apply here, including that Non-registered guests must exit by 10 pm—two vehicles maximum. Only one RV, trailer, tent trailer, or van is permitted per site. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under physical control at all times.

Pet owners love San Elijo Beach State Beach. Dogs are allowed on the sand as long as they are on a leash. San Elijo features 156 campsites, 28 of which are RV-trailer only. San Elijo features 156 campsites, 28 of which are RV-trailer only. Campground Reservations

San Elijo State Beach Nearby Attractions

The town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea is minutes away with stores and restaurants. Head South to Del Mar Beach or head north to Encinitas. There is no shortage of things to do within minutes of the San Elijo Beach State Beach campground.

Legoland California

Legoland, California, is only 7 miles from San Elijo State Beach. Legoland features three attractions: the Theme Park, the Waterpark, and the Aquarium.

San Diego Botanic Garden

San Diego Botanic Garden is 4 miles from San Elijo State Park. The garden is a 35-acre paradise of garden trails featuring flowering trees, plants from all climates around the world, from desert to tropical, and the world’s most extensive bamboo collection.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

Torrey Pines State Reserve is  9 miles from the State Beach. With over 2,000 acres of untouched land, the reserve has long stretches of beachfront and a fantastic lagoon home to migrating birds. Visitors come from around the globe to witness the California coast as it was before development.

Finally, San Diego is less than an hour’s drive and offers almost endless attractions.

Getting to San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach extends along Coast Highway 101, 3/4 mile north of San Elijo Lagoon’s entrance channel, near the community of Cardiff-by-the-Sea. Exit Interstate five at Encinitas Blvd., and head west. Turn left on Coast Hwy. Follow the Coast Hwy. South, about 2 miles.  Website.

Southern California beach campgrounds

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Legoland Discount Tickets