Best Beach Tent Camping in San Diego, CA

Published July 19th, 2022 by Allen Campbell

best beach tent camping spots in San Diego, CA

San Diego is a renowned tourist destination, home to world-famous beaches and incredible camping opportunities. If you’re exploring the best beach tent camping in San Diego then you have come to the perfect place! Whether you are interested in camping on the beach or want your RV to have a direct view of the water, I have the perfect spot for you.

I know it can be a little confusing to find the perfect spot with so many beautiful beaches and great camping spots, but don’t worry because my list of the best beach camping spots in San Diego will help you out.

Best Beach Tent Camping in San Diego, CA: Summary

South Carlsbad State Beach

South Carlsbad State Beach

The Carlsbad beach is a beautiful and expansive area that extends along the waterway for three miles. This makes it excellent for all sorts of activities. The wide variety of beach tent camping options at the different campsites allows for a stress-free and enjoyable experience for all types of campers.

Tents can be pitched at any of the sites, and RVs can find a spot at many of the more spacious campsites. The Carlsbad beach is equipped with picnic tables and flush toilets as well as showers.

You can experience many different activities when you visit, such as swimming, surfing, fishing, and picnicking and there are also hiking trails through the hills. I would suggest you come here during the summer when it’s less crowded than from October to April.

Important Details:

  • Campsites: 223
  • Price: $35-$100
  • RV Sites: Yes
  • Fires: Allowed
  • Pets: Allowed

San Onofre State Beach

San Onofre State Beach

The 3000 acres of San Onofre is one of the most popular beaches among visitors from all over America for its beautiful sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. The annual average crowd of 2.5 million people comes to experience the San Onofre surfing, fishing, camping, sailing, and kayaking.

It is located near the 5 freeway, making it easily approachable for many people, and the area is also filled with a lot of natural beauty. In some areas of the campground, the bluffs and vegetation might block views of the ocean. However, if you take six quarter-mile long trails, you will be right down where the ocean meets our beaches.

Important Details:

  • Campsites: 334
  • Price: $40-$65
  • RV Sites: Yes
  • Fires: Allowed
  • Pets: Allowed

Kumeyaay Lake Campground

Kumeyaay Lake Campground

The best thing about Kumeyaay Lake Campground is its stunning location. The campground is situated on a lake, providing beautiful views and ample opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. A lake is also a perfect place for people to spend time with their families, as it is calm and serene.

There are more than 40 campsites to choose from at the Kumeyaay Lake campground. You can reach Kumeyaay Lake Campground in very less time from San Diego. The reservation site for the campground is open all year round. The salty ocean and its flawless shorelines are just a quick drive away from the Kumeyaay Lake campground.

Like other beaches in California, this campground also offers a variety of amenities including picnic tables, flush toilets, and showers. It is important for you to know that Kumeyaay Lake Campground is only open on Fridays and Saturdays for night camping.

Important Details:

  • Campsites: 46
  • Price: $22 per night
  • RV Sites: Yes
  • Fires: Allowed
  • Pets: Allowed

Black’s Beach for Tent Camping

Blacks Beach for Tent Camping

Black’s Beach is situated nearby to the University of California’s San Diego campus. Also, it is located just north of La Jolla and provides visitors with a breathtaking experience due to the stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. With the warm weather all year long, the beach is perfect for various outdoor activities. 

You can explore the cliffs at your leisure and find a wealth of natural wonders. The northern end of the beach is managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation and the southern end is managed by the City of San Diego which is known as Torrey Pines City Beach. Black’s Beach is often called a nude beach, but this is restricted in part due to San Diego’s control.

At Black’s Beach, both free and paid parking is present. One well-known option is near Torrey Pines State Beach. The parking lot is available from 8 am until sunset.

Important Details:

  • Campsites: 49
  • Price: Free
  • RV Sites: Yes
  • Pets: Allowed

Silver Strand State Beach

Silver Strand State Beach

If you are someone who loves spending your days in RV, then the Silver Strand State Beach campground is the perfect destination for you. The campground is situated between San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean which will give you the best approach to various water sports activities with proper facilities. 

For making your stay cozier, Silver Strand State Beach provides you with flush toilets, showers, and snacks. Also, you can park your RV in any of the four free spacious parking lots that are capable of holding about 1000 vehicles. But if you are someone who is looking for an adventurous beach tent camping, this might not be the right place for you. 

If you don’t want to miss the chance of getting a place in this world-famous campground, then make sure to book your spot six months in advance.

There are proper electric and water hookups available. No sewer hookups are available so you need to make arrangements at the park’s dump station.

Important Details:

  • Campsites: 120
  • Price: $50-$65
  • RV Sites: Yes
  • Fires: Allowed
  • Pets: Allowed

Campland

Campland in San Diego, California

The Campland on Bay is a resort-style tent campground in San Diego that offers the perfect RVing experience and is situated right along Fiesta Beach. Moreover, the campground has access to a range of water activities, making it the perfect place to cool off and have fun in the summer sun. 

There is a marina for those who want to explore the water by boat and a swimming area for those who prefer to stay on shore.

You can also find various wildlife preserves which are home to different kinds of exotic animals. The best part about the Campland on Bay is that it offers access to Wi-Fi, laundry facilities, and even rent-out space for events. 

I like its most interesting feature: the calendar of events. This calendar has a different event running all day, every day.

Important Details:

  • Campsites: 579
  • Price: $55-$473
  • RV Sites: Yes
  • Fires: Allowed
  • Pets: Allowed

Harbor Beach Campground

Harbor Beach Campground

Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, Harbor Beach Campground is the perfect place to enjoy a summer getaway. Harbor beach is one of the many beautiful beaches in Oceanside California. At affordable prices, It is a first come-first serve campground where you can park your RV or pitch a tent. The nearby restrooms are clean but there are no hookups.

The 3 miles of beautiful beach are a great place to spend your day, and there is also the California Surf Museum nearby if you’re looking for an adventure. If you are looking for a beach tent camping in San Diego, that is both affordable and beautiful, Harbor Beach Campground is the perfect place for you. 

Harbor Beach Campground also features a playground, horseshoe pits, volleyball, basketball, picnic area, and laundry facilities. 

The campground offers plenty of space for pitching tents and RVs and is open from May 1st to November 1st.

Important Details:

  • Campsites: 184
  • Price: $13-$35
  • RV Sites: Yes
  • Fires: Allowed
  • Pets: Allowed

San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach

The San Elijo State Beach campground is a great place for tent camping in San Diego to enjoy the beautiful views and make some great memories. This beach is located a short drive from the city of Solana and offers plenty of space to relax and have fun.

You will find a number of different areas to set up your RV or tent, as well as access to flush toilets and picnic tables. If you’re looking to do some shopping, there is also a gift shop on site that has everything you need. Many other beachside activities are also available and within walking distance.

I would recommend you to make reservations three months in advance in order to avoid last-minute surprises. Moreover, if you want a space to park your RV, motorcycle, or trailer, the site offers a payable parking space.

Important Details:

  • Campsites: 165
  • Price: $35-$75
  • RV Sites: Yes
  • Fires: Allowed
  • Pets: Allowed

Beach Tent Camping in San Diego, California: Conclusion

San Diego is a great place for beach tent camping. There are plenty of places to camp, and the weather is usually perfect for spending time outdoors. The beaches are beautiful, and there’s enough to do numerous water activities.

I guarantee you won’t find a more unique camping experience than spending a few nights at one of San Diego’s beach camping sites. With miles of coastline to explore and scenic overlooks, you’re sure to find a few hidden gems. 

Make sure to include a camera in your backpack, as there are many opportunities for nature photography. I hope you loved the list of beach tent camping in San Diego as much as I do.

Allen Campbell with Master Canopies

Allen Campbell

Allen is a full time writer at Mastercanopies.com and enjoys traveling around the United States and exploring nature. He enjoys writing about canopies as he believes they are extremely crucial in having a successful camping trip whether it be a trip to the beach, mountains, or the open plains.

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