California has it all, with rugged mountain terrain, valleys and beaches. There are many beach camping sites to choose from in the California State Parks system. Beach camping is available in both Northern and Southern California, so pick your favorite or visit both areas.
There are two types of camping in California State Park: en route campsites and first-come, first-serve campsites.
En route campsites only allow self-contained vehicles to camp. This means RVs, trailers and fifth-wheels, for example. The campgrounds are used as parking lots during the day, which means you will be camping on asphalt. En route campsites require you to leave by 9 a.m. the next day.
First-come, first-serve campsites are just like they sound. If you want a spot, especially during peak season, get there early to secure a campsite. According to Parks.Ca.Gov, most of these sites do not have shower facilities.
The peak season---summer---is very busy for good reason. California sun is warm and bright during the summer season, making it ideal for beach-going during the day and warm throughout the night. So if you are camping during peak season, make your reservations far in advance, or if it is a first-come, first-serve campsite, get there early.
The second consideration is what type of beach camping you will be doing. If you will be camping in a tent, you will most likely want a campsite that offers shower and restroom facilities. If you are camping in an RV or trailer, other considerations, such as fire pits and ample parking spaces might be more important to you.
According to Parks.Ca.Gov, campsites can fill up seven months in advance, so you are advised to plan ahead. You may make reservations for campsites online at the California State Parks website, Parks.Ca.Gov, or you can call the reservations hotline at 800-444-PARK. You can make camping reservations up to seven months in advance and as late as two days before arrival.
Camping fees vary by park, location and type of camping, so call ahead or visit the website to get additional fee information. If you are day camping, there are different fees as well.
You can expect to find beautiful scenery with jagged mountains and hills along with sandy beaches and coves when beach camping in Northern California. Flowers cover the hills near the ocean around these beach camping locales. Northern California beach camping offers both en route and first-come, first-serve.
Southern California beaches are beautiful in their own way. Thousands of people flock to these beaches because of the long stretches of sand, warm weather year round, swimming and water sports. The beaches in Southern California stretch from San Diego up to Santa Barbara. Southern California beach camping also has both en route and first-come, first-serve camping.
