South Carlsbad State Beach provides the only camping beach within Carlsbad, with 220 sites shared by RVs and tents. Tent pads lie on a base of crushed granite and there is no landscaping -- so you'll want to make sure you bring a tarp to prevent tears to the bottom of your tent, adequate padding to sleep on and a shade structure to get out of the sun. The campground provides showers and flush restrooms and is usually booked from March through November, with stays limited to seven nights. Reservations are a necessity, and the further in advance you can make them, the more likely you are to get the site you desire.
San Elijo State Beach lies just 10 miles south of Carlsbad, with 128 sites shared by tents and smaller RVs. Restrooms and showers are provided, along with a group amphitheater and fire rings. The campground follows the shoreline, giving most campsites a view of the ocean. You can make reservations year-round. Other campgrounds less than 30 miles from Carlsbad include San Onofre State Beach and San Clemente State Beach, which provide similar amenities. To pitch your tent under pines, drive to Cleveland National Forest. Its 15 campgrounds give you primitive amenities in areas more than 30 miles north and east of Carlsbad.
While there's no shortage of facilities catering to RVs, you'll find few where you can pitch a tent. Head to the San Diego KOA for a wide range of tent camping experiences. Groups of up to 12 people can rent large tent areas with water and electricity provided at the site. "Techno-tenters" can enjoy smaller sites for up to six people, with electricity to plug in and charge up electronics, Wi-Fi access and close proximity to the facility's camping kitchen. More primitive camping is available away from the heart of the campground on grass or mulch areas, with barbecues and tables provided at the site. For a true "glamping" experience, leave your tent at home and book a night in the park's Deluxe Tent Lodge. You'll spend the night in a safari tent with comfortable beds, microwave and refrigerator.
While temperatures in the hottest months of July through October have been known to top 100 degrees Fahrenheit, you'll more than likely experience days in the 70s and nights cooling down less than 10 degrees. The rest of the year, days remain in the 60s, with nights chilling down to the mid-40s. The campgrounds have no shade, so remember to bring sun-protective clothing, sunscreen, hat and sunglasses as well as beach umbrellas and a shade structure if desired. Theft is a common occurrence along California's beaches, so come prepared to secure surfboards, bicycles and other valuables when you are not in the immediate area.
