Where can you camp directly on the beach in California?

Below are eight coastal camping spots, listed south to north, where you can sleep on or next to some of California's best beaches.
  • San Elijo State Beach, Cardiff-by-the-Sea. ...
  • Crystal Cove State Beach Moro Campground, Laguna Beach. ...
  • Two Harbors Campground, Santa Catalina Island. ...
  • Refugio State Beach, Goleta.




People Also Ask

Free beach camping in California is quite rare, as most beach campgrounds are managed by state parks or other organizations that charge fees. However, you can find some dispersed camping areas along the coast in certain parts of the state, such as on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land or in National Forests.

MORE DETAILS

planning to visit or conduct activities on LA County-operated beaches or in Marina del Rey must first apply for and obtain a Beach Camp Use Permit.

MORE DETAILS

To secure a beach tent, you'll need to tie guy lines to sand bags, dig deep to drive corkscrew-style sand anchors into damp sand, or bury a deadman anchor several feet below the sand's surface. Many models will come with the materials needed to employ one of these anchoring systems.

MORE DETAILS

Camping is allowed on Public Lands in California for no more than a period of 14 days within any period of 28 consecutive days, unless otherwise identified. Dispersed camping is allowed on Public Lands in California for no more than a period of 14 days within any period of 28 consecutive days.

MORE DETAILS

No reservation needed at these California campsites
  • Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur. Andrew Molera State Park in Big Sur has beach access and a river. ...
  • Sunset Canyon in King's Canyon National Park. ...
  • Chula Vista Campground in Santa Barbara. ...
  • Topanga State Park.


MORE DETAILS

La Push Beach Camping requires a camping permit. The closest place to get one is either Port Angeles Ranger Station (near Hurricane ridge) or Lake Quinault SOUTH Ranger Station. One night is $16 for two people (or $8 per person per night). Bear cans are required and they give you one with your permit.

MORE DETAILS

Camping Within Cities Is Generally Illegal Most all California cities have laws on the books that prohibit camping within their jurisdiction, with the exception of designated campgrounds and RV parks. You can't just park your RV on a city street and live there for several days in a row.

MORE DETAILS

From my experience of car camping in California, it is only legal to sleep in public areas as long as there are no parking regulations or signs prohibiting vehicles from parking overnight. I recommend car camping in campgrounds, but if you can't find one, national forests are a good next option.

MORE DETAILS

Below are eight coastal camping spots, listed south to north, where you can sleep on or next to some of California's best beaches.
  • San Elijo State Beach, Cardiff-by-the-Sea. ...
  • Crystal Cove State Beach Moro Campground, Laguna Beach. ...
  • Two Harbors Campground, Santa Catalina Island. ...
  • Refugio State Beach, Goleta.


MORE DETAILS