Best Beaches in California for Camping

California, with its sprawling coastline and picturesque ocean views, is a haven for beach lovers and camping enthusiasts alike. Imagine waking up to the sound of waves gently crashing on the shore, the scent of salty sea air, and the warm touch of sand beneath your feet. If that sounds like your ideal getaway, then you're in for a treat! Get ready to explore some of California's most stunning seaside spots where you can pitch a tent or park an RV and embrace the serene beauty of nature. From the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the sun-kissed shores of SoCal, we've rounded up the best beaches in California that offer the perfect backdrop for your next camping adventure. So grab your sunscreen, surfboard, and s'mores supplies – it's time to discover your new favorite coastal retreat!

Doheny State Beach, Leo Carrillo State Beach, Refugio State Beach, San Onofre State Beach, Carpinteria State Beach, El Capitan Canyon, Kirby Cove Campground, Crystal Cove State Park

• Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, United States

  
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  Doheny State Beach, situated in Dana Point in Southern California, is often celebrated as one of the best beaches in California for camping due to its serene beachfront campsites and a laid-back atmosphere. The state park offers over 100 campsites, many with direct access to the park's expansive sandy beach and excellent surf spots, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a classic beach camping experience. Additionally, campers can enjoy the park's picnic facilities, volleyball courts, and tide pools teeming with marine life, making it a popular choice for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

• Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, United States

  
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  Leo Carrillo State Beach, located in Malibu, is considered one of the best beaches in California for camping due to its strikingly scenic coastline and family-friendly campgrounds. The beach offers a variety of recreational activities such as swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing, and beachcombing, while the adjacent campground provides well-maintained sites nestled in a sycamore tree grove just a short stroll from the shore. With its easy access to tide pools and coastal caves, Leo Carrillo is a perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking a serene beachside camping experience.

• Refugio State Beach, United States

  
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  Refugio State Beach, nestled along the picturesque Gaviota Coast in Santa Barbara County, is one of California's best beaches for camping thanks to its serene setting and well-equipped campgrounds. Campers can enjoy the palm-lined shores with campsites mere steps away from the Pacific Ocean, making it an idyllic destination for beachgoers seeking to combine relaxation with outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. The iconic Pacific Coast Highway nearby only adds to the allure, offering easy access to one of the state's most scenic coastal camping experiences.

• San Onofre State Beach in San Clemente, United States

  
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  San Onofre State Beach, located between San Clemente and Oceanside in California, is a popular coastal destination recognized for its excellent opportunities for surfing, fishing, and camping. With its scenic bluffs and the iconic San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station dome visible in the distance, campers at the San Onofre Bluffs campground enjoy a combination of natural beauty and convenient proximity to the beach. This state beach is frequently listed among the best in California for camping enthusiasts looking for a blend of outdoor adventure and relaxation by the sea.

• Carpinteria State Beach, United States

  
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  Carpinteria State Beach is often lauded as one of the best beaches in California for camping due to its serene stretch of coastline adorned with palm trees and its user-friendly campgrounds that cater to both tent and RV campers. The beach is renowned for its mild climate, extraordinary cleanliness, and family-friendly atmosphere, offering an idyllic setting for campers who also appreciate the chance to spot wildlife such as seals and sea lions offshore. With its gentle surf, it's also a favorite spot among swimmers and anglers, making it a complete package for those looking to experience the quintessential Californian beach camping trip.

• El Capitan Canyon in Santa Barbara, United States

  
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  Nestled just north of Santa Barbara, El Capitan Canyon offers a unique blend of camping luxury and pristine nature, perfectly positioned for beach lovers to indulge in some of California’s best coastal scenery. This serene retreat isn't directly on the beach but is just a short walk to the picturesque shores of El Capitan State Beach. With its fully equipped safari tents and cedar cabins, visitors can enjoy the great outdoors and beachside fun with all the comforts of home, making it an ideal spot for those looking to combine camping with easy access to one of California's beautiful beaches.

• Kirby Cove Campground in Sausalito, United States

  
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  Kirby Cove Campground boasts a serene and picturesque setting for beach camping enthusiasts along California's coastline, nestled at the base of the Marin Headlands just west of the Golden Gate Bridge. With its intimate setting featuring only four campsites, campers can enjoy a tranquil retreat amidst coastal scrub and eucalyptus, complete with breathtaking views of the San Francisco Bay and the city skyline. The site's secluded sandy beach and clear waters make it a hidden gem for those looking for a peaceful beach camping experience in the heart of the iconic California landscape.

• Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach, United States

  
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  Crystal Cove State Park in California is a gem for beach camping enthusiasts with its pristine 3.2-mile stretch of coastline and wooded canyons. Offering stunning ocean views, the park's Moro Campground provides an ideal setting for campers to immerse in nature while still close to the surf and sand. As one of the best beaches in California for camping, it combines the rugged beauty of the Pacific coast with well-preserved natural resources, making it a perfect destination for outdoor adventurers and families alike.