Finding a perfect beach camping spot in California can be hard. San Elijo Campground sits right on the edge of the Pacific Ocean in Cardiff, CA. This guide will show you the best spots to camp, swim, and surf at this amazing state beach.

Pack your tent and sunscreen for an unforgettable trip to San Elijo!

Key Takeaways

• San Elijo Campground sits on the Pacific Ocean in Cardiff, CA, with spots for RVs up to 35 feet and tent campers who want ocean views.
• Book the best ocean view sites (1-43) six months ahead at 8:00 AM PT on ReserveCalifornia.com, as they fill up fast during peak seasons.
• The campground has hot showers, a camp store, and Bull Taco stand for meals when you don’t want to cook.
• Dogs are only allowed on the beach south of Lifeguard Tower 16 and must stay on a 6-foot leash at all times.
• Check-in is at 2:00 PM and check-out is at 12:00 PM sharp, with quiet hours starting at 10:00 PM for all campers.

Camping Options and Facilities

San Elijo offers a range of camping spots from fancy RV hookups to simple tent areas with stunning ocean views. You’ll find clean hot showers, a well-stocked camp store, and the famous Bull Taco stand that serves up tasty meals right when you don’t feel like cooking at your campsite.

RV, tent camping, and hike/bike campsite details

San Elijo offers spots for all types of campers along the beautiful coast highway 101. RV fans can pick from hookup sites that fit rigs up to 24 feet long or non-hookup spots for bigger rigs up to 35 feet.

Tent campers love the ocean view campsites where you can fall asleep to wave sounds. Each site allows up to 8 people and most can fit 3 cars, though RV hookup sites only allow 2 vehicles.

Hikers and bikers get special walk-in only areas perfect for those traveling light. Families with special needs will find paved accessible campsites, though tent space might be tight in these spots.

The rules on how long you can stay change with the seasons – 7 nights max during busy months (March-November) and 14 nights in winter. Now let’s look at what makes the camp store and taco stand must-visit spots during your stay.

Amenities: Hot showers, camp store, and taco stand

After setting up your tent or RV, you’ll find plenty of comfort at San Elijo Campground. Clean, hot showers make beach days better – just bring quarters for a refreshing rinse after salty ocean swims.

The camp store stocks all your basic needs from firewood (sold by Brevvie LLC) to snacks and camping supplies you might have forgotten at home.

Food options make this spot extra special! Bull Taco stands right at the campground with tasty meals when you don’t feel like cooking. Many families love walking to nearby Seaside Market for fresh food too.

E-bike charging stations let you power up for rides along Coast Highway 101, while drinking water stations keep everyone hydrated during hot beach days. These simple comforts turn a good camping trip into a great family vacation at this popular beach spot.

Activities to Enjoy at San Elijo State Beach

The waves at San Elijo call to surfers of all skill levels, with perfect breaks that roll in from dawn till dusk. You can also spot happy dogs playing fetch along the shore south of Tower 16, where four-legged friends are welcome to join the beach fun.

Swimming, surfing, and picnicking opportunities

San Elijo State Beach offers tons of fun water activities for the whole family. You can play in the waves, eat lunch with a view, or catch some waves at this amazing spot.

1. Swimming areas with lifeguards near Tower 16 make this beach safe for families with kids of all ages.
2. Surf breaks at San Elijo are perfect for both new and skilled surfers, with gentle waves in the morning and bigger swells in the afternoon.
3. Beach picnic spots dot the coastline where you can spread a blanket and enjoy lunch while watching dolphins jump in the distance.
4. Windsurfing zones give thrill-seekers a chance to catch ocean breezes and zip across the water’s surface.
5. Family programs run during summer months teach kids about ocean life and beach safety through fun games.
6. Fishing spots along the beach let you catch your dinner while the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean.
7. Scuba diving and snorkeling areas reveal colorful fish and plants just off the shore in the clear waters.
8. Geocaching trails mix hiking with treasure hunting for a fun family game along Coast Highway 101.
9. Bike trails connect to nearby Cardiff Kook statue and Seaside Market for quick snack runs during your beach day.
10. Picnic areas with tables sit near parking lots so you can easily bring coolers and beach gear without a long walk.

Dog-friendly beach areas south of Lifeguard Tower 16

Pets need beach time too! San Elijo State Beach offers a special spot for your furry friends south of Lifeguard Tower 16. This is the only beach area where dogs can join the fun – as long as they stay on a leash no longer than 6 feet.

Families love this section because everyone can enjoy the waves together. Your pup can splash in the surf while you relax on the sand.

Many visitors plan their camping trips around this pet-friendly zone. The rules are simple: keep your dog leashed, clean up after them, and don’t leave them outside at night back at your campsite.

The beach area fills up fast during summer months, so morning visits offer more space for fetch games and walks along the shore. Kids often make new friends – both human and furry – in this lively section of coast highway 101’s best beach spot.

Best Campsites and Reservation Tips

The best spots at San Elijo sit on the cliffs with front-row ocean views, but they fill up fast. You need to grab these prime campsites six months ahead, or try your luck with last-minute cancellations on the California State Parks website.

Highlighting popular campsites with ocean views

Sites 1 through 43 at San Elijo offer the best ocean views in the campground. These spots sit right on the bluff edge with nothing between you and the Pacific but air. Families love sites 33-43 because they’re close to the beach stairs and have room for kids to play.

Sites 5-15 give you more privacy with fewer people walking past. Each morning, you’ll wake up to waves crashing and sea birds calling. The camp store sells firewood for perfect sunset beach fires.

Want to book these prime spots? Make reservations six months ahead for summer dates. Spring and fall visits need less planning but still fill up fast. These ocean view sites cost a bit more but give you front-row seats to dolphin shows and amazing sunsets.

Next, let’s look at some helpful tips to make your San Elijo camping trip smooth and stress-free.

How to secure reservations for peak seasons

Now that you know about those amazing ocean view spots, let’s talk about booking them. Getting a spot at San Elijo during busy times takes some planning and quick action.

1. Book exactly six months ahead on ReserveCalifornia.com for summer dates. The system opens at 8:00 AM PT, and spots often fill within minutes.
2. Set up your account before booking day to save time. Have your payment info ready and know which sites you want.
3. Pick several campsite numbers as backups. Sites 33-56 have the best views but go fastest.
4. Try for weekday stays instead of weekends. Monday through Thursday spots last longer in the system.
5. Check for cancellations daily at 8:00 AM PT. The park releases all changed or dropped spots at this time.
6. Pay the full amount right away. Your spot isn’t locked in until payment goes through.
7. Know that changes cost $7.99 each time. You can only change your dates twice per booking.
8. Join camping groups on social media. Other campers often post when they cancel their trips.
9. Call the park office for last-minute openings. Sometimes spots open up that don’t show online.
10. Try the walk-in only sites if you can’t book ahead. These spots near Cardiff Kook are first-come, first-served.

Travel Tips for a Seamless Experience

A few simple tips can make your San Elijo trip much smoother. Pack extra quarters for hot showers and arrive early on check-in day to snag parking spots near your campsite.

Parking, check-out times, and pet guidelines

San Elijo Campground has simple rules that make your stay fun and easy. These tips will help you plan your visit to this beach paradise along Coast Highway 101.

1. Parking spots come with your campsite fee, but you need to display your permit. The lot has electric car charging stations if you drive a green vehicle.
2. Check-out time is 12:00 PM sharp – the rangers are strict about this! We once lost track of time watching surfers and had to pack up in a rush.
3. All pets must stay on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times in the campground. My dog Max loves to sniff around the camp store area.
4. Dogs can’t play on most of the beach, but they can enjoy the sand south of Lifeguard Tower 16. This special spot gets crowded on weekends.
5. The dump station for RVs stays open during park hours, which helps keep your camping trip clean and fresh.
6. Camp quiet hours start at 10:00 PM, so plan your beach bonfire stories to finish before then.
7. Visitors who aren’t staying overnight must leave by 10:00 PM, even if they’re at your campsite for dinner.
8. Each campsite allows only one car, but you can pay for extra vehicle spots if your family drives separate.
9. Check-in starts at 2:00 PM – no early arrivals! We tried once and had to wait at Seaside Market eating sandwiches.
10. Fires must stay in the fire rings at your site, and you can buy firewood at the camp store near Bull Taco.

Conclusion: Why San Elijo Campground is a Must-Visit

The magic of falling asleep to ocean waves makes this beach spot worth every penny. You can’t beat waking up to that perfect Cardiff sunrise while sipping coffee at your campsite. Kids build sand castles while parents relax – making memories that last forever.

The nearby taco stand and Seaside Market offer tasty treats when you don’t feel like cooking. Pack your tent or bring your RV – this coastal gem awaits your next family trip!

FAQs

1. What makes San Elijo State Beach campground special?

San Elijo State Beach campground sits right on the California coast with amazing ocean view campsites. You can watch surfers from your tent, walk to the Cardiff Kook statue, or just enjoy the beach all day. The campground is part of California State Parks and offers a perfect mix of nature and nearby fun.

2. Are dogs allowed at San Elijo campground?

Yes, dogs on leash are welcome at San Elijo campground. Just keep them tied up and pick up after them.

3. What amenities are available at San Elijo State Beach?

The campground has accessible campsites for those with disabilities, following ADA rules. There’s a dump station for RVs, clean bathrooms, and lifeguard tower 16 is nearby for safe swimming. Seaside Market and Bull Taco are within walking distance for food.

4. How do I book a site at San Elijo State Beach?

Check the park info page online to see the site list and map view of all camping sites. You can pick add-on dates if you want to stay longer. Some spots are walk-in only, so plan ahead!

5. What attractions are near San Elijo State Beach?

You’ll find plenty to do near San Elijo! Drive down Coast Highway 101 for great views, visit Del Mar for shopping, or take surf camp lessons right on the beach. Torrey Pines is close by for hiking, and Hearst Castle makes a nice day trip if you want to explore more of the coast.