San Elijo Beach Campground
San Diego County

San Elijo Beach, San Diego County, California
San Elijo Beach, San Diego County, California

San Elijo Beach Campground
San Diego County


San Elijo State Beach Campground

San Elijo State Beach Campground is a popular beach camping destination along the San Diego County coast, only a few miles north of San Diego. The beach is enjoyed by surfers, snorkelers, divers, and beach combers. Anglers like to cast their lines into the surf here.

The campground is spread along the top of a bluff overlooking the ocean. Stairs lead down to the beach. Campground visitors appreciate the availability of hot showers, a convenient camp store, and fast-food restaurant. Some of the 156 sites are limited to RVs or trailers only.

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San Elijo State Beach Campground Basics
Location: Along Highway 101, near Cardiff-by-the-Sea
Camping Season: Open year-round
Number of Sites: 156
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 (one driven and one towed)
Pets: Dogs and some other pets must be kept on leash and always attended.
Operated by: California State Parks
San Elijo State Beach Information: (760) 753-5091

Reservations for San Elijo State Beach Campground
Reservations available up to 6 months in advance of arrival date
Maximum Vehicle Length: 24 feet for hook-up sites
35 feet for other sites
Accessible Sites: #4A, 26A, 58A, 92A, 143A, 164A
Favorite Campsites: #5, 7, 18, 19, 27, 29, 31, 38, 47, 49, 51, 59, 145, 146, 147, 149, 150, 151, 165, 167, 168
Campground Map: San Elijo Campground Map
Fees: Standard campsites - $50 per night
Premium oceanfront (no hook-ups) - $70
Standard hook-up sites - $60
Premimium oceanfront with hook-ups - $75
Hike/Bike - $15
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: San Elijo State Beach Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-out, Check-in: Noon, 2 PM

San Elijo Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, some sites with full hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, piped water, store
Showers: Hot showers
Dump Station: Yes
Nearby Attractions: Cardiff State Beach, Fletcher Cove Beach Park, bike rentals in Solana Beach, San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, San Diego Botanic Garden



General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate



San Elijo State Beach campground, San Diego County, CA

San Elijo Beach Campground

Southern California Beach Attractions

Visitors to Southern California beaches have so many places to explore and enjoy.

  • Surfing on some of the best waves in California at places like San Onofre, Black's Beach, and Tourmaline
  • Excellent pier fishing for a wide variety of fish at spots like Imperial Beach, Ocean Beach, and San Clemente
  • Enjoying strolling along glistening sand and watching the sunset at beaches like Coronado, Del Mar, Laguna Beach, and Zuma
  • Watch top-rated beach volleyball competition at venues such as Manhattan Beach and Hermosa
  • Immerse yourself in the fun and excitement of destination beaches like Venice, Redondo, and Santa Monica
  • Watch surfing competitions at Huntington Beach, Salt Creek, Oceanside, and Coronado
  • Attend the San Clemente Ocean Festival and the Carlsbad Beach Fest held in July

Key San Elijo Beach Campground Regulations

  1. Vehicles must be parked on the pavement within the campsite area.
  2. Fires must be in designated concrete fire rings only.
  3. Pets are not allowed on the beach. They must be in vehicle or tent at night.
  4. Generators may only be operated between the hours of 10 AM and 8 PM.

Be careful when you make your reservation that your vehicles will fit within the space allowed at your site.

    Check California State Parks - San Elijo State Beach for any campground updates.