San Elijo State Beach
California State Park
Write a Review S Coast Highway 101 Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007 760-753-5091 Official WebsiteGPS: 33.0216, -117.2843
Overview of San Elijo State Beach
Last Price Paid: $50
Reported by wolf on 3/12/2024
Longest RV Reported: 34 feet (Travel Trailer)
Reported by ForeverGlamping on 2/2/2019
Number of Sites 171
Pad Type dirt
Elevation 65 ft / 19 m
Max Length 35 ft
Discover a smarter way to RV with Roadtrippers
All your Campendium favorites and more are now in Roadtrippers.
Q&A - Ask the Community about San Elijo State Beach
To ask questions of the owner or manager please contact the campground directly. 760-753-5091
Reviews of San Elijo State Beach 26 people have reviewed this location.
Cell Phone Coverage
Confirmed by 14 Users
Last reported 3/12/2024
Confirmed by 14 Users
Last reported 1/19/2023
Confirmed by 3 Users
Last reported 2/8/2019
“Perfect Stay. ”
Reviewed 3/12/2024
| Nightly rate: | $50 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 57 |
Overall Rating
The campground is really well kept up. There are friendly staff members circling throughout tending to the sites, picking up trash, and keeping an eye on things. The bathrooms were super clean and always stocked. Showers were clean and water was hot! We appreciated that and the public sinks and charging station since we could only get ... more
The campground is really well kept up. There are friendly staff members circling throughout tending to the sites, picking up trash, and keeping an eye on things. The bathrooms were super clean and always stocked. Showers were clean and water was hot! We appreciated that and the public sinks and charging station since we could only get a dry spot for our trailer on the days we stayed.
Our site was level and felt private- it was boxed in by shrubs and trees. Despite our neighbors being very close it didn’t feel like it.
The campground borders cliffs with a beautiful ocean view. Staircases descend down to the beach where there is a rocky coastline and lively tide pools to explore. You can access a more accessible sandy beach by walking south through the campground. The landscaping here is also an extra bonus.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 5G
wolf would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Great location, view, sites are not maintained well”
Reviewed 1/19/2023
| Nightly rate: | $95 |
|---|---|
| Site Number: | 21 |
| RV Length: | 18' (Teardrop Trailer) |
Overall Rating
Excellent location with restaurants, bars, groceries across the street. Sure 21 had full hook ups, few do and backs to the ocean though brush obscures the view, others sites have a view. Solid steps lead down the cliff to the ocean. Most sites were un-raked dirty sand, even the asphalt had sand on it. It rained last week so I understan... more
Excellent location with restaurants, bars, groceries across the street. Sure 21 had full hook ups, few do and backs to the ocean though brush obscures the view, others sites have a view. Solid steps lead down the cliff to the ocean. Most sites were un-raked dirty sand, even the asphalt had sand on it. It rained last week so I understand why that is but I saw no effort by anyone to clean the sites between visits. Bathrooms were clean and stocked with toilet paper only. Good AT&T 5G. Nearby highway and train loud near road closest, ocean side much quiet.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 5G
Jim & his T@B would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“good campground on the beach ”
Reviewed 11/22/2021
| Nightly rate: | $35 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
Overall Rating
pros: nice campsite, clean bathrooms, water spigots nearby
cons: sites are close together & it was crowded on the weekend, good views of the beach but you have to walk to get to the beach & off the bluffs
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
Paige would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Beautiful ocean view, surprisingly quiet”
Reviewed 11/20/2021
| Nightly rate: | $58 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 3 |
| RV Length: | 15' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
We were in site #3 for two nights, and had a great ocean view. Right across from the restroom if that is important to you. No hookups. Very unlevel site. Made the step up into our trailer quite awkward. We had to block it up 6" across the 7' width of our small trailer. The commuter train goes by frequently with a friendly dinging o... more
We were in site #3 for two nights, and had a great ocean view. Right across from the restroom if that is important to you. No hookups. Very unlevel site. Made the step up into our trailer quite awkward. We had to block it up 6" across the 7' width of our small trailer.
The commuter train goes by frequently with a friendly dinging of the bell, not at all bothersome. There is a less frequent freight train, but even that was not a problem as far as noise goes. Roomy site, easily enough room for our trailer, with the truck next to it and then a friend's car next to that who stopped by for a visit. Also very close to the steps down to the beach.
Would definitely come back but would probably look for a more level site (sites 1, 5 and 6 would all be more level). Pleasantly surprised that there was no loud music or party type noise, but we were here during the week and it may be different on the weekends.
Nice to watch the surfers and paddle boarders in the morning.
My only reason for such a low site quality rating is for how unlevel it was, otherwise it was fine. The price paid includes the daily $7.99 charge for reservations made through ReserveCA. The staff, both paid and volunteer was very friendly upon check in.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
Dan and Jocelyn would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Expensive, close sites, train noise, kids”
Reviewed 2/27/2021
| Nightly rate: | $67 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 1 |
| Site Number: | 22 |
Overall Rating
Well it is right on the beach so it’s hard to complain too much, but it has problems. Since we live nearby, just wanted to try the camping experience here at this busy and very popular campground. We read the reviews and knew about the trains during the day, but the 8-9 BNSF freight trains that operate every night between 11P and 6A we... more
Well it is right on the beach so it’s hard to complain too much, but it has problems. Since we live nearby, just wanted to try the camping experience here at this busy and very popular campground. We read the reviews and knew about the trains during the day, but the 8-9 BNSF freight trains that operate every night between 11P and 6A were not expected. The trains go 45 mph and the tracks are 300 feet from the campground, earplugs were useless. The onsite camp store, taco shop, and laundry room are all abandoned, so is the surf school that was once a tenant too. The sites are very close together, we were worried that our fire ring was only 10 feet from the back of our neighbors trailer. $60 plus the $7.99 online convenience fee make this a no thank you for most.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“The views from our site were breathtaking and our pup loved Cardiff Beach at low tide! ”
Reviewed 7/6/2020
| Nightly rate: | $50 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 5 |
| Site Number: | 9 |
| RV Length: | 27' (Travel Trailer) |
Overall Rating
San Elijo State Beach was one of our favorite coastal campgrounds. We were hesitant to book 5 nights of dry camping. But the reviews on this place were amazing. Since we were staying during the work week we wanted something with a view if we were going to be stuck at the campsite. We booked one of their ocean front sites (Site 9) at $5... more
San Elijo State Beach was one of our favorite coastal campgrounds. We were hesitant to book 5 nights of dry camping. But the reviews on this place were amazing. Since we were staying during the work week we wanted something with a view if we were going to be stuck at the campsite. We booked one of their ocean front sites (Site 9) at $50 per night (weekday rate), and man did we get a view! This was a great place to explore Cardiff (just across the highway), Encinitas, and Solana Beach. Even though dogs aren't allowed on San Elijo State Beach if you walk a very short distance south they are allowed on Cardiff Beach. Just make sure you cross the bridge first before walking down to the beach. Cardiff Beach was amazing at low tide for Emma. She loves running in shallow water and you could walk so far out in ankle-deep water. Plus, there are several surfers to watch at the mouth of the creek. We especially liked the small town of Encinitas and all the vegetarian/vegan options. We enjoyed a tasty happy hour dinner at Roxy. The server highly recommended the pad thai at Plumeria, but we didn't have time to stop.
Site Selection Tip.... if you are picky about campsites like us, I recommend looking at aerials and campsite photos for two reasons. First, the view... many of the premium ocean front sites have large shrubs blocking your entire view. People had to sit on their picnic tables to watch the sunset on the horizon. Ours was perfect and the site was massive! Which is the second reason. Don't book you site based on the campground map because it is not to scale. We thought we had the shortest site on the bluff, but it was one of the largest.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
gonenomad would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Summer requires booking 6 months in advance ”
Reviewed 6/14/2019
| Days stayed: | 2 |
|---|---|
| Site Number: | 139 |
Overall Rating
Major train track construction has completed with a 90% reduction in whistle blowing at the crossing. San elijo state beach is dog friendly (leashing required) but not at the campground beach . Primitive camping has water facets and bath/shower house ($1 for 2 minutes). Beach access at campground is via various stairs. Sites near t... more
Major train track construction has completed with a 90% reduction in whistle blowing at the crossing. San elijo state beach is dog friendly (leashing required) but not at the campground beach . Primitive camping has water facets and bath/shower house ($1 for 2 minutes). Beach access at campground is via various stairs. Sites near the 101 fence has lots of road noises.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
Portuguese waterdogs would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Awesome location to town & beach... too noisy. ”
Reviewed 5/2/2019
| Nightly rate: | $60 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 2 |
| Site Number: | 107 |
| RV Length: | 24' (Class B) |
Overall Rating
We booked a standard site for $35/night but when we arrived we decided to splurge for FHU’s... costing an extra $25/night. For $60/night this is just OK. We were here visiting a friend who lives up the road in Encinitas - we aren’t surfers so the beach wasn’t enough of a distraction from ALL THE HORRIBLE NOISE. Seriously, bring your... more
We booked a standard site for $35/night but when we arrived we decided to splurge for FHU’s... costing an extra $25/night. For $60/night this is just OK. We were here visiting a friend who lives up the road in Encinitas - we aren’t surfers so the beach wasn’t enough of a distraction from ALL THE HORRIBLE NOISE. Seriously, bring your earplugs. From an abundance of military planes, coast guard choppers, sightseeing helicopters doing low-altitude buzzing, commuter trains, Amtrak trains (some blowing whistles well after midnight), Hwy 101 traffic, motorcycles, and the usual cadre of noisy adults shouting at their kids... we were happy to say bye-bye to this place after a couple nights.
On the plus side: we loved being able to walk to Seaside Market for “Cardiff Crack” and other township amenities. Cardiff-by-the-Sea is a super cute town worth checking out. The showers are clean with great water pressure and hot water - showers are 1 token for 2 min. (each token is 50 cents). There are token vending machines in the campground. We loved the cool sea breezes and sound of the waves. Staff are very friendly and plentiful.
We are hesitant to return simply because of the constant onslaught of noise. Will try to find a quieter place to camp on our next visit.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“If you want to camp near the ocean there’s gonna be people...and trains”
Reviewed 4/5/2019
| Nightly rate: | $37 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 152 |
Overall Rating
Reserved a sea side spot for three days early in the week. Recommend the north end camp sites - they are roomier, fewer camping sites, generally quieter. Cardif Beach is walking distance and allows pooches!
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
Verizon 4G
SDC would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
“Views!”
Reviewed 3/21/2019
| Nightly rate: | $37 |
|---|---|
| Days stayed: | 3 |
| Site Number: | 42 |
| RV Length: | 33' (Fifth Wheel) |
Overall Rating
We got lucky and got three nights here the same day we showed up without reservations. We had an "inland" site but we still had a great view of the water. The sound of crashing waves all day and night is magical. There is a train that rolls through often and it has to blow its horn at the intersection nearby. It is very loud. Other tha... more
We got lucky and got three nights here the same day we showed up without reservations. We had an "inland" site but we still had a great view of the water. The sound of crashing waves all day and night is magical. There is a train that rolls through often and it has to blow its horn at the intersection nearby. It is very loud. Other than that this campground was great.
| Access | |
| Location | |
| Cleanliness | |
| Site Quality | |
| Noise |
AT&T 4G
Verizon 4G
@no.e.t.a would stay here again
This review is the opinion of a Campendium member and not of Campendium.com
Page 1 of 3
1 review not included in the overall rating
The reviews below are not up to Campendium's standards for quality and reliability and therefore are not counted toward the overall star rating. Please see our FAQ page for more information.
Be the first to add a note for San Elijo State Beach!
Be the first to add a video for San Elijo State Beach!
Have you written a blog post about San Elijo State Beach?
Contact us to update this listing.
Amenities
Hookups
- 50 Amp
- 30 Amp
- 20 Amp
- water
- dry camping
- sewer
- Full Hookups
Site Amenities
- view sites
Facilities
- dump station
- recycle
- showers
- water available
Pets
- pets
Nearby RV Rentals
In partnership with
Nearby RV Rentals
In partnership with
New Listing
2020 TRAVEL TRAILER
Forest River RV EVO T2490
$110 /night | Sleeps 8 Guests
8 Reviews
2018 TRAVEL TRAILER
Keystone RV Bullet 272BHSWE
$120 /night | Sleeps 10 Guests
4 Reviews
2019 CLASS B CAMPING VAN
Winnebago Revel 44E
$191 /night | Sleeps 3 Guests
New Listing
2024 TRAVEL TRAILER
Forest River RV Timberwolf 16ML 16ML
$120 /night | Sleeps 5 Guests
2 Reviews
2023 CLASS B CAMPING VAN
Winnebago Solis 59PX
$190 /night | Sleeps 4 Guests
4 Reviews
2019 CLASS C MOTOR HOME
Winnebago Fuse 23F
$185 /night | Sleeps 3 Guests
Nearby
Please select a reason for flagging this item: