We turned up 40min before 2pm check in and were turned away despite there being free sites. Do not get there before 2pm because they are very strict about this. They told us it would be easy to park along the beach a few miles down which was not possible. We ended up parking at the outlet mall which cost my husband more money. Our si... more

Used to camp here as kids, we remember it being a lot more strict. The park has great views, especially the premium spots. The only issue we had were people speeding passed our camp. Some literally at freeway speeds. For a camp filled with little children, this ruined the campground for us. The camp should either patrol more or install... more

At first glance, this campground has some negatives. There's the busy road that runs past, the lack of privacy at sites, and the fact that with no power hook-ups you will inevitably be subjected to the roar of your neighbor's monster generator powering their TV/coffee maker/microwave (it's called camping people). But then there's the v... more

After coming up from staying at San Elijo SB for a week, we didn't think it could get better, but in many ways South Carlsbad has many things better than San Elijo. We managed to find a last-minute Oceanfront site for 5 nights Sun-Thur and cancelled our reservations at Crystal Cove SP so we could be even closer to the ocean. 1. Trains... more

I've stayed here several times. It's great for what it is: A beach-and-highway adjacent campground. Sites and facilities are always tolerably clean. The campground is almost always full, the weather is almost always great, and the sunsets are almost always spectacular. Campers here regularly cram quite a bit of equipment onto rela... more

The focus of this spot is the beach. You can ride a bike or run on the path along the road, too. There are surfers everywhere, and it’s great entertainment. As far as the campground: Bathrooms and showers are clean. Showers take tokens, which is an inconvenience, but they are easily obtained. The water is hot and pressure is good. ... more

We wanted to be by the beach - the view is forever although through a chain link fence due to the steep bluff you are camping on. There are a few beach access stairs and dirt ramps for walking down. Site 16 was pretty private with a hedgerow on either side so you couldnt see the people in the sites next to you. Was also across fro... more

Upon arrival, I was greeted by incredibly helpful and friendly staff. Having no reservation, they quickly found me an unreserved space for the night. Upon arriving at the actual site, I discovered that they gave me what might be the best, most private space yet I still feel I'm camping on top of my neighbors as if in some crappy highwa... more

Another excellent California State Beach campground. The views are great, the facilities are not great but serviceable (I'm not towing an 8000 pound trailer around to use public toilets and showers). We stayed on a site that backs up to the ocean and it did have pretty good privacy with vegetation on both sides. Only downside to our si... more

We stayed here for a week recently and was kind of shocked to find a rather lack luster campground when we arrived. It's super cramped with no real divider between you and the camper next to you. People come here to party, which good for them, but if you are full timers and just looking for a quiet place to spend a week, this might not... more