The Ultimate Camping Guide to South Carlsbad State Park

Aug 25, 2021

With Memorial Day weekend behind us, summer is officially here. School bells are ringing for the last time and kids are breathing in a sigh of relief knowing that their school books can be put away for a few months.

For many families, the onset of the summer months triggers a time to get outside and revel in the natural landscapes surrounding the coastline.

For nature lovers and those looking to unplug, Carlsbad offers some of the state’s best camping sites around. Take a minute to throw aside the daily routines of school and work, gather your camping gear, and head to Carlsbad State Beach for a few nights of open air and sea.

South Carlsbad State Beach Campground caters to campers who love to surf, swim, paddle board and take part in all that the north county coastline has to offer. The campground itself is a by-reservation campsite that is perched above the beach for scenic views and easy access to the sand. In the evenings, the coastal bluffs lure campers to sleep with sound of waves crashing on the shore below. Ample shrubbery gives privacy to families with tents and allows campers to take in the surrounding environment without being bothered by fellow campers.

Those wanting to stay multiple nights are able to spread out and enjoy the many amenities that the campsite offers. At South Carlsbad State Beach, you can experience nature without forgoing all of the comforts of home. Each site has a picnic table for meals, and a firepit for entertaining and/or cooking. Sites are paved and level and campers have access to paid amenities like Wi-Fi and laundry. If bathing in the Pacific isn’t ideal, showers are also available. The camp store and park office include vending machines, piped water, flush toilets and a dump station to ensure that campers can make the most of their stay without sacrificing comfort.

Reservations for South Carlsbad State Park are required and available all year round. The reservation fee for the campsite includes access for one vehicle and one trailer. The site values the privacy of each camper and has quiet hours from 10 p.m. – 6 a.m. so that families with children and those wanting a peaceful night’s sleep can enjoy the sounds of the coast without disturbance. Each campsite is limited to eight people per site and is purposefully outfitted for family sized groups. The maximum stay during high season is seven nights and campsites often book months in advance.

South Carlsbad State Beach campsite is a unique spot that allows campers the ability to experience the awe and wonder of the seaside cliffs and wide stretches of sandy coastline. Maintained by the California Department of Parks and Recreation, the coastline is well kept and the campsite is maintained to highlight the beauty of the surrounding area. Campers can choose inland sites or oceanfront sites, depending on their preference. The premium oceanfront spots offer a front row view of one of Carlsbad’s most picturesque beaches while being positioned above and away from the daily beach visitors.

If you’re looking to pull the plug on everyday life and unwind beneath the stars next to the ocean, South Carlsbad State Beach is the place to go. Reserve a campsite by going online to www.parks.ca.gov or by calling the ReserveAmerica Call Center at: (800) 444-7275.

Related Stories