San Elijo State Beach Campground

4.23

113 reviews

2050 S Coast Hwy 101 Cardiff, CA 92007

SwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:RV Camping California

Quick Facts

49 ft

Price

$15 - $520/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

171 campsites

Season

High season: March-N...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

49 ft

Price

$15 - $520/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

171 campsites

Season

High season: March-N...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

San Elijo State Beach Campground

$15.00 - $520.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $15 for hike/bike shared sites, $50 for inland non-hookup sites, $70 for premium oceanfront non-hookup sites, $75 for hookup sites...

Standard Site Fee$50.00

Hookup Site Fee$75.00

Premium Site Fee$70.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$520.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

760-753-5091sd.specialevents@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 113 reviews

41 Google reviews

Most mentioned

locationbeach

Some mention

noisetrain

"User reviews highlight the campground's excellent location, beachfront access, and vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Common issues include traffic noise from nearby highways and occasional bug infestations."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

2050 S Coast Hwy 101 Cardiff, CA 92007

San Elijo State Beach Campground

2050 S Coast Hwy 101 Cardiff, CA 92007

Driving directionsExit Interstate 5 at Encinitas Blvd., head WEST. Turn LEFT on So. Coast Hwy. Follow the Coast Hwy. south, about 2 miles.

The campground is accessible from Coast Highway 101, which is directly connected to major routes. It is 2 miles south of Encinitas Boulevard exit on Interstate 5. The road is paved and suitable for passenger vehicles and RVs.

Nearby places

Encinitas: ~2 miles

Solana Beach: ~5 miles

San Diego: ~40 miles

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available in Encinitas and Cardiff-by-the-Sea, both within 2 miles of the campground.

Best Time to Camp at San Elijo State Beach Campground

San Elijo's Mediterranean-like climate delivers the quintessential Southern California experience with gentle, sun-kissed days averaging 62°F and cool, refreshing nights that may dip to a crisp 37°F—perfect sleeping weather with your tent windows open to the ocean breeze. While the region enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, occasional light rain showers and rare dustings of coastal mist add variety to the typically pristine conditions, creating those magical mornings when the marine layer transforms the landscape into an ethereal dreamscape.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

High season: busy, many family programs and peak beach activity make summer lively and appealing.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Peak season through November with mild weather and continued beach access; very pleasant.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring wildflowers on bluffs and mild temps make spring a great season for visits.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Fewer events and reduced lifeguard staffing in winter, but whale migration adds appeal.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: March through November. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: High season: March-November; Low season: December-February.
Current Alerts: Camp Store is currently closed. Lifeguard staffing is seasonal. Wood burning fires not allowed outside established rings. Generators have restricted hours.

About San Elijo State Beach Campground

Perched dramatically on oceanside bluffs, San Elijo State Beach Campground invites you to fall asleep to the rhythm of Pacific waves and wake to spectacular sunrise views. This coveted coastal retreat offers 171 thoughtfully positioned campsites, from premium oceanfront spots where you can watch dolphins play from your tent door to convenient inland sites with full hookups. Each site comes equipped with essential comforts including hot showers, sturdy picnic tables for seaside meals, and fire pits perfect for evening s'mores under the stars.

San Elijo State Beach Campground offers a variety of camping options, including standard family campsites, RV sites with full hookups, and a hike-and-bike campsite.

Weather and SeasonsSan Elijo's Mediterranean-like climate delivers the quintessential Southern California experience with gentle, sun-kissed days averaging 62°F and cool, refreshing nights that may dip to a crisp 37°F—perfect sleeping weather with your tent windows open to the ocean breeze. While the region enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, occasional light rain showers and rare dustings of coastal mist add variety to the typically pristine conditions, creating those magical mornings when the marine layer transforms the landscape into an ethereal dreamscape.

ElevationThe campground's privileged position atop coastal bluffs provides a natural amphitheater setting, where each terraced campsite offers its own unique vantage point of the endless Pacific horizon stretching westward.

Natural Features and SceneryFrom your clifftop perch, witness nature's daily spectacle as gray whales migrate past during winter months and pelicans patrol the shoreline year-round. The campground's bluff-top setting showcases a tapestry of native coastal sage scrub and wildflowers that burst into color each spring, while below, the beach beckons with its golden sand and hidden tide pools. Just offshore, a vibrant reef ecosystem creates a natural aquarium that draws snorkelers and divers eager to explore underwater gardens teeming with garibaldi, leopard sharks, and swaying kelp forests.

Geological RegionCarved by millennia of Pacific storms and tides, San Elijo's dramatic setting exemplifies the rugged beauty of the San Diego coastline. The campground crowns a narrow strip of ancient marine terraces, where layers of sedimentary rock tell the story of California's dynamic geological past. Below the bluffs, a pristine beach stretches north and south, punctuated by the rocky reef formations that create both excellent surfing conditions and protected areas for marine exploration.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Standard sites limit occupancy to 8 people, while group sites accommodate up to 40 people.

Groups

The Grunion Run group site accommodates up to 40 people and 10 vehicles. It includes six picnic tables, one fire pit, one barbecue, and full hookups (50 amps, water, and sewage).

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground is divided into oceanfront (premium) and inland (standard) sections separated by the park road.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via ReserveCalifornia online or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited; shared hike/bike sites are first-come-first-served.

Cancellation PolicyThe $7.99 reservation fee is non-refundable. Cancellations after 6 PM the day before arrival forfeit the first night's fee. Modifications incur a $7.99 fee.

AccessibilityAll restrooms and shower buildings have accessible facilities. Campsites like 4A, 26A, 58A, 92A, 143A, and 164A are designated accessible, with surfaces either fully or partly paved. Beach wheelchairs are available for free with photo ID check-out.

Site SizeVaries by site; oceanfront sites range from approximately 50–65 feet in length and 17–25 feet in width, while standard inland sites are smaller.

PrivacySites are described as having some privacy but vary in seclusion. Oceanfront sites offer less shade and are more exposed.

Total Campsites171 campsites

Recommended SitesOceanfront sites are recommended for views, but inland hookup sites offer full utilities. Avoid bug-infested sites like 28 when possible.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

San Elijo State Beach Campground provides a variety of recreational activities, especially for water enthusiasts and families. Visitors can enjoy swimming, surfing, and scuba diving/snorkeling along the reef. There are also family programs, cultural activities, and designated bike trails.

FishingFishing is allowed, with opportunities along the beach and reef areas.

SwimmingSwimming is a popular activity, with access to the ocean directly from the beach. Lifeguards are present during peak seasons.

BikingBiking is supported with trails running near the campground. However, a reviewer noted, "Bike riders don’t always stop for pedestrians, so be alert at intersections."

Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is offered through state-led programs like Wildlife Walks and Nature Table exhibits. Seasonal highlights may include gray whale migrations.

Beach activitiesBeach activities include surfing and sunbathing. The beach is bluff-backed and accessible via stairs, offering scenic views.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsPrograms include Junior Ranger classes, Summer Campfire Series, wildlife walks, and hands-on educational activities via the Nature Table.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include rip currents and bug infestations as noted by some users. "Swimmers should stay calm if caught in rip currents and swim parallel to the shore."

Active AlertsCamp Store is currently closed. Lifeguard staffing is seasonal. Wood burning fires not allowed outside established rings. Generators have restricted hours.

Fire PolicyFires are allowed in established rings only; propane and butane fires permitted on the beach.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM - 6 AM

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include hospitals in Encinitas (~2 miles), police stations in Cardiff-by-the-Sea (~1 mile), and lifeguard towers staffed seasonally.

Trash & RecyclingTrash disposal is available for household garbage only, and recycling bins are provided to support local Junior Ranger programs. Campers are encouraged to take large items like chairs or boxes home for disposal.

Water FeaturesDirect access to the Pacific Ocean via stairs from bluff-top campsites. A reef nearby is ideal for snorkeling and diving.

Camp HostNo specific details about campground hosts provided.

Weather at San Elijo State Beach Campground

Reviews

4.2

113 reviews

Satisfactory

San Elijo State Beach Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's excellent location, beachfront access, and vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. Common issues include traffic noise from nearby highways and occasional bug infestations.

Review Summaries

Based on 113 reviews

What Campers Love

"Great location, great donuts!" "Easy access to the surf," and "It felt, relaxed and safe and it was beautiful being on the beach and watching people surf before dawn!"

Based on 113 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints include traffic noise from nearby highways, bug infestations at certain sites (e.g., "Upon pulling in at site 28 it was immediately apparent there was a bug issue"), and high activity on...

Based on 113 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Consider bringing insect repellents due to occasional bug issues. Stay alert when exiting the campground as visibility to southbound traffic on old Highway 101 may be impaired.

Based on 113 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are especially busy with family programs and beach activities. Winter sees reduced lifeguard staffing and fewer events.

Based on 113 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Showers are completely functional and convenient"; "Killer recycling, cleared 3 big bags per bin the other day"; "Wonderful waves, beautiful campground!"

Based on 113 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Highly recommended sites include 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 25, 27, 37, 40, 45, 49, 57, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, and 151. Site 28 had bug-related issues.

Based on 113 reviews