Beach camping can be very exciting and thrilling at the same time. You get a chance to spend some leisure time far away from your home. If you live in California, you can double the beach camping fun as there are several great places for beach camping in California. California is ideal for camping lovers, with more than 105 state parks and 19 national forests.

However, before you plan any beach trip, it is essential to know some tips and information about beach camping. Don't worry. This guide covers all aspects of the best camping in California. Let us get started.

What Beaches in California Allow Camping?

First and foremost, you have to figure out what beaches in California allow camping. This is essential because you don't want to ruin the excitement of a beach trip by choosing a place that doesn't allow visitors to camp. Here are some tips and some beach locations to help you out in this regard.

●Take Help from the Internet

In this regard, the best option is to search for camping beaches in California on the web. For example, you can visit recreation.gov to find out camping locations. Further, by reading their guidelines, you can figure out whether they allow camping. Also, you can check out the California Department of Parks And Recreation to find suitable beaches that allow camping.

●Getting in Touch with Local Ranger Station

There are many ways to find out which beaches in California allow camping. One way is to contact the local ranger station or visitor center for the area you're interested in visiting.

●Carpinteria State Beach

Carpinteria State Beach is one such beach in California that allows visitors to camp. It is located in southern California. The beach is 2 miles long, next to Carpinteria Salt Marsh Reserve, which is part of a bigger ecological preserve. The beach is popular for swimming, surfing, picnicking, and camping. People can also explore the area by hiking and biking on the nearby trails. There are also tide pools where people can find marine life.

●Thornhill Broome Beach

Thornhill Broome Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located in Orange County, California. It is situated between the cities of Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. The beach is famous for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.

The camping facilities make it a popular destination for campers from all over the state. Thornhill Broome Beach offers a variety of different camping options, including RV sites, tent sites, and cabins. There are also several hiking trails in the area that offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding coastline. Thornhill Broome Beach is definitely worth considering if you're looking for a peaceful and relaxing place to camp.

●Moro Campground – Crystal Cove

Crystal Cove State Park is one of California's most popular camping destinations. It has stunning coastal views, and there are miles of hiking and biking trails.

But did you know that Crystal Cove also has a hidden gem – Moro Campground? This little-known campground is located just a short walk from the beach, and it offers all of the same amenities as the larger campsites in the park. It's perfect for people who want to be close to the beach without dealing with noise and commotion.

If you are looking for a place to camp near the beach, check out Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park. It is a quiet place where you can relax and enjoy the view of the ocean.

Can You Set Up a Tent on the Beach?

Yes, you can set up a tent on the beach. But there are some things to keep in mind. First, make sure that the tent is anchored correctly, so it doesn't blow away in the wind. Second, be aware of high tide levels to avoid getting caught in the water.

Also, when choosing a spot to put your tent, make sure to consider the sand level. It will be hard to set up the tent if it is too sandy. If it is too rocky, the rocks could damage the tent. Setting up a tent on the beach can be a great experience with these things in mind.

Last but not least, read the beach regulations before deciding to set up a tent there. Most parks allow setting up a tent. However, exceptions can always be there. So, don't forget to read out the beach regulations.

Top 5 Beach Campgrounds of California (Recommend)

California is no short of beautiful beaches. However, it is always best to search for the top-rated beach campground for the best camping experience in California.

Here are recommended top 5 beach campgrounds in California. Let us explore them.

Important Tip: Many beach campgrounds require visitors to follow Covid-19 Sops. So, do consider keeping gloves, sanitizer, and face masks before going on any beach campground trip in California.

●New Brighton State Beach

New Brighton State Beach is one good beach campground for a group of families, friends, and colleagues. The beach is known for its incredible views of Monterey Bay, as well as its good surfing and bodyboarding conditions.

Further, the beach is spread on more than 92 acres. It has to offer several facilities and fun-filled activities to spice up your camping trip. For instance, at New Brighton State Beach, several Junior Ranger programs and campfire programs are offered free during the summer. In winter, you can enjoy bonfire nights with your loved ones.

Note that the New Brighton State Beach can be pretty crowded, especially in peak camping season. Also, they don't allow drones and alcohol.

●North Beach Campground

If you are looking for a great place to camp near the beach, North Beach Campground is a great choice. This campground is located in North Carolina's Outer Banks region, and it offers beautiful views of the Atlantic Ocean.

There are plenty of things to do at North Beach Campground. You can swim in the lake, fish from the pier, hike along the nature trails, or relax at your campsite. If you're looking for some adventure, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the lake.

The campground offers RV and tent sites to choose the perfect spot for your needs. The campground has a bathhouse with showers and flush toilets if you need any amenities.

Further, you can also dine at this beach as there is also an Aunt Kates Restaurant located at this beach. At this restaurant, you can enjoy a wide variety of cuisines.

●Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach is located in Dana Point, California. It offers excellent views of the Pacific Ocean and access to the shoreline. Doheny State Beach is a great place to visit. There are plenty of activities to do here, like swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and exploring the hiking trails. No matter what you are interested in, you can find something fun to do at Doheny State Beach.

For instance, swimming is a popular activity at Doheny State Beach. Several areas are designated for swimming, and lifeguards are on duty during the summer months. If you prefer to relax on the beach, there are plenty of spots where you can sit back and soak up the sun.

Fishing is also a popular activity at Doheny State Beach. There are many areas where you can fish from the shore or a boat. If you want to fish from a boat, you need a fishing license.

Another good aspect of this beach campground is that there are lifeguards here. The safety of the beach is managed by the California State Parks Lifeguard Service.

●Dockweiler RV Park

Dockweiler RV Park is located near the city of Los Angeles. This hidden gem offers visitors a chance to experience all that Southern California offers. The beach is just minutes away, and this RV Park provides everything you need for a fun and relaxing vacation.

Dockweiler RV Park has over 100 full hookup sites, including water, sewer, and electric service. The park also has a laundry facility, restrooms, and showers for guests to use. In addition, the park offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy, such as volleyball, horseshoes, and a playground.

No matter what you're looking for in a vacation, Dockweiler RV Park is the perfect place for you. You will have a good time here for sure.

●Rincon Parkway Campground

Rincon Parkway Campground is a great place to camp near San Diego. It has RV hookups, a swimming pool, and a playground, so you'll have everything you need for a great camping trip. And since it's open all year round, you can come anytime you like. Be sure to check out the on-site store for all your camping needs.

What do You Need to Prepare for Beach Camping in California?

As you may know, camping on a beach campground is no short of an adventurous ask. Therefore, it is best to get prepared early on before leaving for such a tour. So, for your ease, here is a brief list of essentials that you should take along.

●An Appropriate Amount of Food

Never forget to take ample among of food and water with you before leaving for a camping trip. Though you can buy food items from several campgrounds, it can be expensive. Further, you don't want to buy costly food items from a campground, as your goal should be to enjoy every bit of your stay on the beach campground by getting involved in various thrilling and fun-filled activities.

In this regard, you should take along food items such as fruits, sandwiches, and juices. These food items are easy to digest.

●Camping Gear

Don't miss out on your camping gear before planning to leave a beach campground in California. This is because; camping gear makes your beach trip fun, adventurous, and safe. For instance, you should take the following items with you:

•Tent

•A quality sleeping bag

•Camp stove

•A camping lantern

•Water bottles

•Suitable clothes (according to weather)

●A First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is also necessary to take along with you on a camping trip. There are many reasons why a first aid kit is a must here. For example:

•A first aid kit can help you deal with any injuries that might occur.

•It lets you deal with minor cuts and scrapes, which are quite common when spending time on beaches.

•In case of any medical emergency, a first aid kit helps a lot.

So, you don't want to forget to take a first aid kit with you on a camping trip for such reasons. Further, ensure that your first aid kit has enough bandages, a scissor, tweezers, gloves (Disposable), pain killers, and gauzes. If you are taking your pet along with you, consider taking his dedicated first aid kit.

●Beach-Specific Items

However, some beach-specific items can come in handy on such trips. The items include:

•Camp tarps

Camping chairandtable

•A tent that can withstand high-speed winds

•A portable fire pit

•A backup power source such as a leisure battery

•Enough food and water bottles

•A couple of umbrellas and some towels

●Clothing

You should pack clothes that are perfect for the weather of your chosen camping beach ground in California. It is best to check your chosen campground's temperature, humidity, and wind speed.

If it's summer, on top of clothes, you should also take some sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen with you.

Conclusion

So, it was your guide to the best beach camping in California. First and foremost, you should choose the beach campground that allows for camping and has all the facilities you are looking for. This way, you will be able to enjoy every bit of your camping journey in California.