West Coast Wonders: Beach Camping Near Los Angeles and San Diego
Looking for a quick beach camping getaway from the hustle of Los Angeles or San Diego? Southern California offers some of the best coastal campgrounds where you can fall asleep to crashing waves and wake up to golden sunrises. Whether youre a seasoned camper or just looking for a weekend retreat, these spots offer easy access, scenic views, and classic SoCal vibes.
Leo Carrillo State Park – Malibu Magic Just Outside LA
Nestled along the Pacific Coast Highway about 28 miles northwest of Santa Monica, Leo Carrillo State Park is a longtime favorite among Angelenos. This campground features spacious sites that are just a short walk from the beach, where tide pools, sea caves, and rock formations await.
- Distance from LA: Approx. 1 hour drive
- Amenities: Fire rings, restrooms, showers, RV hookups
- Activities: Surfing, swimming, hiking, beachcombing
Why Camp Here?
If youre into stunning sunsets and campfire nights under starry skies, Leo Carrillo offers all that plus proximity to Malibus famous beaches and eateries. It’s family-friendly and dog-friendly too!
South Carlsbad State Beach – Coastal Bliss Near San Diego
Just 30 minutes north of downtown San Diego, South Carlsbad State Beach is known for its dramatic bluff-top campsites overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Wake up to ocean breezes and enjoy direct stairway access down to the sand.
- Distance from San Diego: Approx. 30-40 minute drive
- Amenities: Picnic tables, fire rings, restrooms, showers
- Activities: Swimming, surfing, fishing, beach walks
Top Tip:
This campground fills up fast—especially in summer—so be sure to reserve your site months in advance on ReserveCalifornia.com.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Campground | Nearest City | Drive Time | Main Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leo Carrillo State Park | Los Angeles | ~1 hour | Tide pools, surf access, pet-friendly, hiking trails |
| South Carlsbad State Beach | San Diego | ~30-40 mins | Dramatic ocean views, stairway beach access, fire pits |
Your SoCal Escape Awaits!
No need to travel far for an oceanfront retreat—these coastal gems near LA and San Diego make it easy to unwind by the water. Pack your tent or hook up your RV and get ready for salty air and sandy toes.
2. Bay Area Breaks: Coastal Escapes Around San Francisco
If youre living in or visiting San Francisco and craving a beachside escape, youre in luck. The Bay Area is surrounded by beautiful coastal camping spots that offer ocean views, fresh sea air, and that laid-back NorCal vibe — all within a couple of hours from the city.
Half Moon Bay State Beach
Just about 30 miles south of San Francisco, Half Moon Bay State Beach is a favorite for quick weekend getaways. This stretch of coastline includes several beaches, but Francis Beach is where youll find the campground. It offers direct beach access and stunning sunsets over the Pacific.
What to Know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from SF | Approx. 45 minutes |
| Campsite Type | Tent & RV (some with hookups) |
| Activities | Beachcombing, fishing, biking on Coastside Trail |
| Reservations | Recommended via ReserveCalifornia |
Sonoma Coast State Park
If youre up for a slightly longer drive north, Sonoma Coast State Park delivers rugged cliffs, wildflower-covered bluffs, and peaceful beach camping. The most popular campground here is Bodega Dunes, offering easy access to the beach and hiking trails.
What to Know:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Distance from SF | Approx. 2 hours |
| Campsite Type | Tent & RV (no hookups) |
| Activities | Hiking, whale watching, tide pooling |
| Reservations | Highly recommended during summer months |
Why Locals Love These Spots
The beauty of beach camping near San Francisco is how quickly you can go from city life to coastal chill. Whether youre looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet place to pitch your tent and watch the waves roll in, these destinations hit the sweet spot between convenience and natural beauty.
Pro Tip:
Pack layers! Even in summer, NorCal beaches can be breezy and cool once the sun goes down.
3. Southern Comfort: Beach Camping Near Miami and Tampa
Looking for a quick escape to the coast from Miami or Tampa? Florida’s southern beaches offer some of the best camping spots where sun, sand, and sea meet laid-back vibes. Whether youre planning a family weekend or a solo retreat, these beachside campgrounds deliver unforgettable experiences with easy access from major cities.
Bahia Honda State Park – Florida Keys
Located just a few hours south of Miami in the Lower Florida Keys, Bahia Honda State Park is a tropical paradise perfect for campers who love turquoise waters and swaying palm trees. This park offers waterfront campsites with breathtaking views, snorkeling right off the shore, and access to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Highlights:
- Crystal-clear water ideal for swimming and snorkeling
- RV and tent camping available
- Boat ramps, picnic areas, and nature trails
Fort De Soto Park – St. Petersburg/Tampa Bay Area
If youre near Tampa or St. Petersburg, Fort De Soto Park is a must-visit coastal camping destination. With over 1,100 acres spread across five interconnected islands, this award-winning park features white-sand beaches, kayak trails, and historic fort ruins.
Highlights:
- Large campground with waterfront sites
- Family-friendly amenities including playgrounds and bike trails
- Pier fishing and canoe rentals available
Quick Comparison: Bahia Honda vs. Fort De Soto
| Feature | Bahia Honda State Park | Fort De Soto Park |
|---|---|---|
| Distance from Major City | ~130 miles from Miami | ~25 miles from Tampa |
| Beach Access | Oceanfront (Atlantic & Gulf) | Gulf Coast Beaches |
| Campsite Type | Tent & RV sites (some waterfront) | Tent & RV sites (many shaded) |
| Main Activities | Snorkeling, kayaking, boating | Biking, fishing, paddling |
| Family-Friendly Amenities | Restrooms, showers, picnic areas | Playgrounds, nature center, restrooms |
No matter which city youre coming from—Miami or Tampa—these beach camping spots offer an easy way to relax in nature without going far. Pack your gear, grab your sunscreen, and head out for a breezy coastal getaway filled with sunshine and salty air.
4. East Coast Retreats: Coastal Camping Near New York and Boston
If you’re dreaming of a beach camping trip without straying too far from the hustle and bustle of New York City or Boston, youre in luck. The Northeast offers some fantastic coastal escapes where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake up with sand between your toes—all within a few hours’ drive.
Hither Hills State Park – Montauk, NY
Located at the eastern tip of Long Island, Hither Hills State Park is a local favorite for New Yorkers looking for a quick beachside retreat. With oceanfront campsites just steps from the shore, its perfect for families, couples, or solo campers who want to enjoy sunrises over the Atlantic. The campground has amenities like restrooms, showers, picnic areas, and even a playground.
Why Camp Here?
- Direct beach access from many campsites
- Great surf fishing opportunities
- Plenty of hiking and biking trails nearby
Cape Cod National Seashore – Massachusetts
A few hours from Boston, Cape Cod National Seashore offers stunning natural beauty and several options for coastal camping. While traditional campgrounds are limited within the park itself, nearby spots like Nickerson State Park and Wellfleet Hollow provide easy access to the seashore’s beaches and dunes. This area is ideal for kayaking, whale watching, and exploring charming seaside towns.
Top Nearby Camping Options
| Campground | Distance to Beach | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
| Nickerson State Park | 10-15 mins drive | Restrooms, showers, bike trails |
| Wellfleet Hollow Campground | 5 mins drive | Tent-only sites, restrooms, quiet setting |
Good to Know:
- Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months.
- Mosquito repellent is a must—especially near wooded campsites.
- Bring layers; evenings can get chilly even in summer.
Whether youre craving salty air or peaceful sunsets over the water, both Hither Hills and Cape Cod offer convenient and scenic getaways that make beach camping accessible for city dwellers on the East Coast.
5. Pacific Northwest Gems: Beach Camping Near Seattle and Portland
If youre based in Seattle or Portland and craving a quick coastal escape, the Pacific Northwest offers some of the most breathtaking beach camping experiences in the country. With dramatic coastlines, lush forests, and moody skies, this region is perfect for nature lovers who enjoy both serene and rugged settings. Here are two standout spots that locals love for weekend getaways.
Kalaloch Campground – Olympic National Park, WA
Nestled along the wild Washington coast, Kalaloch Campground offers incredible views of the Pacific Ocean right from your tent. Part of Olympic National Park, this campground is ideal for beachcombing, tidepooling, and watching powerful winter storms roll in. Its a great spot year-round, with access to hiking trails and nearby attractions like Ruby Beach and the Hoh Rain Forest.
Why Camp Here?
- Oceanfront Campsites: Fall asleep to crashing waves just steps away.
- Tidepooling: Discover sea stars, anemones, and crabs during low tide.
- Hiking Access: Trails lead through lush forests and along rugged bluffs.
Nehalem Bay State Park – Oregon Coast
A short drive from Portland, Nehalem Bay State Park sits on a narrow sand spit between the ocean and bay. This campground is family-friendly with paved bike paths, horse riding trails, and easy beach access. The calm bay side is great for kayaking or paddleboarding, while the ocean side offers wide sandy beaches for long walks or storm-watching.
Highlights at Nehalem Bay:
- Diverse Activities: From horseback riding to kite flying, theres something for everyone.
- Wildlife Watching: Spot deer, elk, or even seals near the shoreline.
- Paved Trails: Great for biking or walking with kids.
Quick Comparison: Kalaloch vs. Nehalem Bay
| Campsite | Distance from City | Main Features |
|---|---|---|
| Kalaloch Campground | 3.5 hours from Seattle | Dramatic coastline, tidepools, forest hikes |
| Nehalem Bay State Park | 2 hours from Portland | Sandy beaches, paved trails, family-friendly activities |
No matter which direction you head—north from Portland or west from Seattle—you’ll find unforgettable beach camping adventures waiting just a few hours away. Grab your gear and explore the natural gems of the Pacific Northwest coast.
