South Carlsbad State Beach is known for its wide, sandy shoreline and abundant sunny days—perfect for relaxing, swimming, or surfing. The campground sits atop a bluff overlooking the beach, offering sweeping ocean views. Nearby beaches include Terramar Beach and Ponto Beach, both popular spots for beachgoers.
South Carlsbad Beach Campground offers a variety of sites, including premium bluff-top campsites with ocean views and standard sites located just inland. A seasonal camp store provides essentials, and access to the beach is available via stairways and ramps leading down the bluff.
Restrooms and token-operated hot showers are available throughout the campground. For larger groups, a group campsite is located at Pelican Point, also known as the North Loop.
South Carlsbad State Beach stretches along the coastline just 3 miles south of the city of Carlsbad, between Palomar Airport Road and La Costa Avenue.
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Updates
Last Updated September 2025
Pelican Point (North Loop) Group Camping
Pelican Point Group campsite can accomodate up to 40 people and 10 vehicles. The campsite is inside a fenced area. All camping must be within the fenced area. The majority of camping is for tents. Two vehicles (which may be RVs, trailers, campers, etc.) are permitted within the area. No camping is permitted in vehicles outside the fenced area. The site includes 6 picnic tables, a fire pit and 2 hook-ups for electricty and water.
Othe amenities include restrooms with flush toiletsa nd a shower stall, oceanfront location, washer and dryer.
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.
In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.
Accessible Sites
Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate
South Carlsbad Beach Campground
Reviews from Previous Campers
2021 - 2024
Wonderful camping place for families.
The camp store is great.
Amazing sunsets and nice ocean breezes.
Campsites close together.
Can get crowded during peak times.
Southern California Beach Attractions
Visitors to Southern California beaches have so many places to explore and enjoy.
Surfing on some of the best waves in California at places like San Onofre, Black's Beach, and Tourmaline
Excellent pier fishing for a wide variety of fish at spots like Imperial Beach, Ocean Beach, and San Clemente
Enjoying strolling along glistening sand and watching the sunset at beaches like Coronado, Del Mar, Laguna Beach, and Zuma
Watch top-rated beach volleyball competition at venues such as Manhattan Beach and Hermosa
Immerse yourself in the fun and excitement of destination beaches like Venice, Redondo, and Santa Monica
Watch surfing competitions at Huntington Beach, Salt Creek, Oceanside, and Coronado
Attend the San Clemente Ocean Festival and the Carlsbad Beach Fest held in July
Key South Carlsbad State Beach Campground Regulations
Dogs must be kept on leash and attended at all times. Dogs are not permitted on the beach. At night dogs must be confined to tent or vehicle.
Fires are only permitted in established fire rings. No fires are allowed on the beach.
Quiet Hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM. Generators may only be operated between 10 AM to 8 PM.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2021 - 2024