I’m a little hesitant to write this guide, because then I’ll have more competition in trying to score reservations for these awesome campgrounds. Lucky for you, I welcome the challenge.
I’ll start off my guide with a list (in no particular order) of some coastal state campgrounds in California. Sadly, I have to leave out the beautiful, Big Sur campgrounds because of last year’s wildfire. Those state parks are closed to campers for the time being.(*Update: Pfeiffer Big Sur is now open for summer reservations)
- Sunset State Beach: This beautiful, isolated beach is 16 miles south of Santa Cruz, on Highway 1. The campground is divided into 3 sections. We enjoy camping in the south camp loop, because it’s a close walk to the beach. It can be cold, and foggy in June and July, so bring warm clothes. If you have a hard time finding spots at this beach, try nearby Manresa State Beach.
- Henry Cowell State Park: This park is known for its redwood groves, but the campground itself is in a chaparral environment. This park is in the Santa Cruz mountains, near the city of Felton. You can drive to the day use part of the park for a hike on the redwood trails. If your kids love trains, hop over the tracks to Roaring Camp and take a ride into the redwood forest. If you want to actually camp in a redwood forest try, Big Basin Redwoods State Park. This park fills up more quickly though, and requires a longer drive on a winding highway.
- Van Damme State Park: This north coast park is on Highway 1, three miles south of Mendocino. The campground is right across the street from the beach, in a stunning, fern canyon. You can hike along the miles of trails, taking in the lush scenery. The location is an ideal base for many adventures in Mendocino county.
- Pismo State Beach: The main attraction at this beach are the dunes. This is a popular beach with ATV goers, and with wintering Monarch butterflies. The park boasts the biggest monarch butterfly grove in the United States. The campground is in the town of Oceano, but the nearby town of Pismo Beach is a good place to take the kids if you need a break from the sand dunes.
- Carpinteria State Beach: This mile-long beach is located 12 miles south of Santa Barbara, and is host to seals, sea lions, and tidepools. The daytime temperatures range between 60 to 80 degrees year-round.
- South Carlsbad State Beach: This campground is on the coastal bluffs of Carlsbad, about 20 minutes north of San Diego. It’s near LEGOLAND, but you don’t have to let your kids know if you’d rather stick to the nature thing. This whole coastal area brings out the southern California beach bum in you, and you are likely to find great weather most of the year.
This list is a work in progress, open to recommendations, and subject to updates.
god i miss camping on the beach. no such thing out here. beaches are treated very differently out there–not a way of life like it is out there.
this brings back very fond memories–thanks.
My kids will be 4 & 6 this summer, maybe this is the year we dust off the tent and hit some campgrounds. Thanks for the heads-up, I guess it’s time to make the reservations!
Glad I could be inspiring today. Lorraine it sounds as if your kids are the perfect age for camping.
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I just found your website through Travels with Children. Sounds like you are right up my alley. I am gonna have to subscribe. Thank you for the campground list. I am planning on attempting camping with twin two year olds this year. Wish me luck!
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Thank u for the great info. Let me add that our family goes every year to camp Edison. My kids love it. Every year our group gets bigger. I recommend it to every one
Another fantastic family-friendly campground in the redwoods is Memorial Park, part of the San Mateo County Parks & Rec Department. Beautiful, spacious campsites, swimming home, giant trees and ice cream cones at the little camp store. What more could you want in a weekend in the woods?