Words by Elizabeth Hensley
Summer is coming and so is beach weather. A beach day is nice, but what about an overnighter, or maybe a week on Southern California's golden coast?
Antony Arun
RV parked along a California Beach
Park on a bluff and take steps down to the sandy shore, or wade right into the ocean from your RV. California state beaches number into the hundreds along its immense coast. Here, we narrow down the selection to Southern California, but there is still a diverse array of options for RV campers traveling from San Diego to Los Angeles County, whatever your style.
Located in San Diego County south of Coronado Island is Silver Strand State Beach. This RV-only campground is situated right on the shore. Aesthetics are minimal, as the park is only a large lot, but there is access to both sides of this long peninsula-like strand. RVers enjoy access to the Pacific and Coronado on one side, and access to Crown Cove Aquatic Center on the inland shore. Activities and rentals through Crown Cove Aquatic Center include gear for sailing, paddling, and surfing. Maximum RV length is 12 m (40 ft).
Moving up the coast, San Elijo State Beach Campground is perched on a bluff in Encinitas, CA along California's famed Pacific Coast Hwy. Here, visitors can make their way down from the campground to the ocean to surf, sunbathe, snorkel, or walk along the beach. Showers and a picnic area are also available. Between March and December, there is a snack bar which provides supplies for beach campers including toiletries, firewood, and boogie boards. Maximum RV length is 11 m (35 ft) at San Elijo, and check-in begins at 2 pm.
Walking distance from Dana Point Harbor shops, restaurants, and marina is v It is a popular surfing spot mentioned in The Beach Boys' song "Surfin U.S.A." The beach is divided by the San Juan Bay Creek and trail. Doheny's South beach has lifeguard towers and fire rings while the north beach has a grassy area for picnicking and courts for playing volleyball. Whale watching tours and fishing boats leave the marina year-around. Free day-use parking can be found along Pacific Coast Highway.
If you're looking to spend more time exploring, Crystal Cove State Beach is a good place to land. Sandwiched between Laguna Beach to the south and the coastal community of Corona Del Mar to the north, Crystal Cove State Beach is comprised of 5.1 km (3.2 miles) of coastline and several beaches including Morro Beach, Reef Point, Los Trancos, Pelican Point, Treasure Cove Beach, and Little Treasure Cove Beach. All beaches can be accessed from shore during low tide, but paved pathways on bluffs above provide safer, more dependable access to each one. This coastal area has a variety of natural features including rocks and tide pools with an abundance of sealife. Visitors can also explore the Crystal Cove Historic District home to the Beachcomber Café and Bootlegger Bar. Vintage cottages are also available to rent.
Bolsa Chica State Beach is located just north of bustling Huntington Beach in Orange County. Bolsa Chica attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. Popular pastimes include surfing and surf fishing. This is also a choice spot where visitors can see the grunion run. Grunion are a small fish that spawn on Southern California shores from late March to early June.
The area is also a big draw because of The Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve located across the Pacific Coast Hwy. The 1,300 acre coastal estuary is home to more than 200 species of birds and a diverse range of landscape from sand dunes to marshland. The site attracts birders and hikers. Free tours are given by docents, check boards for dates and times.
Named after the actor and conservationist, Leo Carrillo, this dog-friendly state park is a 2.1 km (1.5 mi) stretch of coastline in West Malibu which provides access to coastal caves, tidepools, and hiking trails. Windsurfing and surf fishing are also popular pastimes at this recreational location. The campground is surrounded by old growth Sycamore trees that shade the area. Max RV length is 9.5 m (31 ft).
These Southern California state beaches can help you tailor which destination will take you where you want to go, whether you want to snorkel, discover tidepools or find a world-class restaurant.
Make sure to check rules and restrictions before visiting each park, including vehicle length and fire levels when using fire rings. Reserve spots at RV parks in advance as they fill up fast and there is a 30-day annual limit.
California state beaches are a part of the larger Department of Parks and Recreation that oversees 547 km (340 mi) of coastline statewide. The state parks system exists to "protect and preserve…sensitive structures and habitats, threatened plant and animal species, ancient Native American sites, historic structures and artifacts" (www.parks.ca.gov). There is usually a fee to enter state beaches even for day use, however, it goes toward the preservation of these sites.
Reserve your stay at https://reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/
Elizabeth French