Beach RV Camping Southern California: Famous Surf Breaks

Beach RV Camping Southern California

Think about paddling out at first light, looking at the sky’s vivid kaleidoscopic colors at dawn while waiting for the next set of waves to roll in from the farthest oceans. There is no other feeling that you can compare that to.

Imagine the Endless Summer. RV hookups that are just a few meters from the beach and surfing breaks towards the horizon. The beaches of Southern California attract many people.

We will breakdown RV camping sites that have the best surf spots in Southern California.

San Elijo State Beach

Located off the Pacific Coast Highway, San Elijo State Beach offers so many activities to beachgoers. About half of the site has water and electric hookups. For inland hookup, it costs 60 USD while 75 USD for the ocean view hookup.

The extra 15 dollars is not bad for the full view of the beach. A mix of sand and reef break, San Elijo can cater from beginners to groms and pro surfers alike. Approximately there ⅓ of the campsite is on the bluff that has an unobstructed view of the ocean.

RV campsite: 26
RV length: 35’ non-hookup, 25’ hookup
Length of stay: 30 days
Capacity per site: 8 persons
Handicap accessible sites: 6

They only allow two licensed vehicles and only 1 RV per campsite. Ensure that you book at least six months in advance because San Elijo fills up during surf season.

Pismo State Beach

Fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing into the beach, visualizing what type of day you want tomorrow to be. For those audacious thrill-seekers, Pismo State Beach should be on top of your list. This is the only state beach in California that allows four-wheeling right on the beach.

The best time for consistent, clean waves is during winter. Crowds with different types of abilities surf in Pismo Beach Pier. RV electric and water hookups are located in the Oceano campground for at least 40USD / night. Campsites 1-42 have water and electric hookup.

RV campsite: 42
RV length: 36’
Length of stay: 29 days
Capacity per site: 8 persons
Handicap accessible sites: 1

Like San Elijo, Pismo State Beach gets filled quickly during surf season. Better book at least six months out. For Vehicle day-use Hrs are from 7:00 am – 8:00 pm and Pedestrian Day use Hrs are from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm.

San Onofre State Beach

Ever wonder why San Onofre State Beach is in the top 5 most visited state parks in California? Often referred to as the “Waikiki” of California, the atmosphere of good vibes from the hometown surfers and the “aloha” spirit can keep people coming back.

The beach is divided into three breaks known as “The Point,” “Old Man’s,” and “Dogpatch.” The whole area is a reef break making it challenging to walk into or out. The optimum time to surf is Summer when it is not too cold to wear a wetsuit. With the outstanding right and left breaking reefs but the best time of the year is winter, often in November.

There are 2 locations for RV camping. San Onofre Bluffs offers camping and day-use along Old Highway 101. San Onofre – San Mateo Campground offers a full RV hookup for 60USD.

RV campsite: 67
RV length: 36’
Length of stay: 30 days
Capacity per site: 8 persons
Handicap accessible sites: 5

The Mediterranean climate in San Onofre offers short summers and long cool and cloudy winters.

Carpinteria State Beach

If you are in the mood for surfing, make sure you bring your surfboard in your camper when heading to Carpinteria because 8 minutes away is the Queen of the Coast, Rincon. A regular-footers dream. Surfers can finish a ride up to 400 yards away.

It is always bustled with tourists because you are bound to bump into surf celebrities. As the Beach Boys has mentioned Rincon in 1 of their songs. If you want to avoid the crowds, there are some OK waves on-site. The campground, on the other hand, comprises 4 sections or loops.

Anacapa and Sta. Cruz campgrounds accommodate RVs, but only Sta Cruz loop has full hookups. While San Miguel has electrical and water hookup.

RV campsite: 105
RV length: 35’
Length of stay: 30 days
Capacity per site: 8 persons
Handicap accessible sites: 5

Carpinteria State Beach has an abundance of natural and cultural history. So be mindful and respectful of all these cultural and natural features that Carpinteria has to offer.

Jalama County Beach

If you are not into the crowded lineup and beaches. Jalama Beach might be just for you. Off the beaten path, the unspoiled and secluded beach only about a 1-hour drive from Santa Barbara. It often works all year round, but make sure you watch out for strong, dangerous rips.

After paddling out, when hunger strikes head to the general store and have a bite of the world-famous Jalama burger. RV camping here will only cost you about $45 – $50. You won’t have to worry about seeing the sunset because all campsites are beachfront.

Hookup sites 105-117 have the best view from the hill. Take note that this campground only offers electrical hookups.

RV campsite: 31
RV length: 40’
Length of stay: 30 days
Capacity per site: 8 persons
Handicap accessible sites: –

Jalama is subject to high winds and rough surf. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months; visitors, however, swim at their own risk.

Overall, county beaches in Southern California suggest reserving at least six months in advance. However, they accept walk-ins if space permits. Most beaches are doggy friendly, but they have to be on a 6 feet leash. The campsites are handicap accessible with free use of beach wheel-chair.

There are more activities to be enjoyed aside from surfing, of course. To mention kite-surfing, wildlife watching, hiking, biking, and fishing provided that you have a license. There is a multitude of fire pits spread out to enjoy the warmth at night. Keep chasing the sun and the swell, and you might see yourself ending up in one of these magical places.

Author

NJ Caplinger

As a child, NJ Caplinger has always wondered about the world around her. Growing up she found a connection with nature that deeply rooted within her throughout. An intimate relationship that solidified when she landed a job as an Island Manager on an island sanctuary by an NGO, PRRCFI. She launched an inspiring brand, Circularware as a beacon to curve pollution. Now a mother, she hopes to show her daughter the extraordinary world around us.