Summer is in the air here at RV Atlas headquarters and we are looking forward to lots of beach days, camping trips, and baseball games.  And to be quite honest--we have been talking quite a lot about planning a big Southern California Beach Camping road trip with our boys for spring or summer 2022. So in other words--we are California Dreamin' in a pretty major way!

So the timing seemed perfect to have our friend Lauren Eber back on the show to talk about California beach camping and five great campgrounds from San Diego to Santa Barbara! Lauren is a lifelong California native and she loves to travel with her family in their van named "Yayho." You can follow their adventures @afamwithavan on Instagram.  She has been on the RV Atlas podcast several times and has helped us create some amazing content. Check out two of our favorite episodes with Lauren right here:

https://thervatlas.com/podcast/vanlife-with-kids/

https://thervatlas.com/podcast/planning-a-camping-trip-to-zion-national-park/

To listen to Lauren and Jeremy talk about Southern California beach camping and hear Lauren's detailed reviews of 5 great campgrounds from San Diego to Santa Barbara, click on the media player above, or subscribe to The RV Atlas wherever you get your shows!

For a brief overview of our discussion on the Southern California Beach Camping please check out Lauren's notes right below! All pictures compliments of Lauren Eber.

Lauren's Opening Thoughts on Southern California Beach Camping

Most of the beach campgrounds are part of the California State Park system, reservable on reservecalifornia.com, but there are also some local, federal, and private options.

They are very popular and the best bet is reserving well in advance, but it is possible to snag last-minute cancellations and walk-ups.

Weather tends to be mild, but be prepared for wind, bring plenty of sunscreen and water, and dress in layers. It’s often foggy and cool in the morning, sunny midday, and chilly again when the sun goes down.

Anytime you are camping within striking distance of the beach, it’s hard to go wrong, but these are some of our favorites between San Diego and Santa Barbara.

South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, Carlsbad (San Diego)

On a bluff with gorgeous views overlooking the ocean. Only a little bit of shrubbery or a tree separating the small sites, but the views are worth it. Walk down long staircase to the beach, or there is a wheelchair ramp available. Over 200 sites, a few with full hookups. RVs up to 34’.

Carlsbad Camp Store is being completely revamped to include a café, beach rentals, outdoor seating. Beach rentals and general store are open I believe, and check back to see about the café, but it looks like it will be great. https://www.windmillfoodhall.com/

In the meantime, grab takeout from Pelly’s Fish Market & Café, within walking distance, or drive 5 minutes to the Windmill Food Hall, with about 14 vendors in the landmark Carlsbad windmill building. https://www.windmillfoodhall.com/

Near one of our favorite So Cal family attractions, Legoland

Moro Campground in Crystal Cove State Park, Newport Coast 

On a bluff with incredible views across PCH from the coast.

58 sites; 28 for RVs up to 38’ with water and electric hookups; really nice bathhouses with new, clean showers and toilets

Short walk and tunnel across PCH to beach.

Great network of hiking trails departing from campground. “Short loop” is just about 3 miles with some elevation gain; great ocean views, better if you do the loop counter clockwise. Pick up a map from the park rangers.

Eat on the beach at the Crystal Cove Shake Shack (date shake is a favorite), or for a more formal sit-down, walk over to the Beachcomber.