Are there beaches along the California coast that allow camping?

Question

Does anyone know of a good resource that details beach camping sites along the California coast?

Answer 1

I found the following information related to Southern California beach camping:

Source: https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20120131211929AABRe1a

Here are beach camping sites in the San Diego area. If you want to try camping without reservations, I'd recommend calling to check the situation out. 

San Clemente State Beach 
Address: 3030 Avenida Del Presidente, San Clemente, CA 92672 
Telephone: (949) 492-3156 
Amenities: showers, telephone, restroom, nature trails, 1 mile of beach 
Activities: Surfing, skin diving for lobsters, hiking, body surfing, swimming, fishing 

San Elijo State Beach 
Address: 1600 S. Highway 101, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007 
Telephone: (760) 753-5091 
Amenities: Showers, restrooms, beach access, table, grill magnificent ocean view 
Activities: Swimming, surfing, snorkeling, diving. 

San Onofre State Beach 
Address: 3030 AVENIDA DEL PRESIDENTE, San Clemente, CA 92672 
Telephone: (949)492-4872 
Amenities: 3 miles of sandy beach, ranger station, convenience store, ranger station, showers, restrooms, fire rings, telephone. 
Activities: Hiking, swimming, surfing, fishing 
Directions: Take 5 north. Just south of San Clemente take the Basilone exit. Follow Basilone Rd. until it ends at the campground entrance and enjoy fun San Diego camping. 

South Carlsbad State Beach 
Address: 7201 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA 92008 
Telephone: (760) 438-3143 
Online Reservations: Camping 
Amenities: South Carlsbad State Beach is a large bluff-top campground overlooking the Pacific Ocean with stairs down to the beach, table, grill, restrooms, showers, laundry, store. 
Activities: Swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing

 

San Elijo State Beach - Bluff top camping with views of the Pacific Ocean. North San Diego County area. Stairway leads down to wide sandy beach. Family friendly campground close to town. Legoland California nearby.

Jalama Beach Santa Barbara - One of the most unique places to camp along the coast. Campsites are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Very secluded beach. Try out the world famous Jalama burger for lunch. 

Leo Carillo - Mile and a half of beach with tide pools, caves and reefs. Visitor center and shady campsites. Nature walks and campfire programs offered. Advance reservation required for summer camping. Popular for day and overnight use. 

Doheny Beach - South end camping sites are on the beach. Five acre lawn with picnic tables and volley ball courts. Walk to the Dana Point Harbor. Perfect for a close to home beach camping adventure. Learn to surf here. 

Gaviota State Beach - Extensive hiking trails in the surrounding hills and valleys. Historic pier used for fishing and divers. Boat launch by hoist from pier. 33 miles West of Santa Barbara on US Highway 101. Train trestle along the beach. 

Carpinteria Beach - Swimming, surfing, tide pools and camping. Sea Lions and whales are often seen in season. Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara. 213 campsites for RV's and tent camping. Close to town of Carpinteria. 

McGrath State Beach - Famous for bird watching at the sand dunes. Trail to Santa Clara Estuary. Campsites are a just a short walk to the wide sandy beach. The beach is located between Ventura and Oxnard. 

Thornhill Broome Beach - Camp right on the beach here more suitable for RV's but there are some tent camping sites. Listen to the waves crashing at your door step for the fraction of the cost of a hotel room. 

San Clemente State Beach - campground with picnic area. Swimming, surfing, and skin diving. Well known surfing area. nearby the San Clemente pier and Trestles Beach. Camping area is on a bluff overlooking the beach.

Emma Wood - Ruins of coastal artillery site. Marsh near beach attracts birds and wildlife. Good for swimming and surfing. Ruins of a World War II coastal artillery. Campground is isolated from town. Some campsites steps to water. 

EL Capitan State Beach - Lots of tide pools and quite beach. Good swimming and surfing. Stairway access from bluff to the beach. Day use and over night camping. Only a 30 minute drive north of Santa Barbara, California.

We have some friends that travel from Utah to camp at these sites every year.  They absolutely love it.  They highly recommend California beach camping.