La Jolla is a popular destination in California. There are many reasons why this stands so true.

The culture, shops, well-known restaurants, and of course the beaches.

But to those avid campers who enjoy exploring new places to camp, there are a few things you must be aware of before deciding to camp here, so read along.

La Jolla Beach Camping Doesn’t Exist

La Jolla is home to many unique beaches. For instance, Black’s Beach is a clothing-optional beach where clothing is optional.

It is considered a more secluded beach and you won’t find many tourists in this area. In contrast, La Jolla Shores Beach is a well-known tourist beach.

Offering many amenities to those looking for bike riding, eating, or shopping.

With all these unique beaches and amenities you would think there are camping options here, unfortunately, La Jolla does not allow camping.

You won’t find any designated camping spots here. La Jolla Beach camping isn’t a place for those avid campers. 

But, you got alternatives

Just because you can’t camp in La Jolla, not all is lost. There are nearby campgrounds. We got a few worth mentioning. 

For those RV campers:

San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas: Nearby La Jolla Beach Campground

Location: 2050 S Coast Hwy 101 Cardiff, CA 92007

San Elijo offers tent and RV camping. You can book reservations both online and by calling. This campground offers:

• Showers
• Restrooms
• Camp store – open from April to October only
• Dogs are allowed on campsite ONLY – not on the beach
• No WIFI availability
• Laundry Facilities
• RV hookups

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Check-ins are from 2 pm and later on with no exceptions. You can learn more by visiting the main site or making a reservation online. 

SAN ELIJO STATE BEACH F.A.Q.’s

These are a few common questions people often ask when thinking of camping at San Elijo State Beach:

How much does it cost to camp at San Elijo State Beach?

Costs vary depending on whether you’re deciding to tent or RV camp. Costs will also vary depending on what campsite you choose to stay in.

For instance, for Standard Campsite #120 rates are $35 a night. We included a few examples of what to expect:

Standard Campsite #120

Rate: $35 night plus Reservation Fee Charged $7.99

Following amenities at campsite:

• No Water/Electric/Sewer Hookup
• No Hot Water
• No Internet
• No Fire Pit nor Ring w/Grill
• Pad Length 27 with Width 46
• Driveway Surface Gravel

Premium Campsite #5

Rate: $50 night plus Reservation Fee Charged $7.99

Following amenities at premium campsite:

• No Water/Electric/Sewer Hookup
• No Hot Water
• No Internet
• No Fire Pit nor Ring w/Grill
• Pad Length 28 with Width 38
• Driveway Surface Gravel

Premium Hook Up (E/W/S) Campsite #13

Rate: $75 night plus Reservation Fee Charged $7.99

Following amenities at premium campsite:

• Yes Water/Electric/Sewer Hookup
• Electricity Hookup   Amps 50
• No Hot Water
• No Internet
• Yes Fire Ring and Grill
• Pad Length 25 with Width 28
• Paved Driveway Surface

Does San Elijo State Beach have hookups?

Yes, there are certain designated spots that offer full hookup utilities that are: water, electric, and sewer. Expect these spots to be more expensive though.

Are dogs allowed at San Elijo State Beach?

Dogs are allowed in San Elijo State Beach Campgrounds, however, San Elijo State Beach does not allow dogs on the beach.

South Carlsbad State Beach: another option to la jolla beach camping

Location: 7201 Carlsbad Blvd. Carlsbad, CA 92008

South Carlsbad State Beach offers only RV camping. This campground is within walking distance of the beach. There is a stairway from the campground that leads to the beach. This campground offers:

• Showers are coin-operated
• Restrooms
• Camp store – open from March to October only
• Dogs are allowed on campsite ONLY
• No WIFI availability
• Laundry Facilities
• RV hookups

Same as San Elijo campground check-ins are from 2 pm and on. There are a few restaurants and stores within walking distance. 

Another thing to be aware of is that the Amtrak passes by and often some visitors complain about the noise, but other than that you can’t beat the spectacular views of the sunset from this campsite. 

SOUTH CARLSBAD STATE BEACH F.A.Q.’S

These are a few common questions people often ask when thinking of camping at South Carlsbad State State Beach:

How much does it cost to camp at South Carlsbad State Beach?

The cost to camp here will vary. Depending on the type of campsite you choose to stay in. Here are some examples:

Standard Campsite #123

Rate: $35 night plus Reservation Fee Charged $7.99

Following amenities at campsite:

• No Water/Electric/Sewer Hookup
• Yes Fire Ring & Grill
• Yes Picnic Table
• Driveway Surface Gravel
• Pad Length 31

Premium Campsite #5

Rate: $50 night plus Reservation Fee Charged $7.99

Following amenities at campsite:

• No Water/Electric/Sewer Hookup
• No Hot Water
• Yes Picnic Table
• Driveway Surface Gravel
• Pad Length 21

Does South Carlsbad State Beach have hookups?

There are hookups available in South Carlsbad State Beach. Certain campsites have designated hookups. For instance, Campsite #133 offers full hookup amenities and $60 a night.

Can you drink on the beach in Carlsbad?

You cannot drink on the beach. You can drink in public designated areas though, but no beach!

Silver Strand State Beach:

Location: 5000 Highway 75 Coronado, CA 92118

Silver Strand State Beach is located in Coronado, California. This alternative to camping in La Jolla is less than 25 miles south of La Jolla Shores Park.

Silver Strand State Beach has only RV/Trailer camping. A few amenities you can expect to see are:

• Picnic area
• Restrooms
• Water Filling Station
• Outdoor Showers
• RV hookups
• Campground Kiosk

Check-in times are at 2 pm and all RV camping have to back into their campsites. So, if do get a chance to make a reservation here remember that.

SILVER STRAND STATE BEACH F.A.Q.’S

How much does it cost to camp at Silver Strand State Beach?

Camping in Silver Strand State Beach prices start at $50 a night.

Hook Up Campsite #310

Rate: $50 night plus Reservation Fee Charged $7.99

Following amenities at campsite:

• Yes Water/Electric Hookup
• No Fire Ring & Grill
• 50 Amps Electric Hook Up
• No WIFI
• Driveway Surface Paved
• Pad Length 35
• Side Width 20

Premium Hook Up (E/W) Campsite #119

Rate: $65 night plus Reservation Fee Charged $7.99

Following amenities at the campsite:

• Yes Campfire
• Yes Electric/Water Hook Up
• Yes Double Hook Up
• 50 Amps Electric Hook Up
• Driveway Surface Paved
• Pad Length 40
• Side Width 20

Does Silver Strand Beach have fire pits?

There are concrete fire rings in designated areas that allow beach fires. Fire containers aren’t allowed in the campground nor on the beach.

In addition, next to the dumpsters are hot coals containers that allow you to deposit your hot coals.

Does Silver Strand State Beach have hookups?

Silver Strand State Beach does offer hookups at the campsite. You can expect electric, and water hookups here.

Forget About BEACH CAMPING IN LA JOLLA Try WILDERNESS CAMPING INSTEAD

Not a lot of hype goes into wilderness camping in San Diego, but this campground is still worth mentioning.

Located in Palomar Mountain Northern San Diego County you will find the La Jolla Indian Reservation. Which has over 4,000 acres of wilderness.

What’s Special about La Jolla Indian Reservation?

For those camping beach lovers, La Jolla Indian Reservation offers you an alternative to nature.

This is the only place in San Diego that has a river on the campground and allows tubing! Perfect outdoor opportunity to do as a family if you get the chance. Both Tent and RV camping are allowed. Prices vary.

Tent Camping – Maximum Up to 7 Days

Prices starting are:

• Single Day Use (12 hours) for Vehicle: $40
• Single Vehicle: $55
• Single Vehicle with a Trailer Attached of 30′ or less: $65

RV Camping – Maximum Up to 7 Days

Prices starting are:

• (1) Night: $65
• (2) Nights: $120
• (3) Nights: $175
• (4) Nights: $230

**All RV camping sites offer Electric and Water hook up. There is a Dump Station as well here. Hours from 1 pm to 12 pm the following day are considered a night.

Some amenities are:

• Restrooms
• Showers
• The Campground store includes Casino & Gas station
• Picnic Tables
• Water/Electric Hook Ups

Tubing Rentals

You can rent a tube for $10 a day and go tubing down the river. One thing worth mentioning is only cash is accepted and returned by 6 pm.

Conclusion

Before you decide to go beach camping in La Jolla remember there’s no such thing as camping on here.

However, you can still enjoy the nice beach camping views with nearby places such as South Carlsbad Beach and San Elijo.

If you are wanting to try something different head up the northern area to Palomar Mountain and camp in La Jolla Indian Reservation.

Immerse yourself with tranquil wilderness views and relax while tubing down the river with the family or yourself.

Don’t forget to come prepared when camping. We put together a list of 26 camping tips for camping like a pro as well as the best camping gear out there. Including the best camping tents for those tent campers.

Let us know in the comments below what are some of your favorite beach camping places.

Until next time, happy beach travels.