Camping at California State Beaches

California State Parks offer a total of 64 state beachabundant.
facilities up and down the beautiful California coastline.California's central coast boasts a wide variety of
Many of California's state beaches provide campingstate beaches, offering many different activities and
facilities and they all offer gorgeous coastal views andvenues. From hang gliding to bird watching, the central
a wide range of activities that are sure to pleasecoast has a little of everything. El Capitan State Beach
everyone in your family.is located just outside of Santa Barbara and offers
Sonoma Coast State Beach is located in the northernshady picnicking and camping beside the El Capitan
coastal region of California. Visitors to Sonoma CoastCreek. Hiking, bicycling, surfing, and fishing can be
can enjoy hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding alongenjoyed in the park. One bike trail connects the park to
the scenic trails and craggy beaches. While the strongnearby Refugio State Beach, only 2.5 miles away.
surfs and rip currents of California's northern beachesVisitors to Refugio can also enjoy camping, hiking,
are not safe for swimmers, they provide greatbiking, and fishing.
opportunities for surfing. Wildlife, including harbor sealsLos Angeles County has several state beaches with
and the endangered snowy plover, can be spottedpicnicking facilities and hiking trails. While most of these
throughout the park and fishing is bountiful all along thestate beaches do not provide camping facilities, they
17 miles of beaches.are perfect for day trips. Visitors to Malibu Lagoon can
Sonoma Coast offers two developed familyenjoy historic and cultural exhibits, as well as bird
campgrounds as well as two environmental camps.watching and guided nature tours, including watching
Bodega Dunes features 98 campsites and hotthe gray whale. Santa Monica State Beach is a
showers. A sandy beach with a handicap accessiblebeautiful beach that offers shopping as well as
boardwalk is located near the campground andactivities like volleyball, basketball, and jogging. Many of
summer programs are available for children. Wright'sLA County's beaches also provide wireless internet
Beach offers 27 campsites along the beach withservices. When visiting, carry along a cooler, like one of
picnic tables, fire pits, and paved parking. Wright'sColeman's wheeled coolers, to keep your lunch fresh
Beach campers can use the nearby showers atand your drinks cool.
Bodega Dunes.Orange and San Diego Counties have some of
In the San Francisco Bay area of California, Half MoonCalifornia's best beaches for swimming and surfing.
Bay State Beach lets campers experience theThe balmy, Mediterranean temperatures make the
moderate temperatures and gorgeous sandy beachesbeaches great vacation destinations year round. San
of the San Francisco Bay through hiking, fishing, orClemente State Beach is a beautiful, sandy beach that
picnicking. The four miles of vast beaches at Halfstretches one mile down Orange County's coast. The
Moon Bay includes four beaches, a three mile trail forcampground at San Clemente features 157 sites, 72
walking, jogging, and biking, and a horse trail. Francisincluding hook-ups. Visitors can enjoy nature trails, as
Beach offers a 52 site campground for tents andwell as natural and cultural exhibits and events. The
campers, as well as coin operated hot showers. Thebeach is popular for picnics, swimming, and surfing, and
water in the San Francisco Bay stays too cold forthe park has an available wi-fi connection.
swimming year round, but fishing in the park is