San Elijo State Beach vs South Carlsbad State Beach

By far one of the biggest and most defining features of both beaches is their campground areas. I would say that these beaches are the best beaches in San Diego County for camping!

Let’s compare the campsites.

RV at the Campground at San Elijo State Beach

Camping at San Elijo State Beach

There is a campground on the narrow bluffs overlooking San Elijo State Beach that offers fire pits and other expected amenities such as trash cans and bathrooms.

It is a large campground facility that includes 156 camping spots for the public to use, with half having electricity and water hookups. Each site has a picnic table and fire rings for your use.

Here you can fall asleep to the sounds of the surf crashing on the beach and enjoy beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean.

Know that it can often be challenging to book reservations for this campground, so I highly suggest that you reserve in advance - even as far as six months - to get access to the best sites closest to the water.

Tents Overlooking the Ocean at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

Camping at South Carlsbad State Beach

Overlooking South Carlsbad State Beach is a large bluff-top that offers excellent camping grounds.

With a smaller beach area primarily for surfing, I think of this beach as mostly for surfers and campers. The experience with the sounds of the ocean as you sleep is quite nice. I’d recommend giving it a night or two if you’ve never tried it.

Once again the camping area has all you’ll need, including parking, which can be nice since the beach itself has minimal spots mostly used by surfers. There’s also a handy store near the entrance – The Camp Store – where you can grab ice and firewood if you so desire.

San Elijo State Beach and Campground from Above

My Winner: Tie

I hate to give this category a ‘tie’ as it’s a defining feature of both beaches, but they both just have so much to offer.

Whether you want to roast s’mores over a fire pit or experience spectacular Pacific Ocean views while nestling down at your campsite for the night, each offers a great escape for those looking for a relaxing overnight camping experience.

When is the best time to visit each beach without a rush of other visitors?

We’ll focus on the campsites here as I’d say that both beaches won’t often have a huge beach overcrowding issue like is possible at some of the most popular San Diego beaches like the La Jolla beaches or Pacific Beach.

San Elijo State Beach and Campground from Above

When to Camp at San Elijo State Beach

If you’re looking for a less stressful visit, camping at San Elijo is a lot less crowded on weekdays than on weekends, so plan a visit on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowds.

Tent with a View at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

When to Camp at South Carlsbad State Beach

Camping at South Carlsbad is a popular activity, especially during the summer, so planning an off-season or off-peak visit there might be in order if you aim to avoid the hustle and bustle of crowds.

Catching a Wave at South Carlsbad State Beach

My Winner: South Carlsbad State Beach

Both campgrounds can be crowded at times, especially during the summer or on weekends, but I’ll give the slight edge here to South Carlsbad State Beach as last minute reservations at San Elijo State Beach can be hard to come by.

Whether you’re interested in nearby shopping, eateries or finding accessible parking, let me tell you more about these important parts of visiting these beaches.

Looking at Tippers and Cardiff Reef Surf Spots in the Distance

Eating, Shopping and Parking at San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo has stores and food close by, most within walking distance of the beach, making it a great place to visit for the foodie and the shopper within you.

It also includes a store near its entrance that’s in operation from March through October that offers rentals, sundries and food, as well as laundry facilities next door.

If you’re lucky, there’s an occasional food truck on site.

In terms of where to park, there are two parking lots just off South Coast Highway 101. The fee to park is $10 per vehicle. The fee jumps to $15 during holiday weekends. Additional spots can be found along the highway and on San Elijo Avenue.

The Rv Friendly Campground at South Carlsbad State Beach

Eating, Shopping and Parking at South Carlsbad State Beach

Located between North Ponto and South Ponto Beach on Carlsbad’s shore, South Carlsbad has less accessible commerce as beaches in San Diego go, so to me that’s a little tougher than San Elijo in terms of shopping and food.

For parking, to the north of South Carlsbad is a little street parking at a diagonal, but it is mostly for surfers. There is also a small amount of parking in the campsite, which has a small fee for those camping, but totally works with a camping trip.

Looking from Above at Turtles Surf Spot at San Elijo State Beach

My Winner: San Elijo State Beach

San Elijo State Beach takes the cake with this one with more parking options and for its convenient access to nearby shopping and eateries.

Before you go, it’s important to know a few rules for visiting each beach and campground.

Longboarder on a Wave at San Elijo State Beach

Checking In to the Campsite and Dogs at San Elijo State Beach

Check in time for its campgrounds is at 2:00 PM, and there is no early check in available.

Dogs are allowed in the campgrounds and cliffs above the beach but not on the beach.

Dogs on leases are also allowed south of lifeguard tower 16.

Kids Figuring Out Their next Move for the Day at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

Checking In to the Campsite and Dogs at South Carlsbad State Beach

Like San Elijo, check in time for its campgrounds is at 2:00 PM and there is no early check in available.

Dogs are only allowed in the campgrounds and not on the beach since it is a state park.

Campground at San Elijo State Beach

My Winner: San Elijo State Beach

I’ll take San Elijo State Beach here as at least there is a little beach access for dogs.

San Elijo State Beach!

Cardiff Kook Statue at San Elijo State Beach

With its better surfing and swimming, nearby shopping and eating, and excellent campground and fire pits, San Elijo State Beach surpasses South Carlsbad State Beach as my choice between these two beaches!