San Elijo Campground is one of the best beach camping spots on the California coast!  Picture yourself perched up on the bluff, overlooking the ocean, going to sleep with the sound of the waves.  If you’re planning a road trip, or just want a break from the inland heat, here’s everything you need to know about San Elijo State Beach and Campground!

Where is San Elijo Campground

The San Elijo campground is located at San Elijo State Beach, nestled in the coastal town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, or just Cardiff if you want to sound more like a local.  It’s sandwiched in between the larger beach towns of Encinitas and Solana Beach.  Cardiff is not a large town, it’s mostly residential.  And, the shops and restaurants are actually located in a small cluster on San Elijo Avenue and not on the 101 or Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).  This gives you miles of uninterrupted ocean views!

Beachfront campsites are hard to find in California, but San Elijo has several spots and a few with hookups!

When to Visit San Elijo Campground

Whether you’re coming for a few days to camp, or plan to stay a few weeks, the campground at San Elijo State Beach is open year-round!  The best months for camping along the California coast are July through October.  Then you can avoid the May gray/June gloom we typically experience when the fog rolls in and sticks around almost all day.  And, although the cooler winter months will see fewer travelers, you’d enjoy those months better if you have an RV or other hard-sided vehicle.

Keep in mind, California camping is popular all year round!  So, plan ahead by booking your campsite in San Elijo a few months in advance.  Check out our Road Trip Camping Packing List for a full list of what we bring!

Here’s the San Elijo Campground Map and San Elijo State Beach. Pay attention to where the bluffs and stairs are, as there is no handicapped accessible way to reach the beach from the north end of the campground (left side of image).

How to Book a Campsite at San Elijo Campground

Once you’re ready to book a campsite at San Elijo State Beach, use ReserveCalifornia.com to reserve a campsite.

Not seeing the campsites you want or finding the campground fully booked?  Try logging on at 8am each morning.  This is when changes/cancellations are applied.  And, it’s how we were able to score an oceanfront campsite less than 48 hours in advance!

Lower, Middle, and Upper Sections of San Elijo Campground

Camping is available in either the Lower, Middle, or Upper sections of San Elijo State Beach.  What’s the difference?  The lower section of the San Elijo campground is right near the river mouth, or the San Elijo Lagoon.  It’s the best spot if you want to surf Cardiff Reef.  More on the different surf breaks in a bit.  The lower section is also best for families with little kids who want easy beach access with no stairs.  There is a lifeguard station right here, and there are both oceanfront spots and inland sites.  No hook-ups or shore power.

The middle section lies just north and has both hook-ups and standard sites, but steep stairs to get down to the beach.  However, it’s easiest to get into the town of Cardiff from the lower or middle section, which is where you’ll head for groceries, shops, and restaurants.  The Upper section is high up on the bluff.  So you’ll have incredible views of the ocean and sunsets, but alas, lots of stairs.  No hook-ups here either, but it is a lot quieter.  And fewer kids.  And, good access to Pipes, another great surf break!

Note: During high tide, the middle and upper sections of the San Elijo campground’s beach become almost inaccessible.  The waves often crash right up against the cliffs!  So it’s great for getting out to surf without crowds, but not good for little kids.

Camping along the California coast at San Elijo State Beach means beautiful sunsets, s’mores around the campfire, and being lulled to sleep by the sounds of the sea.

What to Expect at San Elijo Campground

After you check in at the ranger station around 3pm you can be out in the ocean in less than 10 minutes…unless you want to unpack!  Here are the amenities and things you should be aware of at the San Elijo campground:

• Picnic tables, fire rings with grills
• Full hook-ups at some middle section sites (see the San Elijo Campground map above)
•  Tokens are available at the ranger station kiosk for hot showers!
• Bathrooms and dishwashing sink
• Drinking water spigots in front of every other campsite.
• Noise: Ocean waves crashing on the shore can be gentle on some nights and downright mind-numbing on others.  In addition, expect frequent trains.
• Theft: Although we did not experience any, there are signs everywhere not to leave your surfboards or bicycles out.
• Lack of shade: most campsites do not have large, leafy trees, so bring a pop-up, umbrellas, or something to create shade.
• Cement camping pads and sandy sites. Bring a ground tarp/rug/pad to keep the sand and dust from getting unruly!

Camping with Dogs and Pets

We camp all the time with our hound dog, Lucy.  And yes, dogs are allowed in San Elijo State Beach Campground.  However, just as in most State and National Parks, your dog must be leashed at all times.  And, they cannot leave the pavement.

However, if you want to walk on the beach with your dog, head to the south end of the campground, adjacent to Cardiff State Beach, where dogs are allowed on the beach and they can go in the water!   Just make sure to keep them on a leash.

In addition, dogs cannot be left unattended while camping in San Elijo, so make sure you take turns surfing.  Or, it’s cool enough to leave them inside your camper.

You can camp with your pup at San Elijo, but you cannot bring them down the stairs and onto the beach, except by the river mouth on the south end.

Top 5 things to see and do at San Elijo State Beach and Campground:

1. Relax and Enjoy the View

Pack binoculars, a good camp or beach chair, and something for shade. Then, settle in and enjoy the ocean view!  From here, besides surfers, you can spot California brown pelicans and ospreys, and it’s great for whale watching!

2. Surfing or Stand Up Paddle Board

The surf breaks near San Elijo campground are some of the best in San Diego!  There are mostly rocky reef beach breaks, and honestly, most are not suitable for beginners.  The waves often break right over the reef, making the take-off challenging, especially at low tide.

Bring booties if you want to protect your feet. You’ll often have to walk over the reef a bit before you can begin to paddle in some sections. Board rentals and other gear can be found at Cardiff Surf Co or Patagonia Cardiff.

Not only can you check the surf right from your picnic table if you have an oceanfront spot, but lots of campers also put their chairs right up on their table for a better view!

Most popular surf breaks near San Elijo Campground from South to North:

• Seaside Reef: South end of Cardiff State Beach
• George’s
• Cardiff Reef: Far south end where the river flows into the ocean. Popular, and you’re likely to see some local pros in the lineup.
• Traps
• Pipes: Middle section of the San Elijo Campground.
• Tippers: Just behind the Cardiff Kook.
• 85’s/Bull Taco: There used to be an old taco stand and camp store within the park!
• Turtles: north end of San Elijo campground. There’s a paid parking lot, or you can go down the northernmost stairs.

3. Ride Bikes or Run Along the 101- Pacific Coast Highway (PCH)

California’s Route 101, also known as the PCH or Pacific Coast Highway is the best place in San Diego to pedal, run, walk, and soak in the ocean views! Start at the campground and head south towards Solana Beach, Del Mar, and then climb up Torrey Pines into La Jolla.  Or head north and pedal to Encinitas, Leucadia, Carlsbad, and finish up at Oceanside Harbor Village.  You can turn around whenever you’re ready.  It’s 27 miles one-way from Torrey Pines to Oceanside Harbor.

Even driving this stretch of San Diego’s coastline is incredible!

Biking along the Pacific Coast Highway or the 101 rewards you with breathtaking views, especially in the southbound direction!

4. Try Cardiff Crack

No, we’re not talking about the local drug scene, but meat.  Burgundy peppered tri-tip beef to be exact.  Cardiff’s Seaside Market started making what the locals dubbed ‘Cardiff Crack’ in the ’90s.  And, it is definitely worth picking some up for dinner around the campfire one night.

5. Hike the San Elijo Ecological Reserve and Annie’s Canyon Trail

Leave the coast and walk inland to reach the San Elijo Lagoon for some easy hiking along flat trails.  The most popular trail is Annie’s Canyon Trail, where you can slip through slot canyons and scramble up sandstone.  Start on the south end of the campground, crossing the bridge over the Lagoon and dropping onto the trail behind Las Olas restaurant.  Or enter from San Elijo Avenue or in Solana Beach.  Check out All Trails for more details.

The whole stretch of coastline in California’s North County is perfect for beach cruising, and sunset watching.

Last Few Tips for Your California Camping Trip

Ready to go?  Take a peek at our Road Trip Camping Packing List for a list of what we pack!  For this camping trip, even in the summer, plan on bringing layers.  Temperatures vary and it can be quite humid in the mornings and evenings.  So much so that you might think it rained while you were sleeping!

Looking for more travel tips?

• Oaxaca, Mexico Travel Guide
• Cuba Adventure Travel
• Adventure Travel in Spain: Mallorca, the Costa Brava, and the Costa Blanca
• California’s Eastern Sierras and Yosemite National Park

To learn more about what we do on the regular, follow Top Rope Media’s adventures on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter.

Until next time, happy camping!

– Meredith McConvill

The post California Beach Camping: San Elijo State Beach appeared first on Top Rope Media.

Lastly, as there’s limited cell service within both parks, we’ll tell you where you can find that coveted WiFi.

The History of Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon

First things first, a bit on Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon.  As we descended down the curvy road, often sandwiched in between giant granite walls, we were awestruck at the size and scope of both Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks.

Being avid adventurers and rock climbers, we couldn’t quite understand why the park felt empty.  How did we even manage to find campsites in the middle of summer?  If you’re wondering why you haven’t thought to visit yet, here are some other fun facts about each park you may not know:

Sequoia National Park

• Sequoia was the 2nd National Park established in 1890, right after Yosemite National Park
• Comprises over 400,000 acres and includes the highest point in the lower 48 states, Mt. Whitney.  Looking to hike, climb or simply visit Whitney Portal?  Well, you’ll access Mt. Whitney from the west side of the park, off the 395.  Therefore, check out our blog on the Eastern Sierras which includes Mount Whitney, Yosemite National Park, and the Mammoth Lakes area.
• Home to the largest tree on Earth, the General Sherman tree
• Both the Pacific Crest Trail and the John Muir Trail pass through Sequoia National Park
• More bears are spotted in Sequoia National Park than in Yosemite!

Kings Canyon National Park

• Also established in 1890, but Kings Canyon was originally named General Grant National Park
• Encompasses a glacier-carved valley that’s 1 1/2 miles deep and covers over 460,000 acres with several 14,000ft peaks!
• This makes it one of the deepest canyons in the U.S. with walls rising almost 8,200ft. from river to rim
• The number one cause of death in both Sequoia and Kings Cayon?  Drowning.  Why?  The rivers may look inviting, but swift currents and hidden objects can be hazardous.  Be careful when wading out into the river, especially with little ones!

Where to Stay in Sequoia and Kings Canyon: Camping, Lodges, and Cabins

Camping in Kings Canyon and Sequoia National Park can be competitive!  However, with a little bit of planning, you can grab a beautiful camping spot with a river or lake view.

Lodges and Hotels in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

Looking more for the conveniences of home while visiting our National Parks?  Well, there are campgrounds close to markets, restaurants, wifi, and flush toilets!  Need a bit more comfort?  Then you could book a spot in one of several lodges or cabins through Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon.

These include:

• John Muir Lodge
• Wuksachi Lodge
• Grant Grove Cabins
• Cedar Grove Lodge
• Hume Lake Christian Camp
• Montecito Sequoia Lodge
• Stony Creek Lodge

Pro tip: Although travel times on the map look close, you’ll be driving along winding mountain roads.  This means tight turns, switchbacks, and large drops and gains in elevation throughout both Sequoia and Kings Canyon.  Therefore the 22 miles to Cedar Grove in Kings Canyon could take over an hour.

So, save the hours of drive time and stay inside the park.  Pay a bit more for either a lodge, campsite, or plan to disperse camp near the park boundaries if you have an RV or self-contained van.  Haven’t planned or packed for a road trip in awhile?  Check out our road trip blog for checklists of everything you need to stay safe and comfortable!

Camping in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

Where should you start when searching for a campground?  Recreation.gov.  All campgrounds within both Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park can be booked through  Recreation.gov.

Each campsite will have your standard amenities:

• Fresh drinking water, water filling stations
• Fire rings (make sure to get a campfire permit – it’s free and easy, plus a good reminder to soak, stir and feel!)
• Paved roads (no 4 wheel drive needed)
• Picnic tables
• Bear boxes for food storage
• Compost or flush toilets
• Dogs are allowed at your campsite, and on paved roads and trails only

Camping and Tent Choices for the Sierras

After much research, we decided to outfit our 2020 Subaru Crosstrek with a 3-person Yakima SkyRise Rooftop Tent.  Why?  Well, we had another car camping tent, but with the length of time on the road, the ease of packing up, and the chance to sleep up, off the ground, we opted for a rooftop tent.  In addition, keep in mind, this is bear country.   So while we enjoy watching wildlife, it’s from a safe distance.  Even if that means just 6 feet off the ground from a black bear.

After 20 years of camping on the ground, the rooftop tent was more comfortable, took 6-10 minutes to set up, and provided better airflow.  In addition, we could level the rooftop tent out quite easily with a few adjustments to the way the Subaru was parked, or with leveling blocks.

Other great selling points for us? The ease of install!  Watch our video to see the setup before we placed it on our roof!  Lastly, in addition to the 2.5″ mattress pad that comes in the Yakima SkyRise rooftop tent, we could leave pillows, sleeping bags, reading lights and extra blankets in the tent when we folded it up for travel!

Bears and How to Store Food Properly at Your Campsite

So now that you know there are black bears in Sequoia and Kings Canyon, get educated before your trip on bear encounters and what you should do if you see a bear.  At your campsite, you must lock everything with a scent in your bear box.  This means all of your toiletries, utensils, hand sanitizer, sunblock, even lip balm.  Therefore, everything that a bear might confuse for food, to no only keep them out of your campsite, but also for their protection.

Not to worry, the bear boxes at your campsite will have more than enough room for everything.

Are you planning to disperse camp?  If so, we suggest you buy a bear box or bear canisters at REI, and learn how to hang your food.  Think its only bears that will sniff out your greasy camp stove?  Well, we’ve had all sorts of animals invade our camp.  Deer, goats, chipmunks, marmots, and raccoons!  Some during broad daylight, and while we were sitting at the campsite!

Best Campgrounds in Sequoia and Kings Canyon

Here are some of our favorite campgrounds within both Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon National Park:

Lodgepole Campground

At 6,700 feet of elevation, the Lodgepole Campground in Sequoia National Park is cool, even in the summertime!  Other sticking points:

• The popular hiking trail leading to Tokopah Falls starts right from the campground
• Lodgepole campground has both a Market and grill, plus a Visitor’s Center
• Pay showers
• The campground is situated along the Kaweah River, so easy-to-enter swimming pools to cool off in
• Bathrooms with several stalls, running water, and flush toilets!
• Rock climbing nearby at Tokopah Dome and the Watchtower
• Wifi available nearby at the Wuksachi Lodge

Upper Stoney Creek Campground

A bit further north, the Upper Stoney Creek Campground is at 5,200ft of elevation. It’s a much smaller campground than Lodgepole so it’s quieter and more remote.

More reasons to stay?

• Close to Stoney Creek Village, which has a market, gas station, and a small lodge.
• Wifi is available for free at the market!
• Close to the northern end of the Sequoia National Park boundary
• Rock climbing and hiking near the campground includes Little Baldy, Big Baldy, and Chimney Spire

Princess Campground

Looking for camping close to or within Kings Canyon National Park?  Or with lake access nearby?  Well, Princess Campground offers all of that, and it still feels quite remote!

Here’s more:

• Begin the descent down into Kings Canyon easily from camp
• Open meadow with easy hiking trail loop
• 3 miles drive down to Hume Lake
• A few miles to Grant Grove, home of the General Grant tree
• Grant Grove Village is also nearby, which has a large market and gift shop, restaurant, Visitor’s Center, and free wifi!

Hume Lake Campground

I think we might have saved the best for last as Hume Lake was by far our favorite campground on our trip through Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon!  Here you’ll find everything listed above, plus you’ll be nestled on Hume Lake- where you can swim, fish, kayak or SUP ’til your heart’s content.

Of course, here are all those reasons we would choose Hume Lake campground again on our next visit:

• Bathrooms with running water and flush toilets
• Easy access to Kings Canyon
• Hiking trails include an easy one that circles the lakeshore
• Rent sailboats, SUPs, kayaks and canoes nearby
• A half-mile from the Hume Lake Christian Camp, which offers a restaurant, snack bar, market, gift shop, and a gas station
• Paid wifi is available at Hume Lake Christian Camp (the best wifi we found in the park!)

Disperse Camping

Disperse camping has become more common as travelers take their families on the road for vacations closer to home.  Traveling in an RV or self-contained vehicle like a camper van?  If so, you’ll have a much easier disperse camping experience.  However, keep in mind you’ll need to find National Forest land, Bureau of Land Management (BLM), or an unsigned dirt road where you can camp for free.

For example, both Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon park boundaries border both National Forest and wilderness areas.  However, if a ‘No overnight camping’ sign is posted, be respectful.  Understand the local rules for the area you’ll be driving through.

One last point on disperse camping.  In most cases, you cannot have a fire, especially during the summer months.  Being smart about where you camp, and being sensitive to the environment where you tread will help keep disperse camping options open for everyone.  Get more disperse camping tips from Dyrt.  

Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon Park Resources

Park Maps

Are you looking for a map of Sequoia National Park or Kings Canyon before you book camping?  Well, whether driving maps or hiking trails, the National Park Service SEKI page has it all.

Park Weather

Weather in Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks can change rapidly and vary by over 30 degrees on some days!  Why?  The weather is very different at the bottom of Kings Canyon Road at 3,000 ft of elevation than at the top of Mt. Whitney or some of the other park peaks that are over 14,000 ft.  In addition, park campgrounds are also at very different elevations.

Therefore, take the weather at Sequoia National Park into account when reserving a campground.

Got Questions on Where to Hike, Climb, or Camp?

Leave us a comment or contact us directly.

Searching for more travel tips? Check out our blogs on the Wind River Range in Wyoming, or road-tripping through the Eastern Sierras along the 395!

Thanks for reading,

Meredith McConvill

The post Camping and Lodging in Sequoia National Park and Kings Canyon appeared first on Top Rope Media.