7 Best Places for Family Beach Camping in California in 2023

Holidays spent with family are among the most beautiful things in the world, especially for children. And when it comes to parents, they are delighted if they can make it happen. When you are traveling with your children, you do not think about sunbathing and looking at the sea all day long; there are so many other things on your mind as well. Although planning and preparation are essential, you should not make a fuss about it. If you have children, then you know that everything will turn out completely different than you imagined. Keep in mind that the most important thing is having some quality time with your family.

If you are a nature lover who decided to pay a visit to a magnificent California, you should check out the following list of the best beach camping sites in that area. To have the best time there with your family, you need to bring camping cots, and TheCampingGear can be very helpful regarding that matter.

Let’s take a look at the list now:

1. Southwest Orange County’s expensive coastline includes a plethora of private parks and campgrounds that are fine on the beach but also close to restaurants and other things to do.

2. Bolsa Chica State Beach is a popular surf fishing spot and has a beautiful coastline, but only RV’s are allowed (no tents). It is also one of the best beaches in Orange County for wildlife viewing.

3. Doheny State Beach is a large park with a campground on the south side, where some of the campsites are just a short walk from the beach. It accommodates motor homes and trailers up to 35 feet long. The only downside is that in Doheny, significant events like the Doheny Blues Festival can disrupt camping and vehicle access.

4. Huntington by RV Park Mar claims it is “owned in front of their motorhome.” It doesn’t go over my usual rule that camping has to be right on the beach and not across the street or blocks, but you decided to include it here just because its advertising is a bit misleading. They accommodate large vehicles, even only over 35 feet long, and allow up to 2 pets.

5. San Clemente State Beach accommodates motorhomes and trailers up to 30 feet long, with hookups and a dump station.

6.  Orange Beach County Camping the Easy Way: If you think camping in a beachfront RV sounds like fun, but don’t own one – or didn’t bring yours along, the Luv 2 camping folks can help you out. You don’t just rent an RV to him; They will take it to your camp and set it up for you. They serve several quite a few of the beachfront campsites – or those near the beach in Orange County.

7.  Dockweiler State Beach is located just below the launch and approach path for LAX, between Marina Del Rey and Manhattan Beach. The west-facing beach has a panoramic view of Santa Monica Bay and is right on the bike path that runs from Redondo Beach to Santa Monica. The only downside? It is for RV only.

Where to camp?

Water

If you decide to camp in a tidy campsite, you are clear. However, if you are camping where you need it, the following is essential in our experience:

The camp should be located somewhere where it has a source of drinking water. If there is no such source, look for a fountain nearby. 

As for cooking, water is always needed, and that is clear. Remember safety, too – if you are reckless and do not keep an eye on the fire, you must have water to put it out. It is recommended that the campsite is within 100m of the water source.

If you are camping beside ample water, which will say rivers, lakes, streams, or seas, you will not have a water problem in terms of fire fighting or bathing. Ask the source or river for drinking or cooking water.

Fire

If possible, dig a small hole in the ground and load a fire in it, and also enclose the hole thoroughly with stones.

The stones are also practical because they can be used for grilling wire or a pot that will always have hot water.

Be sure to put out the fire before you go to bed or leave camp. Pour well with water and pour sand or earth over the grill.

Tent

The tent is, of course, an essential requisite and of any camping trip. Modern tents are lightweight (3-5kg), quick to assemble (3-10 minutes), affordable (from 20 euros or more, depending on brand and quality), and accessible (from shopping malls to fishing equipment store). Of course, there are many types of tents for different seasons and weather conditions, and it’s up to you to pick one that best meets your needs.

Tips for camping on the beach

Camping on the beach is beautiful. It is the ideal plan for both families and adventurers, as tents do not offer much comfort. However, they give you the opportunity to feel the sand and the sound of the sea and enjoy the sunsets from a privileged place.

In our country, we have an extensive and beautiful coastline that offers us sandy beaches, stones, surrounded by rocks or broad areas of sand where hundreds of visitors arrive every year, especially on long holidays such as Easter or National Holidays.

To enjoy the beach camps, keep these tips in mind

1. Get informed. There is nothing better than the advice of someone who knows you well to know what to take and what precautions you should take to enjoy your stay fully. Learn about the tides and changes in the weather. Make sure the beach is easily accessible, so you can quickly retreat if any mishap occurs.

2. Attention to security. Some people prefer to go to hidden beaches, where there are no establishments nearby (restaurants, hotels, medical posts, etc.). That is not recommended if you are with your family, because in case you have forgotten or need something, it is always good to have somewhere to go.

3. Rules and permits. Who wouldn’t want to light a fire or take their pet on a family outing? However, we will not always be able to do it. You should ask if you need any special permission since many places have restrictions and rules that, as visitors, we must comply with.

4. Equipment needed. In addition to the tent and sleeping bags, what you bring to camp will depend on the level of comfort you want. You can visit specialized stores or search online portals to see what you may need, such as an umbrella, grill, a portable table, cooler, etc. Make a list, so you don’t forget anything.

Keep in mind that the more things you carry, the harder it will be. And in some cases, to get to the place where you will camp you will have to take a long walk.

5. Food. It takes what is necessary for cooking and eating. Aluminum foil in case you cook over an open fire, as it helps the food cook evenly. Also, bring a lot of water.

6. Protection. Don’t forget the sunscreen and the first aid kit. If you go into cold weather, don’t forget to bring a coat. Also, bring a flashlight, a compass, and a map. Being cautious never hurts!

7. Cleaning. Bring garbage bags to clean the place.

8. Do not pollute. Before you set up your tent, make sure you have a bathroom nearby. Many establishments rent them for visitors.

9. Bring the right footwear. If you are going to one of these places, it is better to wear closed rubber slippers and enter the sea dragging your feet to drive them away. In case of itching, it is advisable to wash the affected area with plenty of soap and water, suck out the venom and bandage until being attended by a doctor.

When you get to the beach:

• Locate the tent, not too close to the shore. At night the sea is usually wilder, and the water spreads to more places on the beach. Set up the tent in an area where the sand is dry and, just in case, build a ditch in front of the tents to prevent water from reaching it.
• Install the tent in a completely flat area. Before doing so, remove stones, shells, or other objects that may make them uncomfortable when they are inside the tent. The flatter the city, the more comfortable they will be.
• Take the opportunity to get up early and enjoy the fresh air of dawn. Also, enjoy the moment when the sun goes down. It is one of the most beautiful things you can do in a beach camp!
• Leave everything clean. If you want to continue enjoying the beaches, you must take care of them.

You will see that with these tips, the whole family will have an unforgettable experience!