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San Elijo State Beach Campgrounds
Rating Details »
Categories: Beaches, Campgrounds [Edit]
Neighborhood: EncinitasSouth Coast Hwy 101 & Chesterfield Ave
Cardiff By The Sea, CA 92007
(760) 753-5091
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
10 reviews for San Elijo State Beach Campgrounds
So, I spent the first 6 days of my vacation camping at San Elijo, and was quite impressed. I am an avid camper, and this was my first trip to San Elijo. Usually you'll find me at the rougher, less sophisticated campgrounds in the rural mountains. But, with all the So. Cal. Brushfires, I think I made a wise choice. This place is right above the beach, which is super convenient, except when you're a big time water sports fan like I am. Camping on the bluff meant hauling two kayaks, two surfboards, and 4 boogie boards down (and back up after an exhausting sun soaked day). PLUS add in coolers, chairs, umbrellas, and such. ALL while "not quite sober". That's a feat. But well worth it.
The sites are somewhat spacious, although I wish they would put tent campers and RVs in seperate areas, so I don't have to look at the side of the next campgrounds greyhound bus sized RV thru the zipper window of my Coleman tent.
Some people were complaining about the bathrooms not being as clean as they would like...which is a crock-o-shit. Come on people. Its not the Ritz. You are camping. The toilets flush, so u don't have to look down at a weeks worth of shit and piss. And there are coin operated HOT showers. When it comes to camping, this IS the Ritz.
I made reservations a while in advance, but only for 4 days. After loving it so much, I wanted to stay longer, so had to request extra nights on a daily basis after my reservation period. The ranger, or whoever that cute brunette was, was more than willing to oblige (although she never took us up on our offer to stop by our site for a beer after she got off-lol).
The beach was great too. Not crowded at all. Surf was great due to a hurricane brewing of the coast of mexico... those poor mexicans... although I didn't think much about them when I got churned up like butter trying to catch a big one.
In all...a phenomenal trip...great beach. Great campground. I mean, it couldn't have been bad when 4 guys (although one guy brought his wife), are all out enjoying the beautiiful so cal sunshine on the water.
The ONLY negative thing? Its right next to the tracks, with trains coming thru all day and night. One freight train blew his horn in the dead of night and I nearly shit myself. Thank god I didn't...i'd of never lived that down. Oh, its next to coast hwy too. But its worth it
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Well I was pleasantly surprised we got a site at the Southern tip loop (the last loop) site #68 which is not a Oceanfront site but we could see the ocean from where we were and you are literally less than 100 yards away from waves.
Friendly Ranger at the gate, crowded drive down to our site (but it IS the summer) LOTS of pets, bathrooms were dirty but not unbearable (i've been in worst) showers were clean-ER in the early morning than they were at night (token operated - get tokens from Ranger station NOT the General Store). They have a little taco stand connected to the general store that prepares breakfast burritos and all sorts of street tacos... there was also a coffee cart there as well. We did NOT hear trains all not long I heard them maybe once after 11:00pm then the next one I heard was at like 6:00am... Squirrels we saw early in the afternoon when we first arrived but didn't see nor were bothered by them in the night time. Relatively quiet camp site in the evening.
We went grocery shopping down there going pass Mira Costa College there is a Henry's Market, Trader Joes and a Ralphs but it was a drive to get there. If you get on the 5 south one exit after you get on there is a Von's much shorter distance. The wood was actually cheaper at the General Store than it was at Ralph's...
Overall very nice campgrounds would like to come for another visit again but think I would like to stay in the Southern Loop again less traffic.
Respectfully Reviewed
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soooo last weekend i went camping, and we decided to try a place by the beach... and WOWSA, san elijo state beach camps... SO FRIGGEN NICE!..... imagine like... u pitch ur tent... and... grill some shish kabobs... and walk down some stairs... and the beach is ur backYARD~~ its so awesome.... some cons tho.... (ill list them numerically... so its easier to read)
CONS
1. there a train (or couple a trains) that pass by every... 30 mins to 2 hrs... WTF.... im kind of used to that because i used to live right next to some train tracks in ghetto ass riverside when i schooled there.... but DAMN... i was in an apt then.. its much more scary when youre in a paper thin tent.... funny note... in the middle of the night... we woke up when the train screeeeeeched to a hault cuz we thought they crashed.... hahahaha.... forreal... panic esued!
2. ummm i was in spot 126... i thought ALL the sites were gonna be beach side... but alas... i was wrong... i was FACING a busy street + the train tracks.... and had a nice view of the starbucks... (yes... there was a starbucks visable from my tent) soooo go for the lower numbered sites i guess.....
3. the beach had a LOT of seaweed.... i know i know... its a beach... but it freaks me out wen stringy shit is touching my already psycho status foot fobia-ed legs.... oh yea.... and i was walking into the waves when BAM out of nowhere a certain area was all rocky with a bunch of sharp rocks... and i stepped into a sort of rock hole thing.... and i cut my foot open.... HENCE!!!! i need get some surfing shoes or something....
other than these 3 minor details... it was one of those "best" camping moments ever!!! id definitely suggest this place to anyone who loves the beach.... speaking of which i got the gnarliest darkest tan ever... im what they call a blackorean....
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This is a great campground, up on the cliffs above the ocean. You can hear the waves from your campsite. What's not to like? THE TRAINS!! It loses one star in my book for the incessant trains and their horns. Some conductors seem conscientious about the fact that people might be sleeping. But the freight trains. HELL NO! Long blasts in the middle of the night. Hey, I'm all for safety, but if your dumb ass decides to cross the tracks when the bars are down, the lights are flashing and the bells are blarin', well then maybe chalk one up for Darwin...
On the positive, the bathrooms and showers are clean, the sites all have fire rings and you're only steps from a really nice and mostly deserted beach (well, in October anyway...) VG's Donuts right across the street and the tracks is not to be missed. Damn fine cinnamon roll I had this morning.
We booked a site 2 days before camping (again, this is probably because it's October), but I have friends that get up at 8am, 6 months to the day before they want to go camping, in attempts to book sites in the height of the season.
There's nothing like camping to take you away from it all, even if you only live 20 minutes away. This is a great campground I would highly recommend, from tent campers up to RVs, though we could do without the generators, guys...
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The best campground ever!!!
Just imagine your camp-site just next to the sea and high above the hill. So peaceful and calm. Best place to relax. The only sound you get after hours is the sound of the wave. It's kinda like one of those Corona Beer adds.
Yet, easy access to the beach, gives you full power to enjoy the beach/ocean, any way you want it. Whether you are a surfer or just want to play volley-ball or just want to relax under your beach umbrella, this is the place to go.
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Okay I must say that I give this place 5 stars some weekends and 1 star on others and the main deciding factor in my star level is one person, Ranger Bitch!
The Ranger who patrols San Elijo and Oceanside is ridiculous. I've been camping in San Elijo plenty of fun, drunken weekends with no issues, I mean I'm not talking partying til dawn but some conversation and campfire til around midnight, I mean we're camping here, does anyone go to bed at 10? BUT when she is working (you'll know her cuz the minute you check in if you are under the age of 30 she'll be stalking you) it is a strict no fun policy, I once went with a group (we had 2 campsites) and we got kicked out on a Saturday afternoon, why? Oh because we were having fun.
I hope no one has to encounter this evil demon of the state parks system because she ruins a BEAUTIFUL place to camp and hang out!
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Ahh childhood memories.
My Dad used to drag me here every couple months. Each time with a new found hope that I would learn to surf.
Guess what Dad, I have ADD. I can't pay attention long enough to wait for waves; 25 years and he still has hope, silly man.
San Elijo is super fun, if you can get a spot. I believe you have to book like 7 months in advance. But, if you are the type that plan ahead more than 2 days (not I), then I highly recommend it.
Overlooking the beautiful Cardiff-by-the-Sea beaches on top of a cliff sits the San Elijo Campgrounds. These spots fill up very quickly during the high season of the summer and on holidays. Reservations are a must during these times. You can reserve in advance for up to a year so the sooner the better.
Most people come in RVs but traditional tents are most welcome.
This is a great beach camping spot as if you get tired of camping you can actually walk across the road and dine in some great restaurants or shop in some great clothing and beach shops including Patagonia.
You can even take a yoga class at two different locations, but the real reason that people come here is that it is only minutes away from VG Donuts.
This is also a great place to camp if you are just learning how to surf as most of the breaks are reef breaks which usually have inside white water sets to learn on.
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This is a dope spot to camp and enjoy the beach. I hit the jackpot with one of those nice spots overlooking the ocean, somewhat near the bathrooms. I didn't have any complaints about the place, except that it was crowded. The bathrooms were clean, for a state park, and the beaches were full of surfers and people. I really enjoyed my time here until my next door neighbor at the campsite changed and the second family brought two huge dogs that just barked all day long. I love dogs, but I get annoyed with uncontrolled dogs and when their owners just shout out their names again and again to shut them up. Anywho, great state park. I'd love to go back if it weren't so hard to get a reservation.
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I have enjoyed many nice camping trips in my lifetime, but San Elijo was by far the worst experience. Ok, second worst. It didn't really feel like camping...the street was practically right across from my campsite! The Ranger was extremely unfriendly and harassed my group during our visit. If it is after 10:00 it is apparently not ok to sit around a campfire and chat with old friends. Ridiculous!! I won't be coming back here again.
