Since much of America’s west coast is protected under conservancy laws or are part of a wildlife preserve, you cannot camp at any coastal beach you feel like putting your tent up on. If you’re caught, you can get fined or even detained. But there are some great wild beaches where camping is permitted and you can enjoy some of the best camping and outdoor activities that North America has to offer.
The rugged coastline of Oregon, Washington and California are famous for their breathtaking beauty and gorgeous sunsets. Many of the southern beaches are just off California’s Highway 1. Highway 1 runs from the south to the Oregon border. Most southern California camping is at its best from June through December when the weather can be ideal.
A great local beach is San Clemente State Beach which is about 50 miles south of Los Angeles near San Clemente. The beach is soft, white sand and it’s famous for great surfing. There are numerous quaint towns to explore for eating, shopping and having some indoor fun. They have beach camping and even some trailer hook-ups for RVs. You should make reservations ahead of time however in order to get a spot.
Carpinteria State Beach is just south of Santa Barbara and has some great camping opportunities. There are protected bluffs, marshlands and majestic dunes that create a protected habitat for birds and animals. Carpinteria has excellent surf and a fairly safe undertow. There is a small visitor center within walking distance of the beach that features local wildlife exhibits.
Another great spot in California is McGrath State Beach. This is a bird watching mecca located near the Santa Clara River. There are bird watching nature trails and hiking trails.
The gorgeous San Onofre State Beach is a great place for campers, hikers and surfers and you will find quite a few campers there. When you need a break from the sun, sand and surf, there are plenty of restaurants and shopping nearby. The beach is pretty narrow, is littered with plenty of stones and rocks and there are high bluffs overhead.
There are great beach camping spots all over the west coast with beautiful beaches and rugged coastlines. It’s hard to go wrong with any of them. Just get yourself there and you’ll be sure to enjoy yourself.