7 California Beach Camping Destinations

There’s more than just sunshine and sand when you plan a California beach camping trip. These seven destinations offer up something for everyone from hiking and biking to bird watching and diving. With so much to offer, your only challenge will be how to fit it all in.

Moro Campground

Part of Crystal Cove State Park, Moro Campground offers a beach getaway in one of California’s biggest counties. This natural seashore offers 3.2 miles of beach with seven different coves to explore, while the Moro backcountry has 2,400 acres for hiking and mountain biking.

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Silver Strand State Beach

Enjoy ocean views of both the Pacific and San Diego Bay. Swim, boat, surf, fish, water ski, or play volleyball by day and barbecue in the fire pits by night. You can even make your way off the beach and head into Coronado for a treat. This Southern California town feels like a true summer vacation spot with boutique stores, restaurants and ice cream shops.

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Point Mugu State Beach

Spend the day at the beach swimming, body surfing, or soaking up the sun. When you need a break from the sand, head to the more than 70 miles of hiking trails and explore the pinnacles of Boney Mountain State Wilderness Area.

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Cades Cove Campground

Located in the Great Smoky Mountains, the Cades Cove Loop is perfect for family biking. As an easy paved ride, people of all ages can pedal along the bike path with ease. Be sure to catch views of passing wildlife and take a step back in time as you pass by nineteenth century homesites. The path is 11 miles one way, so keep track of the time if you don't want to do a 22-mile bike ride.

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Bolsa Chica State Beach

If you enjoy surf fishing, bird watching or biking along the boardwalk, you’ll love Bolsa Chica State Beach. Anglers can expect to find perch, corbina, croaker, cabezon and sand shark. At the north end of this 3-mile stretch is Seal Beach for surfers; at the south end is a bike path that goes all the way to Huntington Beach City Pier. Don’t miss the 1,000-acre Ecological Reserve.

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Leo Carrillo State Beach

This beach is packed with nooks and crannies to explore, both above and below the water. If you like scuba diving, consider a dive among the kelp forest and reefs. After a day in the sun, seek refuge under the giant sycamores that shade the campground or explore one of the park’s caves.

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Emma Wood State Beach

This campground offers more than just a day at the beach. Emma Wood State Beach has a freshwater marsh and a World War II coastal artillery site as well as moderate water temps ideal for swimming and surfing.

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Mendocino Coast KOA

Family campers, this is the spot for you. Alongside some of the most gorgeous coastline in California, you’ll find a number of area attractions including two lighthouses and a coastal village. Don’t forget to make some time for beachcombing and campground activities.

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Michelle Valenti is the Associate Online Editor for ReserveAmerica.com. When she's not at work, you can find her climbing rocks, riding trails, and setting up camp in fun outdoor locations around the U.S. and abroad. Follow her on Google+.