The Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most scenic drives in the United States, offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, rugged cliffs, and picturesque beaches. For outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers, camping along the PCH is a dream come true. From California to Washington, numerous campgrounds provide beachside, near-beach, or beach-overlooking camping experiences.
Here's a comprehensive guide to some of the best spots to pitch your tent or park your RV along the Pacific Coast Highway.
1. Thornhill Broome Point Mugu in Point Mugu State Park – California
Nestled within Point Mugu State Park, Thornhill Broome Beach offers a unique camping experience right on the sand. Wake up to the sound of waves crashing and enjoy easy access to hiking trails, fishing spots, and stunning ocean views. The campsites are primitive, but the location more than makes up for the lack of amenities, making it an ideal spot for fishing and bird watching.
2. Dockweiler RV Park Beach Campground – California
Located near Los Angeles, Dockweiler RV Park offers beachfront camping with modern amenities. It's one of the few places where you can park your RV right next to the sand. Enjoy a range of activities including swimming, surfing, and beachcombing. Plus, the proximity to LAX makes it convenient for travelers, and its modern amenities ensure a comfortable stay.
3. Emma Wood State Beach – California
Emma Wood State Beach provides a more rustic camping experience with RV and tent sites right by the ocean. The area is perfect for surfing, fishing, and wildlife viewing. While the amenities are basic, the stunning views and easy beach access make it a popular spot for campers who love oceanfront sites and excellent fishing opportunities.
4. Rialto Beach – Washington (Olympic National Park)
Rialto Beach, located within Olympic National Park, offers campers dramatic coastal scenery with sea stacks, tide pools, and driftwood-covered shores. While there are no developed campgrounds directly on the beach, nearby sites at Mora Campground provide a great base for exploring Rialto Beach. This location is perfect for those looking to experience tide pools and the dramatic scenery of the Pacific Northwest coast.
5. Gold Bluffs Beach – California
Situated in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, Gold Bluffs Beach offers a unique blend of beach and forest camping. The campground is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and towering redwoods, providing a stunning backdrop for your stay. Don't miss the nearby Fern Canyon, a lush, green gorge that's perfect for hiking. This spot is ideal for campers looking to experience the beauty of both the beach and the redwoods.
6. Pismo State Beach – California
Pismo State Beach is a haven for campers who love off-roading, fishing, and clamming. The campground offers both tent and RV sites with amenities like restrooms and showers. The wide sandy beach is perfect for long walks, and the nearby Oceano Dunes are a must-visit for ATV enthusiasts. It's an excellent destination for off-roading and beachcombing.
7. Doheny State Beach – California
Located in Dana Point, Doheny State Beach is one of California's most popular beach campgrounds. With RV and tent sites just steps from the sand, it's an ideal spot for swimming, surfing, and beach volleyball. The campground also offers amenities like showers, restrooms, and picnic areas. It's perfect for those looking for a prime beach location with full amenities.
8. San Elijo State Beach – California
San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas offers a picturesque camping experience with oceanfront sites and plenty of activities. The beach is known for its excellent surfing conditions, and there are tide pools to explore at low tide. The campground features showers, restrooms, and a camp store, making it an excellent choice for surfers and beach lovers.
9. Leo Carrillo State Park – California
Leo Carrillo State Park, located in Malibu, offers beachside camping with access to beautiful coves, tide pools, and coastal caves. The park has both tent and RV sites, and amenities include showers, restrooms, and a small store. It's a great spot for hiking, swimming, and exploring marine life.
10. South Carlsbad State Beach – California
South Carlsbad State Beach offers bluff-top camping with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. The campground provides stair access to the beach, making it easy to enjoy swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and a camp store, making it perfect for those who love scenic ocean views and full amenities.
11. Refugio State Beach – California
Refugio State Beach, located near Santa Barbara, offers palm-lined shores and excellent opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and picnicking. The campground has both tent and RV sites with showers, restrooms, and picnic tables. The beach is perfect for relaxing and enjoying the coastal scenery.
12. Seal Rocks RV Cove – Oregon
Seal Rocks RV Cove offers a serene camping experience with stunning views of the ocean and rock formations. The RV sites are well-maintained, and the park provides amenities such as restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities. It's a peaceful spot for whale watching and beachcombing.
13. Harris Beach State Park – Oregon
Harris Beach State Park is known for its scenic beauty, featuring sea stacks, tide pools, and sandy beaches. The campground offers both tent and RV sites with amenities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. It's a great spot for hiking, wildlife viewing, and exploring the tide pools.
14. Tillicum Beach Campground – Oregon
Tillicum Beach Campground offers beachfront camping with stunning ocean views. The campground has both tent and RV sites, and amenities include restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. The beach is perfect for long walks, beachcombing, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
15. Cape Disappointment State Park – Washington
Cape Disappointment State Park offers a mix of forest and beach camping with spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. The park features hiking trails, historic lighthouses, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. The campground has both tent and RV sites with amenities like restrooms and showers.
16. Kalaloch Beach & South Beach – Washington (Olympic National Park)
Kalaloch Beach and South Beach in Olympic National Park offer rugged coastal beauty with sandy beaches and dramatic sea stacks. The campgrounds provide a mix of tent and RV sites with amenities like restrooms and picnic tables. It's an ideal spot for beachcombing, tide pooling, and exploring the park.
Conclusion
Camping along the Pacific Coast Highway offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the natural beauty of the Pacific coastline. Whether you prefer beachfront campsites, bluff-top views, or forested areas near the shore, there are plenty of options to choose from. Each of these campgrounds provides a unique experience, allowing you to connect with nature and enjoy the stunning landscapes that make the Pacific Coast so special.
So pack your camping gear, hit the road, and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful coastal campgrounds the Pacific Coast Highway has to offer. Whether you're an avid surfer, a beachcomber, or simply looking to relax by the ocean, these camping spots are sure to provide an unforgettable adventure.
Commentaires