Where is a good beach camping spot (socal,ca) where we can have a bon fire and use tents?

Question

me and friends want to go..dont want it to be crowded because we want to drink next to fire enjoy the beach you know the deal..we have to use tents too..and first come first serve if you know of any places

Answer 1

Bolsa Chica.  You can't avoid beach crowds anywhere in So CAl.  

Answer 2

If you want to camp overnight on the sand and have a fire, you'll need to plan exactly a year in advance.   Go to http://www.reserveamerica.com for the state parks.

Getting sites is seriously a pain in the butt.  Best bet is to pick a week night (Sunday thru Thursday) and good luck!  

San Onofre doesn't have campsites on the sand... so you can't camp on the beach. (There are a handful of fire pits for day use, however).  All the campsites are up a bluff, and you'll be 5 feet from your neighbor, and about 40 feet from I-5 and nonstop freeway traffic.  I've done it.  It sucks.  Also, San-O is notorious for camping gear theft.  You're at the beach having fun, and some jerkwad is having a field day going thru your gear back up on the bluff.  

Doheny has sites that are on the sand, with fire pits... but you WILL have neighbors.  Check out the campground maps on reserveamerica, and read the site descriptions.  You'll see that beach / sand sites are indicated...

Good Luck!  

Answer 3

(San Diego)

Silver Strand State Beach

San Elijo State Beach

South Carlsbad State Beach

(Santa Barbara)

Carpenteria State Beach

(Ventura)

McGrath State Beach

(Hunnington Beach)

Huntington City Beach campground

Bosla Chica State Beach Campground

Answer 4

We did a great 13th at Mission beach in San Diego, but go early.  My wife's friend was there at 3:30 in the morning just to hold the bonfire pit for us when us lazy folk arrived in the afternoon.

Answer 5

You should go to San Onofre State Beach, it is on the way to San Diego, and there is a lot of things that you can do.  It is a beautiful beach and runs on for a very long distance.  It is not very crowded and it is a good place to camp.