Expert: Steve Summers - 8/22/2007

Question
I live in Ventura (moved here from AL) and was wondering which beaches allow you to camp in a tent directly on the sand (where you can hear the waves) and have a fire?

Answer
Hi Jason,

This isn't like Alabama. All the beach camping is run by the state (or counties, in a couple cases). Open camping on the sand (which is what I think you are describing) is not allowed anywhere.

However, all is not lost. There are a number of beaches that have beachfront campsites. It's not camping "on" the sand (for the most part), but right next to it. If you're in Ventura, then you should check out Carpinteria State Beach. In the Santa Cruz campground, sites 28-32, 37, and 39-45 are right by the sand. At sites 39-42, some people put their tents on a small dune, right on the sand. However, you can hear the waves at just about all the sites, which is why we camp here several times per year.

In LA County, there are no beachfront sites at all. Around Malibu, there's Leo Carillo State Beach, but it's on the opposite site of PCH. Some people like it, but the beach is much too rocky for me.

In Santa Barbara County, you also have El Capitan State Beach and Refugio State Beach. El Cap has sites on the bluffs above the beach, and Refugio (2 miles away) has sites on the beach level. There are a couple sites that are right by the water. There is also a county beach that's a well-kept secret, Jalama Beach. The campsites are pretty close to the sand there, but it's not easy to get to.

Further south in OC, Doheney State Beach has some premium beachfront sites. Your tent site is on the dirt, but you have a perfect view of the beach, and can hear the waves at night.

To make reservations and get some site maps, you can go to www.reserveamerica.com for the state beaches. (For Jalama Beach, go to www.jalamabeach.com or just Google "Jalama Beach", and go to the Santa Barbara County site). The thing about Jalama is that it's first-come, first-served. Since I live in the OC, it's a bit far to drive on the hopes that you can get a spot.

If you're trying to get a beach spot for the remainder of August or September, you'll find that there isn't anything available except an occasional cancellation. If spoken to people who have gotten them, so I know they are out there. But you'll have to check several times a day. The campsites go on sale 6 months in advance, so if you want a beach site for July, you'll have to get some coffee and hit the web site at 8AM sharp, while you listen to Bob Eubanks and watch the Rose Parade on Channel 5.

Have fun!

Steve
(Sorry for the delayed response: We just got back from a week in Yosemite, and I have a lot of catching up to do).