If you know me, you know I LOVE camping along the coast. Before I moved into the Airstream, I was based in San Diego, and if there is one thing that always brings me back home, it’s the ocean.

Here are 5 of my favorite spots along the coast.

📍Emma Woods State Beach

Location: Ventura, CA
Reservations: I scored this spot via same day walk-in. If you are lucky, you may be able to score a spot via Reserve CA here.
Highlights: I loved being able to park parallel to the ocean and have my door facing the water. You can literally hear the ocean from inside your rig.
Downsides: Hard to snag a spot here. You are basically parked on a parking lot but the views are amazing. The train does come through but it never bothered me.

📍Seacliff State Beach

Location: Aptos, CA
Reservations: I’ve stayed at this spot via reservation and same day walk-up (get there early to get on the lottery list). To check for a reservation visit Reserve CA here.
Highlights: You literally park right at the sand! Close proximity to Santa Cruz and great surf spots. Great walking path and a shipwreck visible from campsite!
Downsides: Since there is a walking path, you get a lot of foot traffic. Spots are close to one another but sites with hook-ups have more space!

📍Crystal Cove State Park

Location: Newport Beach, CA
Reservations: I stayed at this spot via reservation but had to keep checking in hopes of a cancellation (this was in January). To check for a reservation visit Reserve CA here.
Highlights: AMAZING views of the ocean from campsite. Close proximity to all that Orange County has to offer. You can read all about my stay here via my Window To The World here!
Downsides: You are on a bluff above Highway 1, so you do hear a lot of road noise. The beach is not easily accessible from campsite but you can park in day parking and access from there.

📍Jordan River Regional Park

Location: Jordan River, British Columbia
Reservations: Just roll up! This campground is all First-come First-served. You can find out more information here.
Highlights: When the surf is pumping, you can literally catch a wave from the point all the way to your trailer (it’s amazing). Great views of the Juan de Fuca Strait. I was able to pull decent cell service from the states. Also, close proximity to Sombrio Beach (another great surf spot).
Downsides: None! I absolutely love it here. Maybe more sun in the winter would be nice so I didn’t have to run my generator 😉

📍San Elijo State Beach

Location: Encinitas, CA
Reservations: I’ve stayed at this spot via reservation and same day walk-up. To check for a reservation visit Reserve CA here.
Highlights: One of my all time favorite places to camp! Great surf right out your door, close proximity to San Diego, amazing views and large spots!
Downsides: It’s usually crowded and you do get train/road noise. But otherwise it is hands down one of my favorite spots to camp.