Between LA and San Diego

[Chaplain Kent]

We will be visiting friends in LA and San Diego in early May. I drive a 7.3 Diesel Excursion so am planning on renting a smaller more fuel efficient vehicle while there. We want to find a central point campground between the cities to stay while so we can visit each city without moving. We are not boon-dockers and like at least electricity plus the ocean would be nice since we live in the upper mid-west. Any recommendations?

[nayther]

all state campgrounds are non-hookup along that portion of the coast and VERY hard to get into. One option, though very expensive, is Newport Dunes. It is very nice and is in south Orange County. There are also a few around Disneyland, we stayed at https://www.orangeland.com/ one weekend while attending the SX races at Anaheim Stadium, it is VERY nice park but still about 2.5 hours to San Diego, depending on traffic (and that's a big "depending"). Another option is the train, they run regularly along the coast from L.A. to S.D. and a very pretty ride right along the ocean. I can't say more about south of there, unless you head inland to Temecula area.

[bikendan]

A hand full of state beach campgrounds have hookups of any kind. Most are W/E only and just a fraction are full hookups.
As was said, these sites are booked year-round, 6 months in advance.
You probably will have to look for private RV parks near the ocean, no ocean views.
Even the no hookups campsites are usually booked up 6 months in advance.

[CurtPutnam]

If you plan on traveling on the 15 then Temecula is almost precisely halfway between the 10 and San Diego. There is a brand new KOA that just opened in Temecula.

[alsimmon11]

CurtPutnam mentioned a new KOA in Temecula, which one are you talking about, the only RV park I have seen in Temecula is at the Pechanga Casino. You also have Pala Casino not far from Oceanside off the 15 freeway.

[Telstar]

If you want beach views stay at San Clemente State Park. Full Hookups are available. I’ve camped there many times.
If you want to camp off I-15 I suggest Pachanga Casino. Top rated, full hookups and set back from the hotel.

[CurtPutnam]

Originally Posted by alsimmon11

CurtPutnam mentioned a new KOA in Temecula, which one are you talking about, the only RV park I have seen in Temecula is at the Pechanga Casino. You also have Pala Casino not far from Oceanside off the 15 freeway.

Was announced in the last KOA newsletter - Vail Lake KOA

[GoneSouth10]

Yup, 2X agreed on the difficulty on getting a full hookup spot with an ocean view on this stretch!! Not sure of your set up, but vehicle/camper length can be a limiting factor. The California state system is a mish mash of "State Beaches", "State Parks", etc., but here's a link that may be helpful: Camping Information
That said, there are some Orange County parks that provide W/E sites that are nice (Orange County, California - Camping Fees) and there are numerous day use spots (Doheny Beach/Dana Point Harbor, San Clemente State Beach, etc.) where you can get your fill of the ocean.
Would also second the train recommendation - it's a great ride down the coast from Orange County to San Diego and either drop off point in San Diego (i.e., Old Town and the main depot downtown) is pretty cool.
Enjoy!!

[DASchell]

I have no idea regarding the cost or availability but Paradise by the Sea RV resort gets pretty nice reviews, is only a little off of halfway between San Diego & L.A. is right on the beach with full hookups etc.

[oldrls]

Paradise by the sea, Oceanside. Not cheap but it has great beach access. Mission Bay RV resort, Pacific Beach is on the beach. Guyaome campground SD county Park small secret and close to everything.

[jeepin1]

You can try this place its a private spot with full hookups. Huntington beach.
waterfrontrvpark.com

[Daves rv]

San Clemente state beach is wonderful. If you can still get a site it will provide the ocean view and convenience of visiting both LA and San Diego.

[GoneSouth10]

Originally Posted by Daves rv

San Clemente state beach is wonderful. If you can still get a site it will provide the ocean view and convenience of visiting both LA and San Diego.

Not sure if you're travelling with a dog(s), but Trail 6 at San Clemente State Beach is dog friendly! (tough to find in Southern California) The "campground" is basically a very long strip of back ins along a high bluff overlooking the ocean and there are six trails that lead down to the beach. The one furthest from the entrance (it's at the very south end of the campground) is Trail 6.
It doesn't sound like much, but the sunset views from the edge of the bluff are spectacular!

[Jakieboy]

Crystal Cove State RV Park is the best spot between LA and San Diego that we have ever visited. All sites are located on a graded hillside above the Pacific Ocean between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach. Most have electric and water hookups with a dump station located near the exit.

It is very tough to get reservations there, and you must start no more than six months before your scheduled arrival date.

[babock]

Originally Posted by Telstar

If you want beach views stay at San Clemente State Park. Full Hookups are available.

Yep..stayed there last year. Nice campground.

[Chaplain Kent]

Thank-you all for your responses. After taking a closer look at the state parks we decided on the KOA in Temecula. Since we will be dry camping at Grand Canyon and Mesa Verde a shower will feel good.