Where the tent meets the tide—and the bite begins.

California’s 840+ miles of coastline are packed with stunning beaches, rugged bluffs, and hidden coves—and some of the best surf fishing in the country. But what if you want to sleep near the sand, cast at first light, and cook your catch by campfire?

Red Sky Surf Hunters has you covered. Here are our top 10 California campgrounds where surf fishing and camping go hand in hand.

🏕️ 1. San Elijo State Beach (Encinitas, CA)

Why we love it: Campsites are literally steps from the sand. Early morning bite for perch and croaker.

🎣 Target species: Barred surfperch, corbina, halibut
🔥 Bonus: Grills, hot showers, and taco joints across the road

🏕️ 2. Jalama Beach County Park (Santa Barbara County)

Why we love it: Remote and raw. Epic beach for stripers, sharks, and solitude.

🎣 Target species: Striped bass, bat rays, surfperch
🔥 Bonus: Famous Jalama Burgers and minimal crowds

🏕️ 3. Manresa State Beach (Watsonville, CA)

Why we love it: Known for perch and occasional striper runs. Camp inland and drive down.

🎣 Target species: Barred surfperch, stripers (spring/summer)
🔥 Bonus: Wide beach, less rocky, perfect for night fishing

🏕️ 4. Dockweiler State Beach (Los Angeles, CA)

Why we love it: Beachfront RV camping + solid bites after sunset.

🎣 Target species: Croaker, corbina, perch
🔥 Bonus: Watch planes take off from LAX overhead

🏕️ 5. Half Moon Bay State Beach (Half Moon Bay, CA)

Why we love it: Gorgeous cliffs, easy beach access, strong perch bite.

🎣 Target species: Redtail and barred surfperch
🔥 Bonus: Nearby bait shops, walking trails, and seafood shacks

🏕️ 6. Oceano Dunes SVRA (San Luis Obispo County)

Why we love it: Camp on the beach. Bring a 4x4 and fish wherever you park.

🎣 Target species: Perch, rays, corbina
🔥 Bonus: Drive-in camping experience, off-roading access

🏕️ 7. McGrath State Beach (Oxnard, CA)

Why we love it: Great for families and beginners. Calm surf and easy rigging.

🎣 Target species: Yellowfin croaker, perch
🔥 Bonus: Birdwatching, lagoon access, and long sandy stretches

🏕️ 8. Refugio State Beach (Santa Barbara, CA)

Why we love it: Rocky outcrops + sandy surf = prime halibut zone.

🎣 Target species: Halibut, perch, rockfish (outside surf)
🔥 Bonus: Palm-lined shoreline and kayak access

🏕️ 9. Sunset State Beach (Watsonville, CA)

Why we love it: Great fall bite. High bluff campsites and long sandy beach.

🎣 Target species: Surfperch, stripers (late summer)
🔥 Bonus: Fewer crowds than nearby Manresa or New Brighton

🏕️ 10. Leo Carrillo State Park (Malibu, CA)

Why we love it: Rocky structure, tidepools, and a classic SoCal surf fishing vibe.

🎣 Target species: Calico bass (near rocks), perch, croaker
🔥 Bonus: Film history location + close to Malibu food stops

 Map: Surf Hunters Top 10 Surf Fishing Campgrounds 

 Click a marker to see campsite details, fishing info, and nearby amenities.  

🧭 Planning Tips from Red Sky Surf Hunters

• Check tide charts & wave energy before casting

• Use glow lures or UV beads for early morning or night sessions

• Camp near sandy stretches for perch, rocky zones for halibut or bass

• Respect CA fishing regs—size limits and species protections apply

🌅 Final Thought

Where you camp matters—and when it’s next to the surf, it becomes more than a place to sleep. It becomes your launch point, your memory maker, your first cast at dawn.

So grab your gear, pack your tackle, and chase the tide.

Red Sky Surf Hunters
One Campsite. One Hook. A Lifetime of Memories.