• Named after the 19th century European spa, Carlsbad has long been identified by its windmill.Carlsbad Windmill image by Marco Salcedo from Fotolia.com
  
  Once home to the indigenous Luiseno and Diegueños Indians, then claimed as a territory by Spain and by Mexico, the City of Carlsbad's history reflects the heritage of many cultures. Today's Carlsbad reflects modern southern Californian life at its best. Year-around sunshine, warm temperatures, and stunning beaches make for an outdoor lifestyle not found anywhere else. Beaches are such an important part of Carlsbad's identity that many people are surprised to find out they aren't officially part of the city; the California State Parks Department owns and manages most of the beaches in Carlsbad. Just a few reminders: dogs are not allowed on beaches in Carlsbad, but leashed dogs are welcome on the city's extensive trail system; alcohol is strictly forbidden on all beaches; and hot coals must be dispose of in the containers provided, not buried. A camping fee is charged per vehicle per night. These are family-, pet- and physically challenged individual-friendly camping destinations.
  
  

San Onofre State Beach

• San Onofre Surf Beach is available for day use only.Camp de Tentes image by Fr??d??ric Massard from Fotolia.com
  
  Just north of Carlsbad you'll find San Onofre State Beach. This beach is a rare 3,000-acre scenic and environmentally-important coastal-canyon park that is also open for recreational use. The park has three distinct areas: San Onofre Bluffs, San Onofre Surf Beach, and San Mateo Campground. Camping and day use is allowed on San Onofre Bluffs along Old Highway 101 adjacent to the sandstone bluffs. Six rugged dirt access trails cut into the bluff are used to access the beach below. All campsites have a fire pit and picnic table. Cold outdoor showers and chemical toilets make for a "roughing it" experience. No hookups are available; however there is a dump-station. San Onofre Surf Beach is available for day use only. San Onofre--San Mateo Campground is about 1.5 miles inland from the beach. A 1.5-mile nature trail connects the campground to Trestles Beach, a world class surfing site. All campsites have a fire pit and picnic table and hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities include a dump-station, hot indoor showers, and flush toilets. Camping is available year-round.
  
  San Onofre State Beach
  949-492-4872
  www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=647
  
  

South Carlsbad State Beach

• Carlsbad Lagoon is home to huge variety of flora and fauna including the white egret.GAR??A A ESPERA DE SUA CA??A image by P??MELA TORRES from Fotolia.com
  
  South Carlsbad State Beach is one of the most popular along the San Diego coast, especially during the summer. Swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking are just a few of the outdoor activities you can enjoy while camping here. Located on the large bluff-top overlooking the beach (stairs lead to the beach), all campsites have a fire pit and picnic table and hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities include a dump-station, hot indoor showers, and flush toilets. Camping is available year-round. Tokens are available at the ranger station during check-in. WiFi is now available at South Carlsbad State Beach.
  
  South Carlsbad State Beach
  760-438-3143
  www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=660
  
  

San Elijo State Beach

• Just south of Swami's Beach, enjoy swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking.beach 7 image by Joshua Peterson from Fotolia.com
  
  San Elijo State Beach is another very popular camping site along the San Diego coast. Located on the large bluff-top overlooking the beach (a walking ramp leads to the beach) just south of Swami's Beach, enjoy swimming, surfing, skin diving, fishing and picnicking while camping here. All campsites have a fire pit and picnic table and hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities include a dump station, hot indoor showers, and flush toilets. Camping is available year-round. Tokens are available at the ranger station during check-in. WiFi is now available at San Elijo State Beach.
  
  San Elijo State Beach
  760-753-5091
  www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=662