Camping near shore

Wondering if I can get your input on lakes or a beach ( in California) where you are allowed to camp / park real close to the water and spend the night? Looking to plan a fishing trip. I've done lake Isabella and it was fun.

 

Subbed.. Have been doing Carpinteria State beach, but you have to book the spots like 6 months in advance and it can be pricey.. Also, Pismo beach was personally my favorite! I mean you can camp as close as you want to the water. Like 20 bucks per night IIRC. Interested to see what others say.

 

Stayed at carslbad state beach past week. You camp up on the bluff but the beach is right there

 

Try Doheny, i hear it fills up fast.

use this site https://www.reservecalifornia.com/CaliforniaWebHome/

 

Big bear doesn't allow your to drive down nor does it allow you to camp on the beach..... (loop hole)
They do allow fishing all night and you can set up a tent on the beach, gas stove and such. I have stayed 48 hours on the bank.

 

San Onofre for salt water. Lake Hemet for fresh water. Two that come to mind.

 

One more quick tidbit. I didn't have a reservation for carslbad. Drove down on a Sunday afternoon. They were full. Drove down 7 miles to another beach camping spot. They were full. Had a quick bite, an hour later drove back to carslbad and they had two spots open up. One night only. You gotta keep in mind you might be SOL if you try this. Our plan was a quick one nighter anyway so it worked out.

 

doheny best place around town but you have to check reservation, I use reserve America, and park advisory. Been to point mugu, I camp in sycamore camp ground recently, super chill

San onofre, don't go there, you cant find peace over there, camp grounds is near rail road tracks. if your a morning person though might be good for you, you get automatic alarm 3am-4am when the train pass by.

@taco06 PCH is a nice drive, big sur area bunch of yellow post, I did the drive two years ago, all the way to SF I love it! I wish I have my RTT then, but definitely do it again. Sorry not much of a help with lakes, although been to lake silverwood and perris that's it.

 

Jalama beach is nice. Pretty close to the water.

 

Just go to Mexico.

 

I am always afraid they will make me have to stay.

 

Make you? Nope, more like want to stay!

 

Yes. The way I attract police I am destined for a Mexican jail if I venture across. Hence "make me stay".

 

Fiesta Island/Balboa Island in San Diego allows day camping on the beach! Cool spot

 

There's Leo Carrillo and Emma Wood in Ventura county, which are also a short walk to great surf breaks.

 

Thanks all that replied. Now I have a list for next year.