Silver Strand State Beach Campground
3.9153 reviews5000 Highway 75 Coronado, CA 92118
Silver Strand State Beach Campground
$65.00 - $85.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$85.00
Premium Site Fee$85.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Beach Row sites cost $85 per night; Inland Row sites cost $65 per night. Discounts are available for seniors (62+) and Disabled Discount Pass holders. An additional $15 applies for extra vehicles. Dump station usage costs $10.
About this campground
Imagine waking up to the rhythmic sound of Pacific waves just steps from your RV door. Silver Strand State Beach Campground offers an exclusive oceanfront RV experience where every site comes equipped with water and electrical hook-ups. While the sites are arranged in a compact, parking-lot style configuration that maximizes beach access, this unique setup means you're never more than a short walk from the sand. Designed specifically for self-contained vehicles, this beachfront haven puts you at the heart of one of San Diego's most stunning coastal stretches.
The campground exclusively accommodates self-contained RVs and trailers. Tent camping is not allowed, and no group-specific or primitive camping options are available.
Historical SignificanceThis narrow strip of sand holds centuries of stories within its shores. Long before it became a beloved beach destination, the Kumeyaay Nation called this coastal region home, followed by Spanish settlers who left their mark on the landscape. Today, Silver Strand continues its legacy of preservation, serving as a protected habitat for the endangered snowy plover. Each footstep on this beach connects you to a rich tapestry of human history and ongoing conservation efforts that protect this precious coastal ecosystem for future generations.
Weather and SeasonsBlessed with Southern California's enviable Mediterranean climate, Silver Strand enjoys a perpetual vacation atmosphere. Summer days hover around a perfect 78°F, while winter remains delightfully mild at 65°F – making any season ideal for beach camping. Morning fog often rolls in during summer months, creating a mystical coastal atmosphere that burns off by midday to reveal brilliant sunshine. This gentle climate means you can comfortably enjoy beach activities year-round without worrying about extreme weather interrupting your coastal retreat.
ElevationPerched right at sea level, the campground offers an intimate connection with the ocean's edge, where the horizon stretches endlessly and the tides dictate the day's rhythm.
Natural Features and ScenerySilver Strand is nature's masterpiece – a slender finger of sand stretching between two magnificent bodies of water. On one side, 2.5 miles of pristine Pacific Ocean beach invite endless walks and sunset watching. On the other, a half-mile of tranquil San Diego Bay shoreline offers calmer waters and spectacular views. This unique sand-spit environment nurtures specialized coastal strand vegetation that has adapted to life between sea and sand. Overhead, seabirds wheel and call, while the waters teem with marine life, creating a living tableau that changes with every tide.
Geological RegionThis remarkable sand-spit represents millions of years of patient geological artistry, where ocean currents and bay waters have sculpted a narrow peninsula that defines the outer edge of San Diego Bay. The sandy beach environment and specialized coastal strand vegetation create a classic Southern California coastal ecosystem. This dynamic landscape continues to evolve with each tide, offering campers a front-row seat to the eternal dance between land and sea that has shaped this stunning stretch of coastline.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible features include paved pedestrian paths, accessible picnic tables, and beachside ADA-compliant restrooms. Beach wheelchairs and mats are available upon request.
Sites SizeSites are described as tight, with limited space between units, particularly when side-outs are involved.
Sites PrivacyThe sites provide minimal privacy, with campers often feeling crowded together like "sardines in a can."
Total Campsites136 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose beach row sites (e.g., 101–137) for unobstructed ocean views. Inland sites are cheaper but have limited views.
Best CampsitesSites 101-137 are considered the best, offering premium oceanfront hook-up options.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 30 days per calendar year, with a limit of 7 consecutive days during peak season (May 15 – September 15) and 14 consecutive days during non-peak season.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Up to 8 persons per campsite, including children.
Tents
Tents are not allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is divided into beach row and inland row sections, with a total of 136 sites arranged in a paved, parking-lot style.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Reserve California at reservecalifornia.com or 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are by reservation only; walk-up availability is not mentioned.
Cancellation PolicyReservations are site-specific and non-transferable. Cancellations must comply with Reserve California policies. Unchecked reservations will be canceled by 12 PM the day after the scheduled arrival.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Dump station
Cell phone service
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
Silver Strand State Beach offers activities focused on beach recreation, including swimming, surfing, boogie boarding, picnicking, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Hiking and biking trails are available nearby, with pedestrian tunnels connecting different areas of the park.
Hiking
Hiking is limited to trails on the bay side and Crown Cove Trail, which is an accessible loop trail providing views of the bay.Fishing
Fishing opportunities include perch, corbina, grunion, and yellow-fin croaker. A valid California sport fishing license is required for anglers aged 16 and over.Swimming
Swimming is available on the ocean and bay sides. The bay area offers calmer and slightly warmer water ideal for families. Stingrays are commonly observed in the area, with several user reviews highlighting encounters.Biking
Biking is popular along the Bayshore Bikeway, which provides scenic views and connections to nearby attractions.Boating
Boating is supported through the Crown Cove Aquatic Center, which offers rentals and courses.Wildlife viewing
The campground and surrounding beaches are home to various bird species, including snowy plovers, gulls, and loons. California sea lions and porpoises are occasionally observed offshore.Beach activities
Beach activities include shell hunting, sunbathing, and surfing. User reviews specifically mention the abundance of seashells and sand dollars as highlights.Cultural and Educational Programs
Programs such as Junior Rangers, bike tours, and campfire sessions are offered to enhance visitor engagement.Winter Activities
Winter activities are limited due to the campground's coastal location, but kiteboarding opportunities are best during October to January.Water Sports
Non-motorized water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are available through the Crown Cove Aquatic Center.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires are allowed only in designated fire rings on the beach; portable fire containers must be elevated six inches above the pavement.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM – 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsStingrays are a noted hazard in the water; shuffling feet is recommended to avoid being stung.
Active alertsOccasional beach closures due to water contamination; check the San Diego County Beach and Bay Water Quality Program website for updates.
Weather forecast
70
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.5 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Overcast
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Emergency services are available by contacting 911. For after-hours issues, the campground host can be reached on-site. Closest hospital and police stations are located in Coronado.
Good to know
Peak season datesMay 15 – September 15.
Trash and recyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available within the campground. Specialized 'Hot Coals' containers for fire residue are located near dumpsters.
Proximity to water featuresAdjacent to the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, offering direct access to both beaches.
Common complaintsCommon complaints mention tight campsite spacing, lack of amenities like showers, and strict gate closure policies.
HostCampground hosts are available on-site near the kiosk and provide 24-hour assistance.
Campground Map
5000 Highway 75 Coronado, CA 92118
Driving directionsThe campground is located 4.5 miles south of Coronado on Highway 75. The entrance is easily identifiable and divides the ocean side of the park from the bay side.
The park is accessible from Highway 75 with paved roads leading to the campground. Entrance gates are locked nightly at seasonally posted hours, providing limited access after closing.Nearby places
Coronado (4.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes) and Imperial Beach (5 miles, approximately 12 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Essential supplies can be found in Coronado, 4.5 miles away. Imperial Beach also offers grocery stores and other amenities within a 5-mile radius.
Camper Reviews
3.9
53 reviews
Silver Strand State Beach Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Silver Strand State Beach Campground are mixed. Many appreciate the proximity to the ocean and beach access, while others criticize the tight spaces, limited amenities, and issues such as water contamination. "The RV park deserves 10 stars for location alone!" said one user, while another noted, "This was our worst CA state park experiment." Seasonal variability is noted, with stingray encounters more frequent during summer.
Review Summaries
Based on 53 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive reviews frequently highlight the campground's beachfront location, clean sand, and family-friendly environment. "Beautiful and clean," wrote one user, adding, "Oceanfront goes for miles."...
Based on 53 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include sewage contamination in the water, restrictions on entry/exit hours, and limited privacy due to cramped spaces. "Not worth it," one user wrote. Complaints about rude staff...
Based on 53 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Users recommend walking the beach at night for breathtaking views. One user suggests carrying shovels and brooms to maintain sandy campsites as limited tools are available at the kiosk.
Based on 53 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews often highlight stingray encounters, while winter reviews note the lack of amenities and colder weather. Stingray stings were more frequent in July, according to one user.
Based on 53 reviewsCamper Quotes
"The RV park deserves 10 stars for location alone!" "This was our worst CA state park experiment." "We left with a bag full of shells." "Lovely location, but too tight." "We visit California every...
Based on 53 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Sites 101-137 are considered the best for ocean views and proximity.
Based on 53 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible paths and facilities are noted positively, though occasional criticism arises regarding restroom access during nighttime closures.
Based on 53 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pet policies are restrictive, with dogs allowed only in designated areas and not on the beach. "Not dog-friendly at all," one user lamented.
Based on 53 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025