Sunset State Beach Campground
Santa Cruz, CA
Website
90 sites for tents, RVs and travel trailers up to 18 feet long, but no hookups
Restrooms and showers
Group picnic tables are available under a shelter, but sand dunes are between them and the water.
You can catch surf perch and sardines on the beach, but need a fishing license to do it.
There's a remote control glider port in the dunes - fun to watch even if you don't own one.
You can swim at the beach and lifeguards are on duty during busiest times.
Sunset State Beach is near the beach, but protected by sand dunes which cut down on wind and blowing sand. The campground is shaded by large pine trees. Sites 1 through 37 are closest to the beach.
Dogs are allowed in the campground but not on the beach.
Reservations are required year round, and it's a necessity to make them far in advance on weekends and during the summer. Learn how to make California state park reservations.
