Silver Strand State Beach
Enjoy the beautiful Southern California sunshine year-round when you take an RV trip to Silver Strand State Beach, located between San Diego and Imperial Beach on the California coastline. Few RV campgrounds will get you this close to the ocean, and as a bonus, the San Diego Bay is on the other side of the campground.
The bayside of this campground offers just as many activities to enjoy but is accessible to pedestrians only. Head out of the rig and have a picnic, go on a nature walk, or just relax out on the beach. Fishing, swimming, and boating will keep active campers busy. But it's your getaway, and you can be as active or as relaxed as you like!
You’ll enjoy the many different types of marine life at Silver Strand. You may see the endangered snowy plover, a bird that nests at this beach. Because this species is threatened, guests need to be aware of fencing and signage to protect these birds. Both humans and dogs can keep the birds away from their nests, so dogs are restricted to certain areas of the campground. With your help, the plovers will be able to regain their numbers.
Silver Strand State Beach is an ideal RV destination year-round thanks to its sunny weather and proximity to San Diego. Even though you're just minutes from the city, you can still soak in the solitude of nature while enjoying incredible views of the Pacific Ocean. From swimming and surfing to hiking and fishing, you will have loads of outdoor adventures to choose from during your RV vacation to this idyllic beach escape.
Transportation
Driving
Heading south from the city of San Diego, this campground is located 4.5 miles south of Coronado on Highway 75, north of Imperial Beach. It is uniquely situated on a sand-spit that forms the outer edge of San Diego Bay on its east. Therefore, one side of the park faces the Pacific Ocean, and the other faces the bay. The campsites are on the Pacific Ocean side, and there are tunnels under Highway 75, giving you access to the picnic and beach areas on the bayside of the park. The exit is easy to navigate from the highway.
Parking
The 120 RV sites in the campground side are very close together. The campsites are narrow and long, with room for your tow vehicle on the same campsite. There is a fee to park any additional vehicles that don’t fit on your site. South of the campground, there are three large parking lots, all ocean side, which can accommodate more day-use vehicles. So invite your friends to come and join you for a day at the beach!
Camping Accomodations
40'
40'
- Electrical hookup
- Water hookup
- Generator use
Food storageSewer hookup- Dogs & cats
RV Rentals in Silver Strand State Beach
2021 Thor Chateau 22E
2024 Forest River Georgetown
2019 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 419 LWB High Roof
2001 Thor Wanderer
Felicity the Happy Camper! 2023 Winnebago Solis 59PX
2022 Forest River 263BHXL
freedom elite
New Wolf Pup perfect for small family
Campsites in Silver Strand State Beach
Reservations Camping
San Diego Metro KOA
All are welcome at the pet-friendly, family-friendly, multiple award-winning San Diego Metro KOA. The campground is in close proximity to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, and Safari Park, Legoland, the Living Coast Discovery Center, Old Town State Park, Palomar Observatory, the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, and much more. The campground features a full-time activities director, and discount tickets to many attractions are available. Other amenities include a year-round pool and hot tub, a game room, a jumping pad, a Kamping Kitchen, bike rentals, a world-class playground, a farm-to-table café, and themed weekends.
Silver Strand State Beach Campground
There are over 100 RV sites at this campground that provide water and electric hookups. While there are no sewer hookups provided, there is a dump station located within the park. The major advantage of camping here is that no matter what site you choose, you'll be just steps from the beach. There are restrooms within walking distance of the campground. There are no fire rings or grills provided at your campsite, but campsites do have picnic tables. Fire rings are within walking distance. The campsites are rather close together, but this provides a way for you to make new friends during your relaxing stay at the beach.
Come to this campground to relax and enjoy yourself, but there are a few rules you need to be aware of. Pets and people are not allowed to sleep outside of their RVs. Fires are only allowed in concrete fire rings. Camp stoves and any other fire containers must be used only within the lines of your campsite, elevated six inches or more above the pavement. The other rule is that dogs need to be kept on a six-foot leash and are only allowed at your campsite or in the parking lots, not on the beaches. Also, make sure you check what time the park gate closes in the evening and plan your trip accordingly. Camping is strictly for self-contained RVs only, and car and tent camping are not allowed.
First-Come-First-Served Camping
Silver Strand State Beach Campground
If you're taking a spontaneous trip to Silver Strand State Beach, you are in luck since several RV sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you choose to stay at this scenic campground, you'll be just steps from the beach and picnic areas. Electric and water hookups are provided, and a dump station is located at the park. Restrooms and outdoor showers are also available. You'll love being close to all the action of the beach when you bring your RV to Silver Strand State Beach.
Lakes Nearby Silver Strand State Beach
Seasonal Actvities in Silver Strand State Beach
In-Season
Kayaking
Guided kayak tours are regularly offered during peak season at Silver Strand Beach. The minimum age to ride in a kayak is five years old, and children under ten must ride tandem with an adult. Call the marina at Loews Resort to reserve your spot.
If you're an experienced kayaker with your own equipment, you'll find several areas that offer a challenge to the more adventurous paddler. Just be careful not to paddle too far down the coast because beyond the state beach area is a military training area, and you don't want to run into any Seals of the human variety.
Playing Beach Volleyball
Beach volleyball is a California beach vacation must. This game has grown into an Olympic sport due in large part to the popularity of the sport on the sandy beaches in California. Round up some friends for a game of beach volleyball on the beautiful sand courts at Silver Strand. You can work on your tan while getting exercise too! The refreshing ocean breeze will cool you off as you play. If you forgot your ball, or need other supplies, like sunscreen or a hat, there are shops with beach amenities nearby.
Fishing
At Silver Strand State Beach, you can fish from your boat or the beach, also referred to as surf fishing. Anglers suggest frozen anchovies, squid, or mussels for your bait and a fishing pole that you can cast right from the shore. But watch out for swimmers and surfers! You’ll be surprised at the variety of fish you may pull in: perch, yellow-fin croaker, sand bass, grunion, and halibut are just a few of the wide variety of species that inhabit the area.
Smaller sharks and rays are frequently hooked in these waters as well, so use caution if you reel in one of these. Check what the regulations are for keeping or throwing fish back into the water. Keep in mind, if you are over 16, you'll need a fishing license if you fish from a boat. Fishing from a public pier does not require a license, however.
Surfing
Silver Strand Beach draws many intermediate-level surfers to ride the waves. For beginners, there is a local surfing school that offers private and group surfing lessons at Silver Strand Beach. Swells come in from the west and south, typically at their peak in summer and fall. If you're planning on attacking those famous California waves, make sure you bring your surfboard in your camper and remember to always surf safely by wearing a life vest and surfing with a partner. If you need to rent equipment, there are marina rental shops in nearby Coronado, San Diego, and Chula Vista.
Off-Season
Attending Junior Ranger Programs
California State Beaches have phenomenal opportunities for youth to get out and discover new things outdoors. On Saturdays at Silver Strand Beach, kids ages seven to 12 can join outdoor programs led by park rangers to earn their California State Park Junior Ranger badge and receive other incentives. Parents must be present to register children for the activities. Many nature programs are available for all ages at all different times of the year. If you're taking a family RV road trip, this is a great way to get the kids out into nature.
Beachcombing
This campground was named Silver Strand because of the silvery oyster shells that historically covered the western coastline of this park. Just south of the campground along the Pacific Ocean, there is an excellent location for beachcombing any time of year. Take a stroll along the sand and keep your eyes open for sand dollars, moon snails, and cockleshells. You never know what treasures you may find. There is also a paved bike path that you may walk along if you get tired of the sand. So, if you're dying to get out on the beach, it's just an easy walk from your RV campsite, and you'll love bringing home the treasures you find along the shore.
Nature Walks
During the winter months, a popular activity at the beach park is going on guided nature walks. Usually held on Sundays throughout the year, visitors can join a nature walk to identify plant life and animals in their natural habitat and learn about the local ecosystem. Bring your binoculars and hand magnifiers to see what you can discover. The walks are free, although there is a charge to get in the park. Groups will meet by the lifeguard towers.
Winter Fishing
Although the fish that are biting in the winter months are fewer than you'll find in the summer, anglers say that it's easier to catch your limit when the temperatures drop. Whether it's because there are fewer people fishing or the fish are migrating, you're bound to take your limit of delicious yellowtail, rockfish, or cod back to camp to cook up for the family. Be sure and check the weather before you launch the boat for some fishing because you don't want to run into any choppy waves while you're out. Luckily, the weather is pretty mild year-round in the Silver Strand State Beach area. You'll need to acquire a California fishing license if you are over 16 unless you are fishing from a public pier.
