California's 5 Best Winter Beaches, According To Campers

Winter might not be the first season that comes to mind for a California beach trip — but for campers, it's arguably the best time to go. From the rugged cliffs of Big Sur to the palm-lined stretches near Santa Barbara, there are lots of campgrounds dotted along California's 3,000 miles of coastline. Some destinations seasoned Golden State campers love to visit over the winter are MacKerricher State Park, Pfeiffer Beach, Limekiln State Park Beach, Refugio State Beach, and Leo Carillo State Park.

Camping along the Pacific in the off-season offers crisp ocean air, dramatic surf, and golden sunsets without the shoulder-to-shoulder summer crowds. It also means something every camper appreciates: easier campground reservations. Or, in some cases, no reservations required at all! Oceanfront sites that book out months in advance for June, July, and August suddenly feel within reach.

Whether you're up in Mendocino or down in LA, California's coastal winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Averages range from the mid-40s to mid-60s, making it cool but comfortable for hiking and beach walks if dressed appropriately. And if we haven't sold you on a cold weather beach excursion yet, you should know winter is one of the best times of year to go whale-watching in California. So gather your camping gear and get ready to experience a true Californian winter with a trip to one of these five beach campgrounds.

About four hours north of San Francisco in Mendocino County, MacKerricher State Park has something for everyone. The campground offers RV sites (tent sites are usually closed during winter) within a short walk of the Pacific Ocean and the boardwalk surrounding Lake Cleone. Campers like Raven P. on the Dyrt rave about visiting in the winter. "There are not many people in the off season so we were able to get a spot with direct access to the beach!" There are coin-operated hot showers and other basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings at every site, but no RV hookups are available. Make sure you brush up on hacks for staying warm while winter camping. 

The MacKerricher State Marine Conservation Area protects an ecologically diverse stretch of Northern California coastline. Winter visitors have an excellent chance of spotting gray whales during their migration from December to early-April. But the whales aren't the only attraction — harbor seals lounge along the coast, deer roam near the lake, and black oystercatchers forage the tidepools with their bright orange beaks. At low tide, anemones, starfish, octopi, crabs, sea urchins, and other curious-looking creatures are visible in the pools as well. Make sure you wear sturdy footwear to navigate slippery or sharp rocks, and secure food at your campsite to deter raccoons and foxes. 

No trip to MacKerricher State Park would be complete without a visit to its famous glass beach. While the rounded, colorful remnants may look pretty, do not try to bring any glass home with you as a souvenir. Just like the park's other natural features, the glass is protected by law.

While most coastal visits are quieter during winter, there's one exception: Pfeiffer Beach. Around the winter solstice, in late-December and early-January, the setting sun aligns perfectly through Pfeiffer Beach's iconic Keyhole Arch. It creates a glowing beam of light that draws photographers from around the world. You can expect crowds during that short window — it's a bucket list moment for many and anything but secret. However, outside those few peak weeks, winter visits can feel surprisingly peaceful, and you don't need the solstice sun to appreciate the dramatic rock formation jutting out of the beach. "Big Sur is always beautiful. Winter is my favorite time to go," wrote one Reddit user. 

Pfeiffer Beach is just an hour's drive south along the coast from Monterrey, and dog-friendly if you want to bring a furry friend. There's no camping directly on the beach, but winter campers can base themselves at one of the nearby tent and RV campgrounds. For example, Big Sur Campground and Cabins and Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park are just 20 minutes away, and both are far easier to book in winter than during the summer rush. The state park campground has a restaurant and camp store if you don't feel like cooking. "Pfeiffer is our favorite, perfectly located to conveniently see all Big Sur has to offer. We were there in October heading back in December for a little 'winter' trip," wrote u/MidwayJ on Reddit.

Note the road to Pfeiffer Beach may close after heavy rains in the winter, so check for closures and conditions before you head out. But the rain isn't all bad. Winter storms create dramatic surf and moody photography conditions, and Pfeiffer Beach's famous purple sand — tinted by garnets washed down from the surrounding hills — is especially vibrant after rainfall.

Limekiln State Park Beach is a go-to for winter campers seeking seclusion and dramatic coastal views. The park has limited day-use access and just 24 campsites, so you can book your escape with confidence that the beach won't feel overrun. It's even relatively low-key throughout peak season, and things wind down even more during winter. On top of that, off-season reservations are typically easier to secure compared to summer, making it more realistic to plan a last-minute winter trip.

As you explore the short, leisurely Limekiln Trail through giant redwoods, you'll find the four restored stone kilns. Originally built to purify limestone from the canyon by burning it at high temperatures, they're all that remain of a short-lived 1880s lime industry that once shipped materials up the coast. Oceanfront or redwood campsites feel especially peaceful in the off-season, offering campers the perfect balance between forest shade and easy access to Big Sur's rugged coastline. "Limekiln campground is lovely, with options to camp on the beach or in the redwood forest along a creek," wrote u/bigsurhiking on Reddit.

Winter rains bring Limekiln Falls to life, making the short hike even more worthwhile after heavy rainfall. However, that same heavy rain can sometimes cause flooding or storm damage, leading to temporary trail, campground, or road closures. It's important to check conditions and parks.ca.gov updates before you go. As of this writing, the Limekiln State Park campground is closed due to storm damage. However, there are plans to reopen in spring 2026. Travelers can still visit for the day to explore the beach, waterfall, and hiking trails.

Just half an hour from Santa Barbara, Refugio State Beach offers drive-in campsites close to the sand. The palm tree-lined beach feels surprisingly tropical for a winter getaway, and visiting in the off-season means the beach won't be too crowded. You'll also have a much better chance of securing one of the coveted beachfront sites than during the peak summer season.

From December through March, campsites are first-come, first-served, making spontaneous winter getaways far more realistic. Don't have your own RV? You can rent trailers from 101 RV Rentals and have them delivered to the park. Dogs are permitted at the Refugio State Beach campground on a leash, but not on the beach itself.

This is another great stretch of coastline from which to spot gray whales during the December-April migration period. On a clear day, you can even see the Channel Islands from the mainland. In late-afternoon, go for a stroll and enjoy calm, uncrowded sunsets. To be a responsible camper no matter where your outdoor adventures take you, always remember to do these things before leaving your campsite.

About 20 minutes from Malibu or 45 minutes from Santa Monica , Leo Carillo State Park is an underappreciated destination near LA with a gorgeous beach. With 1.5 miles of scenic shoreline, campers can explore protected tide pools, wander through coastal caves, and comb the beach for shells and sea glass. Winter is a prime time to visit and escape the summer crowds. "I've done Leo Carrillo in the winter it's super fun and pretty empty because it's so cold," wrote u/Silverstrand2 on Reddit.

The beachside campground offers both RV and tent camping sites, and is nestled in a natural canyon. Set up camp beneath giant sycamores (which, granted, look a little different this time of year than their usual lush summer selves). It's a well-developed campground with easy beach access, making it a convenient home base for exploring other stunning areas like the rugged El Matador State Beach and Zuma Beach nearby. Note the showers are operated by one-dollar bills, so make sure you have cash before you arrive!

Winter's cooler temperatures mean more comfortable hiking and fewer day visitors, but you'll want to bundle up for beach strolls. Leo Carillo State Park is also a dog-friendly camping destination, and they're welcome along the northern portion of the beach and throughout the campground as long as they're on a leash. Hike the popular Yellow Hill Trail or Nicholas Flat Trail, which offer amazing views on a clear winter day.

To create this list, we looked at consistent camper feedback across international and local travel blogs, Reddit threads, Tripadvisor reviews, and campground-focused platforms like The Dyrt. We prioritized California beach campgrounds that offer a strong combination of scenery, wildlife viewing, practical amenities, and parks with reliable winter access.

However, temporary closures can still occur due to wildfires, flooding, heavy rain, or storm-related damage to roads and infrastructure, so always check with state parks or campground before you go. 

We found sites across the state from NorCal to SoCal for variety, and put an emphasis on camper satisfaction to narrow the list to these five standout winter beach camping destinations.