Map showing campground location near Oceanside, California

Camper submitted image from Del Mar Beach Cottages

Del Mar Beach Cottages

Beach camping takes on a different character at Del Mar Beach Cottages, where military families and their guests set up directly on the sand within Camp Pendleton. The facility operates year-round with both RV sites accommodating rigs up to 50 feet and tent camping options, all requiring military ID or sponsorship for access.

Sites sit close together in rows facing the ocean, with front-row spots commanding higher rates but delivering unobstructed water views. The beach stretches roughly 200 yards from campsites to the waterline, providing ample space for activities despite the compact camping layout. Staff maintain the sand regularly and provide wooden beach chairs with umbrellas positioned between campsites and surf. Each site includes a fire pit, and the gentle wave action creates consistent background sound throughout the night.

Full hookups serve RV campers, though reviewers recommend surge protectors and water filters. The base setting means enhanced security but also stricter regulations - speed limits carry point penalties, and pets must remain leashed due to protected marsh wildlife nearby. Shawn S. notes the location offers "fantastic place to camp on the beach with terrific views and facilities if you have base access."

Reservations open 12 weeks ahead for active duty personnel and 10 weeks for retirees. Summer months bring younger crowds and higher activity levels, while off-season visits offer more space and quieter conditions.

Reservation Info

Cottages Spacious beachfront and marina view cottages located on the pristine Pacific Coast. Each cottage provides a private bedroom, kitchenette, dining area, living room area, flat-screen TVs, and a furnished patio with a BBQ grill. Limited pet-friendly cottages available (additional fees apply).

Campground Del Mar Beach & Marina is the perfect location for Southern California camping. Choose from 116 full hook-up campsites, and enjoy a fun, clean, and secure environment all the while enjoying quality time with family and friends on the beach.

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Location

Public Campground

Del Mar Beach Cottages is located in California

Coordinates

33.20486539999999 N
117.3935732 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 12 users
Last on 4/3/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 4/3/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 4/3/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 12 users
Last on 4/3/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 10 users
Last on 4/3/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 4/3/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
50 Amp Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Drive Time

34 min from San Diego, CA
1 hr 29 min from Los Angeles, CA
1 hr 52 min from El Centro, CA
2 hrs 25 min from Oxnard, CA

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5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

4.0

out of 5

10 Reviews

Many campers appreciated the pristine beachfront location with clean facilities and family amenities, despite tight site spacing. Several reviews noted the unique military base setting requires proper ID access.

Bob

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 9, 2022

Great Campground!!

Just a beautiful campground, you can hear the ocean waves, peaceful. Full hook ups. And on the base so secure! Will come back again!

Site37 Second row

Month of VisitSeptember

nancy B.

Scout

Reviewed Feb. 10, 2022

This map is way off Del Mar Beach and Cottages are up in Camp Pendleton north of Oceanside Please update your map

Wrong map pin

SiteDel Mar RV

Month of VisitJuly

Jeff

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 1, 2021

Beach spot

Been here several times, great spots, best beach in socal!

Sitemultiple

Month of VisitAugust

Jacob S.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2019

Amazing Place for Military Families

This is such an awesome set up for military families. We stayed here in March, and there was almost nobody else there. We had one beach house and you are allowed one tent per house. We were in the tent. Technically I think the rule is a 9x9 tent max. I would check. The beach house has a back porch and then the sand starts. There is probably about 200 yards of sand until the water at least. Right outside our tent was a playground for the kids. There is a fire pit at every house. About 100 yards out there are wooden beach chairs and umbrellas. The sand is kept very clean. The beach at he water is a very gentle slope down, waves are small and good for kids playing and wading.

(5) View All

Jennifer D.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 6, 2019

Camping on the beach with full hook ups!

We loved our stay here! We were front row for a week. They have done a great job keeping the beach clean and the put out chairs with shade. The beach is really wide so it’s great for flying kites!

(11) View All

Shawn S.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 4, 2019

Ocean front camping

Relatively small rv park on Camp Pendleton directly on the beach. We were able to call in reservations early enough to get a front row spot (a tiny bit more expensive and back in sites only) and I think it makes it such a better experience. Camping directly on the sand makes for a dirty experience but it’s the beach! Our friends stayed in a beach cabin on the other end of the resort. Nice facilities there as well. Kinda more of a loud and partying crowd than most campgrounds. Nothing too crazy though. WiFi didn’t work too well. Fantastic place to camp on the beach with terrific views and facilities if you have base access.

Nicole H.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2018

Fun Easy Clean

The campsites are small but it is clean and family friendly also located right on a big beautiful beach. You must have a military ID to camp here, you can have alcohol on the beach but no glass. They have a play set for kids right next to the campsites and a small 7 Eleven like store. Full hook ups are available for RV’s but you need a surge protector and a water filter is advised if you want to drink the water. Fun, Safe, Clean we love staying here for a easy quick trip when we want to get out but not due to much planning or packing.

Month of VisitSeptember

Leslie M.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 15, 2018

Oceanfront

Campsites are fairly tight together. Our tent site was second row, intermixed with rvs. But being that close to the ocean was wonderful! You just can’t beat falling asleep to ocean waves!

John S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 2, 2018

Military...What More Can I Say?

Actually there is...Camp Pendleton Del Mar Beach is not too bad in small doses or stays. The first thing you must remember it is a Marine Corp base and that things run a bit differently. It’s their own world. Federal laws and regulations are enforced. They will give you a ticket for one mile o er the speed limit and take a point. They remodeled the beach area and tore out all the trailers a few years back and built rental cottages. There are also tent sites as well as RV/trailer sites with hook-ups. They each come with a barbecue pit but no grill. Reservations are a must. Prices are seasonal, $50 for the cottages and $40 for the others. You may reserve a spot or cottage for usyally up to two weeks. AnythIng longer and they are are lIkely to place you in the back wIth no vIew. You may bring a dog to the beach but it must be on leash at all times because of the endangered wildlife by the marsh. Del Mar beach is open to the public technically for day trippers. You can drive on base without military ID, they will just ask for a driver license and proof of insurance at the main gate and to sign in. Most ammenties, like the rentals and other camp sites would not be accessible. However, if you have a military sponsor who is willing to make the reservation under his name discreetly, that’s a different story. Active duty usually has priority over retired and civilians in regards to reservations. Active duty can book 12 weeks out and others 10 weeks. On base you will not have access to stores, gas stations, etc., without some form of military ID. Summer months are not bad if you don’t mind young marines enjoying alcoholic libations in large quantities or witnessing a lot of testosterone as they try to exert their dominance. There is a restaurant and bar that is air conditioned so you can escape the heat.

(5) View All

Erin M.

Legend

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2016

Absolutely Beautiful!

Really beautiful beach very clean with large bathrooms hot showers food nearby first come first serve shade structures. Camping on the beach also cabin rentals available through del mar beach reservations

Frequently Asked Questions

What do the cottages and facilities look like at Del Mar Beach and Marina?

The beach cottages at Del Mar Beach include a back porch and accommodate one additional tent per house. The campground features large, clean bathrooms with hot showers and a small convenience store similar to a 7-Eleven. For families, there's a play set for children located near the campsites. The property sits on a beautiful, wide, clean beach with provided chairs and shade structures. The beach area is spacious enough for activities like kite flying, and the overall facility is well-maintained and family-friendly.

What are the prices for cottages at Del Mar Beach and Marina at Camp Pendleton?

Del Mar Beach offers beach cottages at Camp Pendleton with varying prices. Front row cottages (those directly on the beach) cost slightly more than other locations. Each cottage rental allows for one tent per house (maximum 9x9 size) to be set up on the property. For exact pricing, it's best to contact Del Mar Beach reservations directly as rates may vary by season and accommodation type. Military ID is required for making reservations.

What are the rules and reservation requirements for Del Mar Beach camping at Camp Pendleton?

Military ID is required to camp at Del Mar Beach on Camp Pendleton. Reservations can be made through Del Mar Beach reservations system, and booking early is recommended to secure prime spots, especially beachfront locations. Alcohol is permitted on the beach, but no glass containers are allowed. For tent campers, there's a size restriction (reportedly 9x9 maximum per cottage). As this is a military base, federal laws and regulations are strictly enforced, and visitors should understand that operations follow military protocols. The campground maintains family-friendly policies and emphasizes cleanliness and security.

What RV and camping options are available at Del Mar Beach Camp Pendleton?

Del Mar Beach at Camp Pendleton offers several camping options. For RVs, there are full hookup sites with both front row (beach-facing, back-in only) and second row positions available. The RV park is relatively small but offers the unique opportunity to camp directly on the beach. Tent camping is available in designated areas, with some tent sites mixed among RV spots in the second row. Additionally, beach cottages can be rented, and these allow for one tent (maximum 9x9) to be set up per cottage. All camping options provide the experience of falling asleep to ocean waves in a secure military base environment.

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What do the cottages and facilities look like at Del Mar Beach and Marina?

What are the prices for cottages at Del Mar Beach and Marina at Camp Pendleton?

What are the rules and reservation requirements for Del Mar Beach camping at Camp Pendleton?

What RV and camping options are available at Del Mar Beach Camp Pendleton?