Silver Strand State Beach San Diego Beach Camping

Silver Strand State Beach, located just south of Coronado and about 4.5 miles from downtown San Diego, is a beautiful coastal spot on a seven-mile sand spit that separates San Diego Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Named for the silvery oyster shells scattered along the shore, it is the most popular destination for beach camping in San Diego, offering a sense of seclusion despite its proximity to the city.

Camping at Silver Strand State Beach

Silver Strand State Beach is on the sand strip separating San Diego Bay from the Pacific Ocean. Silver Strand is San Diego’s most popular place for beach camping. Silver Strand gives you the feeling of a remote location while being only a few miles away from the city.

Silver Strand Best Campsites: Camping is in the north lot #4. Spaces 041 to 061 and 081 to 095 are right on the beach. Step out of your RV right onto the sand. The other four rows of camping spaces are in the parking lot, just steps from the beach. Reservations can be made through the Reserve California website. Depending on the season and campsite location, fees range from $45 to $65 per night. Amenities include restrooms, showers, and a dump station. Pets are restricted to the campground and parking lots.

Camping Reservations

Being so close to San Diego, Silver Strand Beach is booked for the summer season months in advance. If you can camp off-season, you should not have too much of a problem getting a campsite for your RV.
You can also keep checking Reserve California for cancellations or go for the day and enjoy. Camping spots can be reserved up to seven months in advance, so make summer reservations around Christmas.

Beach Activities

Silver Strand State Beach offers diverse activities with its two waterfronts. You can swim, surf, and fish on the Pacific, while the sandy beach is great for volleyball and strolling. The bayside, accessible through pedestrian tunnels, is perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating, with rentals available at the Crown Cove Aquatic Center. The scenic 24-mile Bayshore Bikeway runs through the park, with shaded tables and grills for picnicking. Bonfires can be enjoyed in designated fire rings during the summer.

Weather: Silver Strand SB

The weather at Silver Strand is usually warm and dry during the summer and cool and wet in winter. Summer fog burns off by noon most days. Extremes of heat or cold are rare, with average maximum temperatures ranging from near 65 degrees in January to nearly 78 degrees in August.

Silver Strand Beach History

The Silver Strand historically served as a natural barrier, shaping San Diego Bay through sediment deposits. Before European settlement, it was inhabited by the Kumeyaay people, who fished and gathered coastal resources. In the 20th century, its strategic importance grew, with parts used by the U.S. military, notably the nearby Naval Amphibious Base Coronado, where Navy SEALs train. The state park was established in the 1930s to preserve public access to the coastline and is now a popular recreational area.

Getting to Silver Strand State Beach

Silver Strand State Beach is located south of downtown San Diego. The beach is long and flat and connects Imperial Beach to Coronado Island. Visitors at Silver Strand can enjoy views of Coronado Island, Point Loma, the Coronado Bridge, and the naval shipyards. The address for Silver Strand State Beach is 5000 Hwy. 75, Coronado, California.

Nearby Points of Interest

Hotel del Coronado: A San Diego Landmark

Just north, Coronado offers charming shops, dining, and the historic Hotel del Coronado, a Victorian masterpiece worth a visit. This Victorian hotel looks like something out of a fairytale with its red roof and a massive red turret that towers over the ballroom. The Legendary San Diego Beach Resort has been visited by European royalty, presidents, and movie stars—hotel website.

The Living Coast Discovery Center

The Center focuses on education, animal interaction, and enjoying the beautiful natural setting of the 316-acre Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. The nature center offers a budget-friendly alternative to the more expensive attractions in San Diego and makes for a fun family day trip.

Silver Strand Beach Summary:

Silver Strand State Beach blends natural beauty, outdoor fun, and proximity to urban delights, making it a standout destination on San Diego’s coast. Whether camping by the waves or day-tripping, it’s a spot that invites you to slow down and soak in the surroundings.