Best Seacliff State Beach Camping in California

On summer weekends, the parking lots get filled up because it's such a hot spot to see the cement ship and Pacific coast. One cool thing is the pier that used to be connected to an old concrete ship from 1929.

The SS Palo Alto ship broke apart in the winter of 2017, and the pier was damaged. But they're fixing it, and when it's ready, the pier, a favorite fishing spot, will reopen. On the land, there are nice picnic areas, a snack shop, and a small Visitors Center.

Now, if you want to camp at Seacliff State Beach, it's only for self-contained RVs and trailers that have everything they need. No tent camping allowed.

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There are 63 campsites right along the edge of the sand, so you get awesome ocean views from your RV. Twenty-six of these sites have all the hook-ups. Each site usually has space for you to set up a little table and a fire ring.

You can reserve most sites, but there's a special deal for a few non-hook-up campsites. They do a lottery each day at 12:30 p.m., and you gotta be there with your RV before noon to get in on it. If there are any campsites left, they're up for grabs on a first-come, first-served basis.

The SS Palo Alto, a concrete cargo, is well-known from this shore. The ship is off-limits to the public and dangerous. Swimming is common at the beach. A considerable amount of sand is surrounded by bluffs. A visitor center and shaded picnic areas are available. 

Basic Park Information

Before leaving your home and heading for Seacliff State Beach, there are a few things you need to know firsthand; here are some of the most important and basic things you should know;

• Fees: If you're driving in, there's a $10 fee for the day. If you're in a regular-sized car, it's $10 (and if you're a senior, 62 or older, it's $9). If you've got a bus with 10-24 passengers, it's $50, and for 25 or more passengers, it's $100.

• Dogs: need to be on a leash that's six feet or shorter and always with a human. Check this link for places in Santa Cruz County to take your furry friend.

• Drones: can only fly above the field at the southern end of the parking lot.

• Fishing: from the beach needs a license, and there are rules from the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Check www.wildlife.ca.gov for details.

• Alcohol: isn't allowed on the beach or in the day-use areas.

• Fires: aren't allowed on Seacliff's main beach. If you're at New Brighton or Rio del Mar, keep your fires in the provided rings and watch them constantly.

• Camping: The campground is closed for the rest of 2023 because of storm damage. State parks are planning to rebuild. You can help by donating to the Seacliff State Beach Recovery Fund. If you still want to camp, the nearest spot is at New Brighton State Beach.

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