Hours & Fees
South Carlsbad State Beach is open from dawn to sunset for day use, according to California State Parks. Vehicle day use costs $10, and a special rate of $20 can apply at peak season, on busy holidays and on weekends. The South Ponto lot is open 7 a.m. to sunset and the North Ponto lot 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Hours and Fees at a Glance
Hours by Area
California State Parks lists the park's hours as dawn to sunset and asks visitors to call the kiosk to confirm. The district's 2026 posted order sets the closing times for each area:
- Whole park: closed to public use, entry or occupancy from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- South Ponto parking area, lands and restrooms: closed from sunset to 7 a.m.
- North Ponto parking areas, lands and restrooms: closed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
In the campground, State Parks' Park Information page sets quiet hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., and visitors who are not registered campers must leave by 10 p.m.
The campground entrance kiosk is staffed from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. in high season and 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. in low season. Phone (760) 438-3143.
Day-Use Fees
- Vehicle day use, regular: $10.
- Vehicle day use, special holiday, seasonal or weekend rate: $20.
State Parks says prices can change without notice and that special rates may apply at peak season, on high-demand holidays and on weekends. Statewide, State Parks charges day use per vehicle at most parks, and walking or biking in is free at most of them. Check the sign at the lot when you arrive.
Camping Fees
Campsites run from $50 a night (inland, no hookup) to $140 (oceanfront double hookup), and the Pelican Point group site is $650 a night. Each extra vehicle is $15 a night. Full table on camping.
Passes Accepted
State Parks lists these passes as accepted here:
- California Explorer Vehicle Day Use Annual Pass
- Disabled Discount Pass
- Distinguished Veteran Pass
- Golden Bear Pass
- Senior Golden Bear Pass
- California State Library Parks Pass
Is It Open Year-Round?
Yes. California State Parks lists no seasonal closure, and the campground runs all year: its stay limits are set separately for March to November and for December to February. What changes with the season is staffing: lifeguard towers are often staffed in summer, lightly in spring and fall, and not at all in winter. See the beach.
Hours & Fees FAQ
How much does it cost to park at South Carlsbad State Beach?
Vehicle day use is $10. A special rate of $20 can apply at peak season, on busy holidays and on weekends. Campsite fees cover one vehicle.
What time does South Carlsbad State Beach close?
The park lists day-use hours as dawn to sunset. The South Ponto lot closes at sunset and the North Ponto lot at 10 p.m.; the posted order closes the whole park to public use from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
Is South Carlsbad State Beach free?
Driving in is not: vehicle day use is $10 or $20. California State Parks says walking or biking into most of its parks is free.
Does a California State Parks pass work at South Carlsbad?
Yes. The park accepts the California Explorer annual pass, Golden Bear and Senior Golden Bear passes, the Disabled Discount Pass, the Distinguished Veteran Pass and the California State Library Parks Pass.