Parking & Directions
To reach South Carlsbad State Beach, take Interstate 5 to the Poinsettia Lane exit and go west to Carlsbad Boulevard. For the campground, turn north, make the first legal U-turn at Breakwater Road, then drive south to the entrance on your right at 7201 Carlsbad Blvd. Day visitors park in the South Ponto and North Ponto lots.
Getting There at a Glance
Driving to the Campground
These are California State Parks' directions:
- Take Interstate 5 and exit at Poinsettia Lane.
- Go west to Carlsbad Boulevard and turn north.
- Make a legal U-turn at Breakwater Road, the first light.
- Drive south on Carlsbad Boulevard to the campground entrance on the right.
State Parks notes that you cannot turn into the campground straight from Poinsettia Lane; drivers coming that way must continue north and make the U-turn. The campground address is 7201 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA 92008.
Day-Use Parking at Ponto
Day visitors park in two lots south of the campground:
- South Ponto has ample accessible parking, restrooms, an outdoor rinse shower and the best route down to the beach. Open 7 a.m. to sunset.
- North Ponto has accessible parking and a vault toilet. Open 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Day use costs $10 a vehicle, or $20 at the special holiday, seasonal and weekend rate. The lots are managed for State Parks by LAZ Parking. See Ponto Beach.
Lot Rules
The district's 2026 posted order sets these rules for parking lots:
- Park on the pavement, inside the lines of a single space.
- Day-use vehicles or combinations over 25 feet long or 9 feet wide are not allowed in the South Ponto and North Ponto lots.
- No tailgating, and no awnings or slide-outs. No chairs, tables, barbecues or other gear in the lots.
- Spaces marked Authorized Vehicles Only are for State Parks and employee vehicles.
- No vehicle maintenance, repair or washing in the park except to move a disabled car.
Parking for Campers
A campsite fee covers one vehicle plus one legally towed vehicle or trailer. A site can hold up to 3 vehicles (4 on a double-hookup site), and each extra vehicle pays $15 a night. All vehicles must stay inside the campsite, off the pavement and behind the posted site number; there is no other parking in the campground. Trailers and motorhomes are limited to 35 feet. See camping.
Coming for the Camp Store
State Parks says on-site parking at the Camp Store is limited and suggests carpooling, rideshare, or parking nearby and walking in.
On Foot or by Bike
California State Parks says walking or biking into most of its parks is free. Inside the campground, bicycles are allowed only on paved roads, riders under 18 must wear a helmet, and bikes ridden after dark need a light.
Parking & Directions FAQ
How do you get into South Carlsbad State Beach campground?
From I-5, exit Poinsettia Lane, go west to Carlsbad Boulevard and turn north. Make a U-turn at Breakwater Road, then drive south to the entrance on your right. You cannot enter directly from Poinsettia Lane.
Where do you park for South Carlsbad State Beach?
Day visitors use the South Ponto and North Ponto lots south of the campground. South Ponto has restrooms, a rinse shower and the easiest walk to the sand.
Can you park an RV at the Ponto lots?
Only if it is no more than 25 feet long and 9 feet wide. The 2026 posted order bars larger day-use vehicles from both Ponto lots, and awnings and slide-outs are not allowed.
What is the address of South Carlsbad State Beach?
The campground is at 7201 Carlsbad Blvd., Carlsbad, CA 92008.