Rules & Regulations

The rules at South Carlsbad State Beach come from the San Diego Coast District's posted order, signed March 5, 2026, and from the campground map. The ones visitors ask about most: no wood fires on the beach, no alcohol outside a registered campsite, no dogs on the beach, no drones, and stay off the bluffs. The posted order closes the park to public use from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., with earlier closures at the Ponto lots.

Fires

• On the beach: all fires are banned, including wood, pallets, charcoal briquettes, fire logs and paper. Self-standing propane or butane burners are allowed if the bottom is at least 6 inches above the ground.
• In the campground: wood fires only in the state-provided fire rings, never left unattended. No pallets or treated wood. Charcoal or gas cooking stoves are fine in your site.
• Don't dump coals or anything smoldering into trash cans.

Alcohol and Glass

Drinking alcohol is banned in the park except inside a designated campsite (or at a permitted special event). Glass containers are banned everywhere except inside the campground.

Dogs

Allowed only in the campground, on a leash no longer than 6 feet, and inside a vehicle or tent at night. Not allowed on the beach, except service animals. See dogs.

The Bluff and the Beach

• Stay off the cliff bluffs, and keep chairs, umbrellas and other gear at least 10 feet away from them.
• Don't climb on lifeguard towers.
• Surf-riding is banned where signs or flags say so.
• No launching or beaching any vessel; hand-powered craft like kayaks are allowed outside no-surf zones.
• Rock hounding is allowed in the wave-action zone, under state rule CCR 4611.
• Don't feed wild or feral animals, including ground squirrels.

Drones

No drones or other powered remote-controlled aircraft. Remote-control gliders are allowed in the area known as "Dave's Beach" (the "turnarounds"), near Palomar Airport Road. The order's drone exceptions: commercial filming with an FAA Certificate of Authorization, park permits and California Film Commission approval; non-commercial use with a park special use permit and FAA registration; and scientific research with FAA registration and park permits.

Campground Rules

• Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; generators only 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• 8 people and 3 vehicles per site (4 on double hookups), all parked inside the site behind the number.
• Non-registered visitors out by 10 p.m.
• Token showers are for registered campers only.
• Speed limit 15 mph. No riding in pickup beds; seat belts required.
• Bikes on paved roads only; riders under 18 wear helmets; lights after dark.
• Motorized scooter riders need a license or permit and a helmet. No skateboards or scooters near the office, entrance, Camp Store, restrooms or dump station, or anywhere after sunset.
• Don't scatter cleanser or diatomaceous earth on the ground; it harms plants and marine life.
• Household garbage only. Recycling and green compost bins are provided.

Curfews

• All year: campers under 18 must be in their own campsite from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Spring: from March 1 to May 1, a juvenile curfew covers the whole park from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Campers under 18 need a parent or legal guardian present, or a written consent letter with the parent's name, address, phone and the dates allowed.

Groups, Events and Filming

A State Parks permit is required for groups over 25, organized group meetings, paid filming or photography, and anyone teaching or training others on park land. Email sd.specialevents@parks.ca.gov.

Other Rules

• No scavenging in trash or recycling bins, and no bringing household or commercial trash from outside to dump.
• No vehicle repairs, oil changes or car washing, except to move a disabled vehicle.
• The maintenance area is closed to the public.
• State Parks may close any area for events, maintenance, resource protection or safety.