Beach camping

Though it has never stopped me in the past I've looked around for clear rules regarding beach camping on state property but really haven't found any. I've camped up in Big Sur many time with no problems but what are the rules? If it is not posted as prohibited is it fair game?

Oh there are always rules.  I talked with the ranger at the Sonoma Coast state beaches, north of Bodega Bay, there are a few campgrounds, but on the beaches outside of the camp ground, you are allowed on the beach 24 hrs a day but you can't "camp" there. I was planning a nighttime beach thing and had seen fires on the beach as late as 11pm so I called the ranger station to find out the rules. So yeah at least in that area that's it, 24 hr a day OK, camping not OK.   Also I believe State Beaches have some pretty strict rules on dogs.

Good Luck, if you come up with any good info let us know.

Dale L

Beach camping SHOULD BE LEGAL......sometimes the rules we have here are pretty darn silly  I hear in Alaska, you can camp almost anywhere and not even need a permit....it's nice to see that the good ol days are still in effect in SOME places....that's it....I'm moving....

in Alaska there are fewer people than in San Francisco.

let 35 million people do what htey want and you'll have a f'ing ugly trash heap

Beach camping SHOULD BE LEGAL......sometimes the rules we have here are pretty darn silly  I hear in Alaska, you can camp almost anywhere and not even need a permit....it's nice to see that the good ol days are still in effect in SOME places....that's it....I'm moving....

I believe the laws are similar in Arizona too, Mooch. You can camp on the side of the road, ride in the bed of a pickup, and cruise your moped w/out a helmet! But I do not recommend moving to Arizona....

in Alaska there are fewer people than in San Francisco.

let 35 million people do what htey want and you'll have a f'ing ugly trash heap

Good point made.....but can we at least have one or two here in Nor Cal...I mean...come on I think we have SOME room to spare....

Even Homer Alaska has had their problems with beach camping back  in the 80's.  I don't know how it is now but back then they had a real problem with the "spit rats".  It was intensity in tent city, to quote the Nuge.