Del Mar Beach Cottages and Campsites

We have been coming to Del Mar Beach Campground for more than 15 years, and probably stay 3-4 times a year depending on availability. In the past it was usually very easy to get a space there except on the busiest holidays and during school vacations. Even then it was usually something that we were able to work around. For the last two years it has been increasingly frustrating to obtain reservations to Camp Del Mar. I'm not usually given to complaining but when I sit on a phone on hold for more than an hour in order to be disconnected, not once, but three times in the last year, there is a problem with the new improved system. The reservations used to be able to made for a specific site, however now you don't know what site you are in until you arrive. I don't really understand the reason I can no longer request a particular site, or even a particular area, but it makes no sense to me that I can't do so. The office staff, while courteous, were less than helpful when I had to leave a day early for a medical reason. I explained the reason and asked for a credit, or a rain check on our next stay and was immediately told that unless I cancelled 31 days prior I had to pay the entire amount. Since when?? This campground has developed a very business oriented feel to it. We stay at many military family camps in our travels and truthfully, if not for the convenience of being so close to our home, we would not use Camp Del Mar anymore. It is the most expensive, and most frustrating of all the services we have dealt with. Nellis AFB and Davis Monathan AFB could serve as examples to the staff of Del Mar Beach as to how a campground could function if there is a personal buy in by the staff to make it better. I don't sense that here. All in all, its still awesome to park on the beach, listen to the surf, have great (generally) weather, and enjoy the Southern California beach. Change your reservation system to be more responsive, allow reservations more than 3 months out, and keep the costs in line with other Military family camps.

This is a really nice place to stay. The campground is less than half full. The staff in the office say except for holidays there is generally a place to stay. There are a total of 105 RV sites with 33 being front row/with a fire pit. Also on the property are Villas that are mostly beach walk out. I wish I could upload some of the video I took but I am do not know how to make it the correct size. With regards to the comment from Dec 2016, I believe they are still having troubles. A couple came in with a booked and paid reservation for the front row. They were told sorry another group had reserved prior to them and it was not noticed until today. Yet when I walked around later I noted a couple of front rows that could have been offered for the night and moved in during the day. My husband was on orders so we stayed in the Villas. Just as nice. I get the feeling this is a place that has a lot of movement with last minute cancellations. When we originally called two days prior we were told we would be in a 2 bedroom villa pond view. When we arrived we were offered three different choices of deluxe villas with fire pits. Fabulous sunsets, beautiful waves and very few people. 

Best place we have ever camped, but will stay here never again. They changed the reservation policy. You can only reserve a row, no longer can you base it on a site. So if you want to be towards the north quiet area, you might end up right next to the playground and stage. Maybe you want to be next to the bathrooms, can't ask for that. Was told......what if the last camper broke down and is still in the spot you've reserved, or what if they trashed the place. Ever hear about this thing called a Tow Truck, and as far as I know, it still is a military base, anyone trashing the place would have to answer for it. Besides that, it's a beach, all it takes is a rake to be clean in no time. Many times we have wanted to stay longer, and had to move to another spot. I guess I should have used the broke down excuse to extend the stay. For most people this may not be an issue, but for us, with our grandkids, being next to and within eye sight of the playground is priority number one. If I can't reserve an area, it would make our stay way less enjoyable. Darn it, we loved this place.

What can one say. Front row on the beach hearing the waves at night. Campground was about half full, very quiet, school was back in session. Only complaint was Mother Nature, rained two of four days, but California needed all the moisture it can get.

Called for the off chance of getting reservations and was able to get 2 weeks.  Stayed in 2nd row.  During the weekdays, the camp is empty, but come Friday, no sites are available. The military training was not bad as others have complained about.  The vehicles pass between rows 3 & 4, to get onto the beach down the road.  No disruptions that I could see nor hear. Would stay again.  Stayed in a 41' motor home and had plenty of room.

One of a few military campgrounds on the beach in southern California.  Located on Camp Del Mar, MCB Camp Pendleton, it is a popular and busy location on weekends.  The resort staff are courteous and efficient.  It is pricier than most famcamps, but MCCS tends to be a bit greedy and it is in a high cost of living area.  The sites are mostly level.  With 5 rows to choose from, row 1 is the best as it is closest to the beach. Next would be row 2.  Avoid rows 3 and 4 as there is a high volume of traffic passing thru.  It also cost $10 more per night.  The sites are fairly close together and people come here to have a good time, so if you are seeking solitude and quiet, then this campground is not for you.  Often, MCCS rents out the entire front row to large groups like YMCA jamborees, so ask if there are any events going on when you make your reservation.  On those weekends (frequent from Oct-Apr) it is crowded, noisy and not as enjoyable.  Otherwise, this is a military base and there are often amphibious tracked vehicles passing between rows 3 and 4.  The power is not great and is often between 106-110 volts.  The water is typical SoCal water, doesn't taste very good- so make sure you have a filter.  Amenities are few, the bathrooms are not always clean and not heated.  The laundry facilities are a bargain.  There is a camp store onsite with minimal supplies but a convenience store is located approx. one mile away.  The commissary and main exchange complex is over the I-5 bridge approx. 2.5-3 miles away.  The best time to stay is Mon-Thurs as it fills up with weekend warriors Fri-Sun.  The sunsets are the best and nice long walks on the beach are priceless.