Review Detail

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.