Dog Rules

Yes, dogs are allowed at San Elijo State Beach on a leash no longer than 6 feet, but not everywhere. In the campground they are fine. On the beach they are allowed only from Lifeguard Tower 16 south to the San Elijo Lagoon mouth, under the park's posted order. At night, dogs must stay inside a tent or vehicle.

Where Dogs Can Go

• Campground: allowed on a leash of 6 feet or less, under physical control.
• Beach: allowed on leash only from Lifeguard Tower 16 south to the south edge of the San Elijo Lagoon mouth. North of Tower 16, dogs are not allowed on the sand.
• Cardiff State Beach: next door, California State Parks allows leashed dogs at Cardiff Reef and Seaside, south of Tower 16.

The short summary at the top of the parks.ca.gov San Elijo page says dogs are not allowed on the beach. The park's posted order, its "Dogs on Beach" notice and the campground map all allow the stretch south of Tower 16, so this site follows those. Follow the signs on the day.

Campground Pet Rules

From the campground map and park regulations:

• Keep pets on a leash no longer than 6 feet and under physical control at all times.
• Pets must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night, and may not be left outside overnight.
• Noisy or vicious animals are not allowed.
• Clean up after your dog.
• Service animals are allowed on the beach.

Why the Limit

California State Parks says dogs are kept off most San Diego Coast beaches because they disturb wildlife, especially birds. The water off San Elijo is a marine protected area, and San Elijo Lagoon to the south is a wildlife reserve.

Nearby

San Elijo Lagoon trails welcome leashed dogs on most trails, but not in the slot canyon section of Annie's Canyon, according to the Nature Collective, which helps run the reserve.