Rules & Regulations

The legal rules at San Elijo State Beach are set by the San Diego Coast District's posted order, last signed March 5, 2026. The headline rules: the park closes to the public from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m. except for campers, alcohol is allowed only inside campsites, glass only inside the campground, no wood fires on the beach, dogs on the beach only south of Lifeguard Tower 16, and no drones without a permit.

Hours and Closures

• The park is closed to all public use from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., except for people lawfully camping.
• The San Elijo North Day Use parking lot and restrooms are closed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
• The maintenance area is closed to the public.
• California State Parks may close any part of the park, including the beach, for events, maintenance, resource work or safety.

Alcohol and Glass

• Drinking alcohol is prohibited except inside designated campsites (and in permitted special events).
• Glass containers are prohibited except inside the campground.

Fires

• All fires are prohibited, with exceptions:
• Self-standing propane or butane burners on the beach with at least 6 inches between the stove and the ground.
• Charcoal or gas cooking stoves inside designated campsites.
• Wood fires only in the campground fire rings, never with treated wood or pallets.
• Since June 1, 2016, wood fires have been banned on state beaches without established fire rings.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed on the beach, on leash and under control, only from Lifeguard Tower 16 to the south edge of the San Elijo Lagoon mouth. In the campground, leashes are 6 feet or shorter, and pets stay in a tent or vehicle at night. See dog rules.

Beach and Water

• Stay off the coastal bluffs and set up gear at least 10 feet from them.
• No one but lifeguards on lifeguard towers.
• Surf-riding is prohibited where signs or flags say so.
• No launching or beaching powered vessels. Kayaks, rafts and other hand-powered craft are allowed outside surf-ban areas.
• Take nothing from the marine conservation areas except the fishing Swami's SMCA allows: hook and line from shore, and some spearfishing. See fishing.

Drones

No one may launch, land or fly a drone or other remote-controlled aircraft, except for permitted commercial filming, non-commercial use after a park special use permit and FAA registration, permitted research, or law enforcement emergencies.

Campground

• Check-in 2 p.m., check-out noon. Quiet hours 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.; generators 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. only.
• Up to 8 people per site; 3 vehicles on standard sites and 2 on hookup sites, parked inside the site behind the number.
• Showers are for registered campers only.
• Under-18 campers need a parent or permission letter and must be in their sites from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
• Juvenile curfew from March 1 to May 1, 8 p.m. to 6 a.m.

Parking Lots

• Park on pavement inside one marked space.
• No tailgating; no awnings, slide-outs, chairs, tables or barbecues in parking lots.
• Vehicles over 25 feet long or 9 feet wide are not allowed in the North Day Use lot.
• No vehicle repairs, oil changes or washing in the park.

Other Rules

• Skateboards, skates and scooters are banned near the park office, entrance station, camp store, restrooms and dump station. Skateboards and scooters are banned everywhere from sunset to sunrise.
• Do not feed wild or feral animals.
• Do not dig through trash or recycling, or bring outside garbage to dump.
• Groups of more than 25, organized meetings, classes and paid filming or photography need a Special Event or concession permit.
• All plants are protected.