Del Mar Beach Cottages and Campsites

Two words, BED BUGS! My children had bites all over them and woke up with in an hour complaining of itching, we lifted their shirts and they were covered. TOTALLY GROSS! We left and dropped our key off at 11 pm. I will be calling in the morning to make sure I do not get charged. I will not be returning ever. Very upsetting:(

Im a SSG retired and I do not know who to contact about Del mar RV park and san onofre RV park and soon Coronado RV park CA First I am by no means rich and not Bill Gates, but you must be to use those RV parks $50.00 dollars a night and $350.00 a week is way out of line for retired and active duty military it is for military personnel to use not civilians that are rich. This was a benefit but not no more. The rv parks do not have a hot tub, swimming pool on site no cable, and no hot showers that are inside with a roof. So why compare it to the high dollar ones We drove there the 2ND week of Jan and left, it is way out of sight on pricing. That is probably why it was empty. What happened to support our troops, it is now screw our troops. PLEASE BOYCOTT THESE RV PARKS! THANK YOU SSG Richard Kinney

Almost like camping at the dog pound, dogs every where, and although they are not allowed on the beach they are all over the camp sites, even though they are on a lease, which adds insult when they are using your outside chairs for a relief station. Very pricey for a military fam-camp, but guess it is location, location, location. Great for families, especially if you have several large dogs, but us older, retired folks will do better else where.

Forget using the bath houses. Use your shower in your rig. No security with them like other camps with coded doors or locks. Beach is great especially sharing a fire and a glass of wine with your neighbor. It was enjoyable watching the Marines do their PT in the morning on the beach and occasional night activities. Commissary at Camp Pendleton are just across the freeway but there is an Exchange annex, gas station, laundry, post office and even a Starbucks shack on the Camp Del Mar side a few blocks up the road from the park. As to directions, after getting off at exit 54B to the South Gate, turn left on Wire Mountain and go over the freeway. Keep on Wire Mt. going North until 12th Street. Turn left (the only way you can turn) and it takes you down to registration building on your right just before the RV park. Try and get a front row slot...it's worth it. First row fires in pits DO drift into your trailer depending on the wind. Make sure your windows are closed before someone lights up.

We currently are stationed at Camp Pendleton and stayed at Del Mar for a 'trial' before we took our new RV far from home. We had a BLAST at this camp ground. It is RIGHT on the beach. You have a choice between sand or paved spots. Since we only have a FWD SUV we wanted to keep our RV on the paved portion (just so we would not get stuck, which we have seen some RV get stuck in the sand) and it was wonderful. We had a nice fire pit behind our RV on the sand. A guy came around a few times that evening to sell some firewood at $20 cash. You can also go to the local exchange to get a bundle of wood for $5 if you prefer. The bathrooms were not very clean when I went. The entire bathroom was cement and stainless steal potties, not too welcoming. However, we will be staying here again next month (December 2009) to enjoy our new RV again.

Del Mar is the best beach camping in California. We had our whole family there 2 full hook up campsites were great. We all enjoyed the tanks driving it was really cool. We would hall our easy ups and coolers out to the beach and hang out all day. No negative comments here.

Del Mar is one big sandy beach. It is known for it's cottages more than it's RV campsite. The cottages are new and are right on the beach, that means sand every where. The RV campsite is also on the beach. It is one big flat sandy RV parking lot, The first 3 rolls have full hook-up and a fire ring, the 4th roll has no fire rings. I think because it right behind the reservation office. The beach itself is outstanding. Fine sand and no rocks, definitely a kids zone. During the summer months when school is out the beach is packed even on the weekdays (too crowed for me) and all the front roll RV sites are taken. These are the only ones with a view of the ocean. I've read some bad things about the people at the reservations desk, but my experience was pleasant and the gentleman who help me was nice.

We just returned from two weeks on the beach at Del Mar, one week while I did some reserve duty, a few days hangin' with the wee ones in the sand, with drill weekend on the end. By far the best and cheapest beach front in SoCal. It's our second trip there, first being a quick overnighter on the first row about a month ago. Spring starts getting busy and although I was on the second row this time, I was on that row all by myself! and during the week I had awesome views of the beach and ocean. Maybe a dozen rigs total spread out over the CG. The weekends, however, were completely insane. I'd go to work Friday and come "home" to a totally different and packed beach. Everyone seemed to respect the quiet hours at 2200, but the only downside was the thick smoke created by all the fire pit rings in the second and third rows, comes right in the trailer, due to placement of pits vis-a-vis the RV sites and prevailing winds. It would've been nicer if our upwind neighbors would've doused their fire with water or sand when turning in for the night. (I snuck out and finally did it myself!) The first row doesn't have that problem, so if you get a spot there, you're fine. I never used bathroom/shower facilities, but did a walk through. Nothing fancy but seemed okay. Laundry was further down the beach where the day visitors hang out, in between camp sites and cabins, and there's a playground on the beach near the cabins. Staff was perfectly nice, even the evening security guards (young Marines wanting additional income) were pretty knowledgeable. I wish they had WiFi - wouldn't matter for a weekend trip but for two weeks or, like some of my during-the-week neighbors, four weeks!, it would be nice for taking care of business, paying bills, etc. Overall, a great trip on a great beach!

'RIGHT ON THE BEACH" WAS WHERE WE STAYED TWO NIGHTS ELEC. AND WATER, NO SEWER. A NICE LEVEL SITE, #45.... LOTS OF OTHER SITES, MOSTLY PAVED, UPPER AND LOWER?? W/FULL HOOK UPS ETC. SHOWER AND RESTROOM FACILITIES USABLE---THIS IS THE NORTH CAMPGROUND. SAN ONOFRE, EASY IN AND OUT, EXCHANGE, COMMISSARY, AND FUEL, GAS AND DIESEL, FIVE MINUTES FROM THE PARK. WE WENT SIGHT SEEING WHICH WAS GREAT. OVERALL A PLEASANT SHORT STAY!!

Since apparently there was at one time some dissatisfaction with the manner in which this campground was operated, we want to describe my recent experience. We liked this campground so much that we extended our stay four times. Each time, the staff worked with us to keep us in the first row (right on the beach). Their response to my praise was that it was their job to keep us happy. The only fault we found was that the dryers failed to dry our clothes properly.

We first wanted to stay at another facility, but it was booked solid. Out of desperation, I called Delmar Beach. I am so glad the other was full. The staff went out of their way to help us. The location was absolutely fabulous! Camped out right on the beach. I'd promised the kids a trip to Legoland and found that Camp Pendleton was only 6 miles away. Unable to secure tickets before we left Tucson, we just hoped the ticket office at the base was open on New Year's Eve (it was) and was able to purchase tickets cheaper than at the air base near our home. We didn't go off base except to go to Legoland because everything we needed was there (and it was cold and foggy most of our stay). The staff was very friendly and went out of their way to help us. The only complaint I have is that I felt that the spaces were crammed together too tightly. Other than that (and the inclement weather) we had a wonderful experience. Besides, where else in California can 4 people stay for 5 nights for $150.00

Please allow me to clarify the misrepresentations of disgruntled (not happy) campers that have had a less-than enjoyable experience in what is perhaps...the absolute best "military campground" available. Remember, first...this is San Diego!!! OK, maybe just Oceanside, (San Diego County). With its year round sunny climate, and average temperature of 70 degrees, Oceanside's weather has been rated by USA Today as the second most ideal climate in the United States, and the fifth most ideal weather in the world. Families enjoy nearby area attractions including Disneyland, Legoland, the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park, and Sea World. CP´s Del Mar Beach is host to some amazing celebrations each year. The annual 4th of July "Beach Bash". Hah! Try to get a spot for that one. Thousands and thousands of beach goers attend this great party. Yes there is a huge professional firework display launched from the harbor. Then there are also beach concerts that are staged by some very deep pocketed sponsors and MCCS. Some of the guests that show up each year to pay tribute to the troops include; Pamela Anderson, Snoop-Dog, ZZ Top, Jessica Simpson, Blind Melon and Clint Black...trust me, the list goes on. Just a couple reasons this place gets a lot of attention. Oh did I mention the beach...easily 200 yards deep, by several miles of clean, white sand, a lifeguard headquarters and harbor access for those who wish to try their back-hills trout fishing techniques on some of the worlds finest, deep ocean Halibut, Thresher and Maco Shark, and the elusive Yellow Tail Tuna. And when you´re done fishing for the day; you can cruise up to the harbor for a refreshment, then cruise back to the on-base launch ramp (about 50 yards away from the cottages), and back to your campsite to cook it all up. NOW, for the attitudes of the management staff. This place is super busy from late March until early November. Packed every weekend with not only campers, but ALL their family members that are within driving range. So, for every I.D. card there´s about 4 campers or visitors. For a military couple, that means about eight campers or visitors. You want one of beach front spots? Try signing up for active duty. Did your time...reservist...DOD? Wait your turn; there are active duty members that are taking shells to protect your right to go camping. Give me a break! If you don´t have that figured out yet...you deserve the back row. Better yet...select a different campground. Instead of complaining, come during the off months when they have a harder time filling the place. They still need to fill the campground. All this makes for a lot of people demanding stuff from the staff. I think they do extremely well with what they´re given. And they have been given some new facilities over the last couple years. A new office, head/shower facility, laundry facility, new cottages, campsites with sewer hook-up, and several (40?) new (no fire pit) sites, still with full hook-ups and recently...new fire rings. The staff has never given me or my guests any hassles beyond what they (the kids) usually deserve. Speaking of kids...yeah, there´s going to be some noise and the dogs are going to bark. But they don´t bark all the time, just when the whiners are around, and the kids bite only when provoked. Get over it!!! Is this the place for you...depends on if you can handle the finest weather and finest camping area the military has to offer. Bring your towel, some Carne Asada, and a cold refreshment. Stay for the weekend. You might just fall in love. I have been camping this beach for about 15 years. Same beach, same staff, same rules. In the words of Nacho Libre..."It´s the Best"!!!

Can't beat the location. Now, to get that location is a challenge, to say it nicely. The staff are probably the most unprofessional I've ever dealt with. Impolite. Curt. Obviously failed Customer Service 101. The CG operation is a joke. Rules governing reservations is archaic: categories for active duty, retirees, DOD, dog, cat...there is a pecking order and the lower you are in that order, the more vital it becomes to be related to someone in the staff to get served. Too bad. It is always the human factor that ruins the day.

This is a great location to relax for a bit. Yes, you see the Marines doing P.T. and their vehicles come thru the park a lot of mornings to launch off the beach next to the park...that doesn't bother us at all! To us, that is one of the great things about staying in military parks--you get to see our military train for what they do best. For some reason, if you reserve for two weeks, they put you in the very back...farthest from the ocean so you get no view. Not sure why, and no one could tell me! There were many spots empty during the time we were there, but that didn't seem to matter. After Memorial Day, they did let us move up one row, which was a bit better but still two rows of RVs in front of us (when they were there). We did not use the bath house at all--it is definitely for the campers! But, that is why we bought the RV, so we could be comfortable/self-contained when we needed to be. I would not recommend using the laundry at the Park. Very dirty and the dryers did not work...I ended up packing up my clothes and taking them to the laundry next to the small exchange and starting over. I do think the cost is a bit steep for what they offer, but it is beautiful when you get up in the mornings and walk the beach. I would stay here again just for that!

F.J. left this review using the Directory software: I have very mixed feelings about this place. I booked for a month and was assigned a site at the very back of the camp where I can barely see the ocean. To get to the ocean I have to walk through other campsites as there are no access paths. Most of the week the camp is 90 % empty but is fuller on weekends. The sites nearest to the ocean are configured so that larger vehicles have to back into them, frequently into deep sand. Camp site maintenance is minimal with small trash left on the sites for weeks. The office staff is not very friendly or helpful, and occasionally abrupt. The listed facilities - store, dining, etc - are not within walking distance. The restrooms for tent campers are odorous, run down and feature group showers. I don't mind the daily reveille at 0530 or the frequent parade of armoured personnel carriers through the camp - the sounds of freedom. On he positive side all sites are 50 Aamp full hook-up. The fixed price, $30/day for everyone, tent to Class A, is high for the degree of service. I give this place 2 stars our of five based on lack of concern by the staff and the lack of maintenance. They do have cabins for $70/day which may be better.

OK, I just have to say it, tho contrary to other voices and to my civility...waited two months and was going to drop my whining complaint, a repeat of last year. BUT I just called in for another round of abuse by the extraordinarily poorly managed operation. Got it. Long tenured non-military civilians seem to have little awareness of military rank, protocal or comraderie...and this is if you don't cross them, push them, press for answers to their chaotic system. They will not (tho can, I am convinced) answer why it is so extremely difficult to get through the phone to make a reservation, and why, after all that labor under crossed fingers you get a spot way back against the fence only to find nine, yes NINE, beach places remained unoccupied all weekend long. Summary: Potential as one of the greatest of all locations and experiences is trumped by poorest of all management teams kept in place by a command understandably focused on wartime priorities (I did talk with the Commandant, who assigned a LCOL to follow up but entrenchment and self-serving "misstatements" by the staff saved their hide).

This was our first trip to Camp Pendleton and we were very impressed. Camp Pendleton is a large and scenic post with lots of attractions. Del Mar was a large campground with lots of people taking advantage of the beach access. So, If you like to be near the beach and don't mind being very close to your neighbors this campground is for you. We stayed on Row 3 stall 77, which was about dead center and within view of the beach but not of the water. While we were on a hard surface camp site, it backed up to the sand (not the beach) dividing areas where the fire pits were. Needless to say between us and our dog we unintentionally brought a lot of sand into our rig. While their was a diversity of campers, I felt this campground was more for the spring break crowd. The restrooms were very basic and not unlike a free public beach restroom would typically be. Of course this wasn't free, so I expected a little more. Fire pits were very accessible for each site and were used by most campers. If your rig is outfitted with a toilet/shower I would recommend to use them. While the campground allowed pets, and there were many, it was very limited to where they could go, which led to a lot of bored and barking animals. All campers who are pet owners should petition for a dog friendly portion of the beach, after all it's their vacation too. We originally chose this campground over Lake Oneal for our first visit to Camp Pendleton, due to it's higher rating on this site. We only stayed one night and that was enough for us. After we left Del Mar we drove past Lake Oneal to check it out and wished we had stayed there instead. Without question it will be our next destination. Either way, you can't go wrong visiting Camp Pendleton.

I'd like to start by stating that there are two completely different campgounds described here, and most of us are talking about the Del Mar Beach one. There should be two different posts here for reviews. We stayed in site #1, and hoped that this meant that we'd have no neighbors on one side. Wrong. There's a site 0, and they allow tenters to set up there. The first two nights we had 3 tents with 6 people next to us, and they were well-behaved. Then the next three nights we had a group of 17 - four adults and 13 high school cheerleaders (10 girls, 3 boys). They didn't cause any problems, though I feel there should be a different place for tenters. If the group of 20 boy scouts had been able to stay where they set up (next to the cheerleaders), we'd have had 37 people using the water spigot right outside our door. But they moved further down the beach. We love this campground, though- the location is perfect, especially if you get a site on the beach. We like the security, too, of being on a military base. The regular passing-by of the squadrons running PT and the tanks coming from maneuvers made us Air Force retirees feel a bit nostalgic!

This is a great FAMCAMP. The manager and staff are friendly and very helpful. There are a couple of things they could go to improve the experience, 1)don't assign a spot until you arrive, take request for a specific spot only and 2) designate half of the first row on the beach for Motorhomes and the other half for all over RV's. The reasons for these suggestions are 1) when you make your reservation, you make it for a specific amount of time. If you want to extend your time, then 99.9% of the time you will have to move to another spot because they have a reservation for the spot you are in and 2) most Motorhomes will want to have the front of their Motorhome facing the ocean for the view while other RV's have their big window in the rear and back in. They have signs posted that dogs are not allowed on the beach, however, it seems that several adults cannot read as there were several dogs on the beach!

This is a wonderful place to take your kids and grandkids. Yes, the marines are out most mornings and evenings practicing for what they do best. The kids are proud of the way the marines wave at them when they pass by in their vehicles and so are we. An education plus the beach, it is wonderful. The noise of freedom, beautiful. Beach is protected at night by roving patrols and the camping office staff have been outstanding.