Huntington Beach Camping Cost – Your Quick Guide to Beach Fees

If you’re thinking about sleeping near the sand at Huntington Beach, the first question is always the price. Is it cheap enough for a weekend getaway, or will it eat up your travel budget? Below you’ll get a clear breakdown of what you actually pay for, how the costs differ between options, and a few easy ways to keep the bill low.

What You Pay for at Huntington Beach Campsites

The most common campsite on the beach is the Huntington State Beach campground. They charge a flat daily rate that covers a spot for a tent, a small motorhome, or a pop‑up camper. As of the latest season, the fee is $30 per night for a standard site and $45 for a site with a power hook‑up. The price includes a paved pad, a fire pit (where allowed), and access to restrooms and showers.

If you bring a larger motorhome, you’ll need a pull‑through site that costs $60 a night. These spots give you extra room to maneuver and usually come with a 30‑amp electrical connection. The extra cost is mostly for the space and the power supply.

Don’t forget the optional extras. Some visitors pay $5 extra for a trash bag service, and there’s a $10 fee if you want a portable toilet rental for the night. The campground also sells firewood on a first‑come, first‑served basis – usually $1 per pound.

Season matters, too. Prices jump to $35‑$50 per night in the summer months (June‑August) when demand is high. If you can camp in the shoulder seasons – early spring or late fall – you’ll save $5‑$10 per night.

Tips to Cut Your Beach Camping Budget

1. **Book Early, Save Early** – The campground releases sites three months ahead. Grab a spot right when they open and you’ll lock in the lower early‑bird rate.

2. **Go Off‑Peak** – A Thursday night in May or a Saturday in September often costs the same as a weekday in June. Check the calendar and avoid the holiday rush.

3. **Bring Your Own Power** – If you have a portable solar panel or a battery pack, skip the 30‑amp hookup. That can shave $20 off a night for a motorhome.

4. **Pack Food and Firewood** – Buying groceries or firewood at the beach kiosk is pricey. Stock up before you leave and you’ll keep the extra fees under $10 total.

5. **Share a Site** – If you’re traveling with friends, split the campsite cost. Two tents on one site are usually allowed, cutting the price in half.

6. **Check Nearby Alternatives** – A few miles inland, cities like Seal Beach or Newport Beach have municipal campgrounds that are $10‑$15 cheaper per night. You still get a short drive to the sand without the premium price.

By using these tips, you can keep a typical weekend at Huntington Beach around $80‑$120 total, instead of $150‑$200 if you pay full price for each night.

Bottom line: Huntington Beach camping isn’t outrageously expensive, but the costs add up fast if you don’t plan. Know the daily rates, watch the season, and use a few budget hacks, and you’ll enjoy the ocean breeze without breaking the bank.