Leo Carrillo State Park
RV Guide

The park's rangers help celebrate the wonders of Leo Carrillo with interpretive programs. These events include guided nature walks, campfire programs, and demonstrations for the Junior Ranger Program. Offered from Memorial Day through Labor Day, these programs are a fun and adventurous way to get more in-tune with your surroundings.

Visitors come to explore the rocky outcroppings and caves that line the beach of Leo Carrillo State Park. Seasonal low tides catch some of the small creatures that call this area of the ocean home and leave them in crevices or holes that fill with water after the tide goes out. Fortunate beach surveyors will get to see all sorts of tidepool animals, ranging from anemones to crabs, and sea stars to fish. It's important not to disturb these pools or handle the creatures within them. The tidepools offer a spectacular way to get a closer look at the ocean's inhabitants.

Surfing is a popular pastime along the Leo Carrillo shore. Surfers gather to play in the exposed reef and the point break. The waves are fairly average here with none that get too wild or spectacular, which makes it an ideal place to learn the sport. Still, it is best to remain cautious, as many rocks hide below the surface. Summer brings offshore winds that come from the north, creating the perfect surfing conditions. Camping in Southern California along the Pacific Coast should always include a little surfing, so wax up your board, or rent one from a local shop and head on over the Leo Carrillo Beach.

Leo Carrillo's waters host a number of ideal diving locations all along the shoreline. These coves tend to range in depth from 12 to 40 feet and in difficulty level, but none will leave you without a stunning display of the area's interesting underwater formations and diverse sea life. This area is home to many exotic creatures, including rays, octopi, and soupfin shark. Discover whole schools of fish in kelp forests, where they gather under rich plant life. There are so many places to explore, and with visibility ranked best in late summer, Leo Carrillo is a sure answer to your desire to dive. Make sure to use a float and flag when beach diving, as well as an anchor line and a descent line for safety.

It's not every day that you get to throw a line into the ocean (we're making assumptions here). So, while visiting Leo Carrillo, why not give it a go? Anyone over the age of 16 will need to acquire a valid California fishing license before fishing for California sheepshead, surfperch, calico bass, halibut, and white sea bass. There are several points that jut out into the ocean, creating perfect spots for those looking to cast off from the rocks. Whether by rock, off the shore, or from your skiff, you're sure to find your fishing sweet-spot. Best of all, you can take your catch back to the campsite for an old-fashioned fish-fry.

Dogs love camping too, and there aren't many beaches in Southern California that allow dogs on the shore. Well, this park has what you've been missing. The dog-friendly north beach at Leo Carrillo is the perfect location to let your pooch run off some of that pent-up steam from travel. Stretch those four legs -- a few rounds of fetch with a sandy stick is always nice any time of year. Dogs are welcome to stay in the campgrounds, so the fun doesn't have to end after a day out. There is so much to do here, even for the furrier guests. If you're on the road with Fido, be sure you make this stop.

Guests who enjoy hiking have it good here. There are plenty of trails to choose from, and they from easy to difficult. Whether you're looking for a gentle roam or an energetic hike, Leo Carrillo provides it all. Some trails show stunning beach views, while others pass along wildflowers and other bodies of water. For those looking for a little more leisure, there is a short nature path near the campfire center at Canyon Campground. If you want to see some wildlife during the off-season, try hiking the five-mile Leo Carrillo Beach Trail. Maybe you'll spot a California newt or a southern alligator lizard.

Waterfowl at Leo Carrillo State Park is abundant. Each species has its own unique song and offers the added touch to this California beach setting. Avian enthusiasts are fortunate enough to witness all sorts of grebes, gulls, pelicans, and more. Many glide right overhead and feed along the shoreline. Others will be witnessed along rocky outcroppings or fishing in the waters offshore. If you visit the park any time from November 15th through December 15th, you may catch the migration of many bird species along the coast, roughly following the Pacific Coast Highway (humorously referred to this time of year by locals as the Pacific Coast Flyway). First thing in the morning and right before sunset is the best time to see these migrating flocks. Be sure to bring your binoculars in your campervan.

Birds aren't the only migrating visitors to frequent the area. A popular activity preceding the peak season is whale-watching. Although you can see whales any time of year, guests visiting the park during the chillier seasons of April and into the beginning of May are privy to spotting migrating gray whales. These magnificent creatures roam down the coast and swim rather close to the beach. This event makes for some spectacular views and memories to last a lifetime. Whales aren't the only sea mammals to see in the area. You may also witness traveling sea lions, harbor seals, and dolphins, so make sure to pack your telephoto lens in your travel trailer.

Visitors are sure to be awestruck by the spectacular surroundings that Leo Carrillo State Park has to show off. The shoreline boasts rocky outcroppings and unique formations that make for the ideal shot. There's no better subject for that perfect still than the sun setting on a western sea. A sea setting doesn't get much better than this; the secluded feel is easy to take in during off-season times when crowds aren't so dense. Even when the water is too cold for human guests to enjoy, the area wildlife still likes to show off. Whale watching is quite popular here. With so many photo opportunities, you'll want to make sure you have your camera packed in your motorhome.