Camping is a four-season activity in California. While all the leaves are brown and the sky is grey elsewhere, we're packed and ready to get away, especially to the beach.
Think warm days wandering the uncrowded sand followed by crisp nights gathered around a crackling fire. Fewer crowds mean campsites are easier to reserve and less competition for a table if you wander into town for dinner.
To be fair, it does rain in Southern California. At least that's what the history books tell us. If there's moisture in the forecast, you have a couple of options. Stay home. Or go wine tasting. Many of our beach campgrounds are winery adjacent. What better way to shelter from the storm than sipping chardonnay or cabernet?
So, what are some destinations to consider for winter beach camping close to Santa Clarita? Here are some of my favorites.

Pismo Coast Village
Located within walking distance of downtown Pismo Beach, the pier and the sand, this is a destination that offers options aplenty. Coffee shops. Clam chowder. Barbecue. Even cinnamon rolls. Wine tasting is a short drive away. And, speaking from experience, this full-service RV resort is a great option if you're worried about rain. With full hook-ups, you can settle into your RV and crank up the heater. If you do get wet, the on-site washer and dryers will have you clean and dry in no time.
pismocoastvillage.com

Refugio State Beach
Keep driving north on 101 past Santa Barbara and Goleta to get to this one. You won't find stores or restaurants nearby, but what it lacks in convenience it makes up for in scenery. Palm trees line a wide, flat beach that spills into a sheltered cove. Walk out to the point to catch the sunset and watch surfers ride long, slow rolling waves. A
2.5-mile paved path leads south along the bluffs to El Capitan State Beach. It's a great walk but watch out for a washed-out section of the trail.
reservecalifornia.com

Carpinteria State Beach
This one's a family favorite. We're here multiple times a year and we already have a weekend booked this winter. The simplicity is part of the appeal. It's close to Santa Clarita, which makes getting there easy after work. Grocery stores are around the corner if you forgot something. Don't feel like cooking? Restaurants are not only close by, but many deliver. Two breweries are within walking distance. Nice flat spots welcome tent campers and some sites feature hook-ups if you must have them. Don't want to risk tent camping, and don't own an RV? Consider renting a trailer and having it delivered to your campsite.
reservecalifornia.com

Jalama Beach
Even more remote than Refugio, this one sits at the end of a winding 14-mile road south of Lompoc. It is probably the most pristine beach camping you can find in Southern California, with miles of empty coastline stretching north and south waiting to be explored. Fair warning: it's known for wind, so much so that the park hosts kite surfing competitions and regulars have at least one story of blown over tents. On the plus side, cabins are available for rent. So, if you want to play it safe and not risk getting rained or blown out, consider booking one. Tent sites and RV hook-ups are available, too. One other piece of advice: Experience a Jalama Burger at the campground store.
countyofsb.org/parks/jalamacamping.sbc

Winter beach camping might sound intimidating, but it only requires a sense of adventure and a little extra preparation. Make your plans but be flexible in case the weather changes. Pack more clothes and blankets than you normally would and bring extra firewood, too.
And remember, even if the weather is not what you wanted, it's a dream compared to what the rest of the country experiences on such a winter's day.
Eric Harnish lives in Castaic but camps wherever he can.