The good news is that camping beach side is still possible in California. All over the state, campgrounds are available for reservation throughout spring and summer. The bad news is because beach side campsites are rare, they're often packed with people and RVs and are booked up months in advance.

I recommend booking a midweek trip at one of the smaller campgrounds, as weekends are pretty much booked the minute the site reservations go live in early March.

It took many hours to put this list together, tracking down databases and recommendations from friends and camping mavens, but I feel confident this list covers the most the most substantial collection of tent-ready sites worthy of your time.

Thanks to the popularity of our pieces on Free Camping Sites Throughout California, Rentable Fire Lookouts and Our Favorite Beach Essentials, the Californist is compelled to put together an article on the best beach-side camping sites in California.

Some sites, especially those in Southern California can be hugely popular, noisy and crowded. Almost all the sites below may be booked online, but anticipate six months outlook before you do so. The tragedy of the commons is a reality for ocean-side camping. I've vetted this list to ensure tent camping availability and removed RV camping exclusive sites.

Southern California

Leo Carrillo State Park Campground (Malibu) - Located 28 miles northwest of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway (Hwy 1). Over 100 sites are available for tent camping. The grounds crew are currently removing an existing bridge to improve the endangered Steelhead habitat, which will mean construction and various site closures throughout the grounds throughout 2016.

Crystal Cove Cottages State Park (Laguna Beach) - Go back in time and stay in one of the last 24 beach cottages built in the '30s and '40s. Cottages have been restored. As described on the Crystal Cove Beach Cottage community page, "Located in the heart of Crystal Cove State Park's 3.5 miles of pristine coastline, the Historic District first developed as a South Seas movie set due to its seclusion and tropical aura. The community thrived and became beloved for its relaxed, friendly atmosphere and picturesque landscapes." Registered as a National Historic Place in 1979. I've never stayed here, but I've heard this place is beautiful and experiential.

Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground (Laguna Beach) - 30 standard tent camping sites are available if you aren't able to find a Crystal Cove Cottage, tent sites all bookable online here.

San Clemente State Beach (Orange County) - "Spanish village by the sea" is the slogan for San Clemente. This beautiful mile-long beach offers stunning water-based activities and bluff ocean views. Lot's of trails and surfing available at one of the most popular surf destination campgrounds with 144 campsites available year-round and bookable here.

Doheny State Beach (Orange County) - Located in the City of Dana Point, and on one of California's most popular beaches, 97 sites are available for tent camping. There's often festivals going on near the property which means that campers can expect little peaceful relaxation. Camping in LA is pretty rough typically, what can I say.

Thornhill Broome State Beach (Malibu) - 15 miles south of Oxnard on Pacific Coast Highway. 9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway. Part of Point Mugu state park. Rocky beach, mainly meant for RVs, but a few tent sites available. Boondock sites requiring pack-in and out of all your belongings. Pretty bare bones camping, honestly. Wouldn't recommend this place unless you're truly desperate.

Hobson County Park (Near Ventura) - Located North of Faria Beach Park and Rincon Parkway, wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the base of the Santa Ynez mountains along Highway 1 (US-101) off the Ventura Freeway. Views of the Channel Islands and is footsteps from the beach.

Carlsbad State Beach (San Diego County) - 204 standard sites are available in this San Diego county campground. Lot's of swimming, diving and surfing opportunities here. One of San Diego's most popular beaches. All amenities are offered here for tent campers.

San Elijo State Beach (San Diego County) - Another full-service tent campground in San Diego north county. Two miles of coastline offer visitors great opportunities to enjoy swimming, surfing, diving and other water-based activities. 171 campsites are available here all bookable online.

McGrath State Beach Campground (Oxnard) - Closed due to El Nino flooding until further notice.