The campground lies on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Oceanview sites are $50 (no hookups) and $75 (full hookups, few). "Inland" sites are just a few steps across the access road at $35/$60.
We like to have a site near one of several stairways that access the beach. I appreciate not having to cross a long stretch of soft sand to walk along the surf line
There is a ramp next to site 179.
The best and most popular swimming beach is 2-3 miles north near downtown Carlsbad. Bike lanes everywhere.