By TR Robertson
I have lived in North County for over 45 years and have driven by South Carlsbad State Beach Campground more times than I can count and with the exception of a one-time camping experience at South Carlsbad State Beach with staff members from Hope Elementary School many, many years ago, I had never been to the Camp Store. Carlsbad State Beach was established in 1933 and the original Camp Store at 7201 Carlsbad Blvd. was established between 1964-65. The state beach and Camp Store area encompasses 44 acres and includes 220 camp sites. This popular camping area is full through the summer months and a popular site year-round.
For the most part, there had been no renovations or improvements to the Camp Store since the original building was built. This is until Anthony Marcotti acquired the Camp Store in 2020 with the idea of making some major upgrades and additions to both the building and surrounding area. For nine months, Marcotti refurbished the building making kitchen additions, a performing stage for bands, fire pits, adding additional seating, tables and umbrellas. There are also two oversized lifeguard chairs that are popular picture spots. The store itself still sells basic supplies, gift items, snacks, ice and firewood. The kitchen has been changed to a pizza-based restaurant. During the summer months the kitchen is open every day except Tuesday, but salads, drinks and other items are available on Tuesday from the store.
When the kitchen is open it offers eleven different 10” pizza selections including Hawaiian with Canadian bacon, the SurfSquatch with pepperoni/sausage/bacon, the California with chicken and the Palomar with prosciutto, to name a few. Prices range between $15-$18. They also serve Truffle fries, Wisconsin cheese curds, and chicken wings.
For drinks you can choose between sodas, hard seltzers, Kombucha, wine and both tap beer and canned beer. Beer selections include a range of local beers on tap from breweries like Stone, Burgeon, Pizza Port and Societe. Some of the canned beers come from Harland, Firestone, Mother Earth, Pacifico and Modelo.
Certainly, the food, the atmosphere and the view bring both locals, campers, and out-of-towners to Camp Store; but another addition is the music groups that perform every day during the summer. Many of the bands and singers are local. Some of the performers listed for the August calendar include Ginger Roots, Midlife, Ultra Violet, Jason Jenkins, Boo Stubbs and Scott Altman. The day we were there, San Malo took the stage. One recent addition to the Camp Store area is a very large Sasquatch statue. The employees in Camp Store said it just appeared a couple of months ago. I was told that there was an unsanctioned contest to name Sasquatch. A friend of mine had submitted Carl as a name.
We arrived around 5:30 pm and there were a couple of tables available, but by the time we left, shortly after sunset, the Camp Store area was full; and this was a Tuesday when the kitchen was not open. I was told you can reserve a table, which is probably a good idea during the summer months. Parking is a bit of a problem with most people parking across Carlsbad Blvd. (old Hwy. 101) and walking to Camp Store. There is an unloading/passenger pick-up area with 20-minute spots available just passed the entrance. Go to www.thecampstore.com for more information or call 714-478-2487.
Great California sunsets, great food and drink, a friendly atmosphere and another Southern California location that makes this area so special. If you get a chance, plan a trip to Camp Store. You will not be disappointed and be sure to get a pizza.
