Pipes/Campgrounds is located along the San Elijo State Beach campground, offering a few flat reefs that cater to different surf levels. It's a popular spot, so you can expect to share the waves with many fellow surfers. Accessing the beach can be a bit tricky, with parking along the inland side of 101 or in the year-round pay lot at the campground.

The surf here can be mixed. Within the area, you’ll find some square barrels alongside sectiony mushburgers. It's not the most consistent spot, but during smaller, peaky swells, you can have some fun, punchy rides. The optimal swell direction is from the west, while south and northwest swells can also work. This place can handle swell sizes down to 1 ft (approximately 0.3 meters) and breaks over both rock ledges and soft sand. Depending on your skill, you can catch waves that break both left and right. For the best experience, aim for low to mid tide.

Keep in mind that low tides here can create many boils and suck-up sections, which might require some patience and skill to navigate. If you’re keen on hitting the waves, try to hit it when the wind is coming from the east, as it tends to improve the surfing conditions. Just be prepared for the crowds and keep an eye on the conditions before jumping in.