Oceanside Wave Pool Project Moves Forward With Target Opening by 2028 Olympics

The Ocean Kamp resort project in Oceanside, California, is progressing toward its construction phase after several years of significant delays. The development is centered around a $45 million artificial surf lagoon, which will serve as the primary attraction for a 92-acre mixed-use site in San Diego County.

Located approximately three miles from the Pacific Ocean, the project aims to introduce the first surf lagoon to the region. Developers have established a target to have the wave pool operational before the opening of the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Technical Specifications of the Surf Lagoon

The centerpiece of the development is a 3.5-acre programmable wave pool designed to produce customizable waves throughout the year. The facility is projected to utilize pneumatic wave-making machinery, a technology similar to those used at venues such as Waco Surf, 02 SurfTown Muc, and the Palm Springs Surf Club.

This pneumatic system differs from the technology utilized by the Kelly Slater Wave Co. The programmable nature of the lagoon is intended to provide consistent, high-quality surfing conditions regardless of the natural ocean swell.

The Broader Mixed-Use Development

Billed as a California Lifestyle Community Development, Ocean Kamp extends far beyond the surf lagoon. The 92-acre project is situated at 3460 Mission Avenue, on the former site of the Valley Drive-In and a swap meet, located off State Route 76 and east of Foussat Road.

The planned infrastructure for the resort includes:

• A 300-room resort hotel.
• Up to 667 all-electric, solar-powered homes.
• 134,000 square feet of retail and office space.
• Active-lifestyle amenities and a network of trails.

Legal and Environmental Hurdles

The project has faced a series of bureaucratic and legal obstacles since grading first began in 2019. One of the primary setbacks involved a lawsuit filed by the local nonprofit organization Preserve Calavera, which challenged the environmental effects of the development and caused earth-moving activities to be suspended for several months.

A settlement was reached in 2023 to resolve the dispute. As part of the agreement, the developer reduced the maximum number of permitted homes from 700 to 667. The settlement also required the addition of on-site affordable housing and mandated that all facilities be all-electric.

Archaeological and Geographical Challenges

Beyond legal battles, the project was complicated by the discovery of Native American artifacts on the property. Under state law, the developers were required to consult with representatives of the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians to ensure the artifacts were returned to a safe location chosen by the tribe.

The site also presented geographical constraints related to the floodplain. To address these issues and prepare the ground for utilities, the developers spent nearly $10 million to import fill and raise the property elevation by approximately 10 to 12 feet.

Construction Timeline and Market Outlook

Jon Corn, the CEO of N4FL Worldwide—the partnership developing the site—provided updates on the project’s status in late 2025. He indicated that mass grading was nearly complete and that roadway and utility designs were underway.

Our goal is to be under construction by April or May of 2026.

Jon Corn, CEO of N4FL Worldwide

While the development of a manmade wave pool just three miles from the coast has raised questions regarding the necessity of artificial surf in a known surf town, developers believe there is a strong market for a customizable, year-round surfing experience among the local population and visitors.