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San Mateo Campground

86%

309 sites · RV, Tent

San Mateo Campground is only a short distance inland from San Onofre’s sandy beaches. Since the San Mateo Creek flows past the campground in the east, the campground itself is situated in a wetland-like habitat. There are 157 campsites at this campground, each with access to fire pits, picnic tables, restrooms and hot showers. The campsites have an 8 person maximum occupancy but truly can’t be beat in terms of great beach access. We aren’t the only ones who think that, however, so make sure if you’re booking here to book early – especially for summer months.

What this place offers

Campfire allowed

Pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic tables

Sewer hookups

No electric hookups

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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near San Onofre State Beach

Splitrock Farm and Retreat

95%

(2070)

18mi from San Mateo Campground · 38 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

About Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 150+ foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Magical Harrison Serenity Ranch

94%

(1418)

38mi from San Mateo Campground · 18 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

This land has been a community gathering space for the Native's Ceremony and Healing Space for over a 15 thousand years. Feast your eyes upon the Matates and traces of the people that once gathered here so long ago. Upon the mid 1800's we had a Settler named Nate Harrison find this to be the ideal space, and he set up homestead here, and lived an amazing full life. He was to become the first African to aquire land here in San Diego County, and his homestead remains to this day; studied by archaeology students to this day. Sensitive habitat and magic lies within our gates, and we must approach the mountain as we would any Sacred space; with RESPECT. We welcome you to enjoy Nate's land and inspire who you are deep inside your heart.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Campo Nopalito

99%

(594)

30mi from San Mateo Campground · 5 sites

Welcome to Nopalito Farm! We’re so happy you’ve decided to spend some time on our beautiful property. Nopalito Farm has been in operation since late 2014, but the property itself has been a working farm for over 50 years. Lemons and avocados were the primary crops from the 70’s through the 00’s, and are still prominent throughout our 15 acres. Our predecessors then diversified the growing operation by planting a wide range of fruit trees ranging from guavas and passion fruit to peaches and figs. For a decade, hops were grown on 2 acres and were sold to breweries throughout southern California. We’ve since replaced the hop yard with perennial flowers, but continue to cultivate a wide variety of delicious fruits. We are committed to intentional and responsible land stewardship, using natural farming techniques with a focus on habitat restoration. We partner with various conservation groups to create habitat for wildlife and establish a thriving ecosystem amongst the fruit trees. Visiting our farm is a chance to experience a working, permaculture-based farm and to learn the ways in which small-scale, local agriculture can restore people and place.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Villa Macala

99%

(270)

40mi from San Mateo Campground · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Villa Macala is a 20-acre oasis of detailed landscape, orchards and Southern CA native planting while complimenting the natural rocks and gorgeous views. Enjoy the many hiking trails and rest in the peace, quiet and beauty. Overlooking the Hemet Valley with gorgeous panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Villa Macala is reminiscent of an Italian Villa. The property landscape includes Olive Orchards throughout, a growing vineyard, fig trees, pomegranate trees. Villa Macala is 15 minutes from Diamond Valley Lake where you can enjoy a wildflower trail, fishing or mountain bike trails, museum and water park. It is 20-30 minutes to Pachea Trail and Simpson Park where you can enjoy more great hiking and mountain bike trails. It is also a 30-minute drive to Temecula Wine Country. We have 2 full outdoor bathrooms, one was most recently added at our Elderberry Camp Site (site 1), and is also close to site 4 our Oaks Campsite as well. (Please note our 2nd bathroom is a good walk uphill from the campsites). Our larger bathroom campers can use with a shower and small fridge to store your food. We also have a playground with swing set for kids to enjoy. PLEASE NOTE: Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. FIRES: No fires are to be lit by the campers without verbal consent from property owner and instruction. SEE property owner/camp host upon arrival about what you may use on the property. He will provide instructions. TASTINGS: We offer tastings of our products with advanced notice and we will accommodate based on host availability. The earlier you request the tasting the better, but please no later than 48 to hours before the start of the booking. Thank you! Macala Orchards Olive Oil, Various Jellies and Jams Pomegranate Juice all made from what we grow are available for tasting upon request. Please let us know prior to arrival if you are interested in a scheduled tasting during your stay! We can provide a tasting if we have the proper staff during your visit. Our products are available for purchase, with or without a tasting. We recommend you bring cash if you are interested. We also take Venmo! GETTING TO VILLA MACALA: The road up to Villa Macala is a dirt road uphill, all vehicles fair well, we attempt to keep the road maintained as well as possible, after heavy rains it is a bit more bumpy but safe. Drive slow!

Toilets

Campfires

Full hookups

Granite Mountain

99%

(190)

46mi from San Mateo Campground · 3 sites

Looking for a getaway that blends rugged mountain beauty with upscale luxury and comfort? Welcome to your private luxury escape—where the stars shine brighter, the air feels cleaner, and every detail is designed to help you unplug, unwind, and reconnect. Tucked into the hills, each cabin is surrounded by breathtaking views of towering peaks and wide open valleys. Wake to golden light pouring over the ridges and fall asleep to the sound of crackling fire and distant owls. This is more than a place to sleep- it’s a destination made for connection, reflection, and adventure. Whether you’re planning a surprise getaway, celebrating a special occasion, or chasing peace in the wild, our mountain sanctuary gives you the space and luxury to make it unforgettable. Spend your days exploring nearby hiking trails, tasting your way through award-winning wineries, or visiting the renowned local olive oil farm just minutes away—offering free daily tastings of oil made fresh on site. When night falls, cook dinner under the stars, sip wine by the fire, and let the stillness wrap around you. 🌟 And yes—you’ll have great cell service 📱 if you need it (or want to post that amazing view). 🚗 Easy access by car—no 4WD required ⸻ At each private site, you’ll enjoy: 🛏️ A plush queen memory foam bed for a luxurious night’s sleep 💧 A private hot rain shower 🚽 A modern composting toilet—clean, comfortable, and private 😊 Stay Cozy with Cold A/C on those warm days and Warm Heat on those cold winter nights 🔥 A personal fire pit and string-lit seating area for evening magic 🧊 A mini fridge to keep your food and drinks cool 🍳 A private outdoor kitchen with: • A 2-burner propane stove • Fresh water for cooking and cleanup • Complimentary coffee to start your mornings right ☕ • Basic cookware, pots, pans, dishes, and utensils ⸻ This is luxury redefined—immersed in nature but full of thoughtful touches that make your stay effortless. 🌲 ⛺️ 🔥 Book your escape today and discover why couples and adventurers call this their favorite off-grid luxurious getaway!

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Zephyr Mountain Avocado Grove

99%

(161)

21mi from San Mateo Campground · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Sleep under the stars on a working avocado farm at 2,000 feet. Zephyr Mountain Grove is a 21-acre regenerative avocado and citrus farm in the hills above Wildomar — 20 minutes from Lake Elsinore, a world away from everything. Two private sites, both with hilltop views, fire pits for rent, and outhouse-style bathrooms with flushable porta toilets (not porta-potties), concrete picnic tables and Adirondack chairs for relaxing and enjoying the views. . Site 1 — Cityscape Hilltop View Summit: our group site. One large gathering pad plus extra 5 tent pads on the hillside, city lights to the west, room for the whole crew, a pergola strung with solar lights, and a brand-new outdoor shower. Site 2 — Avocado Vista Campsite: the intimate one. Smaller groups, Several tent pads, a covered viewing deck, and views of the city and grove. Site 2 -- Cozy Grove Retreat: Same site as Avocado Vista but with pre set up Inflatable 10x10 spacious tent, Inflatable queen bed and sofa. Tent lights all pre set up for you. Add-ons if you want them: s'mores kits, propane fire pits, camping essentials, farm baskets from the grove, early arrival or late checkout. This is a real working farm, not a backdrop. Dark skies, roosters at dawn, grove views — and your stay helps fund the farm animal sanctuary on the property (rescued dogs, cats, ducks, geese, chickens, pigs, and goats you may get to meet). While you're here: Temecula wine country is ~15–20 minutes south — tasting rooms, Old Town Temecula, and Pechanga. Hiking at the Santa Rosa Plateau is close by, Glen Ivy Hot Springs is about half an hour, and Lake Elsinore (skydiving, the lake, minor-league baseball) is 20 minutes north. Come unwind, recharge, camp host for information as well as the groves website (zephyrmountaingrove) for available Merchandise as well as Avocados and Citrus to see whats in season. Get away on a short trip for a relaxing destress weekend. (summer months of June through September can be hot so bring shade or you can rent an ez up from us, please check the weather in Wildomar Ca before camping)

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Thompson Palms Campground

96%

(64)

48mi from San Mateo Campground · 9 sites · Tents, RVs

We are a palm grower on 12 acres with many fruit trees, flowers, gardens, and animals. 45 minutes to the ocean. 1 hour from Mexico, 10 miles to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, 45 minutes to Sea World, 45 minutes to Legoland. We have about 30+ vineyards in our community for wine tasting. Many hiking trails including the MT Woodson trail to the famous Potato Chip Rock. Many other entertainment sites nearby, for info just ask.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Basecamp Palomar

88%

(58)

40mi from San Mateo Campground · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Experience excellence at BASECAMP PALOMAR Campground. Whether you seek a cozy campsite or desire to rent our cabins, retro airstreams, or glamping tents, we have precisely what you're looking for. Our amenities include a newly retrofitted game room, a playground for the little ones and Wifi. Choose to relax in one of our rental cabins, enjoy a spacious RV site, or pitch your tent amidst our Oak Groves. Our campground offers a fantastic opportunity to view the Milky Way or keep an eye out for UFOs. In fact, our location is world-famous for being the site of the first documented UFO encounter, Check out the George Adamski Foundation. This Campground was first opened in the early 1930"s as the Base Camp for the Contruction crew to build Route S6 "Road to the Stars" top of Palomar Mountain. The Road needed to be built wide and smooth in order to transport the Hale Telescope. The construction had to stop due to the start of WW2. Once WW2 had ended the work was completed 1948. The Base Camp first name was Palomar Gardens, Then Oak Knoll Camp and is now being rebranded back to its Original Name Basecamp Palomar. The property is rustic, a little dusty and very old school. If you're looking for a new type of camping with 5-star amenities we recommend Pala or Pechanga Resort RV Park Casino RV Park. We are just plain and simple. Note: the property has two sections one is for Kamping / RVing and the other is Seasonal / fulltime RVers

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Cottonwood Creek Camp

98%

(185)

32mi from San Mateo Campground · 6 sites · RVs, Lodging

For more than a decade, John and Kim looked for a place within Temecula Wine Country that could be their forever home. When they saw this lush, hilltop property with they knew it was right. But what to do with the separate lower area, bordered by a seasonal stream lined by cottonwoods and big leaf maples? Cottonwood Creek Camp was the answer. Located in the heart of Temecula Valley Wine Country, you'll be minutes away from 50 wineries. Situated down a quiet rural lane, and secluded by lush California pepper trees, your glamping spot is an ideal getaway for wine lovers who prefer to get away from the city hustle. The camp area has seven spots that can be occupied by other glampers. Onsite parking is available for one vehicle per campsite (additional spots may be available on request). In the morning, grab your coffee and step outside to watch the hot air balloons drift overhead. During the day, sample local vino from the 50+ nearby wineries. In the evening, nosh at one of the great restaurants in Old Town Temecula, and then return to camp for sunset views and fireside relaxation. You should know that there are two free-roaming Blue Heelers who live on the 5-acre property and make regular visits to the camp area. Visiting dogs that socialize well with other dogs are welcome by us and by Molly and Taz as well, but please be honest with yourself and us about your dog's temperament, and book elsewhere if there is ANY chance of canine conflict with our very energetic pups.

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Saddle Up Camp

95%

(333)

40mi from San Mateo Campground · 12 sites · Tents, RVs

Saddle Up Ranch is a horse rescue that is ever growing. We have over 180 trees on the property (mostly beautiful flowing California Pepper Trees) and have gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains and horse pastures.We offer horseback riding, goat yoga, and goat milking. You can also volunteer and help care for the animals while you are here by feeding, grooming or simply petting them. TJ, our owner, is working her way through the race track. Our campsites are managed by Tony. He works closely with guests to expand our campsites. TJ and many of the guides volunteer hard hours to rehabilitate the horse and give them a good home. You should see how the animals flock to TJ. The ranch also has goats, pigs, chickens, dogs and cats. You can support our mission of rescuing horses by booking one of our horseback riding or other services! Thank you for your support! Guests love staying here: "Second stay and looking forward to returning again! <3 We were the only campers during the weekend, it was so serene. It gets very cold at night but the star filled skies are breathtaking. This time during our stay we had 3 kitty visitors and 3 dogs that rolled up to our camp multiple times, it felt like they were checking up on us. It was so cute. The sweet Aussie poked his head in our tent to say "you good?" haha It was so cute and they were extremely friendly and social! The black kitten stayed at our camp all night and cuddled on our laps by the fire. It was such a lovely experience. TJ and her crew have done an amazing job with this place, I don't have enough words to explain. Just see for yourself! You'll love it!! Can't wait to visit again!"

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Lakeshore Retreat

96%

(218)

23mi from San Mateo Campground · 1 site · Tent, RV

Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shade trees🌴

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Fallbrook View Glamping Tent

95%

(32)

23mi from San Mateo Campground · 1 site

Hi I have a glamping tent fully furnished with power, toilets, heated shower, propane heater with great views and privacy. You’ll enjoy huge views and 32 acres to explore. We do have chickens and there is wildlife like coyote so please be careful and aware if you bring your pets. Also you’ll need to bring your own bedding. Let me know if you have any questions.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

More to explore nearby

86%

49 ratings · 10 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

San Mateo

AMAZING VIEW!

Recommends

· May 2025

Highly recommend!

I loved the spot, super clean and spacious enough. Also the view at night in unbelievable!! Great spot to spent the weekend.

December 2022

I have camped here twice. While I enjoy the layout and grounds, there seems to be no patrolling of campground or consideration of other campers. As I am writing this there is a large party, many people, very loud music and karaoke on one side of me and competing loud music and occasional karaoke on the other side. It is anything but peaceful, more like a frat party. That being said, the bathrooms are clean, grounds well-maintained and a nice trail to the beach.

Not recommend

· April 2019

This isn't a great place for solo campers or families. The campgrounds are close and there were at least three big parties being thrown with far more than 8 people in a campsite. The family next to me packed up and went home a day early. That said, the flowers along the nature trail to the beach are quite pretty in late April and the bathroom facilities were clean.

Recommends

· May 2018

Had a great experience camping here with friends overall. It was a bit louder than other places we've been, but the tent sites were fairly private, and the walkable shoreline access was a huge plus! Would camp here again.

October 2017

I decided t solo camp here and it was a great pick. The camp sites are private and spacious. I reserved a spot but it was taken when I arrived. That was fine because I drove round and round the perfect spot. It was nice to have a hot shower every night. I walked the trails to the beach and watched the surfers then headed back to camp and enjoyed a camp fire. I am looking forward to my next solo camping trip.

May 2017

Awesome campsite with a nature trail hike-able to the beach. Yelling distance to camp neighbors, but still private among the bushes & trees. Close proximity to LA and SD, making this a super beneficial weekend get-a-way.

Recommends

· May 2017

1 mile from beach.

April 2017

Love this camp site. You can stay in camp or go city style. Sometimes you can watch the activities at the marine base. There is a great dog beach near by , just south of Old Man's surf spot. Also a great place for a last minute trip, lots of grocery shopping spots in town.