1 / 5

San Mateo Campground

87%

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

Sewage hookups

No electric hookups

309 sites

RV, Tent

Explore 571 campgrounds near San Onofre State Beach

Scanning sold-out campgrounds every 15 seconds. Get notified the moment San Mateo Campground becomes available.

Available campgrounds nearby

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

More to explore nearby

87%

48 ratings · 10 reviews

Recommends

· June 2025

San Mateo

AMAZING VIEW!

Antonio T.

6 reviews

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.

Antonio T.

6 reviews

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.

Heather D.

3 years on Hipcamp

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.

Amy G.

7 years on Hipcamp

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.

Christine Lee S.

7 years on Hipcamp

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.

Belinda Bj Y.

8 years on Hipcamp

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.

Michael C.

8 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2017

1 mile from beach.

John M.

8 years on Hipcamp

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.