Notable Campgrounds
- Great for off-season camping: San Mateo Campground, just inland from the beach, has tent and RV camping all year long.
- Great for watching the sunset: San Onofre Bluffs Campground offers front-row views of the Pacific Ocean and easy access down to the shore.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- Campsites can be reserved up to six months in advance on the California State Parks website or over the phone.
- Campgrounds tend to fill up fast, particularly on weekends and during the summer, so it's wise to book as early as possible.
- San Onofre Bluffs Campground is open seasonally, from mid-May through September, but San Mateo Campground is open year-round.
- The maximum permitted length for motorhomes and trailers is 36 feet. There are no hookups at San Onofre Bluffs Campground
- If you can’t secure a reservation, look into availability at San Clemente State Beach, a few minutes’ drive up the coast.
When to Go
San Onofre State Beach is popular throughout the year, though summer is by far the busiest time, when campgrounds fill quickly. While June can be overcast, the weather is still generally pleasant, and July through September is hot and dry. Winters are too cold to swim, but if you come between December and April, you may get the chance to spot migrating gray whales just off the coast.
Know Before You Go
There are plenty of spots to pick up groceries and other supplies within a 10-minute drive of the park in San Clemente.
- Dogs are allowed in campgrounds, if leashed, but not on the beach or on trails.
- Alcohol and smoking is not permitted on trails or on beach areas.
- Generators are allowed in the campgrounds, but must be turned off between 8pm and 10am.
- Accessible tent and RV/trailer sites, accessible restrooms, and accessible parking spots are available at both campgrounds. A beach wheelchair is also available for visitors to borrow free of charge.
San Onofre State Beach
Perfect your surfing skills or check out sea life at this popular SoCal beach.
San Onofre State Beach is among the most popular beaches in California, attracting surfers, swimmers, and campers, particularly in the summer months. This state park is spread out over three main areas: the sandstone San Onofre Bluffs, which offer campsites looking out over a swim beach; the San Onofre Surf Beach, which has breaks for surfers of all levels; and the inland San Mateo Campground, which is linked to Surf Beach via a nature trail. San Onofre is also an excellent spot for birdwatching, and it’s not uncommon to spot whales, sea lions, and dolphins swimming just offshore.
San Onofre State Beach is among the most popular beaches in California, attracting surfers, swimmers, and campers, particularly in the summer months. This state park is spread out over three main areas: the sandstone San Onofre Bluffs, which offer campsites looking out over a swim beach; the San Onofre Surf Beach, which has breaks for surfers of all levels; and the inland San Mateo Campground, which is linked to Surf Beach via a nature trail. San Onofre is also an excellent spot for birdwatching, and it’s not uncommon to spot whales, sea lions, and dolphins swimming just offshore.
Activities in the park
2 campgrounds in San Onofre State Beach
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 a Read more...
San Onofre Bluffs Campground has 157 campsites nestled into the park’s scenery. the campground is convenient to trails that lead down to the 3. 5 miles of sandy beach as well as trails that lead upwards, cutting into the bluffs. The campsites here have access to picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, showers and some ocean views. Book here early – t Read more...
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Notable Campgrounds
Notable Campgrounds
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
San Onofre State Beach is popular throughout the year, though summer is by far the busiest time, when campgrounds fill quickly. While June can be overcast, the weather is still generally pleasant, and July through September is hot and dry. Winters are too cold to swim, but if you come between December and April, you may get the chance to spot migrating gray whales just off the coast.
Know Before You Go
There are plenty of spots to pick up groceries and other supplies within a 10-minute drive of the park in San Clemente.
Public campgrounds (book externally) —