88% (102 reviews)
Perfect your surfing skills or check out sea life at this popular SoCal beach.
Top public campgrounds in the park
88% (102 reviews)
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next San Onofre State Beach adventure.
Popular ways to camp
Community favorites near San Onofre State Beach
Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.
Top-rated campgrounds near San Onofre State Beach
The best camping near San Onofre State Beach guide
Overview
About
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.
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
- 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.
88%
102 ratings · 25 reviews
AMAZING VIEW!
A
Antonio T.
4 reviews
I loved the spot, super clean and spacious enough.
Also the view at night in unbelievable!!
Great spot to spent the weekend.
A
Antonio T.
4 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.
H
Heather D.
2 years on Hipcamp
Not recommend
· July 2021
Extremely tiny campsites. Barely big enough for a single tent especially considering there were people on both sides of our campsite. It was very crowded and we were right behind a hill. We had absolutely no view of the cliffs of water and it was a very far walk to get down to the beach. Not at all how pictured when we booked in the campsite.
K
Kendall A.
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
Not recommend
· September 2018
Right next to the freeway!!
M
Michelle G.
6 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
January 2018
Didn’t stay here due to campground closure. Note that they do not have winter camping available.
Laura M.
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.
7 years on Hipcamp
September 2017
Nice little get away from the City, I recommend the first few campsites by trail 1 great view and also the last few by trail 6 also great view...there are bees so bring a repellent candle for your site! Surf is a must here so bring your board and some booties! Also dog friendly and great for cycling recommend bringing your bike!
J
Josimar A.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· September 2017
You are right by the train tracks and trains run all night long. Beautiful beach, with great surfing but it is a basic campsite on the dirt and the views of the beach are pretty limited because of the tall shrubs.
Ali H.
3 reviews
Recommends
· August 2017
Bring a surfboard!
Jake O.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· August 2017
it's a bit of a walk to the ocean but again worth it! There are cook out locations as well.
J
Jordan A.
7 years on Hipcamp
Recommends
· July 2017
Yes, it's as though you are camping on the road and I've always been resistant to that, but a few steps away the beautiful ocean offers an escape that makes it worth it, especially if the surf is good.
John S.
2 reviews
July 2017
Beach camping is something else. I much rather prefer mountains, forests, and woods...there was something beautiful about this place as well. As far as the campsites go, it's a long stretch of 150+ rows of sites that are practically parking spots. You get a concrete parking spot that parks about 2 long RVs, and a very small 10x10 dirt patch. Some sites are bigger than others, but all of them include a fire pit ring with grill & a wooden picnic table.
The campsites are rather close together so be prepared for LOTS of noise and people walking through your site to get to the restrooms. The beach is the best part of this place. It's secluded and quiet. Great for surfers! If you're into nude tanning, that's available as well. BEWARE OF BEES!
Chanel C.
4 reviews
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.
J
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.
Rick Kelli D.
8 years on Hipcamp
October 2015
There are a >100 camp sites here that line the bluff above the beach, some with better beach access and views than others; overall its a very pretty setting. The site was outfitted with a fire pit, table and plenty of space for a few tents. Although it has great access to the surf and a relatively well hidden beach, cars on the 5 and the train can be heard late into the night and especially in the early morning.
Alex F.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
Camping is pretty easy here. You can pull right up to your campsite in your car, there are bathrooms in short walking distance complete an outdoor shower station and sink, picnic tables and a fire ring. It can get pretty noisy being right next to the freeway, but the beaches are uncrowded and the waves are really fun for surfing.
Lauren B.
10 years on Hipcamp
June 2015
The showers run on tokens, you can use the machine to exchange single dollar bills for tokens only. Machine does not accept higher denominations!
R
Rheanne G.
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
There is a part of this beach where nudity is allowed...so, read trail signs carefully (or take a gamble).
H
Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Don’t limit your trips to this beach by season. In the fall and winter, wild growing sage makes the beach smell amazing.
H
Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
The beach here can be a little rocky on the bottom. Bring water shoes or surf socks if you’ve got ‘em!
H
Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
There are train tracks that pass right by the beach – which is worth knowing, so you aren’t fretting an earthquake every hour.
H
Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
Top points of interest near San Onofre State Beach
- San Onofre State Beach