San Onofre State Beach Camping

San Onofre State Beach camping offers one of the best coastal camping experiences in Southern California. Located between Los Angeles and San Diego, San Onofre State Beach is famous for its beautiful beaches, world-class surf spots, and diverse camping options. Whether you're looking for primitive beach camping or more developed campgrounds with amenities, San Onofre has something for everyone.

Camping Options at San Onofre State Beach

There are two main camping areas at San Onofre State Beach: San Onofre Bluffs Campground and San Mateo Campground. Each provides a unique camping experience with access to various outdoor activities.

San Onofre Bluffs Campground

San Onofre Bluffs Campground offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and direct beach access via trails cut into the sandstone bluffs. This campground features 175 campsites, half of which are for self-contained RVs (up to 36 feet), and the other half for tents. Ocean-view campsites (1-23, 99-119, 146-174) are highly sought after, but all sites come equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and grill.

• Amenities: Vault toilets, cold outdoor showers, and an RV dump station.

• Camping Type: Primitive (no hookups), but generators are allowed from 10 AM to 8 PM.

• Activities: Surfing at famous spots like Trestles, The Point, and Old Man’s; beach combing, sunbathing, and bird watching.

• Reservation Info: Available from mid-March through mid-September. First-come, first-served during off-season.

San Mateo Campground

Just 1.5 miles inland from Trestles Beach, San Mateo Campground offers more developed camping with modern amenities, including electric and water hookups for RVs. This campground has 157 campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 36 feet.

• Amenities: Flush toilets, hot showers, a dump station, and a campfire center.

• Hookup Sites: Campsites 1-67 offer electrical and water hookups.

• Activities: A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the campground to Trestles Beach, perfect for hiking, surfing, and wildlife viewing.

• Group Camping: Tent-only group sites can accommodate up to 40 people and 8 vehicles.

Best Campsites at San Onofre State Beach

For those seeking the best San Onofre State Beach camping experience, ocean-view campsites at San Onofre Bluffs (campsites 1-23, 99-119, 146-174) provide spectacular views and easy beach access. For RV campers looking for more amenities, the San Mateo Campground sites with hookups (1-67) are ideal. Group sites at both campgrounds offer ample space for larger gatherings, making them popular for family or group camping trips.

Activities for Campers

Camping at San Onofre State Beach offers a wide range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts:

• Surfing: San Onofre is a world-renowned surf destination, with spots like Trestles, The Point, and Old Man’s attracting surfers from around the globe.

• Hiking: Trails from both campgrounds lead to beaches and scenic overlooks. The 1.5-mile Nature Trail from San Mateo Campground is particularly popular.

• Fishing: Surf fishing is a common activity along the coastline.

• Wildlife Viewing: Bird watching and marine life sightings, including dolphins and whales, are common near the beach.

• Beach Recreation: Swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and picnicking are popular along the miles of sandy coastline.

Essential Information for San Onofre State Beach Camping

• Check-In/Out Times: Check-in at both campgrounds is 2 PM, and check-out is 12 PM.

• Reservations: San Onofre State Beach campsites are in high demand, so book your campsite early to secure your spot.

• Dogs: While dogs are allowed in the campgrounds, they are not permitted on the beach or trails.

• Alcohol: Alcohol is banned from all beach areas within San Onofre State Beach.

How to Get to San Onofre State Beach Campgrounds

• San Onofre Bluffs Campground is located along the old Pacific Coast Highway. The main parking area is accessible via Basilone Road, just south of San Clemente.

• San Mateo Campground is located inland, near Cristianitos Road, about 1 mile from Interstate 5.

Both campgrounds are conveniently located for easy access to San Onofre’s famous surf spot, including Trestles Beach, one of the top surfing destinations in the United States.

Why Choose San Onofre State Beach for Camping?

San Onofre State Beach camping offers a unique combination of beach activities, nature exploration, and historical significance. The park is not only home to some of the best surfing in California but also offers access to the Panhe archaeological site, an ancient sacred village of the Acjachemen people. Whether you're a surfer, nature lover, or history enthusiast, camping at San Onofre State Beach provides an unforgettable experience along Southern California’s coast.

Plan Your Camping Trip Today

Whether you choose to camp on the bluffs overlooking the ocean or closer to Trestles Beach at San Mateo, San Onofre State Beach camping is the perfect way to enjoy the natural beauty, recreational activities, and surf culture of California’s coastline. Make your reservation early and prepare for an unforgettable camping adventure!