Best Campgrounds near San Clemente, CA

San Clemente and the surrounding Southern California coast has several camping options worth checking out. Lake Hemet Campground gives you a quiet place to fish and hike away from the crowds. Just a short drive from San Clemente, Crystal Cove State Park lets you camp right by the beach with good ocean views. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground has water activities and roomy campsites for families. San Elijo State Beach Campground sits right near the surf zone with easy beach access. Many sites get crowded during summer, so book early if you can. Roads to these campgrounds are usually in good shape, but double-check for any closures before heading out. Some campsites give you more privacy than others, so look at site maps when booking. Shade can be limited at certain spots, which matters a lot during hot weather. Watch out for raccoons and birds around your campsite - keep food secured in containers. The booking windows open months ahead and fill quickly, especially for summer and holiday weekends. Plan ahead if you want specific dates. Each campground has different facilities that might work better depending on what kind of camping you prefer. Beach camping and forest camping both have their advantages in this area. Make sure to read the rules for each campground before you arrive. This helps avoid surprises when you get there.

Best Camping Sites Near San Clemente, California (138)

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Recent Reviews near San Clemente, CA

1131 Reviews of 138 San Clemente Campgrounds



Guide to San Clemente

Camping near San Clemente, California, offers a fantastic mix of beach vibes and outdoor adventures. With several campgrounds to choose from, you can find the perfect spot to relax and enjoy nature.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach, are just a short walk from the beach. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice campground. 1.5 miles from the ocean. Sites are quite large with bushes/trees between sites."
  • Biking and Running: The area has great bike lanes and trails. A camper noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Hemet Campground, fishing is popular. One visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at places like Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. A happy camper said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Bonelli Bluffs, are praised for their cleanliness. One reviewer remarked, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff at places like San Elijo State Beach Campground. A visitor noted, "The staff of the Camp is so friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some sites can get packed, especially on weekends. A camper at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground, have limited electric hookups. One visitor said, "If you are in an RV, you will be fine. As a tent camper, the spots are tiny."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially near roads or during busy times. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "The campground itself is pretty nice... but there was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A family at Dogwood Campground appreciated the "spacious sites" and noted, "Most of the sites are spaced out fairly decently."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan beach days to keep kids entertained. One camper suggested, "You can SUP in the harbor; it's a great place for it."
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure the campground has kid-friendly facilities. A parent at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "Nice place close to many convenient places ie grocery liquor bix box sporting goods bars restaurants."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check campgrounds like Lake Hemet Campground that offer them. A visitor shared, "Full hookups are available too."
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up fast, so get there early to snag a good site. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "Crowded on weekends, much less during the week."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be lively, so bring earplugs if you're sensitive to noise. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The train is loud, but passes seldom."

Whether you're looking for a beach getaway or a mountain retreat, camping near San Clemente has something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions