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.
