The San Clemente area offers camping options from coastal bluffs to inland mountain areas. Temperatures average 62-73°F year-round with less than 12 inches of annual rainfall, creating reliable camping conditions. Coastal campgrounds receive cooling ocean breezes while inland sites can be 10-15 degrees warmer during summer months.
What to do
Hiking to Trestles Beach: The 1.5-mile trail from Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach provides coastal hiking opportunities. "If you go to trail one it was the most accessable. It was still really sketchy and a super steep hill for like half a mile but if you're desperate enough you will go down it," notes camper Chelsey. The beach at the end is worth the effort, with fewer crowds than typical beaches.
Mountain biking in regional parks: O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon offers trails for all skill levels. "The campground is located next to Oneil Park, which is huge and great for bike and running. There are many hiking trails nearby in all directions. I usually ride to Caspers from the campsite or Trabruco creak up to Holy Jim," says Mike G. The park features over 9 miles of trails through oak and sycamore groves.
Paddleboarding on the bay: Newport offers protected waters ideal for beginners. "They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach. There are fantastic running/bike trails along the Back Bay," mentions Karissa J. Water temperatures range from 60°F in winter to 70°F in summer.
What campers like
Spacious sites with privacy: Some campgrounds provide more separation than others. At Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park, "The campsites are roped off and have a decent amount of distance between them. There is some vegetation between them but not enough to be totally private," notes Amy H. Sites are terraced for ocean views.
Clean facilities throughout: Bathroom quality varies by location, but many maintain high standards. "The bathrooms are clean but lots of toilet paper litter," says Lee D. about Doheny State Beach. At Guajome Regional Park, "The bathrooms / showers were clean and didn't stink. Always had toilet paper. Showers take specific coins and you have to get them from the office before 5pm," reports Stephanie W.
Evening campfires with ocean views: "Each site comes with a picnic table & fire pit with grill," notes a San Mateo camper. At South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, beachfront sites offer sunset views. "Beautiful beachfront camping steps from the sand. Dry camping with a dump station available. Great sunsets and beautiful sand," shares Paul N.
What you should know
Insect activity varies by location: Some campgrounds face periodic challenges with insects. "Beware of LOTS of ants and bees, more so than I've seen at other campsites," warns a San Mateo reviewer. At Blue Jay Campground, "The bugs were not enjoyable at all, there were meat bees/wasps swarming all water faucets and the gnats were so bad we spent most our time hiding in the tent," notes Michelle C.
Campground access varies seasonally: Summer brings more traffic and reservation challenges. "Weekends fill up fast since it's a small drive from the hustle and bustle of Orange county life," explains Brandice S. about O'Neill Regional Park. For San Mateo Campground, one camper notes, "Bookings are a must and are done through an outside vendor which covers the entire state."
Traffic noise at certain locations: Highway proximity affects some campgrounds. At Moro Campground, "It can be that you could hear cars driving through because its close to a frwy. You'll get used to it, or bring earplugs," advises Nick V. South Carlsbad sites experience similar issues: "Street is loud in the mornings - don't recommend the east side."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with playground access: Guajome Regional Park offers excellent facilities for children. "The park is very popular amongst locals and has a huge, awesome, covered playground for children," notes Brian C. Another camper adds, "For camping with kids, it doesn't get much better than this! We stayed at campsite #58 which we felt was very large are private."
Consider beach access difficulty: Trail steepness can challenge young children. "It's a hike to the beach and even then it's more of a surfer's beach than one for kids," shares Jen H. about Bluffs Campground. At another location, a camper notes, "The hiking trails essentially have zero shade so it gets really hot. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen so you don't roast."
Book sites away from noise sources: Quiet hours vary in enforcement. "We were surrounded by tent campers with 15 people in a site who partied all night yet complained when we used our generator during generator hours," reports a camper about their stay. Consider mid-week camping for fewer crowds and more space.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability affects pricing: Newport Dunes RV Resort offers premium full-hookup options. "We stayed in spot 2118 and it had a nice view of the bay. Be fully aware that these spaces can be very tight, overall we will stay again," shares Ray S. Basic sites start around $40, while premium spots with hookups can exceed $100 during peak season.
Site selection for larger vehicles: "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in. The maximum length is 38. We had 30/50 amp electrical and water," notes Patrick J. about Moro Campground. Some parks offer pull-through sites that accommodate larger rigs.
Dog-friendly amenities vary: For dog friendly campgrounds near San Clemente, most locations allow pets with restrictions. "Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash, Full hook ups are available for RV's but you need a surge protector and a water filter is advised if you want to drink the water," says Nicole H. about San Onofre Recreation Beach. At Newport Dunes, a dedicated dog park allows supervised off-leash exercise.
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