Top Tent Camping near San Clemente, CA

Looking for the best tent campgrounds near San Clemente? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.

Best Tent Sites Near San Clemente, CA (10)

    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground

    1. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    144 Photos
    742 Saves

    San Clemente State Beach camping is located at the south end of the city of San Clemente, California. The area around San Clemente is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. The city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea." Visitors are attracted to the San Clemente area for its intense winds and dramatic location. San Clemente has been a California state beach since 1937 and is popular among water sport enthusiasts, and anyone who wishes to escape from inland heat and nearby metropolitan areas for the day. The beautiful mile long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $45 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

    2. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

    6 Reviews
    3 Photos
    214 Saves
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park

    3. China Camp State Park

    10 Reviews
    15 Photos
    144 Saves

    All campsites at China Camp Campground are HIKE-IN SITES for tent-camping only. Visitors must handcarry all equipment from the parking lot to the campsites. Campsites range from 50-300 yards from the parking lot. Eight persons maximum are allowed in each site. Check in time is 2pm or later and check out is Noon. Enroute camping is available for RV's with a grey water holding tank for one night only. No dump station or hook-ups are available. Enroute Camping is limited to space availability. Check in for enroute camping is 6pm and check out is 9am. A "Hike and Bike" site is available for those who travel to China Camp on foot or by bicycle.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 - $175 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground

    4. Falcon Group Campground

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    29 Saves

    Overview

    Falcon Group Campground has three individual group campsites just off the scenic Ortega Highway in Southern California, which connects San Juan Capistrano and Temecula Valley Highway. The pleasant climate, scenery, trail system and convenient location, make this a popular destination for groups from Los Angeles and San Diego. Hiking is especially popular among campers.

    Recreation

    Hikers of any level can find trails that challenge and accommodate their recreational goals around the campground. Among them are the Falcon Trail, a 1.4-mile easy trail that connects to the campground, and Trabuco Canyon Trail, which provides scenic 6.8-mile hike into the backcountry. The San Juan Trial, which is popular with mountain bikers, has a trailhead at Blue Jay campground, adjacent from Falcon Group Campground. The trail climbs a very steep set of stacked switchbacks from the floor of Hot Springs Canyon and traverses briefly before steeply ascending a ridge toward Sugarloaf Mountain. There are also many ideal picnic spots and scenic overlooks along Ortega Highway.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits at an elevation of 3,300 ft. off the Ortega Highway scenic drive in the Santa Ana Mountains, a route that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forest. The area lies in a mixed forest and chaparral ecosystem and is inhabited by a variety of birds, plants and wildlife.

    Nearby Attractions

    The closest town is Lake Elsinore, which has various shops, restaurants and recreation opportunities.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $120 / night

    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground

      6. Black Jack Campground

      8 Reviews
      16 Photos
      27 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
      Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground

      7. Hermit Gulch Campground

      5 Reviews
      17 Photos
      25 Saves

      Hermit Gulch Campground is Avalon’s only camping facility located within city limits. The campground is situated in Avalon Canyon near the Nature Center and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.

      The campground offers a nice view of the surrounding hills that are home to a wide variety of endemic plant and animal species. Hermit Gulch Trail is accessible from the campground, and there's access to other hiking trails nearby.

      Hermit Gulch is great for first-timers and experienced campers alike. Being so close to town allows easy access to groceries, shopping, restaurants, tours, sight seeing and nightlife.

      • Pets
      • Electric Hookups
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Tent Cabin
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
      • No image available

        9. Mt. Palomar North Side Area

        Be the first to review!
        16 Saves

        This general recreation area is located on the north side of Palomar Mountain.

        • Tents
        • No image available

          10. Lupine

          Be the first to review!
          8 Saves

          Lupine Campground is located next to Bass Lake. Cedar Bluff Campground is adjacent to Lupine. Lupine is quieter and set further back from the lake than Cedar Bluff, and each site offers more privacy.

          • Pets
          • Fires
          • Tents
          • Trash
          • Drinking Water
          • Toilets

        Recent Tent Reviews In San Clemente

        943 Reviews of 10 San Clemente Campgrounds


        • Jeff T.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Lake Campground
          Oct. 21, 2024

          Dixon Lake Campground

          Great forestry feel. And good price ($30)

          We stayed here multiple times to car camp and have stayed in sites 3, 6, and 28. We really enjoyed site 28 due to the spectacular views of Escondido. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because their can be some creepy people occasionally like some old guy was following my son in his car. But other than that we had a good stay. If you are in a camper I would recommend Escondido RV resort instead due to the more inviting feel (we stayed there in our Coleman travel trailer). But if you car camp a lot like myself I would recommend staying here at Dixon lake. Great stay overall👍😊

        • Brittany W.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Valley Lakes
          Oct. 5, 2024

          Cherry Valley Lakes

          Convenient Location for Seeing Family

          Staff all friendly and facilities while dated are kept very clean. Campers are respectful and quit at night but it’s a very noisy location right next to the freeway which took some getting used to the first few days.

        • WThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Dos Picos County Park
          Sep. 22, 2024

          Dos Picos County Park

          Harassing Ranger

          I have never had a bad experience at a camp ground with any ranger. They have all been wonderful. Not at this park. My registration tags went to my home so I did not have current tags. I had to have a family member collect my mail and forward to me on my travels so it was delayed. I did have a receipt which I was required to provide. However, the ranger barged into my campsite in a huff, treated me as if I were vomiting a crime and demanded my receipt on the spot in front of all. It was quite over the top. Later the same man barged back into my campsite throwing accusations at me that I hadn’t paid my measly $4.00 parking fee and breaking the rules of the park. He had the nerve to argue with me after I explained that in fact I had paid. He backed down after realizing I had. He then returned to harass us for the kids using chalk. There were kids from several campsites using chalk. We apologized and made them clean it up, no big deal. But the ranger was didn’t simply ask for it to be cleaned. He was threatening and confrontational. I dealt with one other ranger here who was quite nice and helpful but this other was awful. I discovered I was not the only one to have this experience here. I would recommend Sweetwater or Lake Jennings in San Diego area or Aqua Caliente where they are quite friendly. Yikes this was horrible

        • CThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Provisions Farm
          Sep. 22, 2024

          Provisions Farm

          Delightful Area, Delightful Hosts

          Wow, Highland Valley is beautiful!  This is a great place to camp your RV - especially if you love the farm vibe.  We stayed in the front spot, up against the property line, which felt private.

        • Annie G.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Fry Creek Campground
          Sep. 18, 2024

          Fry Creek Campground

          Very beautiful

          This is a very nice and quiet campground and everyone there was very respectful of quite hours. The place was very clean and very beautiful. The only con was that there are way too many insects everywhere, My base camp got bombarded with a swarm of wasps, And I was forced to leave a day early, and had to leave my cooking pot behind because of the swarm of wasps... I wish there were some kind of rangers or someone there that I could have asked for help about this, or I wish someone would do something about this issue but I guess it is what it is at this location lol 😆 Other than not being able to cook and eat without wasps in your face and In your food, it was really nice

        • Kyle F.
          Camper-submitted photo from Champagne Lakes RV Resort
          Sep. 17, 2024

          Champagne Lakes RV Resort

          REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS!

          Let's start off with the fact that this"resort" has REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS living there and TWEAKERS SELLING DRUGS. When I mentioned it to the management they could care less, didn't say a word and walked away laughing. They DO NOT perform ANY BACKGROUND CHECKS and especially with children in the park I find that very disturbing. They nickel and dime you for every little thing and the rent has gone up 3x in one year. The water supply smells like sewage when you take a shower. Because they do pump outs the resort smells like human excrement most of the time. The lakes are polluted as well and completely full of cyanobacteria AKA green algae which is a respiratory hazard. POTENTIAL BEWARE.

        • Lisa D.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Mission Bay RV Resort
          Sep. 11, 2024

          Mission Bay RV Resort

          Wasn't Thrilled

          Overpriced for a dirt spot, no ocean view at all. Ocean view sites full of expensive RVs that can afford the price. No market or cantina, for those you have to walk to Campland, not a short walk. Should've just stayed at Campland

        • jennifer G.
          Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
          Sep. 1, 2024

          O'Neill Regional Park

          Great little campground in south OC!

          Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. I stayed here on a weekday, and there were a few couple of vacant campsites in my area, so it was an extremely quiet visit. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked for my stay. I didn’t use the showers since I was only staying one night, but I heard they were free!

          Rangers were very friendly and firewood was only $5 for a decent bundle that lasted me over 2 hours.

          The city of Rancho Santa Margarita is right up the hill, so you can grab food and any necessities if needed.

          My site backed to the creek, so I never had people walking through my campsite.

          My dog & I slept in my van, but there was room for multiple tents, and a decent amount of shade in my spot.

          My spot didn’t have its own water spigot, but there was one at a site across from me.

          I was fortunate that all of the campers around me were quiet and considerate. I know that it doesn’t always work out that way, and having obnoxious neighbors can really ruin your experience.

        • Anita A.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
          Aug. 30, 2024

          Bonelli Bluffs

          Less crowded ocale while visiting family nearby

          Visiting family in Santa Ana and LA. Not to far for them to come to us and all to go to beach. Park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly Beautiful view from our site on area B. Crowded on weekend, much less during week Campground is not associated to adjacent Frank Bonelli Regional. Charge $12 to enter with vehicle but no fee to ride in on bikes

        • Kim N.
          Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove State Park Primitive
          Aug. 24, 2024

          Crystal Cove State Park Primitive

          beautiful beach

          Clean dump station, beautiful sites, very strict on rules. We came 10 minutes early before check in time, they made us wait. Campsite comes with wifi but very weak. We have t mobile and had bad reception. Would come back again for beautiful views, small hike, sandy beaches with lots of sand crabs.

        • Michael W.
          Camper-submitted photo from The Secret Place
          Aug. 19, 2024

          The Secret Place

          Peaceful, Private, Beautiful

          Although we booked a campsite, it felt more like we were invited to Mazen's home. He was communicative and responsive, happily answered all of our questions, and was beyond generous. I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore! We can't wait to visit this campground again!

        • J
          Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach
          Aug. 14, 2024

          Bolsa Chica State Beach

          Beach view

          The parking lot is next to the beach on the one side but also next to the highway on the other side. So the view and the breeze is beautiful, but the traffic noise in the evening and morning is not so nice. With earplugs everything is fine! ;) The host Jim is very kind and helpful!

        • MThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
          Aug. 12, 2024

          San Clemente State Beach Campground

          Camping

          It was overall a nice campsite. Our site seemed to be pretty large it came with a picnic table & fire pit. The walk to the beach was close seemed maybe about 10 minute till we reached the beach from our site. It is on a hill you need to walk down & back up. The only down side was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty did not seem to have any maintenance during our stay.

        • IThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from The Secret Place
          Jul. 29, 2024

          The Secret Place

          Friendly, knowledgeable and respectful hosts, best views I have ever experienced.

          We couldn't find any campgrounds, after calling multiple places we came across "The Secret Place". They have the best views I have ever experienced! Especially during sunset and as the city lights start to twinkle. Very nice and quiet place. No full hookups, but good bathrooms and showers available. The camp host was knowledgeable about the area and recommended great things to do. Very helpful, very respectful and very friendly. Will definitely stay here again, made our honeymoon trip very memorable! A+ recommend.

        • Madisyn L.
          Camper-submitted photo from Woods Valley Kampground
          Jul. 28, 2024

          Woods Valley Kampground

          So beautiful, quiet, and very nice employees !!

          My fiancé and I were last minute camping and this campground was beautiful, quiet, and very aesthetic! There is a lot to do near by, a very convenient store about 5-10 minutes away called valley center foods! Employees were sooo sweet and friendly! DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! Ps isn’t that expensive when tent camping ⛺️ 🙌🏻

        • Bo L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
          Jul. 21, 2024

          Oceanside RV Park

          Solid spot for being near the beach

          Nice little site that is right in the middle of everything.

          It's crowded and you don't have much space, but if your using this instead of a hotel room it works great.

          It had a game room and pool so kids had something to do. There were families all over with kids riding bikes. We had a quick stay over while we were seeing family in the area and it worked great .

          Only issue we had is both entrances have a hell of a dip, we scraped the ass end real good going in and out with our 24ft class c.

        • GThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Blue Jay Campground
          Jul. 20, 2024

          Blue Jay Campground

          Hidden gem

          Awesome spot, lots of sights and some even have overlooks of the entire park. Can get crowded but no one was there on a Friday night in July. Bathrooms, trash, water and even buckets to fill to put out your fire. Fire pits, benches and grills nothing more you could want.

        • S
          Camper-submitted photo from Olive Dell Ranch
          Jul. 12, 2024

          Olive Dell Ranch

          Olive Dell Resort

          I have been a member of this place for 20+ years.

          Most times if someone has a problem at the front gate. It because of the many background checks and or any one of the Screening Process...

          The previous review does not mention anything about that factor???? I wonder why??

        • J
          Camper-submitted photo from Observatory Campground
          Jun. 23, 2024

          Observatory Campground

          Great place! Bad timing!

          The pictures can be deceiving. It’s beautiful there, however, other than the picture showing flat ground, and wide space, this isn’t accurate.

          This time of year, mosquitos and flies everywhere to the point where it really ruined the experience. No matter what sprays, lotions, candles or anything we tried, it was not working.

        • dThe Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
          Jun. 19, 2024

          South Carlsbad State Beach

          Nice Camground!

          Nice campground. Mostly no hookups, but has toilets and fresh water throughout. Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks over looking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites.

        • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach
          Jun. 10, 2024

          San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach

          Nice spots with shade, clean facilities

          Site had tree cover which had some nice shade to provide relief from the sun. Lots of room for a couple vehicles and tents. Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied. Good access to walking and biking trails.

        • Roxanna L.The Dyrt PRO User
          Camper-submitted photo from Canyon RV Park
          May. 21, 2024

          Canyon RV Park

          Anaheim CA

          This is our second stay here and probably our last. It was super expensive this time and we were put in the back (overflow) lot which name I use loosely as when it rains it floods. Had to park the car at the office so it wouldn’t float away. Upon our arrival my husband pulled up in our 42’ 5th wheel and parked to go into the office. There is a painted line on the curb where I guess you’re supposed to park but our unit would have been longer and wider than that space provided. She also could have used some tact and nicely asked if he could park the unit in the space provided but she was asking for a fight. He went to register and a lady with longer gray hair and glasses, who I’d seen there before, greeted him with..you need to park by the curb in the designated area- you’re blocking my driveway!! That kinda set the tone. He said I thought you’d open the gate so I could get out of the way. About that time I pulled up in the car and he was storming out the bldg saying I have to get out of the way- park in the designated area! So I went in and couldn’t understand why he hadn’t registered already. She very hatefully said I told him to move he was blocking my drive! (There was nobody out there but us). The tone could have been better, but I wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation- she took my information and said you’ve been here before so you know where you’re going! Maybe she is the owner or maybe an employee but it wasn’t a great way to start off our 2 wk stay at the rate of $2k! She was a real bitch!



        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

        • Which is the most popular tent campsite near San Clemente, CA?

          According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near San Clemente, CA is San Clemente State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.

        • What is the best site to find tent camping near San Clemente, CA?

          TheDyrt.com has all 10 tent camping locations near San Clemente, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.