Best Tent Camping near San Clemente, CA

Campground is separated by large parking spots (class A/C or travel trailers) and the other is geared towards smaller setups (smaller trailers and tents). Some spots have great shade over the picnic table (we hung our hammock on ours), and all of the tent sites have fire pits. Some units are on a slope so keep an eye out for that if you are tent camping. Bathrooms were clean and showers have token dispensers right by the showers. Got pretty cold at night.

We recently tent camped here for 5 days, space 138. Since we were here, Sunday - Friday, we didn't get any weekend crowds, and the days we were here, it seemed more 1-2 night use in the spaces around us.

There are pay per use showers, and flush toilets, that were both clean and had plenty of TP.

I think the wood bundles were $8 from the Ranger stop, but we had bought some in San Clemente before hand.

the long hike to the beach is fairly easy, but long, at least 30 minutes walking on a dusty trail. but it was better than trying to find parking.

Sweet Oaks winery campgrounds has 16 sites available for both tent camping and RV’s (no hook-ups). It’s pretty close to grocery stores and big box stores just in case you forgot some gear/supplies. They have a beautiful well-kept property with super-clean restrooms (no showers). They do have a water hose for you to fill up your tanks or Jerry cans. They didn’t allow campfires due to high fire danger though. You’ll have to bring your own fire pit setup if they ever allow them in the future. It was a beautiful walk around the vineyards but there are also hiking trails nearby. It’s off a road suitable for road bikes but there are also mountain bike trails nearby. They have equestrian activities also available for guests. We were able to get our tin top Eurovan to fit on one of their tent sites which offered a beautiful view of Temecula valley. The wine tasting room was closed due to the pandemic but you can order wine online and they will deliver to your site. One more thing, we counted about 8 hot air balloons as we had breakfast!

Talk about the views! This campground is located above San Clemente State Beach and offers a short walk to a tunneled beach access under the train tracks and spectacular sights.

With 160 sites to choose from, including ADA accessible, that are a good size, multiple bathrooms with hot showers available, hiking trails, and close to the town, this is a must to try!

Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet. I tied mine on a long leash to the overhang like everyone else and it was fine.

Tent Site Amenities:

Firepit with grate, picnic table, overhang and some have water spigots. All sites can accommodate two cars, the first is included in your fee and the second can be added for an additional $15 a night. The bathrooms are cleaned every morning around 10/11am.

The front gate opens at 6am and closes at 10pm with the exception of the gate code from a Ranger upon request.

Not everything can be perfect, no matter how beautiful. Here are some cons to consider that I have come across:

During the spring and summer there are ants everywhere. Skunks are desensitized to humans and will walk right up to forge through your trash. For the sites further from the ocean, the constant freeway noise is noticeable and if school is in session, the local elementary children's screams can become annoying. Some sites are a little too close to eachother unless you reserve those for a large party, then it makes sense as to why they are close. But if you want your own space and little bit of privacy, it can be annoying. I noticed a few like that.

Overall it is one of my favorite places to camp! I just can get over the scenery.

You can find all the info to book and see pictures of each campsite on www.reservecalifornia.com

We enjoy beach camping in San Diego County. We’ve camped at San Onofre and San Elijo many times over the years. This was our first stay at San Clemente. The camp site was pretty clean. It didn’t take much to clear a spot for our 4 man. We were opposite a bathroom with showers and the camp host. Just lucked out. It’s so hard to get spots now days i barely look at that stuff, I just book it. It’s a large camp ground but facilities are always within a reasonable walking distance. Lots of paved paths for kids to skateboard and ride bikes. The camp ground is in a residential area but is near the freeway so you’re not really “transported” when you’re camping here. You will also likely hear the trains as they run along the coast here, although I didn’t hear them at 4am like I do at San Onofre. Maybe train schedules have changed. It’s a steep hike or lengthy set of stairs to get down to the beach, the camp ground is on the bluffs. The beach is beautiful. If you have surf boards, SUPs or Boogey Boards bring them. The whole point should be to get in the water. I like the fact that tent camping and full RVs are separated here. I’m weird like that. I like a little village of tents. You’re close enough to town that if you want to do some miles you can walk in. I think you can walk the beach to the pier when the tide is right. The staff was friendly. Our camp host was great! He even brought us some fresh lavash bread from town one night. The bathrooms were clean most of the time and well stocked. The only thing I would call out here is this is a draw for young surf nomads, most of which are a fun group and interesting to chat with. Some are rowdy and pretty rude. You want to be prepared, you may have to keep track of your littles to avoid them getting hit by guys on skateboard with longboards in hand. We saw a few narrow misses. And my least favorite part, the loud drunk partying at midnight, 2am and 4am. Quiet hours are not well enforced here. All in all we like it here and will come back for short stays.

Does not allow tent camping

Cottonwood is for the true RV’ers. Lakeside is more for tent camping. Nice park for family camping.

Walk to the beach is kind of long. Camp is on the bluff! We tent camped and had a good time

We tent camped here. The campground is large, so most spaces have a lot of room. Lots of amenities for those that need them. Short walk to the beach. Some seasons, the beach is very rocky and difficult to swim.

We had a group of five here for a weekend of tent camping, and it was great. The campground is small which means everyone is fairly close together but everything is nearby. Head down to the water for surf!

Super beautiful area (obviously), with a tent site overlooking the beach (but fenced in). Wish we could camp on the actul beach but that is rare. There was privacy and it wasnt overcrowded.

We tent camped here. The sites are TIGHT sand the campground crowded. BUT, the tent spots are ocean front. It was wonderful! so for that I could overlook the crowded sites. It is more for surfing than playing in the waves on the beach, there are rocks spread out making it less enjoyable for kids, but our crew were happy there.

If you want tent camping on the coast, this is one of the few SoCal offerings that provides. The shortcoming is the proximity to the railroad, especially that 4am freight line which I’d be shocked didn’t wake everyone up who was tented. Other than that, the wave is worthwhile, but will require a lil hoofing to get ya there. Amenities were better then anticipated

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 ⛺️ 🙌🏻

Great all around campground. If you are new to tent camping this place is great for getting familiar with your gear before you go out and "rough it". Bathrooms, showers, swimming pools, activities for the kids, general store, etc. A little on the expensive side but you will know where your money went once you have arrived. 15 minutes East of Temecula.