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Best Campgrounds near San Clemente, CA

1,164 Reviews

Camping near San Clemente, California centers around coastal state beaches and nearby inland parks, with options for both tent and RV camping. San Onofre State Beach encompasses several distinct campgrounds, including San Mateo Campground (about a mile inland) and the Bluffs Campground with ocean views. San Clemente State Beach Campground sits on coastal bluffs with beach access via a tunnel under the train tracks. Nearby Doheny State Beach in Dana Point and O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon provide additional camping opportunities within 30 minutes of San Clemente.

Most campgrounds in the area are open year-round, benefiting from Southern California's mild climate. Reservations are essential, particularly during summer months and weekends when sites fill quickly. The California State Parks reservation system (ReserveCalifornia) handles bookings for state beach campgrounds. Campers should bring quarters for coin-operated showers at state parks. Cell service is generally available throughout the area, though Verizon coverage can be spotty at San Mateo Campground. Noise from nearby Interstate 5, trains along the coast, and occasional military exercises from adjacent Camp Pendleton may be noticeable at some campgrounds.

The camping experience varies significantly between locations. Coastal campgrounds like San Clemente State Beach offer ocean views and beach access but typically have less privacy between sites. According to reviews, "San Clemente State Beach is a pretty large campground with lots of commotion/activity, so if you're looking for peace and quiet, this isn't the place to go." San Mateo Campground, while not directly on the beach, provides more spacious sites with mature trees for privacy. One camper noted, "It's farthest from the beaches, but it's also quietest and the most spaced out." A 1.5-mile trail connects San Mateo to Trestles Beach, popular with surfers. Most campgrounds accommodate both tents and RVs, with varying levels of hookups and amenities.

Map showing campgrounds near San Clemente, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near San Clemente, California (142)

    1. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $45 - $250 / night

    "Really good views, the smell of the beach, and it’s quite distance away from the busy freeway , and no light pollution.

    no complaints at all, one of my favorites in San Clemente"

    "Overnight stay at San Mateo campground to be close to the beach. Easy to get to San Clemente State Beach and the campground parking pass was also good at the beach."

    2. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    38 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-3156

    $45 - $300 / night

    "We've been staying at San Clemente State Beach for more than 30 years now, and it's always an enjoyable time."

    "San Clemente State Park is a great place to go camping and enjoy the beach. The campground is located on a bluff that offers great views up and down the coast."

    3. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    4 miles

    $50 - $350 / night

    "You will be right next to your neighbor. The outside sites along the edge of the campground are much more spacious.

    TIP: The wind usually blows to the ocean in the evening/early morning."

    "This campground is at the edge of the Dana Point Harbor.  The sites are small, but many of them are right on the beach.  All sites have easy access to the beach.  "

    4. San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    20 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 763-7263

    $45 / night

    ".

    • No dogs allowed on beach. 30 min drive to Dog Beach in Solana.
    • Lower bathrooms. These were the only showers available. The bathrooms are well stocked but the showers were not cleaned regularly."

    "The campground is on the bluffs, and nearby Old Man's beach has some of the best beginner's surfing waves in Southern California."

    5. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    22 Reviews
    Coto de Caza, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2210

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Tucked on the outskirts of Mission Viejo is an oasis of green grass and groves of the twisting and searching limbs of Coastal Live Oak trees.  "

    "Rangers at entrance to check for pets (not allowed) and where you can buy bundles of wood for $5 if you want. Technically not allowed to bring in outside wood."

    6. Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    20 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $45 - $250 / night

    "During the open season on weekends it fills up quickly, during the weekdays it is kind of busy as well but there are still some walk up spaces available."

    "Camping cliff side along the beach in Southern California. The camp grounds are a little cramped. Seem more designed for RV’s and trailers but we don’t mind."

    7. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    $25 - $75 / night

    "Luckily Booked last minute on reserve California (the worst web thing ever) on site 49. Looks like there is a oven view from every site. Close to beach and shopping."

    "There is an elementary school adjacent to the campground so you get a few PA announcements to start your day.

    There is a small visitor's center on site."

    8. O'Neill Regional Park

    30 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2260

    $20 / night

    "It's tucked back in the canyon, but you will still hear all the traffic from the road. Since it is a canyon, many loud cars and motorcycles zoom past at high speeds. 

    Free dump station.  "

    "Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers. It says to bring quarters for the showers but they were free. Each site is typical..."

    9. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    77 Reviews
    Carlsbad, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 438-3143

    $50 - $650 / night

    "If you’re headed to San Diego, be sure to stop and check out Carlsbad just off of the 5. this awesome beach town is quintessential Southern California beach awesomeness and it is absolutely gorgeous."

    "One of best beach campgrounds in California. Beach is right there next to camping. Restroom and shower are clean even though too many people there"

    10. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    21 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 673-6180

    $20 / night

    "When I lived in San Clemente, this was a great campground just to get away! This campground can get rowdy because it is so easily accessible but nothing too crazy! Great views especially at sunset!"

    "We were able to find a spot tucked away off one of the loops to the left after a small hill. Neighbors played loud music but we didn’t mind at all."

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285 Photos of 142 San Clemente Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near San Clemente, CA

1164 Reviews of 142 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

Which is the most popular campground near San Clemente, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near San Clemente, CA is San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 52 reviews.

What parks are near San Clemente, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near San Clemente, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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