San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
Brad E.
Reviewed Oct. 12, 2020

Great 1 Night Stay

Our first camping trip and was a great experience. Front gate/office staff were efficient and getting us checked in and helpful with directions to our reserved site. Firewood was cash only and staff provided easy directions to nearest store selling bundles that would accept card payment. Site was clean and mostly free of ants. They seemed to be all over the grounds so watch your messes and keep trash away from camp area and thrown out frequently.

Bathrooms and shower area is cleaned and sprayed out every morning. We noticed this on our way out the following morning. Bring soap and towel with you to bathrooms. These are not provided. We did not use the sink/kitchen clean up area as we only stayed one night and opted to take care of this at home after our trip. I cannot provide any feedback on that area.

Our site was close to the entrance of the trail to the beach. We walked .5 mile of it the morning we left and turned back. The view at parts are very nice and the trail is well kept and flat. View of the valley and ocean at highest point.

Night was quiet from other guests. Everyone in our area respected the quiet hours and kept to themselves. Yes, you can hear nearby military exercises but these are not very disturbing, in my opinion. Wildlife was active at night during our stay. Rabbits and squirrels are running about throughout the night and a nearby pack of coyotes were celebrating something making for a fun experience.

In all, we’d return and look forward to it.

  • Review photo of San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach by Brad E., October 12, 2020