San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

Nice campground. 1.5 miles from the ocean. Sites are quite large with bushes/ trees between sites. Upper campground has water and electricity.

We loved this campground!  There are mature trees between every campsite that provide privacy between sites.  The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite.  That's the only place you're going to see your neighbors.  It's a perfect setup for a bunch of people camping together at separate sites - get enough of them and you'll have the entire common area between you to spread out!  For us, we used that large open space to setup our Starlink satellite antenna, and that was necessary since Verizon is basically a dead zone in that area.  

The communal showers were nice.  BRING DOLLAR BILLS to change them into tokens for the shower. A couple tokens (one dollar) is enough for a decent shower.  

Your paid campground site gets you day use access to the other nearby parks: San Onofre Bluffs and San Clemente State Beach.

Got an e-bike?  Lots of people had them.  I think as long as you're on the pavement there's no issues but check with the park regulations for any off pavement use which would include the trail to Trestles.

CONS:

The dump site was closed this weekend (8/18-8/20).   But with our day pass we were able to use the dump site at San Clemente State Beach.  NOTE: Day use is up to 10PM and they also have a dump site at the Bluffs.  Just keep in mind you may have to wait in line with other campers checking in to access the other areas.  We went at "dinner time" just before sunset to avoid crowds.

At each bathroom / shower area, there are a set of sinks - one for washing hands and a couple others for (apparently) washing dishes and other stuff.  However, they were turned off.

Overall, this was one of the better campgrounds we've stayed out.  We would defiintely come back here.

Easy spot close enough to the beach to be almost beach camping but far enough to have plenty of room and spacing to spread out. Your parking pass allowed to you to park at the state beach across the 5 freeway for free. Campsites are well maintained and have mature trees and bushes between sites to provide lots of privacy. Showers/facilities are a little rundown and our bathrooms foot-wash and dish wash station were disconnected. During the weekday you can hear activity from Camp Pendleton. Overall great spot to camp with the family.