San Onofre Beach Campground

For Californians dreaming of the quintessential coastal escape, San Onofre Beach Campground in San Clemente, CA, stands out as a truly exceptional destination. Widely acclaimed as the "Best beach camping in Southern California," this campground offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant beach culture and stunning natural beauty of the Golden State's coastline. It’s a place where the rhythmic sound of waves becomes your backdrop, and the ocean breeze revitalizes your spirit.

San Onofre Beach Campground caters to a diverse range of campers, from those pitching a tent to RV enthusiasts and large groups. While the campsites are noted for being close together, this is a minor trade-off for the unparalleled access to the beach and its renowned surfing spots. Each site is thoughtfully equipped with essential amenities like picnic tables and reliable fire pits, ensuring a comfortable and classic camping experience by the sea. The welcoming and informative staff further enhance the visit, striking a perfect balance between helpfulness and respecting privacy.

Beyond just camping, San Onofre offers a dynamic environment where beach activities take center stage. Whether you're an avid surfer, a patient angler, or simply enjoy strolls along a unique rocky shoreline, this campground provides the perfect base. It’s a truly iconic Southern California experience, inviting locals to create cherished memories amidst the sun, sand, and surf.

San Onofre Beach Campground is strategically located on Old Hwy 101, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA. This highly desirable address places it directly along the iconic Southern California coastline, offering immediate and convenient access to one of the region's most famous beaches. For Californians living in San Diego, Orange, or even Los Angeles counties, its position makes it an easily reachable destination for a weekend getaway or a longer coastal retreat.

The campground's location right off Old Highway 101 is a significant advantage, providing straightforward access for all types of vehicles, including RVs. This direct access minimizes travel complications, allowing campers to quickly transition from the road to the sandy shores. Despite being on a major historical route, the focus remains on the beach environment, ensuring that the sound of the waves is the dominant ambiance.

The "beach access campground" description is literal, with well-maintained "beach trails down the cliffs to a rocky beach." This unique geological feature adds an element of adventure to reaching the shoreline, leading to a beach famous for its "great surfing." The location also places it within the broader San Clemente area, meaning that while the campground offers a natural escape, essential services and local attractions in San Clemente are within a reasonable distance, providing a convenient balance for campers.

Being a part of the California State Parks system, visitors can expect a well-managed and preserved coastal environment, albeit with the understanding that prime beach locations often mean campsites are cozier. For Southern California locals, this means having a beloved beach camping spot that is both accessible and offers genuine coastal recreation right in their backyard.

• Campsites for RVs, Tents, and Groups: San Onofre Beach Campground accommodates a variety of camping preferences, offering dedicated sites for Recreational Vehicles (RVs), traditional tents, and larger group camping setups.

• Picnic Table at Each Site: Every campsite is equipped with a picnic table, providing a convenient and essential space for outdoor dining, food preparation, and gathering.

• Reliable Fire Pit at Each Site: Each site includes a reliable fire pit, allowing campers to enjoy traditional campfires for warmth, ambiance, and cooking (always check for current fire restrictions).

• Bathrooms with Running Water: Campers have access to bathrooms with running water, providing a significant convenience for personal hygiene during their stay.

• Walking Distance to Bathrooms: All campsites are "within walking distance to a bathroom," ensuring easy and quick access to facilities.

• Beach Access via Trails: The campground provides direct "beach trails down the cliffs to a rocky beach," offering convenient access for surfing, fishing, and beach activities.

• Fishing Opportunities: The beach provides access for fishing, a popular activity for campers.

• Surfing Opportunities: The "rocky beach" is well-known for "great surfing," making it a prime destination for surfers.

• Dog-Friendly: The campground welcomes dogs, allowing furry family members to join the camping adventure (though "no beach access is allowed" for dogs, implying they are welcome in the campground area).

• Friendly, Informative Staff: The staff are described as "welcoming, informative, and maintains your privacy," contributing to a positive and helpful experience for campers.

• Daily Visitor Hours: The campground is open for daily visits from 6 am to 10 pm, with the gate closing promptly at 10 pm.

Note: Electricity is NOT available at the campsites, and while beach access is provided, direct vehicle access to the beach is not. Dogs are allowed in the campground but not on the beach itself.

• "Best Beach Camping in Southern California": This is the premier highlight, consistently praised by visitors, indicating an exceptional coastal camping experience.

• Unparalleled Beach Access: Direct access to the "rocky beach" via "beach trails down the cliffs" is a major draw, providing immediate entry to the Pacific Ocean for recreation.

• World-Class Surfing: The beach is renowned for its "great surfing," attracting surfers from across the region and beyond, making it a dream spot for wave riders.

• Convenient Access to Bathrooms with Running Water: The proximity of all campsites to clean bathrooms with running water is a significant comfort and convenience, especially for families.

• Reliable Fire Pits and Picnic Tables: Each campsite is well-equipped with essential amenities, allowing for traditional campfire experiences and comfortable outdoor dining.

• Dog-Friendly Environment: The acceptance of dogs in the campground (with appropriate rules regarding beach access) makes it an inclusive option for pet-owning families.

• Welcoming and Respectful Staff: Reviews highlight the staff as "welcoming, informative, and maintains your privacy," contributing to a pleasant and hassle-free stay.

• Variety of Camping Options: The availability of RV, Tent, and Group camping caters to diverse preferences and group sizes, making it versatile for different types of trips.

• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: The combination of amenities and activities, including fishing and a generally relaxed coastal vibe, makes it ideal for families with children.

• Scenic Coastal Location: The views of the ocean, the unique rocky cliffs, and the coastal environment provide a beautiful and refreshing backdrop for a camping trip.

Address: Old Hwy 101, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA

Phone: (949) 492-4872

Mobile Phone: +1 949-492-4872

For reservations (highly recommended due to popularity), current gate hours, specific rules regarding dog access, fire restrictions, or any other inquiries, please contact San Onofre Beach Campground directly using the provided phone numbers or visit the California State Parks website.

For Californians seeking the very best in beach camping, San Onofre Beach Campground in San Clemente, CA, is an undisputed top choice. Its prime location directly off Old Highway 101 provides effortless access to the stunning Southern California coastline, making it an incredibly convenient and highly desirable destination for residents across the region.

What truly sets San Onofre apart and makes it ideal for locals is its unparalleled beach access, leading to a renowned rocky beach perfect for "great surfing" and fishing. The thoughtful amenities at each campsite, including reliable fire pits and picnic tables, ensure a comfortable and classic outdoor experience. Furthermore, the availability of clean bathrooms with running water within walking distance of all sites, coupled with a welcoming and privacy-respecting staff, significantly enhances the overall enjoyment for families, RVers, and tent campers alike.

Despite the close proximity of campsites, the vibrant atmosphere and the endless opportunities for coastal recreation more than compensate, creating an energetic yet relaxing environment. The dog-friendly nature of the campground (with appropriate rules) means that even furry family members can join the adventure. San Onofre Beach Campground offers a quintessential Southern California experience, allowing you to wake up to the sound of the ocean, spend your days enjoying the waves or the sand, and gather around a campfire under the stars. It’s more than just a place to stay; it's a beloved coastal institution, promising unforgettable memories and a refreshing escape right in our own beautiful backyard.

San Onofre Beach Campground

Old Hwy 101, San Clemente, CA 92672, USA