San Onofre State Beach Campground

San Diego County

San Onofre Beach, Orange County, California
San Onofre Beach, Orange County, California

San Onofre State Beach Campground

San Diego County


San Onofre State Beach Campgrounds

Located in northern San Diego County, San Onofre State Beach is home to some of Southern California’s most iconic surf spots. Easily recognized by the now-closed nuclear power plant along the coast, the park spans both sides of this landmark. Surfers flock to legendary breaks such as Trestles Beach, Old Man’s, and The Point. In addition to surfing, the area offers scenic hiking trails that follow the coastline.

Two Distinct Camping Areas


San Mateo Campground

Situated inland off Christianitos Road, San Mateo Campground features separate loops for RVs/trailers and tent camping. Some sites offer electric and water hook-ups, providing added convenience. A group campsite is located at the southern end of the campground. A 1.5-mile trail connects the campground directly to Trestles Beach, making it a great option for surfers and hikers alike.

Bluffs Campground

Bluffs Campground stretches along Old Pacific Coast Highway, offering stunning oceanfront sites for both tents and RVs. This campground operates seasonally, open only from mid-May through September. There are no hook-ups available, but the dramatic coastal views more than make up for it. A Group Site is also available here.

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San Onofre State Beach Campground Basics
Location: Off Interstate 5, 3 miles south of San Clemente
Campground Open: San Mateo Campground open year-round, but some sites closed in off-season
Bluffs is open in San mid-May through September
Number of Sites: 309 (about 150 in each campground)
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 2 (one driven and one towed)
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by: California State Parks
San Onofre State Beach Information: (949) 492-4872

Reservations for San Onofre State Beach Campground
Reservations available San Onofre State Beach Campground reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum Vehicle Length: 25 feet
Accessible Sites: San Mateo: #1, 65, 78, 139, 156,
Bluffs: #23, 24, 34, 45, 46, 93, 95, 120, 124, 125, 145, 146, 164, 165
Favorite Campsites: San Mateo Campground: #21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 88, 91, 92, 122, 123, 125, 145, 152
Campground Maps: San Mateo Campground Map

Bluffs Campground Map
Fees: Standard site - $45 per night
Hook-up site - $70
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: San Onofre State Beach Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-out, Check-in: Check-out: Noon
Check-in: 2:00 PM

San Onofre Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring, some sites with partial hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, piped water, store, amphitheater
Showers: Hot showers
Dump Station: Yes
Nearby Attractions:
  • Head out Surfing.
  • Hike on the Bluff's Beach Trail and Panhe Nature Trail.
  • Do some surf fishing.
  • Visit Casa Romantica Cultural Center and Gardens and Surfing Heritage Foundation museum in San Clemente.
Updates Last Updated September 2025





San Onofre Group Campsites

San Onofre State Beach has 2 group campsites, one at San Mateo Campground and the other at Bluffs Campground. The San Mateo group site is at the southern end of the campground and can accommodate up to 40 people and 8 vehicles. It is a tents-only site. Sleeping in vehicles is not allowed. The campground is wheelchair accessible. The group site has 2 fire pits, one standard and one ADA, as well as one large BBQ (charcoal or wood), 6 picnic tables, 2 shade Ramadas, and potable water.

The Bluffs Group Campground can accommodate from 9 to 50 people and up to 12 vehicles. Maximum vehicle length is 18 feet. The camp has a large area for tents, outdoor showers, and a nice ocean view.
Fees: San Mateo - $250, Bluffs - $250
Reservations from ReserveCalifornia:
San Onofre State Beach Group Campsite Reservations




Cape Blanco, Oregon.

Cape Blanco


San Onofre Beach, San Diego County, CA

San Onofre Beach

Reviews from Previous Campers

2022 - 2024

  • Roomy campsite and clean campground.
  • Bathrooms are clean and well-maintained; bring a flashlight.
  • Some road and train noise at night at Bluffs.
  • Friendly park host came around often.
  • Bushes blocked some ocean views from San Mateo Campground.

Southern California Beach Attractions

Visitors to Southern California beaches have so many places to explore and enjoy.

  • Surfing on some of the best waves in California at places like San Onofre, Black's Beach, and Tourmaline

  • Excellent pier fishing for a wide variety of fish at spots like Imperial Beach, Ocean Beach, and San Clemente

  • Enjoying strolling along glistening sand and watching the sunset at beaches like Coronado, Del Mar, Laguna Beach, and Zuma

  • Watch top-rated beach volleyball competition at venues such as Manhattan Beach and Hermosa

  • Immerse yourself in the fun and excitement of destination beaches like Venice, Redondo, and Santa Monica

  • Watch surfing competitions at Huntington Beach, Salt Creek, Oceanside, and Coronado

  • Attend the San Clemente Ocean Festival and the Carlsbad Beach Fest held in July

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Key San Onofre Beach Campground Regulations

  1. Vehicles must be parked on the pavement within the campsite area.
  2. Fires must be in designated concrete fire rings only.
  3. Pets are not allowed on the beach. They must be in vehicle or tent at night.
  4. Generators may only be operated between the hours of 10 AM and 8 PM.

Be careful when you make your reservation that your vehicles will fit within the space allowed at your site.

Check for any park or campground updates:
California State Parks - San Onofre State Beach

Nearby Beach Campgrounds

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General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

Accessible Sites

Designated Accessible sites are usually reserved for people with disabilities who have a vehicle displaying an accessible parking placard or license plate