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San Onofre Bluffs Campground

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San Onofre Bluffs Campground has 157 campsites nestled into the park’s scenery.

the campground is convenient to trails that lead down to the 3.5 miles of sandy beach as well as trails that lead upwards, cutting into the bluffs. The campsites here have access to picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms, showers and some ocean views. Book here early – these campsites get taken up quickly (especially in the peak summertime).

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88%

55 ratings · 11 reviews

Kendall A.doesn't recommend

July 9, 2021

Extremely tiny campsites. Barely big enough for a single tent especially considering there were people on both sides of our campsite. It was very crowded and we were right behind a hill. We had absolutely no view of the cliffs of water and it was a very far walk to get down to the beach. Not at all how pictured when we booked in the campsite.

Michelle G.doesn't recommend

September 29, 2018

Right next to the freeway!!

Laura M.

January 13, 2018

Didn’t stay here due to campground closure. Note that they do not have winter camping available.

Josimar A.

September 19, 2017

Nice little get away from the City, I recommend the first few campsites by trail 1 great view and also the last few by trail 6 also great view...there are bees so bring a repellent candle for your site! Surf is a must here so bring your board and some booties! Also dog friendly and great for cycling recommend bringing your bike!

Ali H.recommends

September 11, 2017

You are right by the train tracks and trains run all night long. Beautiful beach, with great surfing but it is a basic campsite on the dirt and the views of the beach are pretty limited because of the tall shrubs.

Jake O.recommends

August 31, 2017

Bring a surfboard!

Jordan A.recommends

August 29, 2017

it's a bit of a walk to the ocean but again worth it! There are cook out locations as well.

John S.recommends

July 29, 2017

Yes, it's as though you are camping on the road and I've always been resistant to that, but a few steps away the beautiful ocean offers an escape that makes it worth it, especially if the surf is good.

Chanel C.

July 5, 2017

Beach camping is something else. I much rather prefer mountains, forests, and woods...there was something beautiful about this place as well. As far as the campsites go, it's a long stretch of 150+ rows of sites that are practically parking spots. You get a concrete parking spot that parks about 2 long RVs, and a very small 10x10 dirt patch. Some sites are bigger than others, but all of them include a fire pit ring with grill & a wooden picnic table. The campsites are rather close together so be prepared for LOTS of noise and people walking through your site to get to the restrooms. The beach is the best part of this place. It's secluded and quiet. Great for surfers! If you're into nude tanning, that's available as well. BEWARE OF BEES!

Alex F.

October 5, 2015

There are a >100 camp sites here that line the bluff above the beach, some with better beach access and views than others; overall its a very pretty setting. The site was outfitted with a fire pit, table and plenty of space for a few tents. Although it has great access to the surf and a relatively well hidden beach, cars on the 5 and the train can be heard late into the night and especially in the early morning.

Lauren B.

August 26, 2015

Camping is pretty easy here. You can pull right up to your campsite in your car, there are bathrooms in short walking distance complete an outdoor shower station and sink, picnic tables and a fire ring. It can get pretty noisy being right next to the freeway, but the beaches are uncrowded and the waves are really fun for surfing.

Other campgrounds in San Onofre State Beach

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San Mateo Campground

309 sites · RVs, Tents In San Onofre Bluffs Campground

Your guide to camping in San Onofre Bluffs Campground

Overview

Biking

San Onofre State Beach is a great place for road bikers and mountain bikers to get their fix of two-wheeled action. Most of the fire roads here have fairly steep climbs, so come prepared to pedal it out and enjoy the views. As for road biking, the Pacific Coast Bike Route passes directly through San Onofre. Those out for a leisurely ride can go for about 7 miles, while those with a photo ID and a mission can go beyond that.

Surfing

San Onofre is home to some seriously classic California surfing spots . The state beach has three different spots, making it ridiculously hard to pick where you’re going to put your board in. The first location is the Lower Trestles, located on the south side of the San Mateo Creek rivermouth. The Lower Trestles brings long, steady waves to the table making it a popular practice spot for performance surfing. Then there is Old Man’s, which is north of the nuclear plant. Old Man’s has softer, slower waves, meaning it is a great place for up and coming surfers, although you will find no shortage of skilled wave riders there! Last but certainly not least is Trails. Trails has fair waves that are a little bit more aggressive than Old Man’s. This is the southernmost and most popular area of beach. No matter where you go at San Onofre, though, you’re bound to hit some good waves and consequentially a great time.

Swimming

Old Man’s at San Onofre State Beach is a great, relatively calm place to head for a swim. Old Man’s is a clean, sandy beach making it easy to brave the ocean floor with your bare feet. Once you’re in, the Pacific provides Old Man’s with some gentle, rolling waves that are perfect to splash around in.

Wildlife watching

Between Eucalyptus trees and brush-covered slope, this state beach is teeming with wildlife. The Eucalyptus trees are home to migratory monarch butterflies in the winter while the brush is shelter for gray foxes, coyotes, ground squirrels and opossum. If you aren’t impressed at the thought of running into one of those furry friends, consider that San Onofre is home to ten endangered or threatened species including the San Diego fairy shrimp, western snowy plover and more.