Camp at San Mateo Campground
Cycling, Chillin, Camping, Fishing, Photography, Surfing, Swimming, Hiking
Beginner
Year Round
Camp next to world class surfing beaches, where you can also swim, kayak, fish, and bicycle. Look out for sea birds, and even the occasional whale, dolphin, or sea lion.
San Onofre State Beach, best known for its famous surf breaks, additionally offers two well equipped campgrounds.
San Onofre Bluffs has fire pits and picnic tables, as well as outdoor showers, chemical toilets, and an RV dump station. Swimming and surfing are popular here.
Further inland from the beaches is San Mateo Campground, which has access to the 1.5 mile Nature Trail to Trestles Beach, another famed surf spot. The San Mateo Creek wetlands are also located alongside the campground. Amenities include fire pits, picnic tables, hot indoor showers, and flush toilets. For RVs there are hookups with water and electricity, as well as a dump station.
The other well-known beach is San Onofre Surf Beach, although there is no camping allowed. There are chemical toilets, cold showers, and limited fire pits.
You can make reservations online here.
Photo Credit: Justin Meissen
Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations.
Reviews
Overall rating:
All-around Rad
Tons of sites, great atmosphere, food/ shops nearby, and just an all-around awesome place to bring the family. You can surf, lounge, walk the beach, play games and have a BBQ!!!
Surf + Camp
Stayed here for a surf trip. It wasn't too far from the water but I would recommend using a car or bike to get there. Nice open grounds with bathrooms
