$45 - $300 / night

Camper submitted image from San Clemente State Beach - 1

Camper submitted image from San Clemente State Beach - 2

Nature

Camper submitted image from San Clemente State Beach - 3

People

Camper submitted image from San Clemente State Beach - 4

Water

Camper submitted image from San Clemente State Beach - 5

Buildings

Established Camping

San Clemente State Beach

32 Reviews

Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect

There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!

If you are interested in having a RV delivered and set up on your campsite at Bolsa Chica, Crystal Cove Moro Campground, Doheny, San Clemente or San Onofre State Beach Campgrounds, the following Concessionaires are the approved contract providers: Luv 2 Camp (888) 898-2267 and <a href="theholidaysdelivered.com">The Holidays Delivered</a> (833) 268-8956. No business or private party may conduct business on State Park property without an approved contract.

There are hot water showers available.

Entrance gate is locked closed from 10:00PM- 6:00AM.

NO SHOW POLICY:  A campsite will be held for you until 12:00 NOON the day after your arrival date.  If you have not called the park (949-670-8276) before that time, you will be considered a “no show,” and the park will cancel your reservation.  Customer will forfeit their $7.99 reservation fee, $7.99 cancellation fee, and first night use fee.  If you miss your first day but plan to arrive later, you must call the park each day to hold the remainder of your reservation.  This rule will be strictly enforced.

About

State Park

San Clemente State Beach

CAMPING AND PICNICKING The family campground sits high atop the bluffs. Each of 160 sites has a fire ring and picnic table. Water faucets are nearby. The family campground has 72 RV spots, with electric and water hookups.

ACCESSIBLE FEATURES • Restrooms, showers, seven campsites, the visitor center, the Butterfly and Multi-Use Trails, and picnic sites near parking are accessible. Assistance may be needed on the steep trails to the beach. • Accessibility in state parks is continually improving. For recent updates, visit

Two group-camping areas can each hold 50 people. Each campground has hot showers, flush toilets, and sinks. Group camp #1 holds up to 20 RVs; Group camp #2 takes tent-only campers with a maximum of 10 vehicles. A picnic area displays sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean from bluffs 150 feet above the beach. Two group picnic areas are also available. The visitor center adjoins the 200-space parking area.

San Clemente State Beach camping is located at the south end of the city of San Clemente, California. The area around San Clemente is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. The city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea." Visitors are attracted to the San Clemente area for its intense winds and dramatic location.

San Clemente has been a California state beach since 1937 and is popular among water sport enthusiasts, and anyone who wishes to escape from inland heat and nearby metropolitan areas for the day. The beautiful mile long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff.

Reservation Info

The entrance to San Clemente State Beach will be locked & closed daily from 10pm until 6am. Please make arrangements prior to your arrival if you need to check in for your reservation after that time.

Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.

Suggest an Edit

Location

San Clemente State Beach is located in California

Directions

From Interstate 5 South Exit Ave. Calafia. Proceed straight onto Ave. Calafia. San Clemente State Beach entrance will be on your left side in ¼ mile. From Interstate 5 North Exit Cristianitos Road. Turn left and proceed over the freeway. Turn right onto Ave. del Presidente. Turn left onto Ave. Calafia. San Clemente State Beach entrance will be on your left side in ¼ mile.

Address

225 Avenida Calafia
San Clemente, CA 92672

Coordinates

33.403355 N
117.600515 W

Open in Google Maps

Is San Clemente State Beach sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site

Stay Connected

WiFi
Good
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Good

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Dispersed
Group

Features

For Campers

Market
ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Toilets
Alcohol
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Pull-Through Sites
Big Rig Friendly

SEE WHAT'S AVAILABLE

$45 - $300

/ nightCheck Availability View Site List

Is San Clemente State Beach sold out?

Quickly grab cancellations!

Learn More

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Make reservation

Devon L.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 12, 2023

Solid campground with beach view

Believe it or not, this was the first camp spot we stayed at with my family and it was my wife's first time ever camping since! We stayed in the premium tent campsites on the bluff that overlooked the beach. These are the best sites hands down in the whole campground. We camped here no problem in our sprinter van.

There are bathrooms and showers are good and nice hot water. There is a coin dispenser there.

The downer is that I thought our camp spot would be closer to the overlook, but it's actually just a parking spot with a grass spot and then walk over to an overlook. We only stayed one night as we were passing through, but would stay here again if we were in the area.

Also, we got there relatively late so the office was closed, got a ticket in the morning and had to walk all the way to the office to get us checked in properly. These premium sites are furthest away from the office just FYI.

Site83

Month of VisitJune

(6) View All

Ryan W.

Legend

Reviewed May. 26, 2023

Beachside parking lawn

This is a big lawn atop the bluffs where campsites are set up next to each other with no separation. It's like camping in your neighbors lawn...the neighbor with the most kids and probably a few dogs that are off-leash.

BUT...the views from the bluff are beautiful. The beach is perfect, and even the visitor center has a cute little museum display.

BUT...it isn't really camping. It is loud, even if it isn't because your neighbors are on top of you, and it is right off the highway. This is not the place to go to "get away."

Sites mostly have nice little pergolas/shades over a picnic table and fire pit. If you are looking to hang at the beach and not drive home, this is the campground for you. The campground is huge and there aren't many staffers to maintain it. Our site had grass/clover/weeds that was pretty thick, and the ground pretty lumpy, making it difficult to find a spot for the tent. Recommend a car camp situation or rv.

Dogs are not allowed on the beach.

Site127

Month of VisitMay

(8) View All

douglas A.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 11, 2023

Anything but peaceful

Music way to loud..camp host ehh.im.just not going there.

Site17

Month of VisitMarch

D G.

Traveler

Reviewed Apr. 1, 2022

Convenient beach city camping

Nice place close to many convenient places ie grocery liquor bix box sporting goods bars restaurants etc nice little spot surrounded by city so kinda like camping but not lol

Sitetent site

Month of VisitAugust

(7) View All

Gary R.

Scout

Reviewed Mar. 14, 2022

Great weekend spot

Campground is separated by large parking spots (class A/C or travel trailers) and the other is geared towards smaller setups (smaller trailers and tents). Some spots have great shade over the picnic table (we hung our hammock on ours), and all of the tent sites have fire pits. Some units are on a slope so keep an eye out for that if you are tent camping. Bathrooms were clean and showers have token dispensers right by the showers. Got pretty cold at night.

Site117

Month of VisitApril

Jill's Adventures🧭 🏕.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 21, 2022

San Clemente State Beach Campground

Talk about the views! This campground is located above San Clemente State Beach and offers a short walk to a tunneled beach access under the train tracks and spectacular sights.

With 160 sites to choose from, including ADA accessible, that are a good size, multiple bathrooms with hot showers available, hiking trails, and close to the town, this is a must to try!

Dogs are allowed but must remain on a leash no longer than 6 feet. I tied mine on a long leash to the overhang like everyone else and it was fine.

Tent Site Amenities:

Firepit with grate, picnic table, overhang and some have water spigots. All sites can accommodate two cars, the first is included in your fee and the second can be added for an additional $15 a night. The bathrooms are cleaned every morning around 10/11am.

The front gate opens at 6am and closes at 10pm with the exception of the gate code from a Ranger upon request.

Not everything can be perfect, no matter how beautiful. Here are some cons to consider that I have come across:

During the spring and summer there are ants everywhere. Skunks are desensitized to humans and will walk right up to forge through your trash. For the sites further from the ocean, the constant freeway noise is noticeable and if school is in session, the local elementary children's screams can become annoying. Some sites are a little too close to eachother unless you reserve those for a large party, then it makes sense as to why they are close. But if you want your own space and little bit of privacy, it can be annoying. I noticed a few like that.

Overall it is one of my favorite places to camp! I just can get over the scenery.

You can find all the info to book and see pictures of each campsite on www.reservecalifornia.com

Site139

Month of VisitMarch

(7) View All

Heather L.

Legend

Reviewed Jan. 18, 2022

An OK spot for a night

It was ok for one night - would probably try to find another spot for a more relaxing time. They allowed pets, but couldn’t take my dog on the trail down to the beach which was a bummer. Also had to pay for showers - bring cash to get tokens!! The water was hot but when I pay for a campsite like this I don’t want to pay more for a shower. I had a picnic table and fire ring. Wasn’t very quiet - lots of families, but seemed to be a good spot if you did camp with kiddos!

Site144

Month of VisitDecember

(6) View All

Veronica H.

Ranger

Reviewed Sep. 20, 2021

Nice large campground, but a hike down to the beach!

We've been staying at San Clemente State Beach for more than 30 years now, and it's always an enjoyable time. The beach is great for surfing and boogie boarding, with the famous Trestles surfing spot located about 2 miles away.

San Clemente State Beach is a pretty large campground with lots of commotion/activity, so if you're looking for peace and quiet, this isn't the place to go. Another thing to consider is that the beach is a bit of a trek, especially if you're carrying a bunch of coolers, chairs, umbrellas and boogie boards. Still, once you get down there, it's a great beach and very beautiful.

If you want to go shopping, there's a Rip Curl outlet nearby that has a lot of good deals on surf clothes, supplies, etc. The Pier is about a 10 minute drive away, where you'll find several decent seafood restaurants.

Month of VisitJuly

(13) View All

Marcy M.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 22, 2021

Camping at the Beach

We enjoy beach camping in San Diego County. We’ve camped at San Onofre and San Elijo many times over the years. This was our first stay at San Clemente. The camp site was pretty clean. It didn’t take much to clear a spot for our 4 man. We were opposite a bathroom with showers and the camp host. Just lucked out. It’s so hard to get spots now days i barely look at that stuff, I just book it. It’s a large camp ground but facilities are always within a reasonable walking distance. Lots of paved paths for kids to skateboard and ride bikes. The camp ground is in a residential area but is near the freeway so you’re not really “transported” when you’re camping here. You will also likely hear the trains as they run along the coast here, although I didn’t hear them at 4am like I do at San Onofre. Maybe train schedules have changed. It’s a steep hike or lengthy set of stairs to get down to the beach, the camp ground is on the bluffs. The beach is beautiful. If you have surf boards, SUPs or Boogey Boards bring them. The whole point should be to get in the water. I like the fact that tent camping and full RVs are separated here. I’m weird like that. I like a little village of tents. You’re close enough to town that if you want to do some miles you can walk in. I think you can walk the beach to the pier when the tide is right. The staff was friendly. Our camp host was great! He even brought us some fresh lavash bread from town one night. The bathrooms were clean most of the time and well stocked. The only thing I would call out here is this is a draw for young surf nomads, most of which are a fun group and interesting to chat with. Some are rowdy and pretty rude. You want to be prepared, you may have to keep track of your littles to avoid them getting hit by guys on skateboard with longboards in hand. We saw a few narrow misses. And my least favorite part, the loud drunk partying at midnight, 2am and 4am. Quiet hours are not well enforced here. All in all we like it here and will come back for short stays.

Site#106

Month of VisitJune

(8) View All

Amelia F.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 4, 2021

Lots of space and great surf!

California beach camping can be very hard to come by. Unlike some other campgrounds in Southern California this one gives you ample room to move around and set up camp. You can see the ocean from most sites too which is a huge perk since that is the reason most people camp along the coast. The walk to the beach is obviously steep but definitely worth it because the surfing here was incredible! This one came with a shade set up, fire ring, and a picnic table. It’s close to town If you forget anything or run out of ice or just want to grab a beer at a local spot. It is definitely one we will be going back to.

Month of VisitNovember

Christina P.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 1, 2021

View Is Amazing

We stayed here in September 2020. The camp site is well maintained and the people were friendly. Showers and bathrooms were clean. The walk to the beach is steep. And the beach has pebbles. We had an awesome time. No regrets!

Sitedon’t remember. in the middle

Month of VisitOctober

(20) View All

Melissa M.

Traveler

Reviewed May. 20, 2021

Excellent for Van Camping!!

This was so beautiful and so clean! Everything was neatly placed and accessible. Beautiful hike to the beach, bathrooms were clean and our location was terrific!

Site43

Month of VisitMay

Brian S.

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 29, 2021

Perched above the ocean on a bluff

Nice campground that’s near the ocean.

Daniella S.

Traveler

Reviewed Feb. 28, 2021

Amazing ! one of the best i've ever met . Loved

Amazing ! one of the best i've ever met . Loved . I was with my family and my dog and it was incredible.

(8) View All

Chad M.

Ranger

Reviewed Dec. 18, 2020

A MUST!

Great, clean, campground for the family. My daughter, dog, wife and I enjoyed two nights here in November 2020 for my birthday. We didn’t have a reservation but they do a lottery at 11am each day and we got spots for two nights.

Really easy to get to. We’ll go back a few times a year.

Travis

Scout

Reviewed Dec. 6, 2020

Crowded, But Fun

I live across the street, but have been coming here to camp for years. The vibe is groups of young friends stoked on their new-found independence and families with RVs or trailers with the latest toys. The hardcore surfing nomads stealth camp in their bubble-top vans outside of the park on the streets. Walking distance to Cottons point for surfing and to hangout among the beach huts.

Jonathan G.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 25, 2020

Good surf

This is a good alternative to the Bluffs. It's a little quieter since you're farther from the freeway, but it's still essentially parking lot camping. There is some shade, but it's flat so good for kids to play around. It sits right above Cottons and a short walk from the other breaks of Trestles so that's tough to beat! Shops & groceries are just across the highway.

Megan K.

Ranger

Reviewed Oct. 5, 2020

Best camp cites on the Beach in SoCal

I love this campground. I came in as a hike and bike camper this year but I’ve also been on the campsites. It’s very close to the beach!

Chrystal M.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

Campsites 132-139

This campground is a good introduction for beginners. Campsite was clean for the most part but there was some trash found around the area from the previous campers. The beach is maybe about a 5 min walk. The water was nice and cold and the sand was mixed with pebbles and big rocks so be careful. Bathrooms are clean that provide a sink and toilet paper inside. Showers are conveinent after coming from the beach. Bring cash for the showers for tokens; 1 token for a 2mins shower. $1 for 2 tokens. Campsites have a fire pit, and bench. Spigots and trash cans are located around the area. Trash is taken every morning by the workers so that was nice to see.

Beware of ANTS since we found a lot on our campsite. Be mindful where you put your bag because even if you hang it, they will find it! I'd recommend keeping exposed food in your car. Also bring ant powder or spray just in case. We found ants on our tent, but my friends found them inside their tents as well. Campsite 132-139 is a good spot because it provides a nice middle area for kids to run around. We saw people using bikes, scooters, skate boards and such around the campgrounds since there are pavements.

Overall, this campground is ok. I'm not fond of being this close to our neighbors. Some campsites looked like they overlap eachother because of how close they were.

Les S.

Guide

Reviewed Jan. 2, 2020

Beautiful campground on Beach

Each campsite has a fire container, barbeque , and a picnic table under trellis type structure. Clean flush toilets. Beautiful location next to the ocean. Great place.

Jamie C.

Guide

Reviewed Nov. 16, 2019

Pretty neat spot

Walk to the beach is kind of long. Camp is on the bluff! We tent camped and had a good time

(5) View All

Berton M.

Legend

Reviewed Sep. 13, 2019

Great Sunsets and Views

San Clemente State Park is a great place to go camping and enjoy the beach. The campground is located on a bluff that offers great views up and down the coast. It's also a great place to catch the sunset.

The facilities are very clean but bring quarters for the showers. It's close to the freeway but I didn't hear anything. There were a few helicopters and Ospreys that flew over from Camp Pendleton Marine Base that made for a good airshow.

Site137

Month of VisitOctober

Alexa L.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 5, 2019

My favorite place

We go every summer and the group keeps getting bigger. I love the trees, views and even the skunks (the are tame and love pizza). The walk up from the beach is a little tough, but the lifeguards are super nice and helpful if you need assistance. I always come home with a nice tan and great calfs. The upside of the walk is that there aren't as many people as down the beach by the public parking.

Nolan S.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 1, 2019

San Clemente state park

This is a great campground located less than one minute from the beach. This is the obvious plus to the campground. As it is a State park, parking on all the other state beaches is included at the price.

My biggest complaint is that the sites are so close to each other. There is essentially no privacy between your neighbors. Full hookups are available and are pull through sites. Restrooms and showers are also available. Firewood is available for $7 a bundle at the entrance but it’s just lightweight pine that burns quick. We brought our own wood.

The beach is about a minute away driving and is a great family beach. The sand is soft and there is lots of room, especially not on a holiday weekend. We have been coming to this beach for years as a family and it is one of my favorites.

(12) View All

Steve L.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 3, 2019

Go to camp spot

Nice, clean, easy access for trailers/rv’s. Not an easy or quick access to the beach from the rv and tent areas, so just plan on spending time there!

(6) View All

Tim J.

Ranger

Reviewed Aug. 31, 2018

Sandy Campsite with Ocean Views

Campsites offer nice sunset views of the ocean. Sandy spots are covered and include a table and BBQ grill. It was not crowded for being the middle of the week.

Month of VisitMay

Elise P.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2018

Great Beach Camp

We tent camped here. The campground is large, so most spaces have a lot of room. Lots of amenities for those that need them. Short walk to the beach. Some seasons, the beach is very rocky and difficult to swim.

Norina N.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 26, 2018

A great campground close to the beach

We love this campground! It's close to home and easy to access. The beach is pretty close to the campgrounds. Restrooms and showers are fine. We have an RV and this is a great campground for your rig. It has full hook-ups (water, electricity, sewer). All the RV sites are pull- through. Some of the sites have very limited grass/ground area if you want to also pitch a tent on your RV site. You get a good breeze since the sites are close to the ocean.

Month of VisitJuly