The bluffs stretch along the coastline in a long row of concrete parking pads, accommodating RVs up to 36 feet and tents on adjacent dirt patches. Campers describe the layout as resembling a parking lot, with sites positioned close together and minimal privacy between neighbors. Interstate 5 runs directly behind the campground, providing constant background noise, while passenger and freight trains pass through regularly during night hours.
Most sites sit atop the coastal bluffs, though ocean views vary significantly by location. Some campers wake to glimpses of water beyond the cliff edge, while others face inland toward the highway corridor. Terree R. notes "You can't hear the freeway traffic" once settled, though experiences differ among reviewers. The campground provides cold outdoor showers, vault toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables at each site, but no hookups for RVs.
Beach access requires hiking down steep, unmaintained trails from the bluff edge. Chelsey warns "You really need hiking gear to get down it" and describes the paths as sketchy for those in swimwear and flip-flops. Trail 1 offers the most manageable route, though still involves a steep half-mile descent. The beach itself features rocky shores near the water line and attracts surfers to the uncrowded breaks. Multiple reviewers mention bees around the shower facilities during daytime hours.
Reservations fill quickly on weekends, particularly for sites closest to preferred beach trails. The campground operates year-round with rates ranging from $45-250 per night. No potable water is available on-site, requiring campers to arrive with adequate supplies or fill tanks before entry. For those exploring the region, campgrounds around San Clemente provide additional coastal camping options. This location works best for surfers and beach enthusiasts willing to trade comfort for direct coastal access.
Description
San Onofre Campground and day-use parking along Old Highway 101 adjacent to the beautiful sandstone bluffs. This beach below is popular with swimmers and surfers with six rugged dirt access trails cut into the bluff above. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. The campground offers cold outdoor showers and chemical toilets. No RV hookups are available, however, there is a RV dump-station.
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 4 Alerts are In Effect
There are 4 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
California State Parks wants to thank our park visitors for helping us keep our parks and environment clean. In 2018, State Parks installed new RV dump station collection systems at ten state park units as part of a pilot program to help us protect the environment and are added amenities for our visitors.
Following the success of the initial pilot program in 2018, an additional eleven park units have been added to the program. The service is available for campers, day-use or transient visitors for $10-$20 per use, depending on the location. Please note that visitors with current reservations arriving on or after April 13, 2021, who are interested in using the RV dump stations may be required to pay the use fee. The price per campsite for these state parks does not include the use of a dump station. View the following link: Camping Information
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.
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 The Holidays Delivered (833) 268-8956. No business or private party may conduct business on State Park property without an approved contract.
The only sites in San Onofre that do NOT allow trailers are Bluffs Sites 46 thru 93**.**
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundBluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach is located in California
Address
830 Cristianitos Road
San Clemente, CA 92672
Coordinates
33.381095 N
117.576815 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 4/3/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 users
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 14 usersLast on 4/3/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 4/3/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 10 users
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 53 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 2 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 58 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 11 min from El Centro, CA
