San Clemente State Beach Campground, California (Guide + Reviews)
Overview
San Clemente State Beach Campground sits on coastal bluffs in south Orange County, with stair and trail access down to wide, sandy shoreline and classic SoCal surf. Expect golden-hour sunsets, paved paths, and easy proximity to tacos, coffee, and the San Clemente Beach Trail.
What Campers Are Saying
Overall vibe: “Sunny, social, and scenic.” Campers love the ocean overlook sites, quick beach access, and family-friendly amenities. Expect some weekend energy and train/road noise — ocean sound helps mask it.
Highlights
- Blufftop views: many sites catch sunsets and ocean horizon.
- Beach access: stairs/paths to long stretches of sand and surf zones.
- Bike & stroll: paved multi-use trail parallels the coast.
- Convenience: minutes to town for food, ice, rentals, and treats.
Frictions to plan around
- High demand: weekends and summer sell out quickly.
- Urban noise: road/train sounds possible — bring earplugs.
- Wind & sun: limited shade; bring canopies and sun protection.
- Spacing: pads can feel close; choose corners if you value privacy.
Camper Quotes
“Sunset from camp, then stairs straight to the beach — perfect.”
“Family friendly — playgrounds, bike path, and easy sand access.”
“Bring a windbreak and a rug for sand control.”
“Book early; ocean-view sites go first.”
Campsites & Amenities
- Sites: tent and RV pads across multiple loops; some with hookups (verify per site).
- Hookups: mix of full/partial and dry sites; dump station on-site.
- Facilities: restrooms, coin-op showers, picnic tables, fire rings.
- Access: blufftop setting with stair/trail access to the beach and coastal path.
- Pets: leashed in campground and day-use areas; beach dog rules vary by section/time.
Booking & Availability
Reservations: via ReserveCalifornia.com. Summer and holiday weekends are competitive; shoulder seasons (spring/fall) offer better availability and great weather. Midweek is your best bet for ocean-view pads.
Tip: If top-row sites are gone, grab a nearby pad and spend days down on the sand — also watch for last-minute cancellations 2–7 days out.
Best Spots
- Ocean-facing rows: clearest horizon views and easiest sunset watching.
- Corner pads: a touch more breathing room and fewer passersby.
- Buffers from restrooms: aim one or two sites away for quieter evenings.
Bring low beach chairs and a canopy; afternoon breezes are common on the bluff.
Nearby Campgrounds
- Doheny State Beach: beach-level camping with surf breaks steps away (Dana Point).
- San Onofre Bluffs: classic surf-zone vibe along Old Pacific Highway.
- Crystal Cove – Moro Campground: ocean-bluff camping with hookups and trail network (north on PCH).
Map & Directions
From I-5, exit toward Avenida Calafia or Avenida Pico and follow signs to San Clemente State Beach. The campground entrance sits on the bluff side with parking and check-in clearly signed.
Nearby address: San Clemente, CA 92672
San Clemente State Beach FAQ
Do any sites have hookups?
Yes, some loops offer hookups while others are dry. Confirm amenities on the site map when booking.
Is it noisy?
Some road/train noise is common. Ocean sound helps; earplugs are a good backup.
Can I walk to the beach?
Yes — stairs and paved paths connect the blufftop campground to the beach and coastal trail.
Are fires allowed?
In designated fire rings when local restrictions allow. Always check current fire conditions.
Are dogs allowed on the beach?
Leashed dogs are welcome in the campground; beach rules vary by section and time of day — watch posted signs.
What are the chances I’ll see Bigfoot?
If you spot giant footprints at low tide, that’s just Bigfoot training for a beach 5K. 👣🏖️
