1. San Mateo Campground

    1. San Mateo Campground

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    San Clemente, CA

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    San Mateo Campground

    3.5 (119 reviews)
    Open 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

    San Mateo Campground Photos

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    #45
    Justin K.

    Space #45 I stayed at San Mateo Campground in site 45 and had such a great experience! The site itself was spacious, level, and offered a nice mix of sun and shade throughout the day. It felt private without being too isolated, which made it perfect for relaxing while still being close enough to the bathrooms and water. The campground was clean and well maintained, and the camp hosts were friendly and helpful -- you could tell they really take pride in the place. What really stood out was how peaceful it was in the evenings. This campground is just a quick drive or a nice bike ride to the beach, which made it super convenient. Overall, site #45 turned out to be one of my favorite spots in Southern California camping. I'd definitely stay here again. Restroom and trash bins are close by but far away you don't hear the foot traffic. Showers available. $1 for two tokens. Each token = 2 mins. Cleaned daily.

    Alex J.

    Great location, not too far of a drive to the beach. Pros: - quiet -clean grounds - great views around the grounds - Safe Cons: - the showers - not all the bathrooms work

    Trestles Beach
    Ibjawge G.

    I don't really want to broadcast the charms of this park but it is so nice and relaxing. We spent four weeknights and it was so quiet and peaceful, with much screened privacy at each site. No cell service so best to bring Starlink for cell and internet. Beach is about 1 1/2 miles away.

    The trail to the beach. Lots of pooches. (Shhh not allowed on the beach tho)
    Johanna S.

    Clean and spacious campground BUT not close to the beach. It's a good mile and a half plus. Maybe 40 mins to walk there. And not shaded so your kids will think it's forever and a day. We still had to drive and walk some more. So yes. It was not beach camping. If you just want something cheap to overnight near the beach it's a great base. Lots of super markets and food within a 10 minute drive in case you forgot ketchup like we did.

    Non thieving rabbits
    Jordan K.

    The rats didn't get my food. Not a single bee in sight. The thieving squirrels were replaced with cute rabbits. The trumpets made a great alarm My wood wasn't stolen.

    Campsite #138
    Larry N.

    We stayed here recently with another couple, reserving 2 adjacent campsites. (#138 and #135.) We were in 138...it was large enough for our cabin tent and a canopy that we used to cover the site picnic table. There is a water right across the road, and the restrooms are about 100' away. We did have fire rings at both sites, and the camp host at the entrance sold wood. The restrooms had flush toilets and pay per use showers. We were there Sunday - Thursday...and no issues with noise or parties in our loop, it was very quiet, except for the Marines a few mornings blowing stuff up. The beach trail to the ocean is right nearby, it is a long walk...about 30 minutes up and down a hill, under PCH with little or no shade.

    Lots of wildlife

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    3 years ago

    Great privacy, clean bathrooms, great views and trails! It's quiet and clean bathrooms! Definitely recommend staying here!

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - San Mateo Campground

    Can a motor home camp in the tent area?

    Yes, motorhomes and trailers are allowed in tent campsites, however, there are no hookups.

    What time is checkin?

    2:00pm

    Are there fire pits there? I've seen reviews saying yes and no so I'm confused...

    We have stayed in 2 separate campsites last year, and yes, both had fire pits

    Anyone get decent AT&T cell phone service here? How many bars? Thanks!

    One bar the most. It depends a lot on the location of your campsite.

    View All 11 Questions

    Review Highlights - San Mateo Campground

    The campsites have a beautiful view and they are decent size (not huge, but still way bigger than the sites at San Onofre's BLUFFS campground).

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    The Holidays - We stayed at the Muir and the Drifter. Very rustic but the kids had a blast!

    The Holidays

    4.3(29 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    Had a blast Vintage Glamping! Great concept. Happy this…read morepartnership between State Parks and private business collaborated to bring together such a unique and delightful camping experience. I read about The Holiday's on Trip Advisr and was pleased to find mid-week openings the next week. I paid for one night in advance, but after the fun my granddaughter had that first day, I paid for another night and am glad to have done so. The turquoise and white trailer, "The Drifter" is adorable, as are all four units. Andy, the owner/ manager is friendly, easy to reach by phone, and stops by each day to provide for the needs of his current renters, and to prep for the next to arrive. With an included fridge, freezer, 3 burner stove, plates, cups, mugs, utensils, bbq utensils, sink with running water, heat, ample sleeping for 4, bath towels, beach towels, USB ports, board games, cards, and a bluetooth sound system, the trailer offers plenty of convenience for its diminuative size. For a small extra charge a generator provides AC, microwave and electricity. Each trailer gas picnic table, charcoal bbq, and a firepit... though we joined other campers at the communal firepit and enjoyed making new friends. The Holiday's Community has a shared storage shed filled with complimentary games (Jenga, Cornhole, Horseshoes, oversized Checkers, Bocce Ball, etc.) beach supplies (umbrellas, boogie boards, noodles). The beach is gorgeous... there are two paths to access the beach, one is quite steep and the hike back up is tough. The other path nearest to the Visitor Center is less steep. All in all, big props to The Holiday's! I will definitely be returning.

    We reserved the Muir trailer for 7/6-7/8. The trailer needed some repairs. The beach toys are…read moretrashed. There was a corn hole set that was in good shape. We left in the morning of our second day. We left a voicemail and sent a email requesting a refund for the second day. The owner contacted us and explained the repair issues and compensated us for our reservation. Very responsive and cooperative.

    Photos
    The Holidays - Family time!

    Family time!

    The Holidays - Matador red trailer, also called The Muir

    Matador red trailer, also called The Muir

    The Holidays - What to do with the otherwise useless push lights included with the campers ...

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    What to do with the otherwise useless push lights included with the campers ...

    San Clemente State Beach - IG: @yin_futography

    San Clemente State Beach

    3.8(194 reviews)
    1.1 mi

    This beach is really nice and clean as well as spacious. They have a cool pier that stretches over…read morethe water and has a good seafood restaurant right at the beginning. They also have a large downtown area with lots of shops and restaurants as well. A very nice outting. Parking is pretty tough to find along the streets, but they have a parking lot nearby.

    Lots of wildlife tucked into bluffs for you to enjoy. Pet…read moreowners and parents beware: Coyotes found a place to stay near the park's entrance. Many different birds fly through and stop in the enormous trees surrounding the campground. Squirrels dot the bluffs and duck into burrows. There are a few bathroom facilities that could use maintenance or repair / update. Most are fine and cleaned regularly by dedicated and kind staff. There is group camping, non hookup camping, and full hookup camping. A dump station and clean fill station on the way to the day lot. Quieter campground vibe than neighboring Doheny / Bluffs in my experience. The way down to the beach from the campground lot is a nicely graded path but it is very steep in places, beware stroller and wagon tuggers or those with heart conditions. If you drive right down Calafia to the end the beach is easier to access on foot. A cute state park gift shop is open from late morning to afternoon. The beach is more of a bodysurfing and swimming beach most days are shore breaks. They do have areas for each activity marked with flags. It's a relatively busy beach but not to the point of you having to walk far to find a comfortable spot. If you have the state parks pass and haven't been here, its so close the freeway there's no point in not making it a relaxed stop when road tripping. Safe travels and have fun!

    Photos
    San Clemente State Beach - IG: @yin_futography

    IG: @yin_futography

    San Clemente State Beach - Quiet little setup for us.

    Quiet little setup for us.

    San Clemente State Beach - IG: @yin_futography

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    IG: @yin_futography

    San Onofre Beach Camp Site - San Onofre sunset

    San Onofre Beach Camp Site

    3.1(43 reviews)
    2.0 mi

    We stayed at the cottages for 3 nights and 4 days and overall it was an amazing experience. One…read morenight we did have to evacuate due to a tsunami warning but they were great about it and refunded 50% of that night which we really appreciated. We booked a 1 bedroom cottage and it was perfect for our family of three. It was spacious and clean. The kitchen had everything we needed including a gas stove and oven, microwave, full size fridge, toaster, and plenty of dishes and utensils. The bathroom was large and handicap accessible which was a nice touch. The beach is very clean and there is a playground for kids that is very well kept which was great for our little one. There are mostly RV spots here so the cottages are limited but definitely worth booking if you want more space and comfort. One thing to note is that it can get VERY loud at night due to trains constantly passing through and sometimes military night training in the area which can make quite a bit of noise. Other than that we really didn't have any complaints. We would definitely love to come back and stay here again!

    Do not waste your $45.00 !! I have camped in primitive campsites all over the U.S. and could…read morealways find something positive to say. Not this time! This place feels like it would be a nightmare after dark for anyone traveling alone! I had zero ocean view, zero shade, picnic tables were old and splintered, and the campsite (if that's what you want to call it) was on hot blacktop. I wasted my $45 because I left way before sunset! Awful campground, maybe the beach is nicer.

    Photos
    San Onofre Beach Camp Site - Little visitor on back patio

    Little visitor on back patio

    San Onofre Beach Camp Site - View from the cottage

    View from the cottage

    San Onofre Beach Camp Site

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    San Mateo Campground - campgrounds - Updated July 2026

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