San Clemente State Beach
225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672
Overview
San Clemente Campground is located halfway between Los Angeles and San Diego off of I-5 in southern San Clemente, California. Notable for its Spanish Colonial-style architecture, this campground has existed since 1937.
San Clemente Campground features family, group, and RV sites with full hookups and a dump station. In all, this campground has about 159 campsites (72 sites with full hookups), 5 vintage trailers for rent, and 2 group campsites that can accommodate 50 people each.
In the campground, there are restrooms, outdoor showers, and drinking water. Dogs are allowed throughout the campground on a six-foot leash but are prohibited from the beach unless they are service dogs.
You can enjoy this gorgeous campground located on a bluff that overlooks the Pacific Ocean all year round!
Best Campsites at San Clemente State Beach
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at San Clemente State Beach Campground.
Sites 82, 83, 85, 88 and 89
- Close to campground edge
- Great ocean view
- More shade
- Restroom proximity
Unique Experiences
- Enjoy quality time over a picnic with friends and family at the picnic area.
- Feel the thrill of surfing the waves at the San Clemente beach in famous spots like Toads and T Street.
- Bond with family and friends fishing from the San Clemente pier and catch your own dinner!
- Enjoy the relaxing effect of sunset and glistening sand at the Calafia beachfront.
- Feel the energy of competitive sport by watching bodysurfing and windsurfing competitions.
- Immerse yourself in the fun and excitement at the San Clemente Ocean Festival each July.
- Watch whales and wildlife at the wildlife viewing at the San Clemente campground.
- Get your adrenaline rush from biking along the beach trails.
- Kids can participate in the Junior Rangers activities for those aged 7 to 12, while the younger 4 to 6 kids can join the Ranger Buddies program.
San Clemente State Beach Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
35 FeetMax Length of Stay
12 daysMax people per site
8Max vehicles per site
2Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
Yes, but not on beach/trailsSan Clemente State Beach Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesThe San Clemente Campground is open all year round. You can make reservations as early as six months before your date of arrival. You can make reservations online at ReserveCalifornia or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM.
A night at San Clemente costs $65 for a site with full hookups, $45 for a premium site, and $40 for a standard one.
Before making a reservation, be sure to have the following information:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
There are two group sites that can accommodate up to 50 people each. The first overlooks the ocean and has a great view. It accommodates a maximum of 50 people and 20 vehicles. The other is a tent-only camp and also accommodates up to 50 people but only 10 vehicles.
Group sites are $250 to $300 and can be made up to six months before your arrival. To make reservations, you can reserve online at ReserveCalifornia or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. PST, you can cancel any reservation made at San Clemente. To cancel, call the Customer Call Center at (800) 444-PARK (7275) or visit ReserveCalifornia to cancel online. Bear in mind that cancellation fees of $7.99 will be charged before cancellation can be affected.
San Clemente State Beach Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$40Premium Site
$45Full Hookup Sites
$60Group Campsite
$250-$300Activities
Fishing
Surfing / Windsurfing
Bike Trails
Photography
Canoeing / Kayaking
Exhibits / Guided Tours
Whale Watching
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Trash
Campfire Rings
Visitors/Rec Center
Picnic Tables
Campground Host
Potable Water
Cell Service
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to San Clemente State Beach
Like the San Clemente Campground, many other campgrounds in Southern California offer relaxing activities to give you your money’s worth.
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park differs primarily from the San Clemente Campground with the wooded canyons, tidepools, slopy hills, and Mediterranean climate. Like the San Clemente Campground, this park features an open space and natural seashore although it is smaller and has only 57 sites and no group campsites.
Usually moist and foggy in the mornings, Crystal Cove State Park’s backcountry wilderness is notable for being a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the 18 miles of trail spread throughout 2,400 acres.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Bolsa Chica State Beach, just like the San Clemente Campground, is perfect to go sunbathing, surfing, volleyball, and enjoying the sunset.
This beach is also notable for the variety of fishes in its waters like corbinas, croaker, shovelnose guitar fish, and perch. During full moons in summers, you may even test your reflexes (and luck!) and fish bare-handed in its shallow waters.
The Bolsa Chica State Beach has year-round interpretative displays and exhibits. This beach with 200 fire rings also prohibits alcohol, balloons, and charcoal grills.
San Elijo State Beach
Like San Clemente, San Elijo State Beach offers RV sites with full hookups and is pet friendly. You’ll also get to enjoy activities like swimming, surfing, and picnicking at the picnic area. This campground is a popular one among surfers, snorkelers, and divers, and its 156 sites are catered towards RVs with a maximum length of 35 feet and tents.
Doheny State Beach
Just as pet friendly as the San Clemente Campground, the Doheny State Beach is a good destination to enjoy surfing and wildlife viewing. This beach however is smaller than the San Clemente Campground and less group friendly with only one group campsite that accommodates only up to 40 people. This beach also has no hookups or a dump station.
