San Clemente State Park is famous for its daily and overnight beach camping trips. The beach is located about a mile south of San Clemente Pier. Locals would like to keep this place to themselves, but the state of California has provided plenty of parking space so we can all enjoy this wonderful beach.
The bluff-top campground features 160 campsites. Most sites do not have a beach view; however, the ocean is visible if you can get a reservation next to the canyon.
Each campsite has a fire ring, picnic table, and shade ramada with water nearby. The RV area in the family campground accommodates 72 recreational vehicles and has water and electrical hookups.
Some campsites in the campground tent and pop camper section have partial ocean views. When making a reservation, remember that camps in the back of the campground can hear the busy San Diego Freeway.
San Clemente State Park is a perfect destination for a family camping trip. Pack up the RV and enjoy this picture-perfect location. Check-in time is 2:00 pm Check-out time is noon.
A group camping area can handle 50 people and 20 vehicles, trailers included. Each campground has hot showers, flush toilets, and a sink area: six campsites, restrooms and showers, and ten picnic sites near the parking lot.
None of the campsites have a clear view of the beach except for the campground hosts. Camps 57-72 overlook the canyon and the ocean and are close to the nature trail.
You must cross the railroad tracks along the coast to get to the beach. Caution is required as the Amtrak trains pass by at about 50 miles per hour here.
Once on the beach, you are treated to one of the best beaches in Southern California. Sandy cliffs run along the entire coast, giving the appearance of a remote location even though civilization is only a quick walk away.
San Clemente State Park is among the most popular places to camp along the Southern California coast. Campsites are up on the bluff with a paved trail that leads down to the beach.
Things To Do San Clemente State Beach Campground
A visitor center is located in the original 1934 ranger’s cottage. The visitor center is open most weekends and has interesting historical photos and information on native animals and plant life.
San Clemente State Park campground is near San Clemente, and hiking along the beach is possible. However, the trip is a lot quicker by car. Stores and dining options are only a 15-minute drive away.
Several miles of hiking trails branch off from the campground; however, most visitors head to the beach for recreation.
Daytime temperatures are almost year-round in the 60s and 70s, while evening temperatures generally hover between the 40s and 50s. The sky will be overcast most mornings until noon unless there is a Santa Ana wind.
Getting There
San Clemente State Park is located on the south end of San Clemente in Orange County. The day-use area and the campground are easily accessible from Interstate 5, both North and South. The Park’s address is 225 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, California.
San Clemente SB Campground Video
San Clemente State Beach Camping Reservations
Camping reservations are a must during the summer and holiday weekends. Reservations can be made for up to six months. Campground Reservations
Karen says
Checking to see if campfires are allowed in fire rings Thanksgiving weekend 2022?
Pamela says
Hello will a 31ft class A motorhome fit on site 148?
Can I overhang?
DayTrippen says
I think that larger RVs are only allowed in the northern section. If you check the reservation system you can select sites by RV size.
Gail Turner says
Hello:
On Reserve America, I tried booking a reservation with dogs, but it said not allowed. But, on your park website, it says they are. Can you please tell me if dogs are allowed in the RV park area?
Thank you
DayTrippen says
Hello Gail
This is from the San Clemente State Beach Brochure
Phone number of San Clemente state beach (949) 492-3156
Hope this helps
https://www.daytrippen.com