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San Mateo Campground

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San Mateo Campground is only a short distance inland from San Onofre’s sandy beaches.

Since the San Mateo Creek flows past the campground in the east, the campground itself is situated in a wetland-like habitat. There are 157 campsites at this campground, each with access to fire pits, picnic tables, restrooms and hot showers. The campsites have an 8 person maximum occupancy but truly can’t be beat in terms of great beach access. We aren’t the only ones who think that, however, so make sure if you’re booking here to book early – especially for summer months.

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89%

43 ratings · 8 reviews

Heather D.

December 17, 2022

I have camped here twice. While I enjoy the layout and grounds, there seems to be no patrolling of campground or consideration of other campers. As I am writing this there is a large party, many people, very loud music and karaoke on one side of me and competing loud music and occasional karaoke on the other side. It is anything but peaceful, more like a frat party. That being said, the bathrooms are clean, grounds well-maintained and a nice trail to the beach.

Amy G.doesn't recommend

April 28, 2019

This isn't a great place for solo campers or families. The campgrounds are close and there were at least three big parties being thrown with far more than 8 people in a campsite. The family next to me packed up and went home a day early. That said, the flowers along the nature trail to the beach are quite pretty in late April and the bathroom facilities were clean.

Christine Lee S.recommends

May 27, 2018

Had a great experience camping here with friends overall. It was a bit louder than other places we've been, but the tent sites were fairly private, and the walkable shoreline access was a huge plus! Would camp here again.

Belinda Bj Y.

October 12, 2017

I decided t solo camp here and it was a great pick. The camp sites are private and spacious. I reserved a spot but it was taken when I arrived. That was fine because I drove round and round the perfect spot. It was nice to have a hot shower every night. I walked the trails to the beach and watched the surfers then headed back to camp and enjoyed a camp fire. I am looking forward to my next solo camping trip.

Michael C.

May 31, 2017

Awesome campsite with a nature trail hike-able to the beach. Yelling distance to camp neighbors, but still private among the bushes & trees. Close proximity to LA and SD, making this a super beneficial weekend get-a-way.

John M.recommends

May 31, 2017

1 mile from beach.

Rick Kelli D.

April 19, 2017

Love this camp site. You can stay in camp or go city style. Sometimes you can watch the activities at the marine base. There is a great dog beach near by , just south of Old Man's surf spot. Also a great place for a last minute trip, lots of grocery shopping spots in town.

Rheanne G.

June 9, 2015

The showers run on tokens, you can use the machine to exchange single dollar bills for tokens only. Machine does not accept higher denominations!

Other campgrounds in San Onofre State Beach

89%

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San Onofre Bluffs Campground

162 sites · RVs, Tents In San Mateo Campground

Your guide to camping in San Mateo Campground

Overview

Biking

San Onofre State Beach is a great place for road bikers and mountain bikers to get their fix of two-wheeled action. Most of the fire roads here have fairly steep climbs, so come prepared to pedal it out and enjoy the views. As for road biking, the Pacific Coast Bike Route passes directly through San Onofre. Those out for a leisurely ride can go for about 7 miles, while those with a photo ID and a mission can go beyond that.

Surfing

San Onofre is home to some seriously classic California surfing spots . The state beach has three different spots, making it ridiculously hard to pick where you’re going to put your board in. The first location is the Lower Trestles, located on the south side of the San Mateo Creek rivermouth. The Lower Trestles brings long, steady waves to the table making it a popular practice spot for performance surfing. Then there is Old Man’s, which is north of the nuclear plant. Old Man’s has softer, slower waves, meaning it is a great place for up and coming surfers, although you will find no shortage of skilled wave riders there! Last but certainly not least is Trails. Trails has fair waves that are a little bit more aggressive than Old Man’s. This is the southernmost and most popular area of beach. No matter where you go at San Onofre, though, you’re bound to hit some good waves and consequentially a great time.

Swimming

Old Man’s at San Onofre State Beach is a great, relatively calm place to head for a swim. Old Man’s is a clean, sandy beach making it easy to brave the ocean floor with your bare feet. Once you’re in, the Pacific provides Old Man’s with some gentle, rolling waves that are perfect to splash around in.

Wildlife watching

Between Eucalyptus trees and brush-covered slope, this state beach is teeming with wildlife. The Eucalyptus trees are home to migratory monarch butterflies in the winter while the brush is shelter for gray foxes, coyotes, ground squirrels and opossum. If you aren’t impressed at the thought of running into one of those furry friends, consider that San Onofre is home to ten endangered or threatened species including the San Diego fairy shrimp, western snowy plover and more.