San Onofre Bluffs Campground

I stayed during the week, so it wasn't crowded. I chose the site I did specifically because the brush is low so there is a view. Verizon signal is strong enough for me to work, and it was quiet enough during the week to be enjoyable. I definitely wouldn't stay with a tent because of road noise, but I have an RV and can't hear a thing when I close it up at night and run the fan. There is an RV dump station on site for $10 and a fresh water fill if needed.

Second visit, was in Bluff space 34. Was a weekend stay and lots of people having an enjoyable time. Slightly noisy, but didn’t mind as let the younger set have fun. We had no view of the ocean in this spot but found road noise a little less with the burm and trees. Stayed in a handicap spot right next to bathrooms. There is a pathway to upper path with some ocean view. Very steep for us, but lots of folks use it to reach the upper level which did mean a lot of foot traffic right thru your camping sight. Drove down to the dog friendly trail #1 as too far to walk. It’s 2.2 miles round trip from space 34. Somewhat steep switchback trail to reach beach. There were several friendly dogs off leash and our Corgie had a ball playing with other dogs. My wife is handicap and not able to get to the beach at all. A nice improvement someday might be a paved access to beach for wheelchairs. Overall and enjoyable visit.

Next time will most likely stay at the other San Onofre campground for overnight and use the bluffs during the day under the day use pass. Has many advantages including great views, can walk to beach, nice beach breezes, beautiful sunset, and trail 1 and 6 are dog friendly. But, as others have said the noise from the freeway and train tracks made for a very rough sleeping night. Some of the sites have dunes between them and the freeway/tracks and seemed a bit quieter, these were sites in the middle. But then they also had dunes between the sites and ocean, so no views. Stayed at site 12 which had a wonderful view, only one neighbor with shrubs on the other side. Nearest bathroom was 12 sites away. One large picnic table and fire pit. Parking area which is paved and large enough for 3 vehicles. Bathrooms are basic, but well stocked and use RV type toilets, bring a flashlight at night as there is no lighting. My site (#12) had a walking path to a road, not sure if that road leads to the beach as well, could be a shortcut. I didn't try it since we have a dog, and can only use trail 1 and 6. On site Park Ranger host made frequent rounds, and was very friendly and knowledgeable, he occupies site 46.

Primitive asphalt RV parking w/ no hookups. Close to I-5 freeway & train tracks so the ocean sounds are drowned out by traffic & trains 7/24. RV sites in our section were roomy but can be far from primitive restrooms - flushing RV-like toilets are not bad but only skylite no electric lights, cold water faucets & outdoor beach-type showers. Tents are pitched on the trail above the parking space. Fire rings & rustic wood picnic tables on a dirt/gravel patch besides parking. Trails 4 &5 were closed so no beach access (although a couple surfers jumped the fence). Trails 1 & 6 allow dogs; trail 1 accesses a beach w/ sand; trail 6 accesses a rocky beach. Great surfing beaches but not very good for swimming & wading. Bluffs are beautiful &3 mile long flat road a great bike ride. Dump station cost $10 as of June 1st. Getting a ‘beach’ camp site in SoCal is very challenging so this place can be your best chance. But it’s best as a short-stay stop on your way elsewhere unless you are looking for a surfing destination.

First Thing to know, the campsites are close, it's a 1/4 mile walk to the beach, it's by the freeway, the military flies around in helicopters/planes, and there's friendly bees around the outdoor showers.

Second thing to know, seeing more than 30 people on the beach (surfers included) is a crowded day, the view from the bluffs is stunning, the people are usually chill surfers or beach lovers, and be brave just take a shower the bees will buzz aside.

We sleep in our camper so the freeway noise isn't bad, especially with earplugs. We get solid Verizon coverage in the campground and most places on the beach. I use my phone as a hotspot and can work on my laptop.

The ocean breeze is great for cooling the evenings down in the tent/camper. They clean and stock the bathrooms every day. There are dumping stations for campers with fresh water too.

There is a nude beach to the south end of the beach but they're just enjoyng the sun and you don't have to go past the military fence if you don't want to see bare parts of anyone.

Surfers, beach lovers, and happy families come here to enjoy a chill time at the beach. You won't be alone, it won't be totally quiet, and you will have to walk a ways to the beach including a hill. It is not be the spot for someone with troubles getting around.

We camp here at least once a year, usually more. It's close enough to San Clemente for everything you need, plus restaurants, drinks, shopping whatever. We love the town of San Clemente from Avenida Del Mar to the Pier!

The campground is over 2 miles long. Tents and smaller campers in the North end, a mix of everything in the middle sites, and larger sites to the south. It takes about 10 minutes (speed limit 15 mph) just to drive through the campground. So pick your site accordingly! We use the south end for our camper size.

This is a great place if you love uncrowded beaches, friendly people, don't mind bees, can wear earplugs at night, and walk a ways to the beach. A burden for some people and perfect for others - like us!

I know this place isn’t getting good reviews but we enjoyed it. If you looked at the location on a map ahead of time you had to have known there would be noise from the freeway, and I was t too bothered by the noise. We stayed right on the beach and had great cell coverage, full hookups for $35 a night, clean facility and laundry close by. We typically like to stay in dispersed sites, but this place was fine and we got to entertain my son and a few of his Marine Corps friends for Thanksgiving. I would stay here again!

We checked in and fully set up our trailer only to pick up our phones and find that we had absolutely no cell service for calls, texts, or data. So no internet, streaming, etc. This might work for a weekend getaway, but definitely not for me as a small business owner as I must have internet and phone access every day. Also there are no views to speak of. It is a 1.5 mile walk/drive to the beach/ocean, so it is a misnomer at the least to call this beach camping. On the plus side, most of the sites have tall shrubbery around them that provides a bit of privacy. I left due to the cell service issue after only an hour, so I don't have photos to share. Expect dry desert, dirt & asphalt sites, no view, lots of shrubbery.

You’re close to other campers and like the other reviews say it is close to the freeway and train. BUT I love this place! Super dog friendly, cool trails to the beach. Just depends on what you’re wanting. If you want to be secluded right on the water you’ll be disappointed! If you’re more realistic you’ll appreciate how close everything is :) certain spots have a better view of the water, when booking take a look at the pictures! We already booked to go back next month in our motorhome.