Bluff Campground
3.7012 reviews5200 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, San Clemente, CA, 92672
Bluff Campground
$45.00 - $45.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$45.00
Hookup Site Fee$80.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard fee for reservations is $45 per night without hookups. Hookups (electricity and water) cost approximately $80 per night according to user reviews.
About this campground
Perched dramatically on golden sandstone bluffs, Bluff Campground at San Onofre State Beach delivers the quintessential Southern California coastal camping experience. Wake to the rhythmic crash of Pacific waves below as morning surfers paddle out to legendary breaks, while winding trails beckon you down to explore tide pools and hidden rocky coves. This beloved oceanfront retreat draws wave riders from around the world and nature enthusiasts seeking the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Bluff Campground accommodates both tent and RV campers. However, no RV hookups or cabins are available, and sites are basic in setup.
Historical SignificanceYou're camping on sacred ground where the Acjachemen people have gathered for over 8,000 years. Just steps from your tent lies Panhe, one of California's most significant indigenous sites, where ancient ceremonies and daily life unfolded for millennia. This enduring village site within San Onofre State Beach connects modern visitors to California's deep cultural roots, reminding us that these bluffs have witnessed countless generations of human stories.
Weather and SeasonsYear-round coastal perfection awaits, with gentle ocean breezes tempering even the warmest summer days. Marine layers drift in during early mornings and evenings, creating ethereal fog-kissed landscapes that burn off to reveal brilliant sunshine. Campers particularly praise the calm conditions in June, when winds subside and the typical coastal bugs remain refreshingly absent, making it an ideal time for families and first-time beach campers.
Natural Features and SceneryThe campground's clifftop setting offers front-row seats to nature's daily spectacle. Playful sea lions bark from offshore rocks while pods of dolphins surf the swells just beyond the breakers. Curious ground squirrels might visit your picnic table, but remember to secure your food and watch for the occasional rattlesnake sunning in the coastal scrub. Trails carved into the sandstone bluffs wind down to secluded beaches where tide pools reveal miniature underwater worlds at low tide.
Geological RegionWhere the mighty Santa Ana Mountains meet the endless Pacific, this unique coastal environment showcases Southern California's diverse geology. Ancient sandstone cliffs tell stories of prehistoric seas, while below, the landscape transitions through sandy beaches, tidal marshes, and coastal floodplains. This dynamic meeting point of land and sea creates ever-changing vistas and diverse ecosystems that make each visit a new discovery.
Campsite details
Accessibility13 tent sites and two RV/trailer sites are designated accessible. Accessible parking and restrooms are available.
Sites SizeStandard-sized campsites with fire pits and picnic tables.
Sites PrivacySites are grouped closely together, offering limited privacy. User reviews frequently mention noise and close proximity to neighboring sites.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites near restroom facilities or trails for easier access to the beach.
Best CampsitesNo specific site numbers highlighted as best; users recommend sites close to restrooms or trails leading to the beach.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
10:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 PM
Stay Limit
Eight-person limit per campsite.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampsites are aligned closely along the freeway with limited space between sites.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is locked daily from 10 PM to 6 AM. Open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available online at www.parks.ca.gov or by phone at (800) 444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is reportedly limited and unreliable based on user reviews. Online reservations are strongly recommended.
Cancellation PolicyNo specific rules about reservation cancellation penalties mentioned.
Amenities available
Showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Bluff Campground offers unique access to outdoor activities such as surfing, hiking, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The nearby trails lead down the bluffs to the beach, providing opportunities for exploring rugged terrain and enjoying scenic ocean views.
HikingHiking trails lead down from the bluffs to the beach. Reviews mention these trails as sketchy but scenic, suitable for short walks.
FishingFishing is noted as a permitted activity within the recreation area but specific details for Bluff Campground beach areas are missing.
SwimmingSwimming is available at the beach below the bluffs, though reviews mention the beach is rocky, making ocean access difficult.
BikingThe park offers bike trails for campers, though specific reviews were not available for Bluff Campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as squirrels and mice are commonly seen around campsites. Offshore, sea lions, dolphins, and whales may be observed seasonally.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are limited by rocky terrain, but the ocean views and rugged bluffs offer aesthetic appeal.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsInterpretive and educational programs, including Junior Ranger activities and Earth Day celebrations, are available at the park.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted only in designated fire rings (firewood only; no pallet burning).
Hazards
General hazardsTrain noise, freeway proximity, and occasional wildlife like rattlesnakes mentioned in user reviews.
Active alertsNo active alerts mentioned.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 95%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.7 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Foggy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest hospital: Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, approximately 14 miles away; Police station: San Clemente Police Department, approximately 3 miles away; Ranger station: On-site at San Onofre State Beach.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune 1st through September 15th is the peak season with additional beach wheelchair services available.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are available, and compost bins are provided, although there is misuse as some campers reported dumping regular trash into them.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly on sandstone bluffs above the Pacific Ocean; trails lead to rocky oceanfront.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints of noise from trains, freeway traffic, and helicopters from Camp Pendleton. Campsites are closely grouped together, leading to limited privacy.
HostNo details about campground hosts provided.
Campground Map
5200 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, San Clemente, CA, 92672
Driving directionsExit Basilone Road from Interstate 5, then drive south 3 miles on Pacific Coast Highway to reach San Onofre Bluffs Campground.
Road access via Pacific Coast Highway is paved. Seasonal closures may apply for evening hours; entrance gate locked daily from 10 PM to 6 AM.Nearby places
San Clemente: 3 miles, about 10 minutes by car
Dana Point: approximately 9 miles, 15 minutes by car
Oceanside: approximately 22 miles, 30 minutes by car.
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies available in San Clemente, approximately 3 miles away. Fuel stations also accessible in San Clemente.
Camper Reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Bluff Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews for Bluff Campground highlight both positive and negative aspects. While the proximity to the ocean and scenic views are praised, significant issues include noise from nearby freeway and train tracks, crowded campsites, and rocky beach terrain.
Review Summaries
Positive mentions include clean restrooms, accessible trails leading to the beach, fire pits and picnic tables at each site, and scenic ocean views.
Major complaints involve constant noise from freeway traffic and trains, lack of privacy between campsites, and rocky, difficult-to-access beach terrain. Some reviews also mention unusual incidents...
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Users recommend bringing earplugs to deal with noise, reserving campsites online in advance, and choosing spots near restrooms and trails for convenience. Early booking is advised due to high demand.
Summer months are generally preferred for camping due to calmer winds and fewer bugs. However, noise levels remain a year-round issue, and winter temperatures may be too cold for some campers.
1) 'Outdoor showers are free. Sink and bathrooms were clean.' - Vanessa Macias
2) 'Not windy in June. No bugs bother you. You get your own fire pit and table.' - Yuting Guan
3) 'This place, like many...
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Campsites are grouped closely together with limited privacy. Proximity to restrooms and trails is recommended for convenience.
Accessible parking and restrooms are generally available, with multiple designated accessible tent and RV sites.
Dogs are allowed at the campground but not on the beach or trails.
Last updated July 20, 2025