Bluff Group Campground
3.7012 reviews5200 S Pacific Coast Hwy, San Clemente, CA 92672
Bluff Group Campground
$45.00 - $80.00
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
Fees range from $45 per night for non-hookup sites to $80 per night for sites with hookups. An additional $10 fee is required for RV dumping.
About this campground
Perched along California's dramatic coastline, San Onofre Bluffs Campground offers an unforgettable camping experience where the rhythmic crash of Pacific waves provides nature's soundtrack. This clifftop haven beckons surfers, beach lovers, and adventure seekers with its prime location and essential amenities. Each campsite comes equipped with fire pits for evening gatherings under starlit skies, sturdy picnic tables for oceanside meals, and convenient chemical toilets, ensuring comfort meets wilderness in perfect harmony.
Bluff Group Campground accommodates a variety of camping types but is best suited for tent campers, small RVs, and vintage trailer rentals.
Historical SignificanceThis sacred coastline holds centuries of stories within its bluffs and beaches, serving as the ancestral homeland of the Acjachemen Nation. Just nearby, the ancient village site of Panhe whispers tales of a thriving indigenous community that once called these lands home. Today's visitors camp on grounds steeped in cultural heritage, where every sunset connects modern adventurers to thousands of years of human history along this magnificent shore.
Weather and SeasonsHere, the Pacific Ocean works its magic year-round, sending gentle sea breezes that keep temperatures delightfully mild even during summer's peak. Morning campers often wake to a mystical world wrapped in coastal fog, creating an ethereal atmosphere that gradually burns away to reveal sparkling ocean views. As evening approaches, the marine layer often returns, painting the landscape in soft, dreamy hues that make sunset watching a nightly ritual.
ElevationRising 100 feet above the Pacific's endless blue expanse, the campground's clifftop perch delivers breathtaking panoramic ocean views that stretch to the horizon. This elevated vantage point transforms every campsite into a front-row seat for nature's daily spectacle, from migrating whales to dramatic sunsets that paint the sky in brilliant oranges and purples.
Natural Features and SceneryThe rugged beauty of San Onofre's coastal bluffs creates a stunning backdrop where Mediterranean-style vegetation clings to cliffsides, and native plants burst with seasonal color. Below, pristine sandy beaches invite exploration, while rocky tidepools reveal miniature underwater worlds at low tide. This diverse ecosystem shelters remarkable wildlife, including the endangered steelhead trout navigating nearby streams and the rare arroyo toad calling from hidden pools, making each visit a potential wildlife encounter.
Geological RegionNestled where the Santa Ana Mountains meet the sea, this remarkable landscape showcases nature's artistic hand through dramatic coastal canyons and towering cliffs. The campground sits amid a geological wonderland where ancient forces carved sheer bluffs from sedimentary layers, creating today's spectacular vistas. Rolling foothills cascade toward flat, sandy beaches, while alluvial floodplains tell the story of seasonal streams that have shaped this coast for millennia, offering campers a front-row seat to California's dynamic geological heritage.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible camping sites are available. Visitors with disabilities can contact the park ahead of time for assistance.
Sites SizeCampsites are described as small and very close to each other, offering limited space.
Sites PrivacyLow privacy due to the close proximity of campsites. Noise from nearby campers and external sources, such as trains and highways, is common.
Total Campsites333 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites closer to restrooms and trails offer easier access to amenities and beach views.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in is available after 6:00 AM.
Check-out
Check-out is required by 10:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive nights.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each campsite allows up to 8 guests.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged in closely packed rows along the freeway. Sites are compact with limited privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is limited. Guests are recommended to check online for open sites as inconsistencies in availability tracking have been reported.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled via ReserveCalifornia, with refund policies depending on how far in advance the cancellation occurs.
Accomodation available
GlampingGlamping options are available for visitors looking to enjoy nature with added comfort. These upgraded accommodations offer a unique blend of outdoor atmosphere and modern convenience.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Cell phone service
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Electricity hookups
Water hookups
Activities you can enjoy
The campground and surrounding areas offer a mix of activities, including surfing, beach access, hiking, and wildlife viewing. However, the quality of activities varies based on seasonal and accessibility factors.
HikingThere are seven quarter-mile trails leading from the blufftop to the beach. These trails offer scenic views but may not be easily accessible for all.
FishingFishing is permitted, but specific details about fish types or conditions are unavailable.
SwimmingSwimming is available, though the beach is rocky and may cause discomfort for some users.
BikingBiking trails are available, particularly along Old Highway 101. Reviews do not provide details on terrain or difficulty.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include potential sightings of sea lions, dolphins, and migrating whales offshore. Squirrels and mice are commonly seen around campsites.
Beach activitiesBeach access is available, but users have noted that the beach is rocky with minimal sandy areas, affecting comfort and usability.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Fires are permitted only in designated fire rings using firewood (no pallets).
- Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include rattlesnakes, rocky terrain, and erosion on trails. Noise from nearby trains, freeway traffic, and helicopters can disrupt camping.
Active alertsNo current alerts as of the last check on December 13, 2024.
Weather forecast
63
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Foggy
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 96%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.6 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
The nearest hospital is Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in San Clemente, approximately 5 miles away. Police services are provided by San Clemente Police Department. The closest ranger station is within San Onofre State Beach.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season occurs during summer months, typically June through September.
Trash and recyclingTrash bins and compost bins are available. However, some users misuse compost bins, throwing regular trash into them.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is situated on coastal bluffs with trails leading directly to the beach.
Common complaintsCommon complaints from user reviews include noise from trains and freeway traffic, lack of privacy due to closely spaced campsites, and inconsistent reservation tracking systems.
HostHost services are not explicitly mentioned; likely limited.
Campground Map
5200 S Pacific Coast Hwy, San Clemente, CA 92672
Driving directionsThe campground is located along Old Highway 101 near San Clemente. To reach it, take the Basilone Road exit off I-5, then drive south for approximately 3 miles on Pacific Coast Highway.
Accessible via paved roadways from Interstate 5 with clear signage to San Onofre Bluffs. Road conditions are typically good year-round, but access may be impacted during severe weather events.Nearby places
San Clemente (3 miles, approximately 5 minutes drive), Dana Point (14 miles, approximately 20 minutes drive), Oceanside (21 miles, approximately 25 minutes drive).
Nearby supplies
Grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel are available in San Clemente, approximately 3 miles from the campground.
Camper Reviews
3.7
12 reviews
Bluff Group Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
The Bluff Group Campground has mixed reviews. While some campers appreciate its proximity to the beach and scenic views, others criticize the noise levels, overcrowded campsites, and deteriorating restroom conditions.
Review Summaries
Proximity to the beach, scenic views from bluff trails, fire pits and picnic tables at all campsites, clean restrooms and showers, and wildlife viewing opportunities.
High noise levels from trains and highways, limited privacy due to cramped campsites, rocky beach conditions affecting comfort, and occasional safety concerns such as drunken behavior reported by...
Show more
Bring earplugs to mitigate noise from trains and highways. Choose a campsite near restrooms and trails for convenience. Enjoy the wildlife viewing opportunities but stay cautious of rattlesnakes and...
Show more
Summer is less windy and bug-free, but high noise levels persist. Winter activities are minimal. The campground is more peaceful during less crowded times.
1. 'The noise is SO BAD you will never sleep if you are tent camping. 2 freight trains every hour, helicopters non-stop, and constant traffic.' - Melinda Subhiyah
2. 'Great for escaping the heat and...
Show more
Sites are small and closely packed, offering limited privacy. User Vanessa Macias noted: 'Campsites are grouped very close together along the freeway, so it was noisy day and night!'
Accessible campsites are present, but there are no specific user reviews addressing accessibility experiences.
Pets are not allowed, except for service animals. No specific user reviews address pet experiences.
Last updated July 31, 2025