How much does camping cost at Tent Group Campground?

Camping fees at Tent Group Campground range from Free. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Tent Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Tent Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Tent Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Tent Group Campground has 7 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Tent Group Campground?

Tent Group Campground is open Peak season dates are not specifically mentioned.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Tent Group Campground?

Yes, Tent Group Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Tent Group Campground?

Fire policies at Tent Group Campground: Fires can be made only in designated fire rings and must be attended at all times.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Tent Group Campground have?

Tent Group Campground has 68 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Tent Group Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Tent Group Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Tent Group Campground?

Tent Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Tent Group Campground?

Popular activities at Tent Group Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Tent Group Campground

4.50

23 reviews

225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672

Featured in:Fishing Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

108 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

68 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on California Department of Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

April 2026

Compare availability across multiple campgrounds

Quick Facts

108 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

68 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Showers

Book on California Department of Parks and Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Tent Group Campground

$0.00 - $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees are payable upon entry into the park. The campsite fee covers one vehicle and includes parking for the first 10 vehicles at Group Camp #1. Extra...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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Reserve California

Provider

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What Campers Say

4.50

Recommended

Based on 23 reviews

13 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsshadebeachfriendly

"User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful setting and family-oriented atmosphere. Positive aspects include easy beach access, shaded campsites, and educational programs for kids. Negative feedback includes issues with ants, poorly maintained restrooms, and skunks during nighttime hours."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672

Tent Group Campground

225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672

Nearby places

San Clemente (within 1 mile), Los Angeles (approximately 65 miles), San Diego (approximately 60 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries and camping supplies are easily accessible in San Clemente, with Walmart, Ralphs, and Costco within a 10-minute drive.

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5 South: Exit Ave. Calafia, proceed straight onto Ave. Calafia, the state beach entrance will be on your left side in ¼ mile. From Interstate 5 North: Exit Cristianitos Road, turn left and proceed over the freeway, turn right onto Ave. del Presidente, then turn left onto Ave. Calafia, the state beach entrance will be on your left side in ¼ mile.

The campground is accessible via paved roads and Interstate 5. However, delays may occur due to ongoing construction at the entrance kiosk and office, which is expected to last until the end of Spring 2024.

Best Time to Camp at Tent Group Campground

Summer brings the warmest weather, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F and cool, breezy mornings from marine layer. It's the busiest season for swimming, fishing, and group camping. Water stays cool year-round. Spring offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, with wildflowers on the bluffs and moderate coastal winds. The Mediterranean climate means mild conditions most of the year, though marine layer can linger into late morning.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Mild spring weather and coastal blooms make spring appealing for visitors.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not specifically mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round. Note that entrance gates are locked from 10 PM to 6 AM daily.
Current Alerts: Ongoing construction at the entrance kiosk and office until Spring 2024 may cause delays.

About Tent Group Campground

Tent Group Campground sits on coastal bluffs 108 feet above the Pacific Ocean in San Clemente State Beach. The campground offers 68 tent and group sites with full amenities including showers, flush toilets, and fire rings. It's popular with families for beach access and Junior Rangers programs, though reviewers consistently mention ants and nighttime skunks as tradeoffs.

The Tent Group Campground at San Clemente State Beach specializes in accommodating large groups. It features tent-only sites with partial ocean views and convenient beach access.

Historical Significance

The state beach has operated as a public park since 1937. The visitor center occupies an authentically preserved 1934 ranger's cottage, with exhibits on local flora and fauna.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest weather, with daytime highs typically in the mid-60s to upper-70s°F and cool, breezy mornings from marine layer. It's the busiest season for swimming, fishing, and group camping. Water stays cool year-round. Spring offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, with wildflowers on the bluffs and moderate coastal winds. The Mediterranean climate means mild conditions most of the year, though marine layer can linger into late morning.

ElevationWhile specific elevation measurements remain unrecorded, the campground's dramatic blufftop setting creates a natural amphitheater overlooking the Pacific, offering campers an elevated perspective that transforms every sunset into a memorable spectacle.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground occupies bluffs overlooking the Pacific, with views stretching to the horizon. A eucalyptus grove provides shade across many sites, and the Butterfly Trail winds through coastal sage scrub down to the beach below. The trail is steep but offers wildlife viewing opportunities. Marine layer often blankets the area in cool mornings before burning off to reveal ocean vistas.

Geological RegionDiscover the dramatic meeting place of land and sea along Orange County's stunning coastal bluffs, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a landscape of remarkable beauty. This Southern California treasure showcases the region's signature blend of rugged natural splendor and refined Spanish Colonial charm, all wrapped in the warm embrace of a true Mediterranean climate that makes every day feel like a vacation.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per campsite for regular sites.

Groups

Group Camp #2 is tent-only with a capacity of 50 people and 10 vehicles. It offers partial ocean views. Access to the beach is via two steep service roads approximately 1/8 mile away.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutGroup camps spread across the bluffs with ocean views. Each tent area includes a firepit, picnic table, shade ramada, and nearby water spout. Some water spouts have maintenance issues according to reviews. Sites offer moderate privacy typical for group camping, with enough space for large families.

Reservation PlatformsCamping reservations can be made online at parks.ca.gov or by calling (800) 444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityInformation on walk-up availability is not provided.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy details are not outlined.

AccessibilityThe tent group campground has accessible features including designated campsites (#104, #134, #156, and #158) and accessible restroom/shower facilities near site #93, #104, and #156. Temporary parking is available near some accessible facilities.

Site SizeSites at the Tent Group Campground are spacious enough to accommodate large families and groups.

PrivacyThe sites provide moderate privacy, typical for group camping on a bluff overlooking the ocean.

Total Campsites68 campsites

Recommended SitesBring ant spray to prevent infestations. Choose accessible sites for proximity to amenities or Group Camp #1 for ocean views.

Need help booking Tent Group Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

ReserveCalifornia Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

A broad range of recreational activities is available, including beach access, hiking trails, swimming, fishing, and cultural programs. Reviewers particularly appreciated the proximity to the ocean and family-oriented programs like Junior Rangers.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsBeware of skunks and ants. Ant problems are noted in user reviews, and natural insect repellents are sold on-site.

Active AlertsOngoing construction at the entrance kiosk and office until Spring 2024 may cause delays.

Fire PolicyFires can be made only in designated fire rings and must be attended at all times.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services are available by dialing 911. The closest hospital, police station, and fire station are located in the city of San Clemente.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but specific details such as locations or pickup schedules are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesLocated on a bluff with direct access to a mile-long beach. Beach access from Group Camp #1 is via a steep, paved trail.

Camp HostCampfire programs and Junior Rangers are offered during summer months by park staff.

Weather at Tent Group Campground

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.5

23 reviews

Recommended

Tent Group Campground is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight the campground's beautiful setting and family-oriented atmosphere. Positive aspects include easy beach access, shaded campsites, and educational programs for kids. Negative feedback includes issues with ants, poorly maintained restrooms, and skunks during nighttime hours.

Review Summaries

Based on 23 reviews

What Campers Love

Reviewers often praised the scenic ocean views, proximity to the beach, and family-friendly programs such as Junior Rangers. Comments also highlighted convenient parking, shaded sites, and flush...

Based on 23 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include ant infestations, lack of bathroom maintenance (missing soap and bath tissues, broken doors), and skunks during dark hours. One reviewer also noted broken water spouts...

Based on 23 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring ant spray to address ant problems, and prepare for steep trails to the beach. Families should take advantage of the Junior Rangers program and the campfire stories. Consider paid showers for...

Based on 23 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is popular due to educational programs and family events. Ant issues and restroom maintenance concerns persist year-round, while winter sees less activity due to coastal weather.

Based on 23 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We thoroughly enjoyed it. Beach access is within 5 mins walk." - Suresh Raj. "Make sure the kids get to participate in Junior Rangers and get the Island of Blue Dolphins campfire story from the camp...

Based on 23 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Accessible campsites include #104, #134, #156, and #158. Reviewers generally praised sites on the bluff for their ocean views but noted variable restroom conditions.

Based on 23 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features received positive remarks, particularly the accessible campsites and restroom/shower facilities. Temporary parking at accessible facilities was limited.

Based on 23 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed but must be leashed and are prohibited on trails and beaches. Reviewers emphasized cleaning up after pets and noted the need to confine dogs during nighttime.

Based on 23 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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