Bluffs Campground, Sub-Unit #1
San Mateo Campground, Sub-Unit #2
Tresltles Beach & Wetlands Natural Preserve, Sub-Unit #3
San Onofre Surf Beach, Sub-Unit #4
Introduction
San Onofre State Beach is comprosed of four sub-units on over 3,000 acres of
land along the beautiful and historic northern coast of San Diego County. In
1971, the State of California leased the area from the U.S. Marine Corps. in
order to provide visitors with outstanding beaches, fascinating geography and a
wetlands natural preserve for interpretation and recreation. The four units are
open year-round and include: the San Onofre Bluffs Campground, the San Mateo
Campground, the Trestles Beach and San Mateo Wetlands Natural Preserve and the
San Onofre Surf Beach.
Introduction:
Bluffs Campground is a developed campground located on a three mile portion of the abandoned coastal highway. The beach below the bluffs offers an unspoiled, undeveloped coastline for visitors to enjoy. Six trails (approx. 1/4 mile long) lead to the beach. The beach is popular with hikers, fishermen and surfers. Travel 1-5 and turn onto Basilone Road (south of San Clemente). Drive three miles south on Basilone Road which runs directly into Bluffs Campground
Camping features:
Summary:
There are no R.V. hook-ups, but a waste disposal station is available. The Bluffs Campground have 14 restrooms with chemical flush toilets, cold outdoor showers and three areas with public telephones. In addition, there are day-use areas at both ends of the campground.
Events:
The transcontinental bicycle route runs through this camp.
Activities: - campground & beach:
| Bicycling | Sunbathing |
| Bird watching | Swimming |
| Kite flying | Surfing |
| Hiking | Fishing |
Safety:
Visitors are encouraged to exhibit common courtesy while staying at the Bluffs Campground. Park Rangers patrol the campground offering assistence and interpretation when appropriate. During the summer months, the three miles of beach by the campground are patroled by lifeguards.
General fee structure:
R.V. or tent camping
| Senior, off-season | $12.00 |
| Regular, in-season | $18.00 |
| Day-use | $6.00 |
Introduction:
San Mateo Campground features family camping at its best. The recently constructed campground offers a natural setting where visitors can hike, bike and relax near the famed surfing spot at Trestles Beach. The campground is located one mile east of I-5 on Cristianitos Road, just south of the city of south San Clemente.
Camping features:
Tent area:
Summary:
The San Mateo Campground has five bathrooms with flush toilets, sinks, hot showers and laundry sinks. In addition, there are two areas with public telephones.
Special features:
Interpretive campfire programs are offered throughout the summer at San Mateo's 200 seat campfire center. The campground also has a self-guided nature trail, hiking and biking opportunities and trail access to Trestles Beach (11/2 miles), one of California's most famous and popular surf spots.
Activities: - campground & beach:
| Bicycling | Sunbathing |
| Bird watching | Swimming |
| Kite flying | Surfing |
| Hiking | Fishing |
| Interpretive programs |
Safety:
Visitors are encouraged to exhibit common courtesy while enjoying the campground and its many activities. Park rangers patrol the campground offering assistance and interpretation when appropriate.
General fee structure:
R.V. hook-ups
| Senior, off-season | $18.00 |
| Regular, in-season | $24.00 |
Tent camping
| Senior, off-season | $12.00 |
| Regular, in-season | $18.00 |
| Day-use | $6.00 |
Introduction:
Trestles Beach offers some of the finest surfing in California. A 125 car parking lot is located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Cristianitos Road and El Camino Real in South San Clemente. A paved trail (1/2 mile) runs west to Trestles Beach Enroute to Trestles, the trail passes the San Mateo Wetlands Natural Preserve. The Preserve offers good bird-watching during spring and early summer months.
Day-use only:
From Trestles south to the San Onofre SurfBeach, there is no overnight camping. The area is day-use only.
Summary:
This undeveloped beach parcel offers sunbathing, swimming and surfing
Safety:
State lifeguards maintain a tower and provide mobil patrol coverags.
Introduction:
San Onofre Surf Beach (1.3 miles) offers a wonderful environment for families who surf. Its history includes the U.S. Marine Corps., a period when it was operated by the private San Onofre Surf Club and since 1971, its operation as a state beach. Through the changes, San Onofre Surf Beach has created fond memories for many people. The beach site is located off I-5, south of San Clemente. Exit Basilone Road and travel 1.5 miles south. Make a right turn at "Surf Beach" and follow signs.
Day-use only:
There is no overnight camping at San Onofre Surf Beach.
Summary:
This beach has cold outdoor showers and five restrooms with chemical toilets and dressing rooms. Surfing, sunbathing, fishing, volleyball and at low tide, investigation of the tidepools are all popular activities. In addition, the beach front is patrolled by lifeguards throughout the summer.
General fee structure:
R.V. hook-ups
| Cost per vehicle (*600 car maximum) | $6.00 |
| Day-use only | 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. |
To enjoy the park facilities and make your stay and enjoyable experience,
Please:
Follow these simple safety tips:
Remember, please conserve water...thank you!