San Clemente State Beach Campground California
San Clemente State Beach Overview
San Clemente State Beach campground has 159 campsites (72 with full hookups) and is located on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Southern California. There are also 5 vintage trailers for rent and 2 group campsites available (50 people per site). Individual campsites can have 2 vehicles and 8 people per site.
Campsites 1 to 72 are the full hookup sites (“RV Campground Sites”). The majority of these campsites will accommodate RVs & trails up to 42 feet. Campsites 4 and 5 are limited to 36 feet and sites 57-59 are limited to 32 feet. Campsites 73-159 are dry (no hookup) sites that will accommodate tents, trailers and small RVs. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grill. Most of the campsites also have shade structures. Campground amenities include an amphitheater, flush toilets, hot showers, a gift shop, dump station and picnic area. There’s also two trails to the beach, a ranger station and visitor center.
Accessible (ADA) sites include: 20, 73, 93, 98, 104, 113, 126, 134, 138, 141, 155, 156 and 159.
Group Camp #1 is limited to 50 people and 20 vehicles. It is located on a bluff overlooking the ocean. Group Camp #2 is a tent-only campsite and limited to 50 people and 10 vehicles. Maximum vehicle length is 20 feet; you can drive in or back in. It has a partial blue water ocean view.
San Clemente State Beach – Area Recreation
San Clemente State Beach is located right in the town of San Clemente and has been one of the most popular beaches in California. The mile long beach stretches between the ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff. There’s lots to do here including camping, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, beach combing, hiking, surf fishing, biking, whale watching or even cruising into town to shop and hit up a few restaurants.
Other nearby campgrounds to consider include Doheny State Beach, San Mateo and San Onofre Bluffs.
Make a Reservation for San Clemente State Beach
Amenities
- BBQ Grills
- Campfire Center
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Comfort Station
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Electrical Hookup
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Gift Shop
- Grills
- Group Camping
- Lifeguards
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Ranger Station
- Recycling Center
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- RV Hookups
- Shade Structure
- Showers
- Visitor Center
Activities
- Beach
- Beach Access
- Beach Combing
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Body Surfing
- Diving
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Kayaking
- Nature Trails
- Ocean
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Scuba Diving
- Skin Diving
- Snorkeling
- Stargazing
- Surf Fish
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Tide Pools
- Walking Trails
- Whale Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
- Wind Surfing
San Clemente State Beach sold out? Get an alert when a campsite becomes available at San Clemente State Beach!
Create AlertBest Campsites
25, 26, 28, 30, 38, 55, 75, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 92, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 113, 114, 115, 116, 129, 132, 147, 148
Regions
- California Beaches
- California State Beach
- California State Park
- Ocean
- Orange County
- Southern California
- West Coast
Campsite Types
- ADA
- Group
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
80
# of Campsites:
160
# of RV Campsites:
72
San Clemente State Beach Photos & Video
San Clemente State Beach Comments & Reviews
Visited San Clemente State Beach Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to San Clemente State Beach?
CAMPSITES IS GREAT OUTDOOR
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What are the best campsites on this park?
Hi 805 Surf Girl,
I see we did not list our favorite campsites at San Clemente State Beach. Let me get with the crew and we will post those on the San Clemente web page early next week.
Hi 805 Surf Girl,
There’s a lot of nice campsites at San Clemente State Beach. Several good sites with and without hookups. Our San Clemente State Beach campground page has a list of our favorite/best campsites.
I have reservations for site #84 and #97 at San Clemente State Beach. Which site would you recommend to gather with the rest of our party?
Hi Michelle,
I think San Clemente State Beach campsite #97 has a little more room for your gathering and also offers glimpses of the ocean.
I’m interested in site 82, but can’t seem to figure out when it might be available. Friday Saturday night anytime in the future. San Clemente State Beach campground
Hi Robyn,
All California State Parks have a reservation schedule that is 6 months out from the day of arrival. So (for example), for San Clemente State Beach if you wanted to arrived on July 1, the first day you could make a reservations would be on January 1 (at 8am PST). The ‘Make A Reservation’ button on the San Clemente State Beach Campground page will link you to ReserveCalifornia to check availability and make a reservation. FYI – the campground will usually sell out within 2-3 minutes for summer date arrivals.
We’re needing to rent our rv thru Luv2Camp and the size we need is 31ft. Is this going to be a problem? It says 30ft on the San Clemente SB campground website but I see conflicting info. Help, lol! We’ll be in site 69.
Thanks!
Hi Lelhani,
At San Clemente State Beach campground, campsites 1 to 72 are the full hookup sites. The majority of these campsites will accommodate RVs & trails up to 42 feet. Campsites 4 and 5 are limited to 36 feet and sites 57-59 are limited to 32 feet.
For campsite 69 (per ReserveCalifornia.com), the site pad length is 38 feet so you should be fine.
Thank you! Can’t wait to get there.
We have a reservation for 3 nights in June in campsite 158 and we are wondering if there is room to bring a small popup trailer.
Hi Marci,
Yes, a popup trailer should fit fine in campsite San Clemente State Beach campsite #158. There should be room to park your vehicle along side the trailer. FYI – the park ranger makes the final call though, but your vehicle/trailer should fit fine.
Are there any sites that you can see the ocean for full hookups and a 31ft motorhome? Cant walk down to ocean but would like to enjoy it!
Hi Charleda,
You’re best bets are San Clemente State Beach campsites 82, 83, 88 and 89. These are closest to the ocean/beach and may offer a nice view,
I dont see the option to reserve those spots. Please see original question. I need full hookups for 31ft rv with ocean view.. is that possible and which sites can I reserve.
Hi Charleda,
You can click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to check availability, site type, pricing and make a reservation (if sites are available).
We are camping this weekend in space 142. Will a 37′ trailer fit there?
Thank you!
Hi Jerrod,
San Clemente State Beach campsites #142 has a pad length of 25 feet and pad width of 20 feet. Not sure if your 37′ trailer will be allow. The camp ranger/host will make the final call. Might be best to call the campground directly to inquire: 949 492-3156
Are three vehicles allowed to park at each site?
Hi Gino,
You can have up to three vehicles and 8 people per site at San Clemente State Beach campground.
I am looking to reserve spot 105 for August 23-25. Do I need to have a trailer or RV to use this spot or can we just do tents?
Hi Jimena,
Yes, you can have a tent at San Clemente State Beach campsite #105 as long as it fits in the space.
Can you have a tent trailer as one of the vehicles allowed on the group site?
Hi Pauline,
We’re not quite sure here at CampsitePhotos.com Might try calling the Park directly at: (949) 492-3156
Per San Clemente State Beach:
Group Camp #1 is limited to 50 people and 20 vehicles. It is located on a bluff overlooking the ocean; beach access is by a steep, paved trail. Group Camp #2 is a tent-only campsite and limited to 50 people and 10 vehicles. Maximum vehicle length is 20 feet; you can drive in or back in. It has a partial blue water ocean view; beach access (approximately 1/8
mile) is by two fairly steep service roads. Stores, shops, restaurants and laundry facilities are available in town.
I am going to be camping in site 148 in a few weeks. I will be bringing one vehicle but hoping to get at least 3 small tents down. Wondering how many tents can fit, would 4 small ones be an issue?
Hi Fiona, You scored a sweet campsite at San Clemente State Beach! The site can have up to two vehicles and 8 people. Generally you can have 2-3 tents if they fit in the site, but the ultimate call is up to the camp host or ranger.
First time, planning on doing a tent camping not RV or Trail. What are the best sites for tent camping and how long before to reserve a space.
Hi Yadira,
San Clemente State Beach campsites 1-72 are full hookups, so wouldn’t are good for tent camping. Campsites 73-160 can accommodate tents. Our favorite sites in this group include: 75, 76, 77, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 90, 92, 93, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 108, 109, 113, 114, 115, 116, 129, 132, 147 and 148.
Can RV camp spots also tent camp? Also does day use parking allow for slide outs or awnings?
Hi Jennifer,
No, tents can not be set up/used at San Clemente State Beach RV sites.
i am planning to take my family for RV camping for the first time. Is San Clemente SB or Doheny SB open for RV camping in July?
I went to CA reservation. I do not know if it is open due to COVID-19
Please advise.
Thank you,
Roger
Hi Roger,
Both San Clemente State Beach and Doheny State Beach campgrounds are open for camping and will be in July (unless the Governor shuts them down again). They are operating at 50% capacity due to Covid-19 and I’m not sure if they will be open at 100% in July. As a result, both campgrounds are more than likely sold out. However, you can sign up for campsite availability notifications on the date you want to camp using our Campsite Assist tool.
Hi! I have a reservation for campsite 092 from 6/28-6/30, will the park be open by then?
Thank you!
Hi Jenny,
San Clemente State Beach campground is open, but at 50% capacity. I recommend calling ReserveCalifornia to confirm whether your campsite is one of the ones that is available: 800-444-7275
Hi camp ranger
Can I put a 21foot RV trailer in campsite #85 at San Clemente sb ?
Hi Wendy, San Clemente State Beach campsite #21 has a pad length of 24 feet and can fit an RV or trailer up to 26 feet. So yes, you can fit your 21 foot RV trailer in that site.
On the reservecalifornia map sites 26 through 30 appear to be missing. Is the state park taking the sites out? Of course one of those sites is exactly where I’d like to camp.
Thanks for your assistance.
Hi Dee Gee,
Not sure, but you’re right – campsites 26-30 are no reservable through ReserveCalifornia. They may be first come, first-serve.
Which sites are best for tent camping? 118, 122,123,136,139, 142, 144? TIA!
I’d lean more toward 118, 123, 136 or 144 for the better tent camping sites from your list. Sites 123 and 144 may have a bit more privacy. All are flat with a good amount of room for tents.
Just wondering why camping site 91 isn’t on your best camping site list, even though every other site next to it is?
Hi Mike,
Good question! I don’t see much of a difference between #91 and #92. Both are nice campsites (similar). Our photographer will make a list of ‘favorite/best’ campsites based on location, privacy, size and view. Not sure why he didn’t include #91 in the list.
Hello Mr. Camp Ranger. I am a little confused I understand that a 30 foot trailer is max. at San Clemente site but my question is in regards to site# 091 it says pad space is 23 feet but my trailer is 26 feet . Should I worry or not we are only over by 36 inches PLEASE ADVISE.
Hi John,
Great question. Campsite #91 has a pad length of 23 feet. It also has side-by-side parking so you’ll be able to park trailer on one side and your towing vehicle on the other. There is also some good overhang out the back, so your 26 foot trailer will fit fine. Keep in mind all wheels must be on the paved parking surface, but that won’t be a problem either. I’d just back your trailer up so that the tongue is out of the roadway. Ultimately though the camp host makes the final call, but you should be fine!
Mr. Camp Ranger this is John again thank you so much I feel a little relieved now. I just hope the camp host this sunday will allow me those extra 36 inches. I would also like to add that the general number for San Clemente State Beach 949-492-3156 I have been calling over and over for the last 48 hrs. Nobody answers and it goes to “mailbox is full” you might want to check in to that at your convenience. And thank you again for your help again.
Hi John,
Hope all goes well with your camping trip! I also double checked the phone number for San Clemente State Beach / Campground and 949-492-3156 is the correct number. It’s also listed on the California State Park’s San Clemente State Beach webpage.
https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=646
Hopefully they will start answering their phone and/or clear out the mail box.
We are at camp site 160, any tips?
Hi M,
Nothing comes to mind. Campsite #160 is a nice large site – parking for two vehicles, and plenty of room for a few tents. A bit of a walk to the beach from the site so you may want to bring a little wagon or something if you have a lot of beach gear.
Stayed here on 9/2/20. Campsite 92. In the middle of the night (4:45ish) I awoke to find the entire inside of my tent covered with ants. There were probably at least 2000 of them easily. Walls, floor, sleeping bag, other items, me – everything was covered with them. I had no food in the tent. There were a lot of other people camping there, and nobody else seemed to be driven from their tent during the night, so I don’t know how unique my experience was, but be forewarned. It was not pleasant. Other than that – great location…
We were looking to reserve site 131 and have a 30 ft. motorhome. Can you please confirm if this would be ok to reserve? we tried calling the number but no one picked up.
Hi R,
You can click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button and be directed to ReserveCalifornia.com. They handled reservations for California State Parks & Beaches. From there you can check availability, pricing and reservations. Labor Day weekend is sold out, as are most weekends through September. You can also use our Campsite Assist tool to get campsite availability alerts on the days you want to camp. Campsite Assist will check for availability at San Clemente State Beach and thousands of other campgrounds throughout the country.
I had made reservations at San Clemente State Beach #136. I have a 24 foot RV will that be allowed next to the campsite?
Hi Eloisa,
Yes, your 24 foot RV will fit and be allowed in San Clemente State Beach campsite #136. The pad length is 25 feet so you’re good to go. Have fun!
Hi! Sorry if this is a duplicate post, I am not sure if my first question went through..
I am trying to decide between 79, 84 and 114 and was hoping you could tell me which one has the best view!
Thank you,
Alison
Hi Alison,
I doubt you’ll get a view of the water from San Clemente State Beach campsites 79 or 84 as other campers and terrain will probably block your view. Your best bet for a sneak peak is campsite #114. Hope this helps!
It does! Thank you.
Awesome – and you’re welcome.
What tent spot is closest access to the beach ?
Hi Joe,
You can click on the ‘Campground Map’ button to get a good idea, but generally campsites 76-94 are closest to the trail to the beach.
Hi! I reserved tent site 122 but looking at the pic I am worried that it will not fit our large tent. How big is tent space on that site? THANKS!
Hi Lydia, You’ll have plenty of room for a large tent behind the picnic area in campsite #122. Have fun!
Hey, I have campsite 81 reserved. What site do you think has a better view of the ocean for tent camping 81 or 80. Also are there any tent sites that you recommend with a good ocean view?
Hi Miguel,
Campsite #80 has a better view of the ocean, but both sites are nice. And campsite #81 is larger (parking pad and camping area).
I have site 129 booked for this weekend. How far is the walk to the beach and are the high winds going to be a big issue?
Hi Connor,
I’d say it’s almost a 1/2 mile walk from campsite 129 to the beach, using the beach trails from the campground (see below). Winds are not usually an issue – mostly mild, unless there is a major Santa Ana “wind event”. Those usually happen in September and October.
Hello will a 36′ motorhome fit in space 18? Thanks!
Hi Chad,
Yes, a 36′ motorhome will fit in campsite #18. It has a pad length of 70 feet.
We will be camping tomorrow- I see that it is forecast for
a rain storm at our check-in time, would it be possible to check in earlier if no one is at our campsite # 57?
Hi Karla,
Yes – rain is in the forecast for tomorrow. Usually that is the Ranger’s call at the check-in kiosk, but generally – if the site is open, they may let you in early. Check in is usually 2pm.
We have a 43′ fifth wheel…could we fit in any of the spots here?
HI Susie,
ReserveCalifornia lists most pad lengths as 30 feet, but campsite length sizes at 60-70 feet. I know sites 39-53 have pad lengths that would fit your 5th wheel. You can click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to check availability, pricing, sizes and make reservations. FYI – most are probably sold out through the summer and most weekends. If so, you can try our Campsite Assist tool and get notified when a San Clemente State Beach campsite becomes available on the dates you want to camp.
Hello, I was wondering how many tents are allowed on one site?
Hi Ris,
Generally you can have 2-4, as long as they all fit within your campsite area. You can also click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to check availability, pricing, make a reservation and see the maximum amount of vehicles/people allowed per site.
Can I have a tent set up in an RV site if it is small enough to fit?
This would be for site 16.
Hi CB,
The final call is up to the ranger and/or camp host. There is room at campsite #16 for a small tent and a ‘tent pad size’ is listed in description on ReserveCalifornia. Hopefully they will give you a pass!
I have a 16 x 10 tent… Any recommended sites that would fit this size tent?
Hi, I was looking at the prices for tenting and I want to make sure that I was reading it right. It is $250 per night (for tenting) to stay here?
Hey Kaleb,
Not sure where the $250 per night is posted, but that is not correct. The current rate for San Clemente State Beach tent campsites is $40 per night / per site. ReserveCalifornia also charges a $7.99 reservation fee for the reservation.
Is a hiker-biker site available?
How do you rent one of the vintage trailers?
Hi Lisa,
You can rent the vintage trailers at San Clemente State Beach from The Holidays website.
Hello there. We recently stayed at San Mateo campground in San Clemente and found the “beach trail” to be completely undoable for kids or anyone without an electric bike (for us at least), with that in mind, would you say San Clemente Campground is similar for beach accessibility. Someone mentioned it was a pretty intense walk/hike as well ?
Hi Megan,
There are two trails from San Clemente State Beach campground to the beach. Both are much shorter and easier than the 1.75 mile trail from San Mateo Campground to the beach. The southern trail at San Clemente State Beach is 670 feet to the beach. The northern trail is 1,135 feet. Both are very wide (Park Rangers/Lifeguards drive vehicles on them occasionally) and well maintained. They do have a bit of a grade though. Here’s a picture. Hope this helps.
Thanks so much. This is helpful, because if the “beach trail” was anything like San Mateo’s, I was going to seriously reconsider staying lol. Halfway through that walk (San Mateo) I didn’t know if I wanted to cry or call an Uber more. Thanks again. Any other suggestion w?kiddos?
We reserved site 146 and want to make sure our 18’x10’ tent will fit. Thanks.
Hi Jamie,
Yes, a 18′ x 10′ tent will fit in campsite #146. Have a great time!
Can I have a tent next to my motorhome?
Hi Pat,
Yes you can – in the dirt area of your camping space.