Bluff Campground
3.7012 reviews5200 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, San Clemente, CA, 92672
Quick Facts
Price
$45/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
Price
$45/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
15 campsites
Season
Year-round
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Allowed
RV FriendlyShowers
Get DirectionsBluff Campground
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard fee for reservations is $45 per night without hookups. Hookups (electricity and water) cost approximately $80 per night according to user...
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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
Total Campsite Fees$125.00
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Reserve California
Provider(949) 492-4872
What Campers Say
3.70
Mixed Reviews
Based on 12 reviews
23 Google reviews
Most mentioned
viewscleanrestroomsbeach
Some mention
noisetrain
"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."
Fees & Passes at Bluff Campground
$45/night
Campsite fees
Standard Site
Basic tent/RV spot
Electric/Hookup Site
With electric/water hookups
Stay Limit: Eight-person limit per campsite.
Cancellation: No specific rules about reservation cancellation penalties mentioned.
Prices verified November 27, 2025
Prices may vary by season and site type. Always confirm current rates on the official California State Parks website.
Best Time to Camp at Bluff Campground
Year-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.
Spring (Mar-May)
Wildflowers bloom, mild temperatures, fewer crowds. Great for hiking and photography.
Best
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Peak season with warm weather, perfect for water activities. Book early.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Beautiful fall colors, cooler temps, quieter campgrounds. Ideal for peaceful trips.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Snow activities available. Some facilities may close. Check conditions.
Planning Tips
- Peak Season: June 1st through September 15th is the peak season with additional beach wheelchair services available.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
- Operating Season: The campground is locked daily from 10 PM to 6 AM. Open year-round.
- Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.
About Bluff 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.
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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 Campsites
Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks
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.
Hiking
Hiking trails lead down from the bluffs to the beach. Reviews mention these trails as sketchy but scenic, suitable for short walks.Fishing
Fishing is noted as a permitted activity within the recreation area but specific details for Bluff Campground beach areas are missing.Swimming
Swimming is available at the beach below the bluffs, though reviews mention the beach is rocky, making ocean access difficult.Biking
The park offers bike trails for campers, though specific reviews were not available for Bluff Campground.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as squirrels and mice are commonly seen around campsites. Offshore, sea lions, dolphins, and whales may be observed seasonally.Beach activities
Beach activities are limited by rocky terrain, but the ocean views and rugged bluffs offer aesthetic appeal.Cultural and Educational Programs
Interpretive and educational programs, including Junior Ranger activities and Earth Day celebrations, are available at the park.Winter Activities
The campground does not highlight specific winter activities.Water Sports
Surfing is the main water sport attraction. Trails lead to renowned surfing spots near the beach.Advertisement
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 at Bluff Campground
66
°F
Dec 7
Sunday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 54%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.2 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
Weather History
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Detailed 7-Day Forecast
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Reveal forecast
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.
Reviews from booking and map sources
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
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive mentions include clean restrooms, accessible trails leading to the beach, fire pits and picnic tables at each site, and scenic ocean views.
Based on 12 reviewsCommon Concerns
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...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
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.
Based on 12 reviewsSeasonal Insights
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.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
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...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Campsites are grouped closely together with limited privacy. Proximity to restrooms and trails is recommended for convenience.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible parking and restrooms are generally available, with multiple designated accessible tent and RV sites.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Dogs are allowed at the campground but not on the beach or trails.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Reviews by Outdoorithm campers
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Last updated November 27, 2025
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