Bluff Campground

Star3.41
68 reviews
5200 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, San Clemente, CA, 92672

Quick Facts

157 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Bluff 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

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Reserve California
Provider
(949) 492-4872
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What Campers Say

3.41

Mixed Reviews

Based on 68 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."

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Campground Map

5200 S. Pacific Coast Hwy, San Clemente, CA, 92672

Bluff Campground

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.

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.

Best
Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Summer months preferred: calmer winds and additional services during peak season.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Open year-round; fall likely pleasant though explicit fall notes are limited.

Spring(Mar-May)
3.0 / 5

Marine layer common; spring is usable but not flagged as peak season in materials.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
2.5 / 5

Winters can be too cold for some and noise issues persist year-round.

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.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
10:00 AM
Check-out
10:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables
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.
HikingHiking trails lead down from the bluffs to the beach. Reviews mention these trails as sketchy but scenic, suitable for short walks.
FishingFishing is noted as a permitted activity within the recreation area but specific details for Bluff Campground beach areas are missing.
SwimmingSwimming is available at the beach below the bluffs, though reviews mention the beach is rocky, making ocean access difficult.
BikingThe park offers bike trails for campers, though specific reviews were not available for Bluff Campground.
Wildlife viewingWildlife such as squirrels and mice are commonly seen around campsites. Offshore, sea lions, dolphins, and whales may be observed seasonally.
Beach activitiesBeach activities are limited by rocky terrain, but the ocean views and rugged bluffs offer aesthetic appeal.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsTrain noise, freeway proximity, and occasional wildlife like rattlesnakes mentioned in user reviews.
Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.

Weather at Bluff Campground

Reviews

3.4
68 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed 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 68 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 68 reviews

Common 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...
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Based on 68 reviews

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 68 reviews

Seasonal 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 68 reviews

Camper 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...
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Based on 68 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Campsites are grouped closely together with limited privacy. Proximity to restrooms and trails is recommended for convenience.
Based on 68 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible parking and restrooms are generally available, with multiple designated accessible tent and RV sites.
Based on 68 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed at the campground but not on the beach or trails.
Based on 68 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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