San Mateo Campground

4.23

442 reviews

830 Cristianitos Road, San Clemente, CA, 92672

Quick Facts

115 ft

Price

$40 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

157 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

115 ft

Price

$40 - $70/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

157 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

San Mateo Campground

$40.00 - $70.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $40 for tent sites to $70 for sites with water and electric hookups. Additional fees include $10 for RV dump station use, and $15 per...

Standard Site Fee$40.00

Hookup Site Fee$65.00

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

949-492-4872access@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.23

Satisfactory

Based on 442 reviews

601 Google reviews

Most mentioned

privacycleanshowersrestrooms

Some mention

noisecrowded

"User reviews for San Mateo Campground vary widely, highlighting both positive experiences and common complaints. Many appreciate the clean facilities, proximity to Trestles Beach, and scenic surroundings. However, issues like noise from partying campers and nearby Marine training drills are frequently mentioned."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

830 Cristianitos Road, San Clemente, CA, 92672

San Mateo Campground

830 Cristianitos Road, San Clemente, CA, 92672

Driving directionsFrom Interstate 5, take exit 74 at Cristianitos Road. The campground is located approximately 1 mile inland from I-5.

The campground is accessible via paved roads. Note that the entrance is locked and closed daily from 10 PM to 6 AM, which may affect late arrivals.

Nearby places

San Clemente (3 miles), Dana Point (10 miles), Laguna Beach (23 miles), Oceanside (19 miles)

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, fuel stations, and camping supplies can be found in San Clemente, approximately 3 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at San Mateo Campground

Blessed with Southern California's famously mild climate, San Mateo welcomes campers throughout all four seasons. Spring and summer shine as the premier camping months, offering warm days perfect for beach adventures and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories. Even winter brings its own charm, with occasional rainfall refreshing the landscape while temperatures remain comfortable, typically hovering between 60°F and 80°F during the day. This gentle climate means you can plan your escape any time of year without worrying about extreme weather.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.5 / 5

Summer is peak season with warm days ideal for beach/hikes but higher occupancy and noise.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Shoulder/ fall offers best balance of weather and lower crowds per seasonal notes.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring rated positively in reviews; mild weather and seasonal wildflowers likely draw visitors.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year‑round; winters are quieter but cooler and some reviewers note colder nights.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Likely mid-May to mid-September based on visitor patterns.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Camping is available year-round.
Current Alerts: No current active alerts, but visitors should check ahead for updates.

About San Mateo Campground

Discover the perfect blend of coastal adventure and peaceful inland camping at San Mateo Campground, where year-round opportunities await just minutes from the legendary surf breaks of Trestles Beach. Whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling into an RV site complete with water and electric hookups, you'll find everything needed for a memorable stay. Each site comes equipped with its own fire ring for evening gatherings and a picnic table for outdoor dining, creating your own private basecamp for exploring Southern California's stunning coastline.

San Mateo Campground hosts various camping styles, including tent camping, RV camping, and group camping. It is suitable for all levels of campers but offers minimal glamping or luxury options.

Historical SignificanceStep onto sacred ground at San Onofre State Beach, where the ancient Acjachemen village of Panhe has stood as a testament to California's rich indigenous heritage for countless generations. This hallowed site continues to serve as a gathering place for cultural ceremonies and spiritual practices, connecting visitors to thousands of years of human history. Here, where California's first baptism took place, the layers of cultural significance run deep, offering campers a chance to experience a landscape that has shaped the state's identity from its earliest days.

Weather and SeasonsBlessed with Southern California's famously mild climate, San Mateo welcomes campers throughout all four seasons. Spring and summer shine as the premier camping months, offering warm days perfect for beach adventures and cool evenings ideal for campfire stories. Even winter brings its own charm, with occasional rainfall refreshing the landscape while temperatures remain comfortable, typically hovering between 60°F and 80°F during the day. This gentle climate means you can plan your escape any time of year without worrying about extreme weather.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a diverse tapestry of Southern California ecosystems, where lush riparian corridors wind through golden rolling foothills dotted with native coastal vegetation. The campground's varied habitats create a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, with cottontail rabbits bounding through the underbrush and busy ground squirrels entertaining campers with their antics. Lucky observers might even catch a glimpse of the area's more elusive residents, including several endangered species that find refuge in this protected landscape.

Geological RegionNestled within the dramatic Santa Ana Mountains, San Mateo Campground showcases the remarkable geological diversity of Southern California's coastal ranges. The landscape unfolds in a stunning variety of terrains, from verdant marshlands that filter crystal-clear waters to riparian forests following the life-giving path of San Mateo Creek. These rolling foothills and creek corridors don't just create beautiful vistas – they provide critical habitat for some of California's rarest wildlife species, making every hike an opportunity to witness the delicate balance of this unique ecosystem.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in is officially at 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out is officially at 12 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Amaximum of 8 guests per campsite.

Groups

Group campsites are available and can accommodate larger parties, though specific limits on guests and vehicles are not mentioned.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in loops with vegetation providing privacy between campsites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Reserve California at reserve.california.com or by calling (800) 444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis during off-peak times. Midweek visits are recommended for better availability.

Cancellation PolicyReservations are subject to standard California State Parks cancellation policies. Refer to the Reserve California platform for details.

AccessibilityFive accessible campsites are available, including two with electrical hookups. Accessibility enhancements include accessible parking, restrooms, and route to the campfire center.

Site SizeThe sites range from small to large, with ample space for RVs and tents. Several reviews mention that some sites are better screened by vegetation for privacy.

PrivacyMixed. Some sites are well-screened for privacy due to dense vegetation, while others are more open. User reviews specifically mention sites with privacy and seclusion like #85, #87, and #122.

Total Campsites157 campsites

Recommended SitesSites #85 and #87 offer skyline views and more seclusion. Sites #13 and #138 are recommended for larger groups or RVs.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

San Mateo Campground provides access to a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, surfing, wildlife viewing, and biking. The 1.5-mile nature trail connects to Trestles Beach, a world-class surfing destination. Activities like bird watching and observing other wildlife are common due to the campground's proximity to San Mateo Creek.

HikingHiking is popular, especially the 1.5-mile nature trail to Trestles Beach. However, reviews note the trail's steep incline and lack of shade, which may make it challenging for families with young children.

BikingBiking is common, especially the trail to Trestles Beach, which is easier to traverse compared to walking. E-bikes are also useful for tackling steep sections.

Wildlife viewingThe campground and surrounding areas are home to various wildlife, including rabbits, squirrels, and a wide variety of birds. Rare and endangered species inhabit the nearby riparian and wetland habitats.

Beach activitiesTrestles Beach is world-renowned for surfing. Reviews describe the beach as rocky, making water shoes advisable.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsPrograms include Junior Ranger events, interpretive exhibits, and an annual Earth Day celebration at Panhe, a sacred Acjachemen site.

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsProximity to Camp Pendleton may result in occasional noise from military exercises. Wildlife such as squirrels may damage vehicles.

Active AlertsNo current active alerts, but visitors should check ahead for updates.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyFires must be confined to designated fire rings; no pallet burning is allowed.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced between 10 PM and 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services include Mission Hospital in Laguna Beach (23 miles), San Clemente Police Department (3 miles), and Camp Pendleton for military emergencies.

Trash & RecyclingFirewood and food waste recycling is available, but general recycling bins are less visible. Trash dumpsters are conveniently located.

Water FeaturesLocated 1.5 miles from Trestles Beach, accessible via a nature trail or by car.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available at the entrance and sell firewood. Their presence helps maintain a secure environment.

Weather at San Mateo Campground

Reviews

4.2

442 reviews

Satisfactory

San Mateo Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for San Mateo Campground vary widely, highlighting both positive experiences and common complaints. Many appreciate the clean facilities, proximity to Trestles Beach, and scenic surroundings. However, issues like noise from partying campers and nearby Marine training drills are frequently mentioned.

Review Summaries

Based on 442 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms and showers, spacious campsites, privacy due to vegetation, access to Trestles Beach, and family-friendly atmosphere are commonly praised.

Based on 442 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise from neighboring campers and Marine base exercises, lack of cell reception, high fees for dump station usage, and proximity to the freeway resulting in traffic noise.

Based on 442 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring earplugs for potential noise, and water shoes for rocky beach terrain. Consider midweek stays for quieter surroundings.

Based on 442 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter months are quieter but colder, while summer sees high occupancy and occasional noise disturbances. Shoulder seasons provide the best balance of weather and crowd levels.

Based on 442 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The trail to Trestles Beach is gorgeous, especially in spring when the hills bloom.' - Owen Scott Clay 2. 'We love the space you get between your neighbors and the smart layout of the place.' -...

Based on 442 reviews