Camping at San Mateo Campground
Location and Access
San Mateo Campground is part of San Onofre State Beach, located in San Diego County, California. This campground is situated inland, a short distance from the coast. To access the campground, visitors typically take the Interstate 5 and exit at Basilone Road. The street address for usage in GPS devices is:
830 Cristianitos Road
San Clemente, CA 92672
Amenities
San Mateo Campground offers a variety of amenities to make camping comfortable, including:
- Campsites: The campground features over 150 campsites for tents and RVs, many of which include electrical and water hookups.
- Restrooms: Flush toilets and showers are available on-site.
- Picnic Areas: Each campsite has a table and a fire ring.
- RV Dump Stations: Facilities are available for RV users.
- Drinking Water: Potable water is accessible throughout the campground.
- Day Use Area: There's access to a day-use area with picnic tables.
Outdoor Activities
Camping at San Mateo Campground provides ample opportunity for outdoor recreation:
- Hiking: Trails are available within the park offering scenic views of the surrounding area.
- Surfing: San Onofre is known for its surf breaks, a short drive or hike to the beach will take you to popular spots.
- Beach Activities: The beach itself is suitable for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing.
- Wildlife Watching: The park is home to a number of plant and animal species, which can be observed in their natural habitat.
Reservations and Fees
Reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak season. Reservations can be made at:
www.reservecalifornia.com
Or you can call their reservation system. Fees vary depending on the type of site and amenities provided. As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, standard campsites with no hookups may cost less than sites with electrical and water connections.
Camping Regulations
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all campers, San Mateo Campground has a set of rules:
- Quiet Hours: Typically enforced from 10 PM to 6 AM.
- Campsite Capacity: Limits on the number of people per campsite are usually enforced.
- Vehicle Regulations: There may be limits on the number of vehicles per campsite, and all vehicles must remain on paved surfaces.
- Pets: Dogs are often allowed but must be kept on a leash and should not be left unattended.
- Fires: Must be confined to fire rings, and regulations can change based on fire danger levels.
- Check-in and Check-out Times: These are established to manage the turnover of sites for incoming campers.
Always check the latest state and park-specific guidelines to stay informed about any updated regulations or safety advisories, as these can change seasonally or due to exceptional circumstances like wildfires or public health considerations.
