What do you say we camp next to the beach and the hi-way at the same time? San Onofre Bluffs Campground is the one you need. The bluffs are located in San Clemente State Beach, the Southernmost part of Orange County, California. San Clemente State Beach, has three distinct areas: the San Onofre Bluffs, the San Mateo Campground and the San Onofre Surf Beach. All 3 has there own pull to offer. Be sure to know which campsite you are trying to reserve for.
August 13, 2021, hubby and I drove 1 1/2 hour to San Onofre Campgrounds from Moreno Valley. We arrive a bit early as I was planning on hiking but the heat changed my mind so we stayed at the day use area and drove around the campsite instead. San Onofre Bluffs Campground, as the name implies sits next to the bluffs. And just next to Hi way Interstate 5 and a railroad. Address: 5200 S Pacific Coast Hwy, San Clemente, CA 92672
A well known surfer’s haven, including the world famous surf breaks in Trestles Beach, you will see almost everyone that goes to San Onofre will have a surf board with them. And yes, it’s quite amazing to watch surfers ride the waves in grace. Also bikers abound, even when the campgrounds end with a gate, the bikers continue to Oceanside and back.
The Campgrounds
A 10$ entrance fee for day use is required or have your annual pass California Explorer do the trick https://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=1049. If you have a reservation for the campgrounds, then NO day use fee is needed. The campground has day use areas South and North area. South being the farthest and closest to Oceanside, about 20-25 minutes to Oceanside, and the North being the closest to Orange county. North day use area is also where the entrance is located. Note that all the sites are primitive. No electricity or water hook ups. Also, small space for tents if you plan on having a few to set up camp.
Plenty of parking spaces both day use areas and in between campsites. In case you needed something or do not want to cook, restaurants and groceries are 7-10 minutes away to San Clemente Beach area. We got groceries, corn and sweet potato at Ralph’s. Campgrounds host is located next to trail 3, just before site 46. It is an old school bus converted to campground host Station.
The Campsite
There are 175 sites sitting next to the bluffs. The first 1-10 trailer/tent sites have a very good view of the open ocean. So does sites 108-119, and 146- 153ish I would say. The rest would either be covering the Pacific Ocean view or tucked a tad lower from the hi way, sites 125-145. But, you can always hike closer to the edge of the bluffs to witness an epic sunset. Speaking of which, the bluffs campground has 6 trails that all lead to the beach. Dogs/Pets permitted on only Trail 1 and Trail 6. Flush toilets and open showers are available on day use areas and every 10-20 campsites. Dumping stations and drinking water available just before Trail 3 and on the day use area. Fire rings and picnic tables on every site.
Hike the Trails
San Onofre Bluffs ha 6 designated trails that you can hike. Trail 1 next to sites 1-12. About 0.6 mile down to the rocky beach. Rocky, as in fist sized rocks even bigger. Better bring water shoes or sandals, because you cannot walk comfortably in them huge stones. Trails 2 just before site 24 and trail 3 just after day use north parking area. You will notice other small trails that will eventually meet on the designated trail.
The most picturesque is trail 6. This is where the dramatic sandstones are located. It’s about half a mile down to, again rocky beach with some spats of sand. And pets are allowed on this trail. Park next to sites 160s and further up to the North day use area. Trail 6 is next to site 175. Trail 4 is the only one with sandy beach below. I will not recommend that you hike the beach from trail 1 to 6 as the tide might rise up very quickly and the most uncomfortable walk in those huge stones hampers the experience. However, there is a trail on the bluffs itself from trail 1 to 6, about 3 miles out/back. Be careful and follow the signs as it is an unstable cliff.
The Cons
We had a blast watching the surfers and the sunset. We lingered on the beach embracing the salty wind on our skin and hair. Our dog cosmo, seemed a little cold though. We both got wet when the tide came in fast. It is pacific ocean anyways, so yes the water’s cold. The hike on trail 6 was so pretty. Easy half a mile and maybe 100 ft elevation. But with gorgeous bluffs against an open Pacific Ocean view.
We had camp fire and a good dinner and wine and an epic sunset. But, trying to get a good night sleep is far from the horizon. The noise from the vehicles passing the hi way is already intolerable. Oh did I mention, the railways?! Yes, trains pass through and I felt more often on the wee hours of the morning, like a few hundred feet away from your head. By the grace of good wine and a tired body, I did sleep 4 hours straight. If you are in your van or RV, then I guess it’s much better.
Beach hike
I, the next day tried hiking the beach from trail 4 to, was hoping trail 1, but Inever made it. Past trail 4 where there was a sandy beach, a rocky path again emerged and it continued all through out. Met a few fishermen on the way, passed several trails, a couple of furry friends and some ill fated hikers just like me who never realized how hard it was to walk on stones.
After what felt like forever, not reaching trail 1, I sat next to a trail where a young lady surfer was coming down who told me that she came down from trail 2. And that was it for me. I walked up the quite steep trail back to the paved road for half a mile. Looking back every now and then, to appreciate the scene of open sea and beautiful bluffs presented to me. Upon reaching the civilization, I walked from day use area parking in between trails 1 and 2. I walked for almost 1 hour to our site 106 where hubby had already packed and ready to go. I started the hike @0840hrs, got back @ 1130hrs. So yes, it was difficult and steep and a long one.
Eats
Having said that, we drove northbound 12 minutes to Pedro’s Fish Tacos and got me the famous fish tacos while hubby got steak burrito. Highly recommended! The steak burrito was exemplary. Though I liked the fish taco, it did not fare well with my “La Bufadora” breaded shrimp tacos back in Perris. And with that, another weekend passed.
Recent Comments