Description

California, San Onofre State Park is located just of the I5 freeway south of San Clemente.  The park is sandwiched between the I5 freeway and the ocean.  There are six trails that lead down to the beach from the campground or parking areas located up on the bluff.  Railroad tracks run between the freeway and the park.  Campsites are primitive although there are paved parking pads.  Each site has a fire ring but, barbeques are not provided.  Water can be found at the restrooms.  Heated showers are not available.  The park has several nature trails.  There are 308 RV or tent camping spots depending on the time of year.  During the winter some spots are not open.

Directions:

Southbound on Interstate-5 just south of San Clemente.  Exit at Basilone Road and go right.  It will change Street name to Old Pacific Highway.  Follow Old Pacific Highway for a mile or so and it will end at the campground. 

Please see the Campbase map tab provided here for an accurate location. 

Comment

San Onofre State Park is located in a secluded area that is south of San Clemente and west of the Camp Pendelton marine base.  The Base Exchange is located approximately a mile from the park entrance.  It's very convenient for those that have a military ID card.

The bluffs and cliffs inside the park can be dangerous if you get to close.  Always use one of the six trails to get down to the beach.

The park is located on old highway 101.  This area is very popular with bicyclist riding between Orange County and San Diego.  There is a continual stream of cyclists riding through the park.

At night there is a lot of freeway noise and the trains pass often making sleeping difficult.

Use caution, there are snakes in the area.  It also looks like a lizard lives inside one of the parks signs.  See the pictures tab.

Camping is only allowed in designated spots, no beach camping is allowed.

There are two dump stations in the park but sometimes they are both closed.

Note: The park entrance is not always staffed.  There is a pay station located at the entrance when the entrance is not staffed.