San Mateo Campground
A campground nestled among trees, offering RV sites and glamping with a challenging hike to the renowned Trestles Beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better rates
San Mateo Campground
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better rates
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A campground nestled among trees, offering RV sites and glamping with a challenging hike to the renowned Trestles Beach.
"The trees here get five stars but everything else was just okay so three stars overall."
🚗 E-bike Recommended for Beach
The hike to the beach is steep; an e-bike is highly recommended for easier access. :electric_plug:
🚿 Shower Tokens Needed
Showers are token-operated (50 cents for 2 mins). Stock up on tokens at the camp office. :shower:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Scenic Beach Path
Trail to Trestles Beach
A 1.5-mile hike leads to Trestles Beach, known for surfing. Be prepared for inclines and bring an e-bike for easier travel.
Shaded RV Sites
Campground loops
Spacious campsites offer a sense of privacy thanks to mature trees, providing welcome shade on sunny days.
Glamping Bell Tents
The Holidays CA section
Experience a unique stay in comfortable bell tents with beds and amenities, perfect for a family getaway.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Season
Understand Facilities & Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 E-bike Recommended for Beach
The hike to the beach is steep; an e-bike is highly recommended for easier access. :electric_plug:
🚿 Shower Tokens Needed
Showers are token-operated (50 cents for 2 mins). Stock up on tokens at the camp office. :shower:
🐶 Dogs Not Allowed on Trail
While dogs love the hike, they are not permitted on the trail to the beach. :dog:
🏕️ Book Glamping Early
The bell tents are popular! Book well in advance, especially for weekend stays.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 E-bike Recommended for Beach
The hike to the beach is steep; an e-bike is highly recommended for easier access. :electric_plug:
🚿 Shower Tokens Needed
Showers are token-operated (50 cents for 2 mins). Stock up on tokens at the camp office. :shower:
🐶 Dogs Not Allowed on Trail
While dogs love the hike, they are not permitted on the trail to the beach. :dog:
🏕️ Book Glamping Early
The bell tents are popular! Book well in advance, especially for weekend stays.
🤫 Respect Quiet Hours
Quiet hours are from 10 PM to 6 AM. Be mindful of noise to ensure a peaceful stay for all.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
San Mateo Campground offers a natural setting with shaded sites and a challenging but rewarding hike to Trestles Beach. While many appreciate the scenic location and glamping options, some visitors report issues with noise control, limited and sometimes poorly maintained facilities, and a steep beach access trail. +1
"A great camp ground. We are here during this time and it’s raining but we love it. The camp grounds is almost empty except for the few who are braving it through the atmospheric river 😆. The hike to the beach is amazing, about a good 4 miles round trip, great exercise for you and your dog, my husky loves it. Dogs not allowed but still worth the hike. Pretty huge camp ground with lots of sites. One of favorites to date. The drive to go into town is not long either, San Clemente is a cute little beach town."
Jacqueline Reyes
"The trees here get five stars but everything else was just okay so three stars overall. The sites are nice size and the trees on either side give the illusion of privacy from your camp neighbors. Unfortunately, noise here goes completely uncontrolled even though there are strict policies in the paperwork you are given about keeping noise contained to your own campsite regardless of the time of day. My husband and I booked a full RV site Thursday through Sunday. Thursday was lovely actually, not too many people and we were able to enjoy sitting outside peacefully. All that changed on Friday when the campground filled up. Tons of kids running around screaming (yes playing, but still screaming uncontrolled) into the later hours of the night. Camp hosts just kind of shrug and say hopefully they'll stop soon. The other issue is once you've walked around the campground or taking a bike ride around it, there's really not much else to do. The 1.5 mile trail to the beach is so steeply inclined at various points that it becomes a real hike on a hot day, there and back. We brought old school pedal bikes with us not knowing, no way you can make it without an e-bike. You definitely need an e-bike or a vehicle outside of your RV to get around and really do anything fun. For $70 a night, we did not feel we got our money's worth. We would have if we had been able to sit out at our campsite and enjoy a peaceful nature experience without all the noise, but that was not to be."
Crysta Meador
"The campsites themselves are clean, spacious, and there’s plenty of parking, which was great. However, the facilities were a big letdown—especially over Labor Day weekend when you'd expect everything to be fully operational. Out of several shower stalls, only one was working across all the loops, and more than half of the water stations were out of order. On a positive note, the one working shower had excellent water pressure. Just be aware that showers are token-operated (50 cents per token, good for 2 minutes), so come prepared."
Jannine
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
San Mateo Campground is located at 830 Cristianitos Rd, San Clemente, CA 92672. It's accessible by car, with clear signage for campground entry.
Yes, San Mateo Campground offers full RV sites with hookups, making it suitable for RV travelers.
There's a 1.5-mile trail to the beach, but it's quite steep. Many visitors recommend using an e-bike or a vehicle to get to the beach more easily. +1
Public transport options directly to the campground are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach San Mateo Campground.
The campground is a short drive from San Clemente, a cute beach town, making it easy to access amenities and explore the local area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekends and during peak season, as spots fill up quickly.
Check-in time is typically 2:00 PM, and check-out time is 12:00 PM. Always confirm these times when booking.
Promotional codes like 'FALL20' have been offered for weekday stays, so keep an eye out for seasonal discounts.
Pricing can vary, with some guests reporting around $70 per night for a full RV site, though this may fluctuate based on season and demand.
Yes, 'The Holidays CA' offers glamping bell tents at San Mateo Campground, which come with beds and amenities.
🎫 🏕️ Onsite Experience
Basic facilities include showers (token-operated), restrooms, and RV hookups. Some areas may have limited operational facilities, especially during busy times.
Dogs are not allowed on the trail to the beach, but check specific campground policies for their presence within the campground itself.
Quiet hours are enforced from 10:00 PM to 6:00 AM to ensure a peaceful environment for all campers.
Cell service can be spotty in some areas of the campground. Wi-Fi is generally not provided.
Activities include hiking to the beach, surfing at Trestles Beach (if conditions are right), enjoying the campsite, and exploring nearby San Clemente.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
San Mateo Campground primarily offers campsites and basic facilities. There are no on-site restaurants; plan to bring your own food or dine in nearby San Clemente.
Fires must be contained within designated fire rings only. Always check for fire restrictions before your visit.
Campers typically use their own portable grills or camp stoves. Some glamping tents may include amenities for food preparation.
Yes, San Clemente has several grocery stores and markets where you can stock up on supplies for your camping trip.
Campers often enjoy outdoor cooking with items like grilled meats, foil packet meals, and s'mores.
📸 📸 Photography
The path leading to the beach offers scenic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The tree-lined campsites also provide a natural, shaded backdrop.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's best to check with campground management or local authorities regarding drone operation regulations.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for capturing the natural beauty of the campground and its surroundings.
The glamping bell tents offer a unique aesthetic for photos, and the diverse landscape from shaded campsites to the beach path provides varied photographic subjects.
A versatile camera with a good zoom lens is recommended to capture both wide-angle landscape shots and details. A tripod can be useful for low-light photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 The shaded campsites offer a pleasant environment for families to relax. However, be aware that the hike to the beach is steep and may be challenging for younger children or strollers; an e-bike is recommended for easier access. Consider bringing activities to keep kids entertained at the campsite, as there isn't a vast amount of structured entertainment within the campground itself. The proximity to San Clemente also offers family-friendly dining and activities outside the campground.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, pack all your own food and cooking supplies, as there are no dining options on-site.
Utilize the fire rings for cooking and ambiance. If you're looking for a more budget-friendly beach camping experience, research other campgrounds in the area that might offer lower price points or more comprehensive facilities for the cost. 🏄 Surfers & Beach Enthusiasts
While the campground itself is not directly on the beach, its location provides a base for exploring the coastline. Remember to check surf reports and conditions before heading out.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Beach Access
Once you reach Trestles Beach, it's a renowned spot for surfing. However, be aware of potential conditions like stingrays, low reefs, or rocky bottoms, as mentioned by campers researching the area.
Alternative Beach Access
If the hike seems too daunting, consider driving to a closer beach access point or exploring other nearby state beaches that might offer more direct access. Always check local conditions and advisories before heading out.
Understanding Campground Facilities
Showers are token-operated, costing 50 cents for approximately two minutes of water. It's crucial to come prepared with plenty of tokens.
Tips for Facility Use
To make the most of the facilities, try to use them during off-peak hours to avoid long waits. Always have your shower tokens ready and be prepared for potential limitations. If cleanliness is a major concern, consider bringing your own disinfectant wipes.
Glamping Experience at The Holidays CA
These tents are equipped with beds and other amenities, providing a step up from traditional tent camping. This option is particularly appealing for families or those who want to enjoy the outdoors without the full ruggedness of basic camping. These glamping options are popular and tend to book up quickly, especially for weekend stays. Visitors have praised the comfort and convenience of these tents, making them a highlight for many.
+1 It's advisable to book these glamping accommodations well in advance to secure your preferred dates. Booking Your Glamping Stay
To book a glamping tent, visitors are directed to 'The Holidays CA' website or their booking link, often found in social media stories.
Keep an eye out for any special offers or discounts that might be available for weekday stays. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit