San Mateo Group Site

About

San Mateo Group Site is a dedicated group camping area located at the southern end of San Mateo Campground within San Onofre State Beach. Situated on Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in northern San Diego County, the campground lies about 3 miles south of San Clemente and roughly 1 mile inland from 3.5 miles of sandy Pacific coastline. The tent-only group site accommodates up to 40 people and a maximum of 8 vehicles, with a minimum of 9 occupants required to book. The group site includes 2 fire pits (one standard and one ADA-accessible), a large BBQ for charcoal or wood, 6 picnic tables, 2 shade ramadas, and potable water. Campers have access to the campground's modern amenities including hot coin-operated indoor showers, flush toilets, and an RV dump station. Sleeping in vehicles is not permitted at this tent-only site. A 1.5-mile nature trail connects the campground to Trestles Beach, internationally renowned for its world-class surf breaks. The campground was established in 1971 and operates year-round. Reservations are made through ReserveCalifornia up to 6 months in advance. Dogs are allowed on leash (6 feet max) and must stay in tents at night; they are not permitted on the beach.

Directions

From I-5, take the Cristianitos Road exit and head inland approximately 1 mile to 830 Cristianitos, San Clemente, CA 92672.