San Onofre State Beach — Attraction in Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

As far as camping goes...Definitely NOT the greatest campground because you have trains that roar through the site all day and a few that pass during the night. If you keep that in mind and the fact that that your sleep won't be at it's very best -you'll be fine. The vibe there is extremely friendly. Most campers are from out of town (Inland Empire, San Gabriel Valley, Riverside, Los Angeles County, etc. with a few that are from out of state or out of country), but still the vibe is really friendly. You'll notice kids playing around, teens doing what teens do, and adults just having a relaxing, social and friendly day.

Technically, you're not allowed to bring dogs on the beach at all...Except for Trails 1 and 6 and at Dog Patch (located at San Onofre State Beach and YES there's a difference b/t the SO State Campgrounds and the SO State Beach). With that said, people still bring there dogs down to the beach, which is fine with most locals and State Park reps, granted these conditions: Dog Rule 1. Keep your dog on the leash! Dog Rule 2. Pick up after it defecates! If someone sees that you're dog is off it's leash or that you're failing to pick up after it, it'll be quiet and then about 10-20 minutes later, someone in a uniform will ask you to leave the trail or beach and may even issue a citation. Don't come back here saying I didn't try to warn you!

You'll notice amongst the locals vibe and I'm referring to the crowd that surf there on a regular basis. You'll notice that following these 2 rules will gain you much respect and chatter. You'll also notice that both these rules will give you respect but of the two rules stated. rule 2 is more important, because it relates to general behavior:

Local Rule 1. Pick up after yourself! This means cigarette butts, plastic paper, plates, beer and soda cans, etc. etc.) Technically, alcohol and glass containers aren't allowed on the beach for any reason, so if you're going to drink, use the red or blue Solo cups and don't openly flaunt your drinking to the crowd. You'll be appreciated for your discretion and chances are you won't get that expensive alcohol ticket.! If you fail to pick up after yourself and a local sees you, they'll be very quick to let you know that they swim in the ocean or run on the sand on a regular basis and will ask you to be 'more aware'. This type of behavior by the more shier locals is preceded by the ole 'stinkeye'. These passive aggressive types transfer that energy into the sand as they 'accidentally' kick sand on you or your towel and/or food, ruining the friendly experience you would have expected if you had done the right thing in educating yourself before stepping foot on the beach. This type of weird energy from local can also be seen in the water as you wonder why you're constantly being snaked (cut off) when trying to catch a wave and damn near hit by all types of boards while in the water. These snake charmers will usually say 'Sorry, I didn't see you were there' but in your soul you'll be wondering how he/she couldn't see you the other 20 or so times that they cut you out. Sending you back to the sand in shame and onwards to the long trail hike back to the bluffs. HOWEVER, even if you didn't catch a word of what I said and only accidentally littered or are from a place where there is a lack of educational awareness, if you can successfully complete this last rule -ALL OF YOUR SINS ARE FORGIVEN!

Local Rule 2. "Be excellent to each other." Don't be surprised if you're doing your own little beach clean-up and a local comes over to 'thank you' in the form of a surfer or other watermen or any of the State Park representatives (lifeguards and...

San Onofre, Home to Big Swells during the Fall and Winter months. Awesome Primative Campground with Cold Showers. Generator required if you don't have solar panels charging during the day?? And if it's overcast, ID be looking at generators for camping here anyways. Trains roll through night and day. I lived on an Aircraft Carriers for 5 cruises, I can Sleep through anything.

I'd give more than 2 stars if it was open to camping all year round. This is located in Southern California so we don't get the funding or considerations that The Northern California State Park Campgrounds or South Carlsbad State Beach Campground receive.

The California State Parks Campground System and Reserve California is Totally Mismanaged. The campground that I am staying at currently the San Onofre San Mateo Campground Site the weekend had 14 spots unused yet at the Campground Entrance the sign said Campground Full missing out on possible revenue for the California State Parks Campground System. The Reserve California site isn't much better.

Hey, another issue that San Onofre State Beach Campground and San Mateo State Beach Campground have is the the two campgrounds separated by 5 miles. The California State Parks Campground System only allows a person to stay at either sites for only 30 Days. You can only stay in both campgrounds for a total of 30 and not 30 day for each Campground.

The Distance between the San Onofre Sam Mateo State Beach Campground is a little over 2 miles. Seems to me the California State Parks Campground System and Reserve California is losing out on Revenue for the California State Parks...

Ok. So we camped at the bluffs. B75. The spots are small so multiple big tents will be tight. Maybe 1 or 2 medium size tents. 6 man size. The spot has space for 2 cars. I have a truck so it was tight with the other car but it was easily manageable. The walk from B75 to the trailhead is about 8 mins. The walk down from there is a trek, so be ready. We had a friend with disabilities so we just went to the bench that over looks the surf spot. The bench is about 4 mins down from the trailhead on the left. Its down a small 50ft trail so keep an eye out. Bathrooms. The bathrooms are typical camp site bathrooms. Useable but a little stinky. My wife said ALOT stinky. Right next to the bathroom the have cold showers similar to the ones you find at a state beach. They sell firewood for $10 at the emtrance gate. The 2nd car was $15. The sites are next to the freeway and train track so bring ear plugs. It is loud. I think thats about it. Oh check in is after 2pm. Those are the details. For simple camping it is enjoyable. It isnt a seaside on the sand camp but its close and easy. You can bring your dog but on leash and not allowed on...