San Clemente State Beach — Attraction in San Clemente

ANTS & fleas made campsite unusable.

Massive, massive ant issue (swarms of thousands) and fleas made the site UNUSABLE. Ground was covered in 1,000s of ants swarming for about a 15 foot radius on the side of site 127 farthest away from the firepit. Considered putting it on the paved parking spot, but same ant issue. Oddly, the issue appeared better near the fire pit, so we put the tent there since there was nowhere else to put it. [There is no warning on their website about the ants (but there is about generator theft, which they required you sign a waiver about the theft issue)].

Based on other reviews (which I read beforehand but forgot about / got mixed up thinking it was different location nearby), the ant issue is pervasive and to put down diatomaceous earth or baking soda. [See someone else's review on here about ants swarming the tent in the middle of the night, which I have had something similar happen in the past in another state.] If you see white powder on your site, this is likely diatomaceous earth.

Ran to Walmart to get diatomaceous earth...they don't carry diatomaceous earth. Went to lowe's and got the last bag. Come to find out the camp host sells it. Anyway put the diatomaceous earth down under my tires and under the tent....only to see dozens of more ants and fleas fun for their lives. The fleas did me in. Ended up sleeping in the car. Next people at site 127 you are welcome for the diatomaceous earth down. Might throw the (new) tent out rather than risk bringing fleas home.

Also, ants were all over the picnic table, making it also unusable. Can't take anything out of the car, put it on the table, sit at the table, or even cook anywhere on site 127. Avoid site 127 or better yet this whole park.

All in all the site was UNUSABLE. Wanted to ask for a refund but slept in the car instead.

Other notes:

bathrooms were disgusting, very nasty

indoor warm showers take tokens you can purchase at the dispenser

free outdoor showers for overnight campers (at restrooms building across from site 157 and group camp area in the loop over by the ocean/tower)

dozens of kids (small to teenager) cutting though the site rudely

day parking people are not sufficiently prevented from entering the campground (or anyone walking from the street as there is a gate in the fence). Day people seem to stay all night (homeless?). In other words, there is no enforcement to make them leave despite curfew signs up.

vintage trailers for reny by the park look like they should have been junked or refurbished.

SHAME ON CALIFORNIA STATE PARKS. MISERABLE experience. Will never come back even if it was free or if someone paid me to. Would not recommend. Would tell you to run far and fast and go...

Visiting San Clemente State Beach is a breath of fresh air in every sense—salt, surf, sunshine, and sanity. It’s a beautifully maintained stretch of sand hugged by dramatic sandstone bluffs, halfway between LA and San Diego, that’s been a top‐dog destination since 1937 . Whether you’re camping, surfing, hiking along scenic trails on the bluffs, or chasing the perfect sunset, this beach delivers—no bureaucratic nonsense, just pure California coastal magic.

The campground is perched right on the bluff with about 160 sites (72 with hookups), hot showers, flush toilets, fire pits, picnic tables, and vintage trailers for rent . According to recent campers:

“…beautiful campground on Beach… bathrooms were clean and our location was terrific.”  “This spot is special because it’s overlooking the ocean… nice easy car camping site by the beach.” 

The beach itself? Wide, sandy, with clean restrooms and showers, steep but manageable access trails, and a near‐constant buzz of surfers, sunbathers, and families. One reviewer calls it “a gorgeous beach to run… from the pier to the north and another mile at…” . Another praised the “breathtaking cliffs” and the variety of trails and beach space .

Here’s why it smokes UC Davis: • Genuine experience vs. empty posturing: San Clemente delivers raw beauty and practical value—surf, sunsets, camping. UC Davis delivers committees, status games, and groupthink. • ROI you feel: Every sunrise, every wave, every campfire is real return. At UC Davis? You pay tens of thousands and get red tape, sycophants, and a brand, not understanding. • Efficiency with soul: The beach runs on nature’s rhythms; the campground staff keep it smooth and friendly. UC Davis runs on bureaucracy, hours of pointless meetings, and academic theater. • Space to breathe vs. echo chamber: San Clemente gives you wide horizons—on land, sea, and mind. UC Davis constricts you within intellectual echo chambers and political playbooks.

In short, San Clemente State Beach is everything UC Davis is not: real, restorative, and richly rewarding. It doesn’t talk at you—it gives you what you need with zero bullshit. If only more institutions learned from sandy shores rather than...

Bring your: Swim fins, body board, and if you're a intermediate/advanced surfer, your shortboard. If you're a advanced no leash longboarder, bring it as well. The surf says: "I will come up and pound on the sand. And if you try and ride me, know that I will only let you go in one direction as I'm a very fast and can be a very powerful and punchy wave. That's why body surfers, body boarders, and shortboarders love me. Know that if you're a longboarder of average to below average ability -I will thrash you. I will make you suffer. I will toss you over the falls, if you don't pop up quickly, and will split your log in two and send you home with two boards."

For years, I would walk here and eat my bean and cheese burrito lunches or dinners atop the granite boulders watching waves, people, and ocean life, while the Metrolink or Amtrak trains would pass by. I finally decided to Yelp this...

It's a spot that most people who I've spoken with and aren't familiar with the area, are even surprised it exists. The awe that I've sensed in their sincerity makes me feel that this is a spot worth sharing with others here on Yelp.

If you're not into the whole surfing/body boarding thing, -it's still a very new place to swim as the water shines from gray to a pristine blue-ish sea foam green -depending on the time of day and the amount of clouds reflecting off the surface of the sky.

Mostly a local spot and really touristy pretty much all season around -especially weekends. Everyone might be visiting from different places but most people are super friendly and have good intentions and energy.

Here's a tip: Whenever the algae blooms are in effect. Visit this place at night! It has to be a clear night with the moon shining along the surface of the breaking waves. You will be treated to one of the rarest most spectacular light shows you've ever seen as the waves breaks along the shore. You'll see bioluminescence in it's prime! This is a natural phenomenon that usually happens every year in Sept, but being that weather patterns (hot weather/tropical water) have been whacky, it occurs at times from May through Nov. And by the way,...