San Onofre Beach:
Directions and
Camping Information

Hiking the trail to the beach

The bluffs between parking lot and the beach

SAN ONOFRE BEACH:
DIRECTIONS AND OVERNIGHT CAMPING INFORMATION

Directions:

1. Exit Freeway 5 at San Onofre State Park/Basilone Rd.
2. Turn south on the west side of the freeway and go approx. 3 miles on the access road (this is AFTER the nuclear power station) until you come to the kiosk in the middle of the road where you pay your day fee.
3. Go approx. 3 more miles inside the park until you have passed all the numbered camping spaces (the last space is #176). Day parking is very limited and on good weekend days in summer the parking lot is full by 9:30 a.m. Around 2 p.m. a lot of the surfers leave and spaces open up again. If you park in any other section of the campground, you have a long walk. DO NOT PARK IN NUMBERED SPACES OR ALL THE WAY SOUTH, where no parking markers are. The fine is high!
4. Trail 6 starts behind the last toilet facility. Take it to the beach below (about 1 mile down a graded road.)
5. When you reach the beach and turn south (left) until you are past the last lifeguard station. The clothing optional section starts about 100 feet after that, and after a small wash.
6. There are about 1000 feet of clothing optional area. After that you come to a broken down fence, where Camp Pendleton starts (look near the cliffs). Even though many people cross that line, you are taking a chance and could be cited for trespassing on military property.

Note: DO NOT GO NUDE NEAR THE LIFEGUARD TOWER!
Clothed visitors have to be able to approach the lifeguards without being in the middle of nude sunbathers. We have made this agreement with the authorities so please honor it.

San Onofre Overnight and Camping Information

1. The San Onofre campground is along Old Highway 101 adjacent to the sandstone bluffs. For reservations and rates call: 800-695-7275. Fee is $15.00 per night (Seniors $12.00) and a reservation fee of $10.00 per space. You can have three cars and 8 people per space.
2. San Mateo Campground: 150 developed sites, showers; trailers 36', campers 36'. 1.5 mi. bike trail to beach.
3. San Onofre Bluffs Campground 221 developed sites, cold outdoor showers; trailers - 30'; campers 30' . If you camp you want to ask for the Bluffs and try to get a space between #165 and #175 to be near Trail 6. Spaces are assigned on a first come, first serve basis.

Hotels/Motels Information
If you plan on getting there the night before, the nearest hotels/motels are 2 miles north of the beach:

1. Best Western Casablanca Inn
   Phone:(949)361-1644 Fax: 949-361-3825 Daily Rate: (per room) $89.00
2. Holiday Inn
   Phone:(949)361-3000 $159.00/ 2 people 1 night; Reservations: 800-469-1161