San Mateo Campground

"We had site 113 and it was perfect! It was leveled and flat, so we weren't sleeping on an uneven surface which is nice. The placement of the table and the fire pit was perfect too. When you first pull up, you can kind of see that behind our site is another neighbor and you can see everything thinking you might not have privacy but once we set up our site, it was honestly fine. The sites are evenly spaced out enough to give privacy, along with the big trees separating us. The facilities were perfect. Lots of toilet paper is provided, the sinks had hot and cold water faucets that worked, and the shower also ran hot water which was much needed. It's also clean too, not too nasty and dirty compared to other campsites I've been to. The thing that I should've researched more was the hike to the beach. It's actually about a 30-50 min walk to Trestles Beach one way, depending on how fast you walk. You can get there faster if you bike, which a lot of people were doing. Also once you get there, it's not exactly a picnicking chill beach. A lot of surfers go there so you'll see a bunch of people with bikes and surfboards heading there. The beach itself is kind of gray, rocky and not super smooth to walk on. Once we realized that, we just drove to San Clemente Pier the next day and it was perfect! Overall, I love! Maybe next time if I'd book, I'd get a site on the outer ring instead of the inner ring for more privacy. But other than that it was a good time!"

"Clean and Quiet campground with friendly hosts. 2 things to keep in mind, the showers are coin operated, and if you are using multiple vehicles and make a reservation online, even if you note that you will be bringing multiple vehicles you will only be charged for the first when making a reservation, the other(s) will have to be paid for in person at the campsite."

"Camp sight's are nice. The campgrounds are very busy with LOTS of kids! I know it's summer but they were also very active with scooters/bikes/ RC cars. Lots of noise starting early all the way till 11pm or so. The real issue was the shower coin dispenser! It only works when it feels like it! We got no help with it, and no concern that we needed help to get showered after a long day at the beach! We eventually got some coins but just enough for a 2 minute shower. Tough with girls!! I just wish they would have even tried to help us! I won't go back until the shower tokens are updated! Also the hike to the beach is really about 2 miles, not 1.5 as it says on the websight. Be ready for a real hike if you walk to the beach carrying anything with you. Pretty veiws, though."

"First time camping at a primitive campsite was a success. Grateful that my first experience was at this location. We had campsite SM123, it was spacious, quiet, and clean. 1.5 - 1.75 Mile walk to the beach, nice views, wide path/trail. Picnic Table & Fire Ring were very convenient came in handy."

"This is newly my favorite local campground! Green year round and has a nice mile walk path down to the beach . Every campsite is very private due to the beautiful trees and bushes. Recommending this place to all my friends and family. Safety wise , I love that the gates are locked 10pm-6am"