Facilities

Club House

Laundry Room

Swimming Pool

Hot Tub

Fitness Center

Game Room

Rec Hall

Pavilion

Exercise Room

Restroom/Shower

Restroom Only

Shower Only

Restaurant

Groceries

RV Supplies

ATM Machine

WiFi

Dog Park

Cocktail Lounge

Dog Washing Station

Pit Toilet

Snack Bar

Play Ground

Sites

Water

20 Amp

30 Amp

50 Amp

Sewer

Cable TV

Services

Escort to Site

Self-Service RV Wash

Metered LP Gas

Firewood

Fishing Supplies

Pet Supplies

Onsite Rentals

Worship Services

Golf Carts

Fishing Guides

Onsite RV Service

Staffed RV Wash

Fishing Licenses

Complimentary Breakfast

Recreational activities in or near the park

Recreational Activities

Archery Range

ATV Riding

Biking

Boating

Body Of Water

Casino

Climbing

Dock

Driving Range

Fishing

Golf

Heated Pool

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Horseshoes

Kayaking

Lawn Bowling

Mini Golf

Paddle Boats

Pickle Ball

Putting Green

Ramp

Sauna

Shuffleboard

Snow Sports

Splash Pad

Swimming

Tennis

Wading Pool

Water Slide

Water Sports

Water Umbrella

Whitewater Rafting

Policies

RV Age Restrictions

Pets Welcome

Pet Restrictions

Pet Restriction on Quantity

Pet Restriction on Breed

Pet Restriction on Size

No Pets

Tent Camping Allowed

Folding Tent Campers Allowed

No Tents

No Overnight Guests

<h2>Overview</h2><p>Military Park San Onofre Rec Beach, located within the grounds of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, offers a rare opportunity for military-affiliated travelers to camp directly on the Southern California coastline. This park is defined by its <strong>scenic ocean views</strong> and immediate access to world-renowned surf breaks. Unlike standard commercial parks, it maintains a rugged, natural atmosphere that emphasizes the beauty of the Pacific Ocean while providing a secure environment for eligible patrons.</p><h2>Location & Surroundings</h2><p>Situated between San Clemente and Oceanside, the park provides a secluded escape from the typical Southern California urban sprawl. The campground is nestled between the <strong>Pacific Coast Highway</strong> and the shoreline, offering a dramatic backdrop of sandstone bluffs and rolling waves. Guests are just steps away from the sand, making the sound of the ocean a constant companion throughout their stay, while the nearby base infrastructure provides an added layer of convenience and safety.</p><h2>Amenities & Park Features</h2><p>The facility caters to various camping styles, offering RV sites with <strong>full hookups</strong> as well as more rustic dry camping options for those seeking a traditional experience. Visitors have access to essential facilities including restrooms, hot showers, and laundry rooms. For those traveling without an RV, the park also features beach cottages. A small <strong>on-site convenience store</strong> provides basic supplies, while the surrounding base offers additional military exchange services and fitness centers for eligible guests.</p><h2>Nearby Attractions & Things to Do</h2><p>Surfing is the primary draw here, as the park is adjacent to the legendary <strong>Trestles surf break</strong>, which attracts enthusiasts from around the globe. Beyond the waves, travelers can explore the hiking trails along the coastal bluffs or take a short drive to the San Clemente Pier for seaside dining and shopping. The nearby <strong>Dana Point Harbor</strong> offers whale watching tours and boat rentals, providing a diverse range of maritime activities for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.</p><h2>Who This Park Is Best For</h2><p>This destination is ideal for military families, retirees, and veterans seeking a <strong>laid-back beach experience</strong> without the heavy crowds often found at public state parks. It is particularly well-suited for surfers, beachcombers, and RVers who prioritize a <strong>prime waterfront location</strong> over high-end luxury resort amenities. If you value falling asleep to the sound of crashing waves and waking up to panoramic ocean sunrises, this coastal retreat is an excellent fit for your travel style.</p>



Military Park San Onofre Rec Beach MCB Camp Pendleton is a beach located on the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in San Clemente, California. The beach is open to the public and offers a variety of recreational activities, including swimming, surfing, fishing, and camping. The beach is also home to a variety of wildlife, including dolphins, sea lions, and sea birds. The beach is a popular destination for military personnel and their families, as well as visitors from around the world.

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Military Park San Onofre Rec Beach (MCB Camp Pendleton)

Stay at Military Park San Onofre Rec Beach in San Clemente, CA. Enjoy oceanfront RV sites with full hookups and world-class surfing at MCB Camp Pendleton.

San Onofre Rec Beach Military Park San Clemente CA

Access- at the San Onofre Gate, military ID required. Google maps has you exit and go to the state park beach access which is wrong. When you enter down on the beach go up the hill either way and hit the check in office.

Sites- closer to the entry have wider spots and fire pits. Down closer to the bathroom side the sites are tighter and no fire pits.

Bathrooms- are well taken care of, single bathrooms on the corners and coded door for the full public shower,
Restrooms, which are open air. Laundry is on an app, and is about $3 per wash and $3 for dry.

Campsites- are outdated, some electric hook ups are old and dont work well while sone are newer. The RV pad is old asphalt and cracked, the ground is undeveloped and caked in dirt.

Surfers- walk around the fence on the south side of the beach to access the waves north side, never any issues from anyone but its something to note.

MPs and Lifeguards- are always around making sure everything is OK.

Commissary and PX- are very close that makes it very convenient for groceries and necessities. Gas and Firestone are right there too.

Overall, great views, convenient location, no issues at all, place needs an update especially with prices there should be something there to show for it.

We stayed at The Point campsite in a tent. First of all the staff were very friendly- our review is not commenting on that. The campsite quality was not commensurate with the cost. We paid for 2 nights at $130. The campsite quality was horrendous, it looks like no effort was taken to make it nice in years. Stickers and weeds everywhere to the point we had to do our own landscaping to pitch a tent. The campsite location is a few yards away from train tracks- which can be a romantic sound- but not when it’s 20 yards from your tent. We were also too far away from the beach for the waves to cover the sound of I-5, we might as well have been camping on the shoulder of the highway. Also- nothing can be done I imagine about it but it’s worth mentioning: what’s the point of a military campground if random people can get access to the space? The beach and campground is filled with civilians who wander through and the surf is crowded from them- so another “what’s the point?” If it was $20 a night I would understand but not at this price point. Would not recommend.

Park Review

1. Park Quality -  I give the park a grade of fair for a number of reasons. First off, the entire park is open to anyone with base access, meaning, people (mainly surfers) can come and drive though/park wherever they want. I understand that there are day use areas and the beach is public but if I’m paying (and a high daily rate for a military park) I should have some sort of “exclusivity”. Showers, bathrooms and laundry were the worst I’d experienced. Anyone that comes to surf or otherwise hang out, has access. (seems that everyone knows the codes to access the showers) The laundry was always open and most machines were broken. (signs claiming they would be replaced in Nov 25 but someone said the signs were there a long time and doubted replacement)   Chances are I would not return to this park.

2. Sites - I stayed at two different sites, #41 which was in the lower area directly across from the beach. Most of these sites are narrow and back up to a hill that is infested with ground squirrels. I say this because it drove my dog nuts and I could keep my shades open. The office was very accommodating after about a week and let me move to sites #103. This is on the cliff overlooking the ocean and was a much better option for my dog's sanity. Most of these sites are much deeper and wider and felt more private. Also, it is away from the main access road, so much quieter. I would stay at these sites again if I were to return.

3. Location - Just down I-5 from San Juan Capistrano which gives you lots of options for restaurants, walking trails, and shopping. (Amazon locker is very close for shipping)

4. Noise - The ocean is loud and masks almost all noise on the lower sites. The upper sites will experience train noise, as freight and passenger trains run just outside the park to the east. Only once was I jarred awake by the trains. (it does often feel like a low level earthquake)

5. Cell Service - Verizon was two bars of 5G

6. Wifi - Park WiFi does exist but you’ll need to rent a box from the office. My T-Mobile 5G Gateway and it was 70 Mbps down and 43 Mbps up.

7. Rates - $79 a day plus $3 a day for a dog

8. Access - Of course you need to be a qualified person to make a reservation and utilize the park. Follow the directions in the confirmation email as Google will lead you on a boondoggle.

9. Dog Friendliness - The walkability is great for dog but as mentioned, if your dog chases things you can expect it to be a constant battle while walking the park.

Wrapping it up. If I were to return, as mentioned I would stay up on the upper level.

Peaceful getaway. This military famcamp is right on the ocean with lots of surfing opportunities.  They still have some tent sites available even after losing the ocean-front row of tent sites to erosion. They have two large bathroom/laundry facilities and can support a large event such as weddings. MCX/Commissary/Gas station w/propane are all close by.  San Clemente pier is very close by car or bike.

Security Alert
Some guard gates ask for civilian real ID, others do not.  SAN Onofre state beach has free, easy, no ID required, access onto Camp Pendleton, with anything you wish to carry, or do whatever they want.  Please be alert for children at the campground, housing, anywhere , as anyone can come over from the state beach and do anything they want.

On another note, the campground is a beautiful location,
front desk isn’t very accommodating

This was a great experience! We stayed in cottage 4.

We were worried that it is a rocky beach but they cleared a good portion and added soft sand. The cottage itself is sitting in the perfect spot to view the entire beach. With that, it is a very short 10-30 second walk to the beach itself. Some things to take note but not let it deter you. No a/c in the cottage and you must open the screen door and window in the bedroom. I suggest to bring some extra fans to help air flow. I also suggest to bring an air mattress. There is only one roll away bed on the entire site that can be rented for $22 a day. There is also train nearby but it isn’t bad. Well at 2am it does get really loud and long. I don’t know why it changes around that time. There is a playground and laundry just down the road. The reservation team was very professional and the front desk people were very helpful, even during our tsunami.

If you have been viewing this spot, just go for the booking! This was great!

San Clemente is nearby and that is a fun spot as well.

One of our favorite family spots to catch some sun and waves on Camp Pendelton.  Military or sponsored guests only so easy parking even for a day visit.  Lifeguards on the beach, food and snacks at the historic beach club or just drive over to the commissary for a cheap beach picnic.

Spent a week in an RV. Restrooms and showers available.  San Clemente is nearby for lunch and bars. Parking is horrible in town. Use a taxi that can get on base.

Paid $100 to sleep in the dirt for a so nights and enjoyed every second!  Bring earplugs, the train can be loud at 1:00 am.

This beach is not very kid friendly due to the rocks and sometimes big waves, the water also gets deep really fast so if you don’t know how to swim you can’t really go here. I stayed in the cottages and they are low quality cottages. Outside of the water it isn’t too bad, there is a playground and good views.

Loved stopping here and watching the surfers. We walked the beach a little but mostly just sat at watched. Our granddaughter loved that the surfers stopped and talked to her about surfing as they were getting ready to wash off.

Stunning campsite on the an amazing surf break.  Showers, bathrooms, laundry, and sites with water/power and cottages as well.  Highly recommended for anyone with base access.

Reviews

Military Park San Onofre Rec Beach (MCB Camp Pendleton)

User Reviews