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San Clemente, California

Looking for the best camping in San Clemente? We've got you covered with the top trails, trips, hiking, backpacking, camping and more around San Clemente. The detailed guides, photos, and reviews are all submitted by the Outbound community.

Top Camping Spots in and near San Clemente

  • San Diego County, California

    Camp On the Abandoned Santa Margarita Lookout Helipad

    4.3
    Starting in Murrieta, CA you don't have to venture far to enjoy a beautiful view and less light polluted skies.From Murrieta on the I-15 freeway you're going to want to take the Clinton Kieth Road exit and head west. If you're low on gas make sure to fill up at the 7 Eleven on the left corner. Th...
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  • Laguna Beach, California

    El Moro Canyon Trail to Lower Moro Campground

    3.5
    6.37 mi / 997 ft gain
    Located off of Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach is Crystal Cove State Park. There are three primitive sites located in Crystal Cove: Deer Canyon, Upper Moro, and Lower Moro. The site I stayed at was Lower Moro campground. All three of these sites require the backpacker to hike everything in...
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  • Lake Elsinore, California

    Hike Bear Canyon Trail to Sitton Peak

    6.4 mi / 2200 ft gain
    A MUST hike for any orange country resident! The hike starts of off Ortega HWY 74 at the Bear Canyon Trail head on the same side of the road as the Ortega oaks candy store. Its recommended you park in the lot across the street from the trail head (tip:there is a working water spicket in the parki...
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  • Carlsbad, California

    South Carlsbad Campground

    5.0
    South Carlsbad Campground is a picturesque experience. Imagine gorgeous sea cliffs overlooking a lovely beach, with ample activities to pursue (or just lay in the sun and enjoy some quiet time). The most popular campsites, 1-70 and 156-222, are perched on the edge of a bluff and feature the best ...
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  • Encinitas, California

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    4.5
    This campground is located right next to the beach as well as next to the San Elijo Lagoon. Head to the beach during the day for a swim. This is also a great place to catch a sunset. If you want to stretch your legs and get moving a bit, you can hike around the San Elijo Lagoon to the east of the...
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  • Escondido, California

    Camp at Dixon Lake

    2.1 mi / 295 ft gain
    Dixon Lake is Escondido's best kept secret! A man-made reservoir located right next to Daley Ranch, Dixon Lake offers overnight camping, boat rentals, fishing, and hiking, along with picnic areas, a kids park, and more.  The campground is open year-round and is located next to the lake with a lof...
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  • Avalon, California

    Camp at Hermit Gulch on Catalina Island

    3.9 mi / 1206 ft gain
    The Avalon port in Catalina is most easily accessed through the Catalina Express leaving from Dana Point, Newport Beach or Long Beach. The Hermit Gulch campsite is only a 20 min walk from the boat and is well run with restrooms, showers... etc. They also sell anything you might have forgotten for...
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  • Avalon, California

    Trans-Catalina Trail

    5.0
    37.67 mi / 8189 ft gain
    This adventure is a great way to see the entire island of Santa Catalina. Catalina Island is situated less than 30 miles off the coast of Southern California, and can be reached by ferry from Dana Point, San Pedro, or Long Beach. Catalina Express in the company that operates the ferry. This adve...
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  • Palomar Mountain, California

    Hike to Palomar Observatory from the Palomar Observatory Campground

    5.0
    4.4 mi / 718 ft gain
    Situated in the Palomar Mountains of Cleveland National Forest, Palomar Observatory Campground offers many amenities for enjoyable camping and exploring the area.  A portion of the campsites loop has been cleared of trees with level cement pads to allow campers to set up their own telescopes.  Dr...
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  • Los Angeles County, California

    Bikepack Catalina Island

    5.0
    43.5 mi / 5700 ft gain
    This is a great introductory overnight bikepacking adventure. With restaurants, water, and stores at each end of the ride, your packing list is minimal. Head out on Saturday morning and make it back in time for dinner on Sunday evening. Packing List Your Bike – I did this ride on my drop bar grav...
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