Review Detail

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.