Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, near San Juan Capistrano, is a fantastic spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With its lush greenery and towering Coastal Live Oak trees, it offers a serene environment perfect for camping, hiking, and simply soaking in nature.

The campground features designated sites with picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to gather around the fire after a day of exploring. Visitors have praised the cleanliness of the area, noting that the port-a-potties are well-maintained. One camper mentioned, “This area is immaculately kept,” which speaks volumes about the park's upkeep.

For adventure seekers, there are numerous hiking and biking trails winding through the park, along with a nature center that provides insights into the local flora and fauna. Families will appreciate the playground, which keeps the little ones entertained while the adults relax. As one reviewer put it, “The playground was super helpful for when the little one got bored.”

While the park currently has no running water, many campers bring their own supplies, and firewood is available for purchase. Whether you're tent camping, RVing, or trying out glamping, Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is a great choice for a memorable outdoor experience.

While the park does now have water, the showers remain closed. Water is limited, though, so please plan accordingly.

Caspers Wilderness Park is an 8,000 acre protected wilderness preserve nestled among the river terraces and sandstone canyons of the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains. The park's many fertile valleys are overtly complemented by specimen groves of native Coastal Live Oak and magnificent stands of California Sycamore. These areas are further accentuated by seasonal wildflower displays and running streams. Wildlife is abundant and can be readily viewed from any of the park's numerous trails.

Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

Coto de Caza, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Coto de Caza campgrounds just for you. Discover great camping spots near Coto de Caza, reviewed by campers like you.

Coto de Caza

The Best Camping Near Coto de Caza, California

[ PROS ]

*   Part of OC Parks so getting a campsite is relatively easy compared to other online booking systems like ReserveAmerica. We’re usually able to book a site 2 weeks before we decide to  go.
*   Rangers are so friendly and helpful. Honestly, really wonderful staff who love what they do.
*   Because of invasive pests found in their park recently, outside firewood is permitted. But they sell them on site for $5 a bundle. That’s really good compared to other campground that cost upward of $7+ a bundle.
*   FREE SHOWERS and clean restrooms. No tokens needed here. This is such a great amenity. Only downside is that they are a little far to get to. Caspers Wilderness Park has multiple campgrounds within the park, and each campground only has 1 shower facility (at least from what we could see).
*   Fun fact: This park used to be covered by the Pacific Ocean so there are remnants of marine fossils along the riverbanks.
*   LOTS OF HIKING TRAILS! If you love hiking, they have so many trails to choose from, from easy to strenuous. There is a trail for everyone. Also great for cyclists.
*   Lots of wilderness sighting in the park -- snakes, deer,

[ CONS ]

*   No fur friends allowed so leave your pets at home. Unless you own a horse! Lots of horse trails which also means you have to watch out for horse poop on the trail.
*   They do not allow any alcohol at the park. No exceptions. It’s a family environment so no boozing here.
*   The campsites are a little close together and noise travel.
*   Lots of snakes (including rattle snakes) so be careful where you step.

Product Review

As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I get products to test from time to time - this weekend I tested [Mountain House’s Homestyle Turkey Casserole](https://www.mountainhouse.com/M/product/homestyle-turkey-dinner-casserole.html?variant_id=235). I’ve been a long time fan of Mountain House and their products, so I was really excited to try the casserole. Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, so you bet I was stoked to bring a little bit of that holiday comfort food with me while camping. As always with all Mountain House products, this was so easy to make -- literally as easy as boiling water. Directions were simple as to be expected and the ingredients inside looked like real food. Once I add the water, the smell was phenomenal. Everything rehydrated perfectly and evenly. There were very nice large pieces of turkey, lots of harvest vegetables, and a heaping amount of stuffing. For two people, the serving size was generous and this was a very satisfying/filling dish. While my husband and I thoroughly enjoyed this,  it’s not one of my favorite Mountain House meals.

Ranger Review: Mountain House Homestyle Turkey Casserole at Caspers Wilderness County Park

Just out of the town of San Juan Capistrano, one might think that it is too city like. Once you get into the park however, you feel like you are in a remote woods with the city far behind you. The electric hook up camp area to me unfortunately it’s too close to State Route 74 however I have never stayed there so I do not know what the noise is like. It is a nice area though and much better than camping in a trailer park that is filled with concrete. Live Oak is where my husband and I stay and I am not going to tell you the space because it is the most perfect of all. There is plenty of space between most of the campsites. It is quiet And very scenic. Upon arrival they were fliers and signs that warned us to be careful because they were mountain lions in the area. We have stayed there at least a dozen times and have never seen a mountain lion. There are also rattlesnakes and although we have never seen one, a friend who was visiting us so saw one on the road on their way to our site. We have truly enjoyed this campsite and campground. I have an area where they display the history of the area and the animals in the area. Very beautiful view as well up on the hill. Although we have never gone hiking, I hear there are many many trails that are very beautiful. I am disabled but the sides and the showers and bathrooms are very friendly to those who are disabled. This is one of my favorite campground and you don’t need to get on a year in advance to get a reservation! We did have a coyote one night in our campsite in our kitchen area, while we were sitting around the fire. Once we shooed him away, he ran off. Probably why no pets!

Remote yet close to town! Lots of acres, lots of trails, clean bathroomms

This place is nice for a short stay. There are only Porto potties in the campground, but they were clean. It can be really hot in late summer early fall. It’s not far from town, yet very isolated. They often have no burn times, these are dependent on the winds.

Nice place for a local trip

This campground is amazing, just a few miles from the ocean @ Dana Point. Several hiking trails. Very quiet. Restrooms and showers available plus spiggots near each campsite. Abundance of small wildlife such as squirrels and rabbits. Only downfall is the mass amounts of yellow jackets. They have yellow jacket traps set up through the campground though. The staff are kind and knowlegeable. Would definitely go back.

Beautiful

This is such a great location for folks in orange county who want to get out of town but don't want to be stuck in the car for ages.  It feels remote,  has beautiful scenery,  great trails,  a nature center,  and comforts such as running water and bathrooms. The park rangers are friendly and helpful. Love it!

Home away from home

Casper is a great park located 15min from the city. It has three main camping areas that cater to campers, RVs and horses. There are a number of hiking trails around that range from a 1 to 12 miles. On Saturdays there’s a nature walk. 

Hidden Gem

The park has a day-use area and 4 campgrounds: Ortega Flats(13 RV only sites), Live Oak Campground(tents and campers), Star Mesa Equestrian Campground, and Owl/Quail Group Campground. I reserved an electric site in the Ortega Flats Campground. I heard cars passing by all day and night. There were only port-a-potties by this campground but you could walk farther in the park for more decent toilets and showers.

  

The campsite was nice, shady with benches, a picnic table plus a fire pit. I had electric hookup but no water because of the drought. The rangers are friendly and patrol regularly which makes you feel safer. There is a cute playground for kids, a nature center where you can enjoy viewing through the telescope overlooking almost all of the 8,000 acres of the Caspers WP. If you like hiking or mountain biking this is a great park for you! The nearest shops are about 10-15 drive away.

Ortega Flats Campground - Nice Hiking and Mountain Biking

Lovely campsite with all sites on 30a + water spigot. Rangers at entrance to check for pets (not allowed) and where you can buy bundles of wood for $5 if you want. Technically not allowed to bring in outside wood. Sites are pretty level, gravel and of a good size. My 24’ + truck can fit lengthwise with room behind and plenty to the side. They have the “site” and then they have like a lounge area beside it where you have your own table, fire pit and charcoal BBQ. Plenty of squirrels, bunnies, the occasional deer and coyotes at night, signs warning you are now in mountain lion territory. Rangers do the rounds to keep an eye on everything. I really liked it here, only downside is that there is a road quite close and you get some road noise which may bother some - we were both fine. Lots of trees to segment the sites, so even though the neighbors are 30’ ish away... you are quite secluded.

Ortega Flats

Perfect get away close to the city clean, hook ups, hiking trails, beautiful views 

Very Private 

Such a beautiful park. The park rangers are so helpful and friendly. The porta potties at the campsites were very clean. We were first timers so we opted for a space with electricity. Will definitely be going back soon.

Awesome park

Lovely campground in the Orange County foothills. Great hiking and equestrian trails. Excellent equestrian camping with a private corral right next to each campsite in the equestrian area. 

Room for large rigs and good space for tents with flat pads. 

Caspers Wilderness Park

Staff here is really nice. Really beautiful has quite a bit of wild life. For Weekends you need a reservation weekdays just call to check but you should be fine. right now there is no running water in the pipes which is fine since we brought our own water. No bathroom no shower. Yes porta potty. It was clean. If you want there is a nature observatory to explore you can hold some snakes if you choose and if the snakes are willing. Bring your own firewood. Great for bird watching. They have astronomy night the first Saturday after the new moon with high power telescope. Also a good place to take wedding pictures. Do check the weather before coming. We are not high up and its towards the beginning of Ortega highway before a lot of the winding road. 

Hiden gem

You should try to book a campsite in advance, but it's not always necessary. We camped here once before and again over the Christmas break. Even though it rained, we totally had a blast! There's plenty of hiking trails, a nature center, and even a playground. The playground was super helpful for when the little one got bored. She had a great time because the playground is pretty big. Our campsite had a nice view of the hillside, and the river bed. Both times we've camped here we saw a few coyotes, and a variety of different birds. Also, you arent so far out that you lose cell phone service. It's a great campground, and we definitely plan on going back.

What's not to love?

This is a great park in Southern Orange County. I have tent camped here for years with my kids in the Live Oak campground and never had a bad experience. There are hiking trails everywhere with lots of wildlife to watch. I switched to a travel trailer several years ago and now use Ortega Flats campground. The sites are big and well spaced, with 30 amp electric. The water is off for the time being. The dump station is very close by and easy to access.

One of the Best County Parks you will find

Nice area. No water right now. Quiet. Port-a-pottys are maintained. 

Clean

To be honest was looking for a spot to park overnight and I saw this spot open and I am thankful for this camp ground for being open at late hours thank you seriously thanks 

Great spot honestly 

this area is emaculately kept.  we enjoyed roaming throughout the various areas of the Park.  No water as of March 2023 but stable electricity and clean dump area

Beautiful area in the trees

Tucked on the outskirts of Mission Viejo is an oasis of green grass and groves of the twisting and searching limbs of Coastal Live Oak trees.  If you stuck me in the middle of this park, I’d never know that I was miles away from the sprawl of suburbia of a major metropolitan area…shhh don’t tell anyone.

There are 3 campgrounds within this regional park -- one soley dedicated to RV's that require electrical hook-ups (Ortega Flats), a group campground (San Juan Meadow), and another which is a mix of tents and off-grid RVs (Live Oak).  This review is specifically for the off-grid Live Oak Campground which s aptly named because you’ll find yourself enjoying the ample shade of these amazing arbors, but plenty of sun to run our solar powered system.  

The campsites can be reserved but there is plenty of room for first-come first-served travelers as well.  The sites offer enough space to tuck away a tent in the corner, or set up the longer trailer, as well as the typical picnic table and fire ring.  Plenty of port o potties are scattered throughout the campground and served the large groups gathered here on Easter weekend.  We indulged in making a fabulous brunch of Wood Fired Waffles to celebrate the holiday!  As of April 2023, they were still experiencing a well water issue, so no water was available from the faucet, but the river running through the park was useful for obtaining water to wash dishes.

Hiking, biking and horseback riding trails meander throughout the park. The campground borders on a small creek for fishing, but is off-limits to wading and swimming because of the instability of the opposite bank. Keep an eye on the kids!  Be sure to check out the volunteer-run Nature Center on the property which is full of great information about flora, fauna, and native history.

The closest store for firewood, and groceries is just a few miles back toward town.  And, the closest beach is just about 30 minutes away, so a great option for a day trip.

A World Away from the City Surrounding It

Site #13 Electric - plenty of room for four people in two tents with two trucks. Not camping-camping but great for an overnight when you just need to sleep under the stars. They sell wood for $5. Only real con was that we encountered a tarantula and had to remove it from our camping area. Great place for kids first camping experience.

Great for an overnight adventure 

My boyfriend and I love this campground! It’s gorgeous and filled with trees, the rangers are awesome and there’s several hiking trails nearby. We will definitely be back 

Sweet lil spot

Other reviews have to be A.I. generated. Had every reason to believe there were electrical hookups, but when you show up they say there are no electrical hookups and it’s a dark park so have fun with that experience. It’s no wonder no one actually goes here. You get what you pay for. Not worth the drive. 

Avoid this park at all cost

There was abundant firewood for purchase at the gate. There is a nice bathroom with flushing toilets and sinks with soap closer to spot #41, but we were at #19, so it was a small walk to get there. However, there was a portopotty right near our site if the walk is too inconvenient.

  

Our site was flat, and it was easy ground for stakes. Although keep an eye out for critter holes. Tons of little animals hanging out (rabbits, birds, chipmunks). Those chipmunks will definitely go for your stuff if you don't pack it away. 

  

We did see that someone had to be rescued from the riverbed while we were there, so be careful if you plan to climb down into it.

  

The only bummer was that in some cases, you had to drive to get to other trails, or walk on the road.

Photos of Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

Real photos from real campers