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Crystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park

Within Crystal Cove State Park, this backcountry campground requires a 3-mile hike with steep grades to reach the lower camping area. California Department of Parks and Recreation manages the facility year-round, offering primitive tent sites across two distinct areas. The lower section features 13 sites with an outhouse and ocean views, while the upper area provides 20+ spots that typically see fewer visitors since most campers stop at the first destination.

The hike begins with challenging terrain but levels out as campers progress inland. Hawks hunt frequently across the open hillsides, and giant sunflowers grow along the bottom portion of the trail during certain seasons. Sites come with picnic tables, and several spots overlook the Pacific Ocean where campers can hear waves at night. No water is available at the camping areas, so visitors must pack adequate supplies for their stay.

"After the steep beginning, you feel a sense of being farther in the wilderness than you really are," notes Peter R.. The park maintains strict check-in policies and charges a $25 fee. WiFi is available but weak, and cell service varies by carrier. The campground prohibits pets despite some conflicting reports. For additional coastal options, campers can explore camping near Laguna Beach.

This backcountry experience works best for hikers comfortable carrying gear and supplies over rough terrain who want ocean access without driving hours from urban areas.

Description

Camping in the Lower Moro, Upper Moro, and Deer Canyon Campsites

This is not beach camping. All Crystal Cove Primitive tent sites are accessible only by foot, and require at least a 3 mile hike inland from the parking lot.
No drinking water is available, all belongings and trash must be packed in and packed out with you.
There are no wood or charcoal fires permitted in the park. Only backpack stoves are permitted.
No pets are allowed
Fees include entry for 1 vehicle. Any additional vehicle will be $15 per night.
Park is open year-round.
All reservations are made through Reserve California, you can visit them at www.reservecalifornia.com or call 1-800-444-7275. Reservations can be made 48 hours to 7 months in advance.  Check-in/Check-out is at 9am Daily.

Fee Info

One car is allowed entry to the park with the fee paid to camp.

Reservation Info

Minimum of 48 hours in advance for reservations.

There are no wood or charcoal fires permitted in the park. Only backpack stoves are permitted. No pets are allowed

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Location

Public Campground

Crystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park is located in California

Coordinates

33.56335871 N
117.82058855 W

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Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 7 users
Last on 4/2/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 18 users
Last on 4/2/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 4/2/26

Connectivity

T-Mobile5G
Good Coverage
Verified by 7 users
Last on 4/2/26
Verizon5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 18 users
Last on 4/2/26
AT&T5G
Excellent Coverage
Verified by 5 users
Last on 4/2/26

Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Phone Service
Reservable
WiFi
Alcohol

Contact

General Info

Reservations

Drive Time

49 min from Los Angeles, CA
1 hr 18 min from San Diego, CA
1 hr 45 min from Oxnard, CA
2 hrs 19 min from Bakersfield, CA

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4.5

out of 5

8 Reviews

Campers regularly cited beautiful ocean views and well-maintained facilities as highlights. The 3+ mile hike to backcountry sites provides quiet, scenic camping with wave sounds. Some road noise noted near highway areas.

Frank

Traveler

Reviewed Mar. 4, 2026

extemely well designed campground with million dollar view.

Pricey but well worth it. Very well run campground.

Month of VisitJanuary

Harley B.

Traveler

Reviewed Dec. 3, 2025

Ocean views

Beautiful and quiet campground, most spots overlook the ocean and you can hear the waves crashing at night. Clean bathrooms and dog friendly

Site51

Month of VisitDecember

Kim N.

Traveler

Reviewed Aug. 24, 2024

beautiful beach

Clean dump station, beautiful sites, very strict on rules. We came 10 minutes early before check in time, they made us wait. Campsite comes with wifi but very weak. We have t mobile and had bad reception. Would come back again for beautiful views, small hike, sandy beaches with lots of sand crabs.

Month of VisitJuly

Peter R.

Guide

Reviewed May. 2, 2021

Ocean sunset views

After the steep beginning, you feel a sense of being father in the wilderness then you really are. Tons of Hawks hunting all over the top of the hill. Mosquitos were aggressive biting though clothing because I forgot big spray. They have an outhouse at the campground and a wood table with the best view of the sun setting into the ocean. The longer way up the hill had giant sunflowers along the bottom

Month of VisitMarch

(4) View All

Brandon S.

Traveler

Reviewed Nov. 13, 2019

Choose your own adventure

There are three primitive sites at Crystal cove. I've stayed at two. Both Morro locations.

Lower is a 3 mile hike with a few steep grades. 13 sites an outhouse and a decent view. This one is normally supporting several groups on weekends. There is no water. Be sure to carry enough. No power, no light.

Upper Morrow is another 20 minutes worth of hiking with 20+ spots and usually no one. People tend to stop at lower.

The park is small. The perimeter loop is under ten miles. Super bike friendly, but dosnt allow any animals.

Note that there's a $25 fee

Ryan N.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 11, 2019

Pretty but on the PCH

Very well maintained campground with RV and tent sites. It’s right on the PCH so you get some great views of the pacific and the beach is just across the highway. It’s a bit noisy since the PCH is a heavily traveled highway and isn’t very remote, if that’s what you’re looking for. Great campground for families.

Lisa C.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 27, 2019

Best OC Beach camping around

Of all the places in orange county to camp this one is by far the best choice. Beautiful beaches and fantastic area.

Michael Y.

Scout

Reviewed May. 22, 2018

nearby, less crowded

its close, so no 2 hour drive needed and its usually got open spots available, even in spring and summer (cause of the 3+ mile hike most likely). wouldn't say it has the best views but good when you just want to get out there

Frequently Asked Questions

Is primitive camping available at Crystal Cove State Park?

Yes, Crystal Cove State Park offers primitive camping with three backcountry sites. These primitive areas include both Upper and Lower Moro locations. These sites have minimal amenities - just outhouses are available. No water or electrical hookups exist, so campers must carry in all necessary water. The primitive sites require hiking in, with Lower Moro involving a 3-mile trek with some steep sections. Despite being close to urban areas, these sites provide a surprisingly remote wilderness experience.

What are the differences between Upper Moro Campground and Lower Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park?

Lower Moro Campground requires a 3-mile hike with several steep grades to reach. It has 13 primitive sites, an outhouse, and offers decent views. This area typically hosts multiple groups on weekends. Upper Moro is more remote feeling, providing a greater wilderness experience despite its proximity to civilization. Both locations are primitive with no water or electricity available, so campers must pack in all water needed for their stay. Upper Moro features a wood table and offers excellent wildlife viewing, particularly hawks hunting in the area.

Where is Moro Campground located within Crystal Cove State Park?

Moro Campground is situated along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) within Crystal Cove State Park. This location provides beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, with beach access just across the highway. The campground's position near PCH means it's easily accessible but comes with some highway noise. The developed Moro Campground shouldn't be confused with the backcountry Upper and Lower Moro camping areas, which require hiking to reach.

What do visitor reviews say about camping at Crystal Cove State Park?

Crystal Cove State Park is highly regarded as one of the best camping options in Orange County. Campers appreciate its beautiful beaches, fantastic surrounding area, and well-maintained facilities. The developed campground offers stunning Pacific Ocean views, though some note highway noise from PCH. The backcountry sites provide a surprising wilderness experience despite their proximity to urban areas, featuring wildlife viewing opportunities including hawks. Visitors mention the convenience of not requiring long drives to reach the park. Management is noted for strict rule enforcement, including check-in times. Cell reception can be spotty, particularly for T-Mobile users, but WiFi is available.

Can you RV camp at Crystal Cove State Park?

Yes, Crystal Cove State Park does accommodate RV camping in the developed campground areas. The RV sites offer ocean views as they're located near Pacific Coast Highway. The campground is well-maintained with designated RV and tent sites. A clean dump station is available for RV campers. Note that the backcountry areas (Upper and Lower Moro) are for tent camping only and require hiking in. Contact the park directly for specific RV length restrictions and hookup availability.

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