Best Campgrounds near Aliso Viejo, CA

Join the fun near Aliso Viejo. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Aliso Viejo, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near Aliso Viejo, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Aliso Viejo, California (150)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    $75 / night

    "Luckily Booked last minute on reserve California (the worst web thing ever) on site 49. Looks like there is a oven view from every site. Close to beach and shopping."

    "There is an elementary school adjacent to the campground so you get a few PA announcements to start your day.

    There is a small visitor's center on site."

    2. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    8 miles

    $50 - $350 / night

    "I frequently stay at this site since it's close to my house and on the beach. 

    THE SITES:

    The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."

    "This campground is at the edge of the Dana Point Harbor.  The sites are small, but many of them are right on the beach.  All sites have easy access to the beach.  "

    3. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $250 / night

    "San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."

    "Another beautiful gem along the California Coast. Although not on or too near the beach, this campground is truly a lovely spot. All or most of the campsites boast a bit of privacy."

    4. O'Neill Regional Park

    30 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2260

    $20 / night

    "It's tucked back in the canyon, but you will still hear all the traffic from the road. Since it is a canyon, many loud cars and motorcycles zoom past at high speeds. 

    Free dump station.  "

    "Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers. It says to bring quarters for the showers but they were free. Each site is typical..."

    5. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    Newport Beach, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 765-7661

    $75 - $550 / night

    "As we expected, the sites are stacked up next to each other like dominoes with minimal foliage/fencing to separate the sites."

    "There's a nice bike trail that circles around the bay, which is great for kids. Also, lots of amenities for families, including playgrounds, water toys, movie nights and fire pits."

    6. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-3156

    $45 - $300 / night

    "California beach camping can be very hard to come by. Unlike some other campgrounds in Southern California this one gives you ample room to move around and set up camp."

    "The hardcore surfing nomads stealth camp in their bubble-top vans outside of the park on the streets. Walking distance to Cottons point for surfing and to hangout among the beach huts."

    7. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    22 Reviews
    Coto de Caza, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2210

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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.  "

    "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."

    8. Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    20 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $250 / night

    "Camping cliff side along the beach in Southern California. The camp grounds are a little cramped. Seem more designed for RV’s and trailers but we don’t mind."

    "During the open season on weekends it fills up quickly, during the weekdays it is kind of busy as well but there are still some walk up spaces available."

    9. San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    20 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 763-7263

    $45 / night

    "The campground is on the bluffs, and nearby Old Man's beach has some of the best beginner's surfing waves in Southern California."

    "This military campground is located within walking distance of two world class surfing breaks; Old Man's and Tressels. This campground has a variety of camp spots from tent, RV to cabins."

    10. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    21 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 673-6180

    $20 / night

    "We were able to find a spot tucked away off one of the loops to the left after a small hill. Neighbors played loud music but we didn’t mind at all."

    "clean restrooms and sites. large campground with paved roads was nice for strolling through. pretty far off the beaten path above lake elsinore. the views near by were fantastic. the staff was fairly friendly"

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Showing results 1-10 of 150 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Aliso Viejo, CA

1114 Reviews of 150 Aliso Viejo Campgrounds



Guide to Aliso Viejo

Camping near Aliso Viejo offers a great mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a mountain escape, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. Campers love the easy beach access, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. One reviewer mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. A visitor noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing: Head to Lake Hemet Campground for some fishing fun. One camper shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. A happy camper said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Bonelli Bluffs remarked, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at San Elijo State Beach Campground noted, "The staff of the Camp is so friendly and helpful."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campgrounds: Some campgrounds can get quite busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Many sites, like those at Lake Hemet Campground, have limited hookups. One camper noted, "You do not get much privacy as the sites are quite close to each other."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near highways or busy areas. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground shared, "The train is loud, but passes seldom."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. A family at Dogwood Campground mentioned, "Most of the sites are spaced out fairly decently."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. One camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground said, "You can bike to the water pretty easily."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. A visitor at San Elijo State Beach Campground noted, "There’s a small shop/cafe with live music."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for Hookups: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "Full hookups are available too."
  • Arrive Early: Getting to the campground early can help you snag a good spot. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs advised, "Crowded on weekends, much less during the week."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: If you're sensitive to noise, consider campgrounds that are further from busy roads. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground noted, "It is loud, even if it isn't because your neighbors are on top of you."

Camping near Aliso Viejo has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a beach getaway or a mountain retreat. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Aliso Viejo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Aliso Viejo, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 150 campgrounds and RV parks near Aliso Viejo, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Aliso Viejo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Aliso Viejo, CA is Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Aliso Viejo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Aliso Viejo, CA.

What parks are near Aliso Viejo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Aliso Viejo, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.