Best Campgrounds near Aliso Viejo, CA
Campgrounds near Aliso Viejo in Orange County offer coastal and inland camping experiences within a short drive of the city. Established campgrounds like Crystal Cove State Park's Moro Campground and Doheny State Beach provide ocean views with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Several state beaches, including San Clemente and San Onofre, feature developed campgrounds along the coast approximately 15-25 miles south of Aliso Viejo. Inland options like O'Neill Regional Park and Caspers Wilderness Park provide more wooded settings with hiking trails and slightly cooler temperatures compared to beachfront locations.
Most coastal campgrounds in the region require reservations well in advance, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Beach campgrounds typically offer amenities like showers, drinking water, and picnic tables, though each location has specific regulations regarding fires, pets, and alcohol. State park campgrounds generally charge $35-75 per night depending on location and hookups available. Road access to developed campgrounds is typically straightforward with paved entrances, though backcountry sites may require short hikes. Several campgrounds feature tiered sites that maximize ocean views. As one camper noted, "Crystal Cove campground is immaculate, clean, and amongst the best ocean views you can get in the OC without having millions to spend on a ritzy house on the water."
Coastal campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for their beach access and views. Campers specifically highlight Crystal Cove State Park for its terraced campsite design that provides ocean vistas from nearly every site. The combination of beach access and nearby hiking trails makes these locations popular for mixed outdoor activities. Bathrooms and facilities at most developed campgrounds are well-maintained, though several visitors mention that sites can be close together with minimal privacy between neighbors. Traffic noise from nearby Pacific Coast Highway can be noticeable at some coastal locations. According to one visitor, "The campground was very nice. It was clean and the bathrooms were very clean as well. Early in the morning we walked across to the water and everywhere you could see were clear jellyfish all over the shoreline."
