Best Tent Camping near Aliso Viejo, CA
Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Aliso Viejo? The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Aliso Viejo. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your California camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Aliso Viejo, CA (21)
1. China Camp State Park Campground
Chino Hills, California10 Reviews•15 Photos•144 SavesAll campsites at China Camp Campground are HIKE-IN SITES for tent-camping only. Visitors must handcarry all equipment from the parking lot to the campsites. Campsites range from 50-300 yards from the parking lot. Eight persons maximum are allowed in each site. Check in time is 2pm or later and check out is Noon.
Enroute camping is available for RV's with a grey water holding tank for one night only. No dump station or hook-ups are available. Enroute Camping is limited to space availability. Check in for enroute camping is 6pm and check out is 9am.
A "Hike and Bike" site is available for those who travel to China Camp on foot or by bicycle.
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
$175 / night
2. Falcon Group Campground
Trabuco Canyon, California1 Review•6 Photos•30 SavesOverview
Falcon Group Campground has three individual group campsites just off the scenic Ortega Highway in Southern California, which connects San Juan Capistrano and Temecula Valley Highway. The pleasant climate, scenery, trail system and convenient location, make this a popular destination for groups from Los Angeles and San Diego. Hiking is especially popular among campers.
Recreation
Hikers of any level can find trails that challenge and accommodate their recreational goals around the campground. Among them are the Falcon Trail, a 1.4-mile easy trail that connects to the campground, and Trabuco Canyon Trail, which provides scenic 6.8-mile hike into the backcountry. The San Juan Trial, which is popular with mountain bikers, has a trailhead at Blue Jay campground, adjacent from Falcon Group Campground. The trail climbs a very steep set of stacked switchbacks from the floor of Hot Springs Canyon and traverses briefly before steeply ascending a ridge toward Sugarloaf Mountain. There are also many ideal picnic spots and scenic overlooks along Ortega Highway.
Natural Features
The campground sits at an elevation of 3,300 ft. off the Ortega Highway scenic drive in the Santa Ana Mountains, a route that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forest. The area lies in a mixed forest and chaparral ecosystem and is inhabited by a variety of birds, plants and wildlife.
Nearby Attractions
The closest town is Lake Elsinore, which has various shops, restaurants and recreation opportunities.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
$120 / night
3. Two Harbors Campground
Two Harbors, California11 Reviews•63 Photos•74 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
4. Black Jack Campground
Avalon, California8 Reviews•16 Photos•27 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
5. Hermit Gulch Campground
Avalon, California6 Reviews•22 Photos•25 SavesHermit Gulch Campground is Avalon’s only camping facility located within city limits. The campground is situated in Avalon Canyon near the Nature Center and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.
The campground offers a nice view of the surrounding hills that are home to a wide variety of endemic plant and animal species. Hermit Gulch Trail is accessible from the campground, and there's access to other hiking trails nearby.
Hermit Gulch is great for first-timers and experienced campers alike. Being so close to town allows easy access to groceries, shopping, restaurants, tours, sight seeing and nightlife.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
6. Manker Campground
Mount Baldy, California12 Reviews•26 Photos•417 SavesCamp high in the clouds at Manker Flats Campground. This campground sits at 6000-feet and offers 21 campsites open year-round. However, piped-water is turned once temperatures reach freezing. Each site comes with a spacious spot for all your family camping needs and includes a picnic bench, fire ring, and vault toilets. It's located within a short drive to historic Mt. Baldy Schoolhouse and Visitor Center where visitors can discover the land's Native American roots. Close by, hikers have several options to begin their day's adventure including, Mt. Baldy Bowl trailhead. This trailhead can be combined with another major route, Devil's Backbone, to reach the summit (10,069') to form an impressive 11.3-mile loop hike. For the more casual hiker, a 1.4 mile round trip to the 75-foot San Antonio Falls is available. Bears are very active in this area, so it is recommended that all campers use provided bear boxes, personal bear canisters, or seal all food as to eliminate scent.
- Pets
- Electric Hookups
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$12 / night
7. Little Harbor Campground
Two Harbors, California8 Reviews•31 Photos•136 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
9. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
Mount Wilson, California5 Reviews•14 Photos•117 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
10. Parsons Landing Campground
Two Harbors, California5 Reviews•38 Photos•139 Saves- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
Recent Tent Reviews in Aliso Viejo
947 Reviews of 21 Aliso Viejo Campgrounds
Kaitlyn B.
Traveler
Hermit Gulch Campground
Easy and great for first time campers
Clean bathrooms, friendly rangers, nice layout, cute wildlife, close to TCT. Only issue, which is probably just on all of Catalina, is that late hours of the night people are driving up the road in their golf carts which are super loud. So don’t get a site near the road if your an early or light sleeper.
- TTroy A.
Scout
Prado Regional Park
Great Local Getaway
Perfect to get out of the city but still be in it. Campgrounds have more than enough privacy with each one being about 15 to 20 yards apart. A ton of recreational things to do. Quiet at night.
- FFrances L.
Guide
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Too close to highway
Campsites are right on top of each other. Highway is breathing down your neck. Beach is nice though.
- FFrances L.Guide
San Clemente State Beach Campground
One of the nicer of californias state beaches
Be mindful of their shower token system. Otherwise, a nice spot. Not too close to the highway. We saw a coyote, so watch your dogs.
- KKolten J.Traveler
Wildomar Campground
Decent space.
Roads were bumpy but made it in a super low clearance rv (21ft). Had the place all to ourselves. A bit close to the other sites. Not bad
- RRich J.Guide
Doheny State Beach Campground
Beach Camp
Sweet campsite at Dana point surf break. Had a big crew along for spring break. Super nice but book early!
Jeff T.Traveler
Dixon Lake Campground
Great forestry feel. And good price ($30)
We stayed here multiple times to car camp and have stayed in sites 3, 6, and 28. We really enjoyed site 28 due to the spectacular views of Escondido. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because their can be some creepy people occasionally like some old guy was following my son in his car. But other than that we had a good stay. If you are in a camper I would recommend Escondido RV resort instead due to the more inviting feel (we stayed there in our Coleman travel trailer). But if you car camp a lot like myself I would recommend staying here at Dixon lake. Great stay overall👍😊
- AAna B.Scout
San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
Comfortable- Yes…but not jaw dropping.
I can’t say that it was awesome but it wasn’t jaw dropping. Nothing to write home about but not uninviting.
Brittany W.Scout
Cherry Valley Lakes
Convenient Location for Seeing Family
Staff all friendly and facilities while dated are kept very clean. Campers are respectful and quit at night but it’s a very noisy location right next to the freeway which took some getting used to the first few days.
Kyle F.Scout
Champagne Lakes RV Resort
REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS!
Let's start off with the fact that this"resort" has REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS living there and TWEAKERS SELLING DRUGS. When I mentioned it to the management they could care less, didn't say a word and walked away laughing. They DO NOT perform ANY BACKGROUND CHECKS and especially with children in the park I find that very disturbing. They nickel and dime you for every little thing and the rent has gone up 3x in one year. The water supply smells like sewage when you take a shower. Because they do pump outs the resort smells like human excrement most of the time. The lakes are polluted as well and completely full of cyanobacteria AKA green algae which is a respiratory hazard. POTENTIAL BEWARE.
Ben M.Scout
The Secret Place
Incredible view
Well secluded sites each with an incredible view!
jennifer G.Traveler
O'Neill Regional Park
Great little campground in south OC!
Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. I stayed here on a weekday, and there were a few couple of vacant campsites in my area, so it was an extremely quiet visit. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked for my stay. I didn’t use the showers since I was only staying one night, but I heard they were free!
Rangers were very friendly and firewood was only $5 for a decent bundle that lasted me over 2 hours.
The city of Rancho Santa Margarita is right up the hill, so you can grab food and any necessities if needed.
My site backed to the creek, so I never had people walking through my campsite.
My dog & I slept in my van, but there was room for multiple tents, and a decent amount of shade in my spot.
My spot didn’t have its own water spigot, but there was one at a site across from me.
I was fortunate that all of the campers around me were quiet and considerate. I know that it doesn’t always work out that way, and having obnoxious neighbors can really ruin your experience.
Anita A.Guide
Bonelli Bluffs
Less crowded ocale while visiting family nearby
Visiting family in Santa Ana and LA. Not to far for them to come to us and all to go to beach. Park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly Beautiful view from our site on area B. Crowded on weekend, much less during week Campground is not associated to adjacent Frank Bonelli Regional. Charge $12 to enter with vehicle but no fee to ride in on bikes
Kim N.Traveler
Crystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park
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.
Michael W.ScoutThe Secret Place
Peaceful, Private, Beautiful
Although we booked a campsite, it felt more like we were invited to Mazen's home. He was communicative and responsive, happily answered all of our questions, and was beyond generous. I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore! We can't wait to visit this campground again!
- JJennifer T.Traveler
Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground
Beach view
The parking lot is next to the beach on the one side but also next to the highway on the other side. So the view and the breeze is beautiful, but the traffic noise in the evening and morning is not so nice. With earplugs everything is fine! ;) The host Jim is very kind and helpful!
- MMary K.Traveler
San Clemente State Beach Campground
Camping
It was overall a nice campsite. Our site seemed to be pretty large it came with a picnic table & fire pit. The walk to the beach was close seemed maybe about 10 minute till we reached the beach from our site. It is on a hill you need to walk down & back up. The only down side was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty did not seem to have any maintenance during our stay.
- IIsidoro V.Scout
The Secret Place
Friendly, knowledgeable and respectful hosts, best views I have ever experienced.
We couldn't find any campgrounds, after calling multiple places we came across "The Secret Place". They have the best views I have ever experienced! Especially during sunset and as the city lights start to twinkle. Very nice and quiet place. No full hookups, but good bathrooms and showers available. The camp host was knowledgeable about the area and recommended great things to do. Very helpful, very respectful and very friendly. Will definitely stay here again, made our honeymoon trip very memorable! A+ recommend.
Madisyn L.Scout
Woods Valley Kampground
So beautiful, quiet, and very nice employees !!
My fiancé and I were last minute camping and this campground was beautiful, quiet, and very aesthetic! There is a lot to do near by, a very convenient store about 5-10 minutes away called valley center foods! Employees were sooo sweet and friendly! DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! Ps isn’t that expensive when tent camping ⛺️ 🙌🏻
Bo L.Guide
Oceanside RV Resort
Solid spot for being near the beach
Nice little site that is right in the middle of everything.
It's crowded and you don't have much space, but if your using this instead of a hotel room it works great.
It had a game room and pool so kids had something to do. There were families all over with kids riding bikes. We had a quick stay over while we were seeing family in the area and it worked great .
Only issue we had is both entrances have a hell of a dip, we scraped the ass end real good going in and out with our 24ft class c.
- GGrant M.Traveler
Blue Jay Campground
Hidden gem
Awesome spot, lots of sights and some even have overlooks of the entire park. Can get crowded but no one was there on a Friday night in July. Bathrooms, trash, water and even buckets to fill to put out your fire. Fire pits, benches and grills nothing more you could want.
- JJeff E.Scout
Pechanga RV Resort
Pechanga
Great rv resort. Close proximity to casino.
- JJeff E.Scout
Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park
Great family campground
Great campground for families. Lots of activities for the kids to do, like smores by the fire, art, splash pad, and play ground. Facility was clean
- SStephen G.Scout
Olive Dell Ranch
Olive Dell Resort
I have been a member of this place for 20+ years.
Most times if someone has a problem at the front gate. It because of the many background checks and or any one of the Screening Process...
The previous review does not mention anything about that factor???? I wonder why??
- EElla Z.Scout
Manker Campground
Mankers campground
We spent 3days and 2nights here and enjoyed our stay, the caretaker was so nice! Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!
- ddaniel H.Traveler
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Nice Camground!
Nice campground. Mostly no hookups, but has toilets and fresh water throughout. Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks over looking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites.
Vincent B.GuideSan Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
Nice spots with shade, clean facilities
Site had tree cover which had some nice shade to provide relief from the sun. Lots of room for a couple vehicles and tents. Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied. Good access to walking and biking trails.
Guide to Aliso Viejo
Tent camping near Aliso Viejo, California, offers a variety of scenic locations perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature.
Explore Local Activities
- Enjoy mountain biking and hiking at China Camp State Park Campground, where trails cater to both beginners and experienced riders.
- Experience kayaking in the calm waters near China Camp State Park Campground, making it an ideal spot for water sports enthusiasts.
- Take a short drive to Manker Campground for access to numerous hiking trails in the Angeles National Forest.
Discover Unique Attractions
- Visit the historic fishing village at China Camp State Park Campground and learn about its rich cultural heritage while enjoying the beautiful bay views.
- Explore the nearby Muir Woods and Point Reyes as part of a larger trip that includes camping at China Camp State Park Campground.
- Experience the stunning coastal scenery and wildlife at Two Harbors Campground, where you can also enjoy local dining options.
Tent Campers Should Check Out
- Black Jack Campground offers a unique camping experience with its high elevation and breathtaking views, perfect for backpackers.
- For a more secluded experience, consider Parsons Landing Campground, which features sandy beach access and a tranquil atmosphere.
- Hermit Gulch Campground is conveniently located near Avalon, providing easy access to local attractions while still offering a peaceful camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Aliso Viejo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Aliso Viejo, CA is China Camp State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 10 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Aliso Viejo, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 21 tent camping locations near Aliso Viejo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.