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, California (21)
1. China Camp State Park Campground
10 Reviews•15 Photos•145 SavesChino Hills, CaliforniaAll 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
$35 - $175 / night
2. Falcon Group Campground
1 Review•6 Photos•30 SavesTrabuco Canyon, CaliforniaOverview
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
$60 - $120 / night
3. Two Harbors Campground
11 Reviews•63 Photos•74 SavesTwo Harbors, California- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
4. Black Jack Campground
8 Reviews•16 Photos•28 SavesAvalon, California- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Trash
5. Hermit Gulch Campground
6 Reviews•22 Photos•25 SavesAvalon, CaliforniaHermit 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
12 Reviews•26 Photos•422 SavesMount Baldy, CaliforniaCamp 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
8 Reviews•31 Photos•136 SavesTwo Harbors, California- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
8. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
5 Reviews•14 Photos•118 SavesMount Wilson, California- Pets
- Fires
- Tents
- Picnic Table
9. Parsons Landing Campground
5 Reviews•38 Photos•141 SavesTwo Harbors, California- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Standard (Tent/RV)
10. Glenn Trail Camp Campground
4 Reviews•2 Photos•227 SavesDuarte, California10 Sites Open. Facilities are accessible to visitors using wheelchairs. Walk or bike in only, except for physically challenged groups who may obtain a permit to drive to the campground. Permits are available through the Glendora office - call (626) 335-1251. Located approx. 6 1/2 miles behind a locked gate. Stream water (treat before using). Vault toilets. This is a non-fee campground, although an Adventure Pass is required for parking outside the camp and at the trailhead. The road leading to the campground is a designated National Scenic Bikeway. Native trout fishing area; catch and keep from the gate to the second bridge - catch and release from second bridge upstream to Cogswell Reservoir. Several accessible fishing platforms provided.
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Toilets
$5 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Aliso Viejo, California
947 Reviews of 21 Aliso Viejo Campgrounds
- Gary R.
Scout
San Clemente State Beach Campground
Great weekend spot
Campground is separated by large parking spots (class A/C or travel trailers) and the other is geared towards smaller setups (smaller trailers and tents). Some spots have great shade over the picnic table (we hung our hammock on ours), and all of the tent sites have fire pits. Some units are on a slope so keep an eye out for that if you are tent camping. Bathrooms were clean and showers have token dispensers right by the showers. Got pretty cold at night.
MomentoMori C.
Guide
Sweet Oaks Winery - Temporarily Closed
Great camping for newbies
Sweet Oaks winery campgrounds has 16 sites available for both tent camping and RV’s (no hook-ups). It’s pretty close to grocery stores and big box stores just in case you forgot some gear/supplies. They have a beautiful well-kept property with super-clean restrooms (no showers). They do have a water hose for you to fill up your tanks or Jerry cans. They didn’t allow campfires due to high fire danger though. You’ll have to bring your own fire pit setup if they ever allow them in the future. It was a beautiful walk around the vineyards but there are also hiking trails nearby. It’s off a road suitable for road bikes but there are also mountain bike trails nearby. They have equestrian activities also available for guests. We were able to get our tin top Eurovan to fit on one of their tent sites which offered a beautiful view of Temecula valley. The wine tasting room was closed due to the pandemic but you can order wine online and they will deliver to your site. One more thing, we counted about 8 hot air balloons as we had breakfast!
- Aaron S.Scout
Newport Dunes RV Resort
Resort Camping
Have camped at new port dunes several times, they have a beach front for group tent camping on the sand, and also have tent camping in the resort. You can camp with RV's, Trailers, tents, and they also rent out cabins. In the middle of the lagoon they have blow up obstacle in the water to climb on.. great place to relax. It's pretty pricey because it's a resort but well worth the trip.
- ZZach B.Scout
Camper Resorts of America
Good for rvs but not tent camping
Does not allow tent camping
- Michele N.
Traveler
Rancho Jurupa RV Park
Great family campground . Fishing and a splash water park . This place has two campgrounds. Cottonwood and Lakeside . Cottonwood is the nicest of the two.
Cottonwood is for the true RV’ers. Lakeside is more for tent camping. Nice park for family camping.
- Jamie C.Guide
San Clemente State Beach Campground
Pretty neat spot
Walk to the beach is kind of long. Camp is on the bluff! We tent camped and had a good time
- AAlvin C.Scout
Seabreeze At Seal Beach
Only Military and Only RV's
The Dyrt shows "Tent" sites, but it's only for RVs
- EElise P.Scout
San Clemente State Beach Campground
Great Beach Camp
We tent camped here. The campground is large, so most spaces have a lot of room. Lots of amenities for those that need them. Short walk to the beach. Some seasons, the beach is very rocky and difficult to swim.
Jonathan G.
Ranger
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Good surf, close to town
We had a group of five here for a weekend of tent camping, and it was great. The campground is small which means everyone is fairly close together but everything is nearby. Head down to the water for surf!
Care B.
Legend
Dixon Lake Campground
Spot #45
Spot #45 is very private, I highly suggest this spot!! I don’t tent camp, and there is a spot to pull my van up which was perfect! Dogs are only $1 a night & they have a small snack stand during the day
- Leslie M.Guide
Del Mar Beach Cottages
Oceanfront
Campsites are fairly tight together. Our tent site was second row, intermixed with rvs. But being that close to the ocean was wonderful! You just can’t beat falling asleep to ocean waves!
Mei S.ScoutSouth Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Great site
Super beautiful area (obviously), with a tent site overlooking the beach (but fenced in). Wish we could camp on the actul beach but that is rare. There was privacy and it wasnt overcrowded.
- Leslie M.Guide
San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping
Beachfront
We tent camped here. The sites are TIGHT sand the campground crowded. BUT, the tent spots are ocean front. It was wonderful! so for that I could overlook the crowded sites. It is more for surfing than playing in the waves on the beach, there are rocks spread out making it less enjoyable for kids, but our crew were happy there.
- Janet S.Traveler
Canyon RV Park
Evan camping and some cabins
Stayed for a quick weekend when hubby still had to work. no tent camping, but RV and wood cabins. easy to get in and out of but the 91 freeway is overhead and loud. Nothing stopped us from enjoying ourselves and relaxing. bike path nearby as well as washing and having fun.
Scott N.Scout
Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach
Fun but loud
If you want tent camping on the coast, this is one of the few SoCal offerings that provides. The shortcoming is the proximity to the railroad, especially that 4am freight line which I’d be shocked didn’t wake everyone up who was tented. Other than that, the wave is worthwhile, but will require a lil hoofing to get ya there. Amenities were better then anticipated
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 ⛺️ 🙌🏻
- GGeoffrey R.Traveler
Temecula-Vail Lake KOA
AMENITIES, AMENITIES, AND AMENITIES.
Great all around campground. If you are new to tent camping this place is great for getting familiar with your gear before you go out and "rough it". Bathrooms, showers, swimming pools, activities for the kids, general store, etc. A little on the expensive side but you will know where your money went once you have arrived. 15 minutes East of Temecula.
- Ryan N.Traveler
Crystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park
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.
- Robert A.Guide
Glen Helen Regional Park
Close
This campground is close to the 15 and 215 interstate freeways, with easy access. It is better to make a reservation then to just show up. There are RV sites and tent sites as well as group camp sites. Not much to do at the campground but if you go across the street to the park there is fishing and picnic areas.
- R
RonaldGuide
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
One of the Best County Parks you will find
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.
- EElise P.Scout
San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
Long Walk t the Beach
We tent camped here. It’s a nice campground, clean with lots of amenities for those that need them. The vegetation is mostly brush, so not much shade from trees. In the summer, that can make it very hot. The walk to the beach is long for small kids, but if you want to gamble for a parking spot at the beach, your camp pass allows you to park at several nearby other beaches. They had a great Junior Ranger program offered, our kids loved it!
- Dianne S.Guide
South Carlsbad State Beach Campground
Easy and so close to the beach
This was my first California camping experience. South Carlsbad State Beach makes camping easy. The beach is close by and the facilities are clean. It's been a few years since I've been, but I don't remember a lot of trees. It's very convenient and easy to camp with your family, especially if you enjoy the beach. A lot of people around us had campers. We were tent camping, so although it was easy to set up the ground was a little hard when putting in the tent stakes. We were there during the summer, so the day time can get a little hot. But when it gets hot, head to the beach to cool off! Aside from the hard ground and minimal trees, it's still a great place to camp and quite a popular one as well.
- MMarcie S.Scout
Bierbaum Pepper Farm - Temporarily Closed
Exactly as Advertised
The place is exactly as advertised. Hosts are kind as can be but give you your space as well. We had campsites 5 and 6 and it was perfect. Would highly recommend this site for those looking for a tent camping experience. You could not even see the hosts house from the site and we had 10 plus people very comfortably. We went to the local dog friendly wineries which Marcella recommended for the day and came back for a sunset hotub. We could not have been happier with it all.
- ttom P.Traveler
Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE
Nice Isolation
This is a great small, hike in camp ground with no privy but decent tent sites. There's no running water but the creek is usually running so come prepared with your own water and something to treat the creek water with. Check for fire restrictions and dig your cat holes at least 200 feet from the water. Or bring WAG bags and pack it back out. Very much like Hoegees campground. Good for families abs Scouts.
Sara H.Ranger
Bonelli Bluffs
Awesome for RVs but maybe not the best for tent camping
After experiencing both amenities this place is more or less for RVs and 4/10 as for they do have the tent camping on the steep incline and not too many sites but for RVs couldn't be happier plus the people here are nice and friendly you do have your Karen's but you're going to have them everywhere we enjoyed the lake the view the weather it could have been better over here will definitely be returning you can stay for 20 days and then you have to leave for 60 days and that's fine with me I'm looking forward to returning
Larry N.GuideSan Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
Great location, kinda close to beach
We recently tent camped here for 5 days, space 138. Since we were here, Sunday - Friday, we didn't get any weekend crowds, and the days we were here, it seemed more 1-2 night use in the spaces around us.
There are pay per use showers, and flush toilets, that were both clean and had plenty of TP.
I think the wood bundles were $8 from the Ranger stop, but we had bought some in San Clemente before hand.
the long hike to the beach is fairly easy, but long, at least 30 minutes walking on a dusty trail. but it was better than trying to find parking.
Ashley C.Legend
Guajome Regional Park
Great access to Legoland!
This is such a great campground! We wanted to take a trip to Legoaland and this was the only park available and nearby. It takes about 25 minutes to get to Legoland.
This park really is made for RVs, so tent camping is a little awkward, but doable. We pitched our tent on the parking spot. Most of the sites are on a bit of a slope so that will be the case for most spots.
But we loved how clean the bathrooms were and easy to walk to. We also loved the plugs and water spigot at each site.
One downside was the streetlights -- they kept them on all night and they were VERY bright right next to our tent. Not a fan.
And don't forget about the huge awesome playground! The kids loved it!
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.
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