Best Campgrounds near Avalon, CA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Avalon. Avalon is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Avalon and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Avalon, California (27)

    1. Black Jack Campground

    8 Reviews
    Avalon, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 510-8368

    "A bit of a hike from Avalon and Airport in the sky, so pack what you need."

    "Inland campground on Trans Catalina Trail, shaded and cool temps. Located approximately 11.5 miles from Avalon on the Trans Catalina Trail (TCT)."

    2. Little Harbor Campground

    8 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 510-4205

    "Took the ferry from San Clemente to Avalon (45 mins to 1 hour). Then a bus from Avalon to the campsite (1 to 1.5 hours depending the stop at the airport)."

    "If you’re backpacking the Trans-Catalina trail, this is one of the best spots. Great views of the sunset, spaced out campsites with water spouts at each one and a 6 mile hike from airport in the sky."

    3. Hermit Gulch Campground

    6 Reviews
    Avalon, CA
    1 mile
    Website

    "Pros: the loacion is great, about a mile from Avalon and all of the snorkeling spots, and even closer to Wrigley Botanical Garden (which is a must-see while you're there)."

    "It is right outside of Avalon and walking distance to everything. This is where the TCT begins."

    4. Two Harbors Campground

    10 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 778-1487

    "Set on the the terraced edges of Catalina, the views last for days. Two Harbors is often overlooked for Avalon, but it's oh so much better."

    "If you’re ever in a position to go camping in Catalina - DO IT!!!"

    5. Parsons Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    16 miles
    Website

    "It's not a bad hike, just long and around the perimeter.  You can plan ahead to have a bundle of wood and a gallon of water waiting for you in a locker. "

    "This is the final campgound on the Trans Catalina Trail and one of my favorites."

    6. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    Newport Beach, CA
    32 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."

    7. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    35 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."

    8. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    19 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 846-3460

    $60 - $70 / night

    "Beachfront camping in the heart of southern California. Concrete/asphalt sites with water electric and dump station. Adjacent to PCH so road noise but steps away from great sand beaches."

    "Super convenient beach front parking with good restrooms and outdoor showers as well as a beach path perfect for walking, biking, rollerblading, etc."

    9. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    43 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."

    10. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    38 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.  "

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Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Avalon, CA

425 Reviews of 27 Avalon Campgrounds



Guide to Avalon

Camping near Avalon, California, offers a unique blend of stunning ocean views and outdoor adventures. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites."
  • Biking and Running: The area has excellent bike lanes and running paths. A reviewer noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the nearby trails at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "Nice, small campground with hiking trails easily accessible."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the breathtaking views. One said, "Couldn’t have better views. We watched dolphins and seals playing in the waves" at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground.
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as O'Neill Regional Park, are praised for their cleanliness. A camper remarked, "Bathrooms were clean and well stocked for my stay."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the helpfulness of the staff. A review stated, "The personnel were very kind and friendly" at Bonelli Bluffs.

What you should know:

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get quite busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Many sites, like those at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "The sites are small. It is very difficult to back in to a spot when you have campers across from your campsite."
  • Noise Levels: Some campers have reported noise issues. One said, "You can try to imagine it’s the sound of the water but it doesn’t really work out when it’s off sync with the sound of the waves" at San Mateo Campground.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Malibu Beach RV Park, which has a park to lounge or play games. A reviewer said, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. One family shared, "The campground is located next to Oneil Park, which is huge and great for bike and running."
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure the campground has clean bathrooms and showers. A camper at Malibu Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Showers are coin operated and cold."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Spacious Sites: RVers recommend campgrounds with larger sites, like Bonelli Bluffs. One camper noted, "The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Some RVers have experienced noise from nearby roads. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "You can hear activity from Camp Pendleton."
  • Check Hookup Availability: Ensure your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground said, "The upper campground has water and electricity."

Camping near Avalon, California, offers a variety of experiences, from beach access to scenic views. With the right preparation, you can enjoy a memorable outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Avalon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Avalon, CA is Black Jack Campground with a 3.9-star rating from 8 reviews.

What parks are near Avalon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Avalon, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.