Top Tent Camping near Capistrano Beach, CA

Searching for a tent campsite near Capistrano Beach? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your California camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Capistrano Beach, CA (11)

    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground

    1. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    144 Photos
    742 Saves

    San Clemente State Beach camping is located at the south end of the city of San Clemente, California. The area around San Clemente is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. The city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea." Visitors are attracted to the San Clemente area for its intense winds and dramatic location. San Clemente has been a California state beach since 1937 and is popular among water sport enthusiasts, and anyone who wishes to escape from inland heat and nearby metropolitan areas for the day. The beautiful mile long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $45 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

    2. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

    6 Reviews
    3 Photos
    214 Saves
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park

    3. China Camp State Park

    10 Reviews
    15 Photos
    144 Saves

    All 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

    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground

    4. Falcon Group Campground

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    29 Saves

    Overview

    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

    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground

    5. Black Jack Campground

    8 Reviews
    16 Photos
    27 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground

    6. Hermit Gulch Campground

    5 Reviews
    17 Photos
    25 Saves

    Hermit 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground

    7. Two Harbors Campground

    10 Reviews
    63 Photos
    72 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    • No image available
      • No image available

        10. Mt. Palomar North Side Area

        Be the first to review!
        16 Saves

        This general recreation area is located on the north side of Palomar Mountain.

        • Tents
      Showing results 1-10 of 11 campgrounds

      Recent Tent Reviews In Capistrano Beach

      862 Reviews of 11 Capistrano Beach Campgrounds


      • Jeff T.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Lake Campground
        Oct. 21, 2024

        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👍😊

      • CThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Provisions Farm
        Sep. 22, 2024

        Provisions Farm

        Delightful Area, Delightful Hosts

        Wow, Highland Valley is beautiful!  This is a great place to camp your RV - especially if you love the farm vibe.  We stayed in the front spot, up against the property line, which felt private.

      • Annie G.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Fry Creek Campground
        Sep. 18, 2024

        Fry Creek Campground

        Very beautiful

        This is a very nice and quiet campground and everyone there was very respectful of quite hours. The place was very clean and very beautiful. The only con was that there are way too many insects everywhere, My base camp got bombarded with a swarm of wasps, And I was forced to leave a day early, and had to leave my cooking pot behind because of the swarm of wasps... I wish there were some kind of rangers or someone there that I could have asked for help about this, or I wish someone would do something about this issue but I guess it is what it is at this location lol 😆 Other than not being able to cook and eat without wasps in your face and In your food, it was really nice

      • Kyle F.
        Camper-submitted photo from Champagne Lakes RV Resort
        Sep. 17, 2024

        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.

      • jennifer G.
        Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
        Sep. 1, 2024

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
        Aug. 30, 2024

        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove State Park Primitive
        Aug. 24, 2024

        Crystal Cove State Park Primitive

        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from The Secret Place
        Aug. 19, 2024

        The 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!

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach
        Aug. 14, 2024

        Bolsa Chica State Beach

        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!

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
        Aug. 12, 2024

        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.

      • IThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from The Secret Place
        Jul. 29, 2024

        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.
        Camper-submitted photo from Woods Valley Kampground
        Jul. 28, 2024

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
        Jul. 21, 2024

        Oceanside RV Park

        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.

      • GThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Blue Jay Campground
        Jul. 20, 2024

        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.

      • S
        Camper-submitted photo from Olive Dell Ranch
        Jul. 12, 2024

        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??

      • J
        Camper-submitted photo from Observatory Campground
        Jun. 23, 2024

        Observatory Campground

        Great place! Bad timing!

        The pictures can be deceiving. It’s beautiful there, however, other than the picture showing flat ground, and wide space, this isn’t accurate.

        This time of year, mosquitos and flies everywhere to the point where it really ruined the experience. No matter what sprays, lotions, candles or anything we tried, it was not working.

      • dThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
        Jun. 19, 2024

        South Carlsbad State Beach

        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.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach
        Jun. 10, 2024

        San 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.

      • Roxanna L.The Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Canyon RV Park
        May. 21, 2024

        Canyon RV Park

        Anaheim CA

        This is our second stay here and probably our last. It was super expensive this time and we were put in the back (overflow) lot which name I use loosely as when it rains it floods. Had to park the car at the office so it wouldn’t float away. Upon our arrival my husband pulled up in our 42’ 5th wheel and parked to go into the office. There is a painted line on the curb where I guess you’re supposed to park but our unit would have been longer and wider than that space provided. She also could have used some tact and nicely asked if he could park the unit in the space provided but she was asking for a fight. He went to register and a lady with longer gray hair and glasses, who I’d seen there before, greeted him with..you need to park by the curb in the designated area- you’re blocking my driveway!! That kinda set the tone. He said I thought you’d open the gate so I could get out of the way. About that time I pulled up in the car and he was storming out the bldg saying I have to get out of the way- park in the designated area! So I went in and couldn’t understand why he hadn’t registered already. She very hatefully said I told him to move he was blocking my drive! (There was nobody out there but us). The tone could have been better, but I wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation- she took my information and said you’ve been here before so you know where you’re going! Maybe she is the owner or maybe an employee but it wasn’t a great way to start off our 2 wk stay at the rate of $2k! She was a real bitch!

      • TThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from Fry Creek Campground
        May. 11, 2024

        Fry Creek Campground

        Beautiful Campground

        I grew up right down the road in the early 60's. Great Campground with a lot of trails, awesome views, and some opportunities for fishing. Taught my very young nephew how to trout fish at Dohnes Pond, right below the Observatory.

      • Matthew W.
        Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
        May. 3, 2024

        Bonelli Bluffs

        Quiet & Peaceful

        ⭐⭐⭐⭐

        Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved. As a family with young children, we were hoping for playgrounds or similar amenities to keep them entertained throughout our stay. Unfortunately, the absence of such facilities meant we had to get creative in finding ways to occupy their time during downtime.

        Additionally, while the campground's proximity to the lake was appealing, the walk to get there was longer than expected, especially with little ones in tow. This made spontaneous trips to the lake less feasible and slightly inconvenient.

        However, despite these minor inconveniences, the campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat. The staff were also friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience.

        In summary, while Bonelli Bluffs Campground could benefit from adding playgrounds and reducing the distance to the lake, it still offers a pleasant camping experience for families looking to reconnect with nature.

      • MThe Dyrt PRO User
        Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
        May. 2, 2024

        South Carlsbad State Beach

        Glamping of Campsites

        PROS:

        This site offers amazing sunsets and ocean breezes. There are plenty of facilities, and the camp store is great. The live music is always good, too. 

        A grocery store is nearby, just over the freeway. 

        CONS:

        It can get very crowded and packed. 

        Hard to get a site

        Many generators are always on.

        If you get a site at the far ends, it's a hike to go in and out. Try to get a site closer to the entrance and the store. But you will get a lot of traffic through your site. 

        Don't try to get there earlier; they usually won't let you in before check-in. 

        Biking and Running:

        Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas. 

        Good running. You can lap the campsite, which is almost 1 mile, end to end. I usually run down towards Encinitas along PCH.



      Guide to Capistrano Beach

      Camping near Capistrano Beach, California, offers a fantastic mix of ocean views, outdoor activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

      What to do:

      • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. For instance, at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, you can enjoy direct beach access and even watch dolphins and seals playing in the waves.
      • Hiking and Biking: Trails abound in the area. Campers at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach appreciate the nearby bike lanes that lead into Oceanside and Encinitas, making it perfect for biking or running.
      • Fishing and Water Sports: Many campgrounds, like Doheny State Beach Campground, are close to fishing spots and offer opportunities for paddleboarding and kayaking.

      What campers like:

      • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning sunsets and ocean breezes at San Clemente State Beach Campground. One reviewer noted, "Believe it or not, this was the first camp spot we stayed at with my family and it was my wife's first time ever camping since!"
      • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor mentioned, "The bathrooms were spotless and being cleaned frequently."
      • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Newport Dunes RV Resort are great for families. One camper said, "Wonderful spot for families looking for a place with lots to do."

      What you should know:

      • Crowded Conditions: 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: Not all sites offer full hookups. For example, at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, most sites have no hookups, but there are clean bathrooms and fresh water available.
      • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially if you're near busy roads. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "There is a ton of road noise coming off of the highway even late at night."

      Tips for camping with families:

      • Choose the Right Site: Look for sites that offer more space and privacy. At San Mateo Campground, one reviewer highlighted, "The campground is set up as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."
      • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or scooters for kids to enjoy the nearby trails. Campers at Moro Campground enjoyed biking along the coast.
      • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy during outdoor adventures. A visitor at Newport Dunes RV Resort mentioned, "There are many activities and amenities offered including a water park."

      Tips from RVers:

      • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "If you are in an RV, you will be fine."
      • Be Mindful of Noise: Some RV sites can be close together, so be considerate of your neighbors. A camper at Newport Dunes RV Resort said, "It’s a huge campground... Sites are very tight."
      • Plan for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good facilities. Campers at San Clemente State Beach Campground appreciated the clean bathrooms and showers.

      Camping near Capistrano Beach, California, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. With beautiful beaches, scenic views, and plenty of activities, it's a perfect getaway spot.

      Frequently Asked Questions

      • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Capistrano Beach, CA?

        According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Capistrano Beach, CA is San Clemente State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.

      • What is the best site to find tent camping near Capistrano Beach, CA?

        TheDyrt.com has all 11 tent camping locations near Capistrano Beach, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.