Best Campgrounds near Corona del Mar, CA

Coastal camping options in the Corona del Mar area include several developed campgrounds with varied accommodation types. Notable options include Newport Dunes RV Resort, which offers tent, RV, cabin and glamping accommodations along Newport's Back Bay, and Crystal Cove State Park with both its Moro Campground and primitive backcountry sites. These mixed-use campgrounds provide a range of amenities from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, with several offering beachfront or waterfront locations within a short drive of Corona del Mar.

Seasonal considerations affect campground availability throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds open year-round but experiencing high demand during summer months. "Although the price is very high, we will likely return in the future on a special occasion," noted a visitor regarding Newport Dunes RV Resort. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays from May through September. Several state beach campgrounds like Bolsa Chica have seasonal closures between December and February. Water hookups, electric service, and shower facilities vary significantly between campgrounds, with pricing typically reflecting the level of amenities provided. Overnight temperatures remain mild year-round, making tent camping viable in all seasons.

Waterfront and beachside camping represents the primary attraction for most visitors to the area. Several campgrounds offer direct water access, including Newport Dunes with its protected bay swimming area and waterfront RV sites. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "We spent 5 days here and loved it. While we came a little too late for the obstacle course, the paddle boards and the cove were amazing." Camping density varies significantly between locations, with state parks generally offering more space between sites compared to private RV resorts. Tent and RV sites at Crystal Cove State Park receive positive reviews for their ocean proximity while maintaining natural surroundings. Campers should note that many campgrounds in the area have strict quiet hours and pet policies, with several state beaches prohibiting pets on the beach itself.

Best Camping Sites Near Corona del Mar, California (131)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    $25 - $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."

    2. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    Newport Beach, CA
    2 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."

    3. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    14 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.  "

    4. O'Neill Regional Park

    32 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2260

    $20 / night

    "It's tucked back in the canyon, but you will still hear all the traffic from the road. Since it is a canyon, many loud cars and motorcycles zoom past at high speeds.  Free dump station.  "

    "Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers. It says to bring quarters for the showers but they were free. Each site is typical..."

    5. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    19 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    12 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."

    6. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    53 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $45 - $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."

    7. Waterfront RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 536-8316

    "Booking a site here at Waterfront, provided us a excellent homebase that was close to the water. In all, you are about a 2 minute walk to the sand, and 4 minutes to the oceanfront. "

    "Your not on the beach but literally on the other side of pacific coast highway you are there."

    8. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    39 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-3156

    $45 - $300 / night

    "California beach camping can be very hard to come by. Unlike some other campgrounds in Southern California this one gives you ample room to move around and set up camp."

    "The hardcore surfing nomads stealth camp in their bubble-top vans outside of the park on the streets. Walking distance to Cottons point for surfing and to hangout among the beach huts."

    9. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages — Crystal Cove State Park

    6 Reviews
    Newport Coast, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 376-6200

    "Crystal Cove Beach Cottages……Home away from home❤️"

    "Great views, nice trails & beach walks. Great restaurant."

    10. Crystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park

    6 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 494-3539

    "its close, so no 2 hour drive needed and its usually got open spots available, even in spring and summer (cause of the 3+ mile hike most likely). wouldn't say it has the best views but good when you just"

    "Both Morro locations. Lower is a 3 mile hike with a few steep grades. 13 sites an outhouse and a decent view. This one is normally supporting several groups on weekends. There is no water."

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Recent Reviews near Corona del Mar, CA

998 Reviews of 131 Corona del Mar Campgrounds


  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 12, 2025

    Golden Shore RV Resort

    Golden Shore RV Park quiet & convenient

    The RV spots were very nice. This park is close to the action in Long Beach. Easily walkable or there are always E bikes and scooters to rent right outside the gate. Also, really appreciated that this RV park was gated. Felt safe and secure the whole time I was here, would definitely stay again.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    Busy beach camping

    This is a busy area for atv's and dirt bikes. No official camping areas, just find a spot in the sand. There was loud music around but it ended at a respectful time and staff was friendly. Very windy.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Campsite with playground

    Pretty average campsites with playground and clean bathrooms. Very windy roads in and out.

  • April H.
    Nov. 3, 2025

    South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    Quintessential SoCal Beach

    My upfront disclaimer is I knew what to expect.  It's easy to reserve these sites online at reservecalifornia.com but they go very quickly.  After waiting in line on the northbound PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) it was slow going driving in as any RV in front of you typically has some maneuvering to do to get settled in its site.  There is almost no privacy as the campground is situated on a bluff over looking the ocean and so any growth is scrub.  They have all the standard amenities including showers which cost extra.  You must buy tokens at a machine so be sure to buy enough as each token is only worth a very few minutes. (I still have a couple leftover from this trip)  The camp sites are dirt.  There is a camp store along with a restaurant with a limited menu.  They have tables with umbrellas at the edge of the bluff with an unbeatable view of the ocean.  They also have live entertainment-you'll need to check to see what & when.  The fire rings are tall, about 3' tall, which I didn't care for.  Hard to sit around that kind of fire.  There was also a sign posted warning campers of the hot items for theft.  The campground is arranged in 2 rows-one at the edge of the bluff and one inland.  The inland row is very close to the PCH so there's noise.   As far as camping experiences go, this is not the best.  But I didn't go there for a great "camping" experience; I went there to be in walking distance of a beautiful beach.  That did not disappoint!  Be advised-the walk to the beach is down a cliff and involves a lot of steps.

  • Vin W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Canyon RV Park

    Still a wonderful spot close to Orange County

    I have gone to long term RV and took a chance here. I came at night, and was frustrated with the traffic to just enter the park. It wasn't until the next morning that I began to appreciate the surroundings. The freeway noise became soothing. The showers clean, the grass maintained. Easy to access dump stations, fairly modern electrical hookups. Lots of families, people in golf carts, bicycles on trails. Wildlife including Blue Herons eating gophers, squirrels and coyotes. I would return here.

  • Frank M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Nice campground

    It's a very nice campground about an hours drive from the beach and other tourist attractions. Usually sold out every weekend. The road to get there can be dangerous. Some wannabe race drivers and commuters avoiding crowded freeways will NOT tolerate anyone doing the speed limit and will pass regardless of the danger.

  • L
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Deer loop

    Had an amazing time, unbeknownst to us deer loop was closed after we booked it in June. We ended up having the whole loop to ourselves. We come here about 5 times a year and never have issues.

  • Emily L.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort

    Horrible experience!

    Came to this park to relax, and was was kept awake all night by the sound of several cats fighting outside. Why wouldn't management do something about the stray cats? Just to see this many cats makes this park feel urban or ghetto. Great park if you don't need to sleep...

  • Anna X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Pacific touch :)

    Nice place very close to the beach with amazing Pacific view. All connections in place; sites very close to each other; a bit loud due to airport nearby. Very friendly staff. In overall good experience and recommend it :)


Guide to Corona del Mar

Camping near Corona del Mar, California, offers a mix of beautiful beaches and scenic campgrounds. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are close to the beach. For example, at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach, you can enjoy a short walk to the ocean. One reviewer mentioned, "Nice campground. 1.5 miles from the ocean."
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails abound in the area. Campers at O'Neill Regional Park appreciate the numerous trails for hiking and biking. One visitor noted, "Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use."
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Prado Regional Park, you can fish or rent paddle boats. A reviewer shared, "Very large park with something for everyone. Golf, disc golf, shooting range, soccer fields, baseball fields, playground, equestrian trails and paddle boats."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. At Bonelli Bluffs, one camper said, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Privacy Between Sites: Many campgrounds, like San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach, offer spacious sites with trees for privacy. A happy camper remarked, "There are mature trees between every campsite that provide privacy between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the helpfulness of the staff. At Newport Dunes RV Resort, a visitor noted, "Friendly welcome, very reasonable rates."

What you should know:

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park does not allow fires, which some campers found disappointing. One reviewer said, "NO fires allowed."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground advised, "If you don't want to camp on the bluffs, consider heading a bit inland."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids. Campers at Bonelli Bluffs enjoyed the views and noted, "Crowded on weekend, much less during week."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes or sports equipment for family fun. One family at O'Neill Regional Park mentioned, "Great for hiking, biking, MTB, and running."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save trips to the store. A camper at Prado Regional Park said, "Very easy pull through site, full hookups."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the campground's site dimensions. A reviewer at Newport Dunes RV Resort noted, "Sites are very tight."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially during peak season. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "It’s a huge campground."
  • Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: Many campgrounds do not offer Wi-Fi. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs advised, "NO WIFI IF YOU NEED THAT YOU MUST HAVE YOUR OWN."

Camping near Corona del Mar, California, has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a beach getaway or a quiet spot in nature, you’ll find plenty of options to enjoy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Corona del Mar, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Corona del Mar, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 131 campgrounds and RV parks near Corona del Mar, CA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Corona del Mar, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Corona del Mar, CA is Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Corona del Mar, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Corona del Mar, CA.