135 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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.
"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."
from $25 - $75 / night
Check Availability"The grounds are impeccably clean, beautifully maintained, and set in a truly stunning location. Everything feels well cared for and thoughtfully run."
"As we expected, the sites are stacked up next to each other like dominoes with minimal foliage/fencing to separate the sites."
from $75 - $550 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"Sites are close to other sites but are pretty large for what you get. All site locations are in walking distance to the beach which is so great."
from $50 - $350 / night
Check Availability"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..."
"This is a nice little campground tucked away amidst the hustle and bustle of South Orange County."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $250 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $60 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"If you’re looking for classic Southern California beach camping with stunning ocean views, this spot is such a good choice."
from $45 - $300 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Crystal Cove Beach Cottages……Home away from home❤️"
"Great views, nice trails & beach walks. Great restaurant."
ScoutAs a heads up, they accept only factory van conversions with black and gray water tanks. So no self conversions. As a facility, it seems very nice, my RVing friend has been coming in here for years and absolutely loves it
TravelerDespite the fact that one night costs $42, there are a lot of stupid, miserable people here who listen loudly to stupid music through their stupid speakers after 10pm. It's also full of cockroaches here and it's annoying.
GuideWe had spot 11 which was great (view! Low and thus close to the beach! although it only just fit our small 4P Kelty Late start on the level spot, there was a lot of room.
Toilets are Dixie's which aren't always clean and have banging doors, avoid the campsites close to them. I would also avoid the higher campsites including the rentals, as the hike to the beach becomes annoying.
Did a great hike to Cat Harbor overlook. Tough climb but beautiful.
The walk from ferry to campsite is short (less that 10 minutes) especially for this site (which is closest) but contains a steep hill and rough gravel. There is firewood service (15$) and luggage (10$/item) but we didn't need it. Shop normally has delivery service with temp cooler but was unavailable. Well stocked but expensive.
GuideTwo long rows of spots, one beautiful ocean facing on top of the cliffs, the other with the back to the quite noisy road. We were exactly in the middle of the stairs to the beach so quite a walk for a swim. We had a large sandy spot. Pretty good and cleaner toilets than most other state parks we visited
ScoutPlenty of room at the beach an lots of bike riding areas.cold showers are free an nice in the summer,however there are no shower curtains ,be advised this might not be for you or shower after dark,is an option .fyi .nice entry staff,restrooms cleaned daily.
GuideWe have been to this campground quite a few times in the last couple of years and I really love it, personally because it’s really close to home. I also love that it’s first come first serve, which allows us to spontaneously go and enjoy without having to make reservations. I also like the fact that all the campsites have a fire pit and a picnic table, which were very recently replaced so they look very new. They installed metal storage boxes for saving your food overnight, this is super helpful. I love the creek even though the water is freezing cold but it’s truly a favorite. This place is wonderful and even though right now there is no water access until further notice, as long as you know you need to take lots of water for cooking and cleaning up you are good.
ScoutLoved the beach and loved the wildlife and shops. The bathroom got dirty around closing time and people were loud and shooting fireworks late at night….its cool they have water sports and felt safe. However, for camping it was not easy to sleep cars playing loud noise and people fishing and running around…weather was great
ScoutThe place is simple, well maintained and extremely clean. There’s back in sites that accommodate smaller 20ft campers and bigger 30ft campers, with there being some pull through sites that are big enough for RV’s, however no camping with tents allowed. Would recommend against bringing in campers with damage or DIY repairs as they “have to maintain sightly appearance”. Overall great for the price. Extremely clean bathrooms with free showers with a pool and jacuzzi plus a short walk to the beach. Only about a 45 min drive to LA with no traffic. The only bad is the constant noise from the port that doesn’t go away at night.
GuideIf you like camping in a Walmart parking lot or on the streets, this place is for you.
No rangers working after the park close for day use. Didn't see one going through the campground. If you like to party all night and you have a loud system no problem. NO RAGERS AROUND. Be prepared keep your food in your car lot of rats, mice, skunks and coyotes. THE LAKE SUCKS, hard to launch your boat on and off, docks will mess up your boat. Fishing no fish they don't stock the lake. Marina is very over priced and out in the sunny parking lot. I live in LA I now got to SILVERWOOD LAKE, just as close as this place, and nicer, if you like to stay up all night Perris Lake is for you. If you want to work hard to get you boat on and off lake so you don't damage your boat, this place is for you.
Campsites near Corona del Mar, California sit along the coastal bluffs with elevations ranging from 20-110 feet above sea level. The Mediterranean climate features average summer temperatures of 75°F and winter temperatures rarely dropping below 55°F. Rain is minimal from May through October, making waterfront camping options viable nearly year-round with minimal weather concerns.
Beach access trails: 1.5 mile hike to Trestles Beach. At San Mateo Campground, the trail to the beach offers both exercise and scenery. "A fun little hike (1.5 miles) to the walk until tresels beach. I think it's 2 miles all together. The beach is beautiful, great for surfing!" notes a camper at San Mateo Campground.
Hiking on No Name Ridge: Crystal Cove Backcountry offers primitive camping with ocean views. "After the steep beginning, you feel a sense of being father in the wilderness then you really are. Tons of Hawks hunting all over the top of the hill," says a visitor to Crystal Cove Backcountry. The area features a 10-mile perimeter loop trail system.
Story Trail for children: O'Neill Regional Park offers educational hiking for young campers. "Great playground for children. Recently paved streets (perfect for scootering, skating, biking). Easy and fun 'Story Trail' hike for children. The hike features a new book every month, each page is mounted to a placard along the trail," according to a review from O'Neill Regional Park.
Ocean views from tiered campsites: Moro Campground offers elevated views on terraced sites. "The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean. It is in a developed area of Laguna Beach, so there is not much solitude or quiet enjoyment of nature. However, it's super convenient to have stores like Trader Joe's and restaurants just a few minutes away," says a reviewer at Moro Campground.
Proximity to urban conveniences: Some campers appreciate the blend of nature with nearby amenities. "O'Neil is a great little park that's tucked away among the urban sprawl of Orange County. Once in the park you feel like you're far out in the wilderness. It makes for a great weekend great away. There's a general store nearby but its stock is limited. There's also Trabuco Oaks Steakhouse across the street if you get tired of cooking," notes a camper.
Protected beach swimming: Newport Dunes offers a safe swimming environment. "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," explains a visitor at Newport Dunes RV Resort. Water activities remain the primary draw for families camping near Corona del Mar.
Campsite proximity: Many campsites in the area have limited privacy between sites. "Each campsite has a fire container, barbeque, and a picnic table under trellis type structure. Clean flush toilets. Beautiful location next to the ocean," reports a camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground. Most state parks have well-defined sites with standard amenities.
Noise considerations: Traffic noise affects several camping areas. "Great location. I mean what can I say to diminish a beach spot for 60 bucks? How about a motorcycle passing right outside your bedroom window at 12,000 rpm every two minutes all night long? Yeah, that'll do it. Bring earplugs and lots of white noise," advises a visitor to Bolsa Chica State Beach.
Ant management: Some campsites require special preparation for insects. "We made the mistake of not being prepared for the ANTS!!! Campground looked pretty cool, so close to the beach, some trails nearby. Room for kids to ride bikes... but we picked up about a gazillion ants. We learns that comet around all points of contact with the ground keeps them down."
Security awareness: Property theft occurs at some locations. "My husband and I had our mountain bikes stolen when sleeping. When we asked for camera footage the owners of the campground claimed the cameras were broken and they couldn't share the footage. There are many homeless folks living in the area."
Look for kid-friendly amenities: Some campgrounds specifically cater to families with children. "If you're looking for primitive dispersed camping, this is probably not your spot. If you're camping with kids, it doesn't get much better than this! We stayed at campsite #58 which we felt was very large are private. Clean facilities, flushing toilets and hot showers, well maintained sites."
Beach access considerations: Some beaches require a challenging walk. "The walk up from the beach is a little tough, but the lifeguards are super nice and helpful if you need assistance. I always come home with a nice tan and great calfs. The upside of the walk is that there aren't as many people as down the beach by the public parking."
Wildlife awareness: Coyotes are present at several campgrounds. "Everyone comes here with their dogs and the coyotes are insane. They are everywhere. I wish they could/would do something about it. They are not afraid of humans at all. You'll wake up to them chasing rabbits literally in your campsite. Bit scary since I have a small dog," warns a visitor to Doheny State Beach Campground.
Dump station availability: Some campgrounds offer free dump stations. "Very well maintained campgrounds with quality facilities located throughout. $20 a night, they have water spigots shared between campsites (if you bring a "y" you can stay connected, otherwise fill tanks and disconnect). Self pump out (free) and good rubbish collection points throughout."
Site selection for size limitations: RV sites vary significantly in size and access. "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in. The maximum length is 38. We had 30/50 amp electrical and water. Dump station is on your way out, with 3 stations in that row."
Arrival timing enforcement: Strict check-in times are common. "Check in is at 3pm. They are hard on this. If you arrive early, you can register, but will be directed to Reef Point back down PCH or to the visitors center in front of the camp entrance."
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 135 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.
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