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.
$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."
$75 - $550 / night
"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."
$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. "
$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..."
$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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
"If you’re looking for classic Southern California beach camping with stunning ocean views, this spot is such a good choice."
"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."
GuideNice camp ground, bathrooms with a shower available also has warm water, not free though so make sure you have quarters, fire rings, and on site wood is a plus, easy access to the beach, pier and liquor store only a mile away we just walked the beach and took the trail back from the store was bad of a walk, only set back is when u are trying to sleep u can hear traffic and the Amtrak other then that awesome camp site
TravelerPricey but well worth it. Very well run campground.
GuideFirst night in 103 - no shade and bright light outside bathroom all night. Was able to move to 144 for the rest of the stay. More foliage and privacy back there.
Put the exact address into GPS; otherwise “get directions” brings you to a locked gate.
Beach is amazing. Band of stones when you first go in the water so old sneaks or water shoes recommended.
Close to town; walking distance to Pedro’s Tacos and Vons is about 2 miles.
GuideIf you’re looking for classic Southern California beach camping with stunning ocean views, this spot is such a good choice. The campground sits on a bluff overlooking the Pacific, so you wake up to the sound of waves and end the night with the prettiest sunsets. 🌊🌅
The campsites are spacious and come with picnic tables and fire rings, which makes evenings super cozy. It’s also close enough to town if you need food or coffee, but still feels peaceful.
One of my favorite parts — I did a 3.7-mile walk from the campsite to the San Clemente Pier. It was such a beautiful coastal walk. If you walk directly on the sand, it’s definitely longer and way more of a workout (great leg day 😂). On the way back, we took the sidewalk/railroad path instead, which made it feel way faster and less intense. Highly recommend mixing it up like that.
Beach access from camp is down the bluff, so just be ready for a little climb back up.
🚿 Showers were being worked on during our visit, so plan ahead just in case they’re still under maintenance.
You might hear a little freeway or train noise depending on your site, but overall it’s such a beautiful coastal camping experience and totally worth it.
GuideGreat Campground located immediately adjacent to a beautiful Sandy beach. San onofre State Beach Park a joints it on both North and South ends. There is a great surf break and it is popular with locals. All Sites have full hookups and can accommodate tents as well as large RVs. Showers and laundry are available. Dogs are not allowed on the beach but are welcome in the campground.
ScoutReally incredible location, was snow to book last minute by calling and checking for availability. Can't reserve by phone but was able to confirm availability. Prob easier to do in off season, add it is Feb not the summer.
Pricing is 75 for closest to beach 65 to furthest in RV 40FOOT LIMIT super chill, quiet hours are 9pm Love the space, fire pits on the beach. Pet friendly
GuideWe LOVE the San Onofre beach on Camp Pendleton!
Use used to camp on the beachfront spots, right across the street from the water, but we've come to appreciate the sites on the bluffs more now-a-days.
The view out the back from our bed is the gorgeous Pacific ocean, unmolested by anything in the line of site. And it's a little further back (maybe 100 yards) from the surf, so the sound is more soothing and less intrusive.
TravelerThis was my first time camping at this site. The front office is very polite and the site is very clean with a lot to do. Everything is within a good radius.
There is a lot of animal activity you will hear theoack of coyotes and right before sunset. The Owls come out and boy are they large. Me and my son had a great time and would definitely come.back to this place. They have a fire pit with a cooking grill attached to it. But you can bring your own.
ScoutPretty good. Smells a tiny bit like black water fumes.
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 133 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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