157 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Costa Mesa, California ranges from beachfront campsites to inland tent and RV sites, with multiple state parks and RV resorts within a 30-minute drive. Crystal Cove State Park's Moro Campground offers ocean view sites in Laguna Beach with tent, RV, and cabin accommodations. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground in Huntington Beach provides beachfront camping with electric hookups and fire rings on the beach. Inland options include O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon, where campers find hiking trails and more secluded sites. Newport Dunes RV Resort features 372 sites with full hookups and resort amenities for those seeking comfort near the water. Doheny State Beach Campground in Dana Point offers direct beach access with sites that accommodate both tents and RVs.
Reservations are essential for most coastal campgrounds, particularly during summer months when sites fill months in advance. As one camper noted, "California beach camping can be very hard to come by." Many state park campgrounds use the Reserve California system, which opens booking windows six months ahead. Weather remains mild year-round, though morning fog is common from May through July. Road noise affects several campgrounds, particularly those along Pacific Coast Highway. Bolsa Chica campers report "road noise but steps away from great sand beaches." Fire restrictions vary by location, with some coastal sites prohibiting fires in the campground but offering designated fire rings on the beach. Most campgrounds provide water and electric hookups, though sewer connections are less common.
Beach proximity drives high satisfaction ratings, with campers highlighting bike paths and water activities as key amenities. At Doheny State Beach, visitors appreciate that "you can SUP in the harbor; it's a great place for it and just a few minutes drive over." Site spacing varies significantly, with some campers noting that middle sites are "small and tight, offering little privacy." O'Neill Regional Park receives praise as a "tucked away spot in Orange County" that's "great if you like hiking, biking, MTB, and running." Crystal Cove State Park stands out for ocean views from nearly every site. Urban proximity means most campgrounds have good cell service and convenient access to supplies, restaurants, and attractions, making them suitable for both weekend getaways and longer stays.
"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"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"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."
"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"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"Anaheim transit makes on-demand stops her to Disneyland as well as Garden Walk. Very helpful, friendly staff. Many residents mixed with overnight era or vacationers. "
"First time staying here, it will be our place to stay in California."
from $75 - $90 / night
Check Availability"Nice bathrooms and hot showers with laundry on location. Good amount of space between sites. Very short drive or 20ish minute walk to Disneyland. Extremely helpful and kind staff."
"Park is within walking to the Disneyland park. The tent sites are very small with a picnic table and AstroTurf."
from $70 - $95 / 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."
"It’s between San Diego and Costa Mesa so both of my daughters can meet us half way. Beautiful scenery love the nature around us and short walk to the beach"
"San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."
from $45 - $250 / night
Check Availability
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
TravelerWell maintained, nice folks, pleasant to talk with. I stayed there 2 months, and enjoyed it.
TravelerThey speak so highly of Dockweiler RV Park, but they forget to say that it has no WiFi, and poor cell phone reception as well. I reserved a space, they made me pay in advance for the whole 3 weeks. They helped me park the camper… avd they never said anything about no wifi. I feel the rv site has been misrepresented. “Oh, well, wifi works in the office, but not even 5 spaces away”. I live alone in my RV. No wifi means I’m sitting here alone in a dead RV. Lonely. Everyone has wifi, yet they don’t mention they don’t , nor even cell phone reception, usually. I get only 1 bar
ScoutI have been to this campground many times and it is always a great time. Easy access to town, surf, the beach, and great facilities. Highly recommend!
TravelerWell maintained small campground. Fact that you are downtown Long Beach with lots of food and attractions close is a major selling point. But campground itself has pool, hottub and small store on site. Campers/RV are pretty close parked but each spot comes with table and some lounging space.
ScoutI found the campground to be very friendly kid friendly and pet friendly. The spots were spacious and some had privacy others were out in the open. The rangers were very friendly and helpful, they helped me set up my tent when they saw I was having trouble. There are trails to explore. A great last minute getaway from the city and not to far, the bathroom was clean and modern with hot showers and toilets.
TravelerVery windy and need high clearance vehicles
TravelerYou definitely need high clearance vehicles or you will not make it here
ScoutOnline Review
Rating: 1/5 Stars
Title: Horrible Experience — Zero Empathy and Harassment of Disabled Guests
If you are a traveler with disabilities, a service animal, or simply expect basic human decency, stay far away from Waterfront RV Park.
My stay here was a nightmare. I was placed in a cramped corner spot with barely enough room to maneuver. Because of my medical condition, I rely on a service dog. I had to park slightly over a painted line—by a mere 8 inches—just to have enough physical space to load my service animal safely. My vehicle blocked no one, yet night after night, park security targeted and harassed me over this minor detail, acting rude and aggressive.
When I experienced a severe medical emergency and panic attack, security chose to escalate the situation, berating me while I was injured and confused instead of offering help. Management showed zero empathy or willingness to listen. After learning my truck was broken down at a dealership, making it physically impossible to move my RV immediately, they threatened to tow and impound it without giving me reasonable time or process.
This facility lacks basic compassion, professionalism, and respect for its guests. Save yourself the stress and avoid this park.
Crystal Cove State Park offers tiered campsites with ocean views regardless of site location, ensuring all campers enjoy Pacific vistas during their stay. Most campgrounds near Costa Mesa have morning marine layer fog from May through July, though this typically burns off by midday to reveal sunny conditions. Coastal camping options range from primitive beach sites to full-hookup RV resorts within a 30-minute drive radius.
Kayaking near PCH: At Waterfront RV Park in Huntington Beach, you're steps from prime paddling spots. "I love this place to kayak," notes one regular visitor. The park places you about "2 minutes to the sand, and 4 minutes to the oceanfront," making water sports easily accessible.
Beach hiking and biking: The boardwalk at Bolsa Chica State Beach extends for miles in both directions, offering extensive coastal trails. As one visitor explains, "The boardwalk was endless and great to walk the dog and go for a run!" Multiple beachside campgrounds connect to this coastal trail system.
Mountain biking and hiking trails: O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon provides extensive trail networks within 30 minutes of Costa Mesa. A regular camper describes it as "great if you like hiking, biking, MTB, and running," noting that despite its proximity to urban areas, the park feels secluded once you're on the trails.
Ocean-view camping with privacy: At Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park, sites are arranged in tiers so everyone gets sea views. "The campsites are roped off and have a decent amount of distance between them," notes a visitor who stayed in February. "There is some vegetation between them but not enough to be totally private."
Clean, regularly maintained facilities: Campers frequently mention the cleanliness of bathroom facilities at campgrounds near Costa Mesa. At Crystal Cove, visitors report "spotless" bathrooms that are "being cleaned frequently," with coin-operated showers that "didn't take many coins to get a decent warm shower."
Convenient urban proximity: Orangeland RV Park offers "centrally located" access to Orange County attractions. One camper notes it's "best for easy access coming from or leaving to the east of the Los Angeles area." The park provides shuttle service to Disneyland and is within walking distance to shopping and restaurants.
Site spacing varies significantly: At Newport Dunes RV Resort, campers report varied experiences with site spacing. "I hope you like cozy," notes one visitor, while others mention "tight spaces" where you need to be "good at backing up your toys." Reserve a premium spot if you need more room.
Reservation competition is fierce: California beach campgrounds fill quickly, with some booking windows opening six months in advance. A camper at Doheny State Beach advises, "The sunsets were absolutely beautiful...book early!" During peak summer season, reservations may disappear within minutes when booking windows open.
Road noise affects sleep quality: Several coastal campgrounds sit near Pacific Coast Highway. A recent visitor to Bolsa Chica noted, "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? Bring earplugs and lots of white noise."
Look for dedicated kid activities: Doheny State Beach Campground offers direct beach access plus protected areas for younger children. "You can SUP in the harbor; it's a great place for it and just a few minutes drive over," mentions one camper about the safe paddling areas beyond the surf zone.
Consider weekday visits for less crowds: School breaks and summer weekends fill quickly at coastal campgrounds. Mid-week camping provides more space and quieter conditions, particularly during spring and fall seasons when temperatures remain mild but crowds thin out.
Hard ground requires freestanding tents: The terrain at Crystal Cove's backcountry sites presents challenges for tent stakes. One hiker noted, "The ground is hard packed and rocky. Free/semi-free standing tents recommended." Bring suitable tent options or additional securing methods for coastal bluff camping.
Reserve premium sites for larger rigs: At Newport Dunes, experienced RVers recommend specific site ranges. "Sites 84-89 and 26-36 are HUGE," according to one camper with a 29-foot Class A. Standard sites may present challenges for larger rigs or those with multiple slide-outs.
Beach proximity comes with limitations: Anaheim Harbor RV Park offers proximity to attractions but limited space. "This is essentially a parking lot with power and water," notes one RVer. "The spaces aren't huge so if you have a big rig or large trailer it will be tight. Most trailers parked their tow vehicle perpendicular to the space."
Bring long sewer hoses: Some hookup-equipped campgrounds require extended connections. Multiple RVers mention needing 25-foot sewer hoses at certain parks. Check the hookup positioning before arrival and bring extension cords and water hoses for challenging site layouts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fishing opportunities are available at Costa Mesa campgrounds?
While Costa Mesa itself has limited fishing campgrounds, nearby options offer excellent angling experiences. O'Neill Regional Park is tucked in a canyon not far from Costa Mesa with access to Trabuco Creek for freshwater fishing. For saltwater fishing, Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground is a short drive away, offering surf fishing opportunities and proximity to Huntington Harbour. Many campers combine their Costa Mesa visits with fishing trips to these nearby destinations. Before fishing, be sure to obtain a California fishing license and check local regulations for catch limits and seasonal restrictions.
Can you go beach camping near Costa Mesa?
Yes, several excellent beach camping options exist near Costa Mesa. Doheny State Beach Campground offers beachfront camping with sites directly on the sand, though middle sites tend to be small and tight while outside edge sites offer more space. San Clemente State Beach Campground provides ample room to set up camp with ocean views from most sites. Both locations are within 30-45 minutes of Costa Mesa. For those seeking beach proximity without directly camping on sand, San Mateo Campground offers sites with great privacy and is just a short walk to the beach. Reservations are essential, especially during summer months.
Where are the best camping locations in Costa Mesa?
While Costa Mesa itself has limited dedicated campgrounds, several excellent options surround the city. Newport Dunes RV Resort offers premium waterfront camping just minutes from Costa Mesa with full hookups and resort amenities. For a more natural setting, Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park provides a peaceful oak-filled oasis with spacious sites about 30 minutes from Costa Mesa. For those willing to venture slightly further, Pechanga RV Resort offers upscale facilities with access to restaurants, golf, and other amenities. Most campgrounds in the region require reservations well in advance, especially during peak seasons.
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