Best Campgrounds near Costa Mesa, CA
Coastal camping options surround Costa Mesa, California, 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.
