Crystal Cove State Park's Moro Campground sits about 300 feet above sea level, offering terraced campsites overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Located just 7 miles from Costa Mesa, the area experiences mild coastal temperatures averaging 65-75°F during summer months. The campgrounds surrounding Costa Mesa often have fog in mornings during May and June, creating cooler camping conditions during early summer.
What to do
Beach exploration: 1.5 miles from camp: At Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park, the beach requires timing your visit. "The tide was high both times we tried to walk under the highway to get to the beach but there were parking lots just a short drive up the road," notes Amy H. Visitors can explore tide pools during low tide.
Biking trails: multiple routes available: San Mateo Campground provides excellent biking opportunities for all ages. "Lots of kids riding bikes and having fun! I suggest to follow their lead. Bring a bike to explore the loops and trail to beach," shares Jeannie B. The campground connects to several miles of bike-friendly paths.
Surfing: best for experienced surfers: San Mateo Campground sits about 1.5 miles from Trestles Beach, a popular surf spot. "Walking the short trail for 10-15 and you're set," mentions Jonathan G. The beach "isn't great unless you're a surfer. A lot of surfers camping here," adds another camper.
What campers like
Ocean views from tiered campsites: Doheny State Beach Campground offers prime ocean vistas. One camper notes, "The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean." Sites directly facing the ocean command higher rates ($60 compared to $40 for standard sites).
Clean facilities with regular maintenance: Cleanliness ranks high among camper priorities. At O'Neill Regional Park, "The campground is super clean and well maintained. Bathrooms and showers are clean and lots of hiking trails to choose from," reports Brandice S.
Proximity to urban conveniences: Many campgrounds offer nature experiences while staying near conveniences. "It's literally five minutes away from civilization, which we took advantage of on several occasions," shares Andrew about O'Neill Regional Park. This accessibility proves useful for forgotten supplies or dining options.
What you should know
Ant problems at some locations: Be prepared for ants, especially during warmer months. At San Mateo Campground, one camper warned: "We made the mistake of not being prepared for the ANTS!!! It was pretty much a sheet of them." Bring ant deterrents like Comet powder to place around tent corners and RV contact points.
Traffic noise varies by location: Expect some highway sounds at several campgrounds. At Waterfront RV Park, "do expect some road noise from the PCH. Friday/Saturday were the worst nights," reports Zach R. Consider midweek stays for quieter camping.
Limited privacy between sites: Most campgrounds feature close quarters. At Doheny State Beach, "There is some foliage between some of the sites but basically NO privacy between sites." Crystal Cove's sites are "roped off and have a decent amount of distance between them. There is some vegetation between them but not enough to be totally private."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and kid-friendly activities: O'Neill Regional Park excels with family amenities. "Great playground for children. 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," reports Johnny G.
Water activities for different ages: Newport Dunes RV Resort offers excellent water recreation options. "They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach," shares Karissa J.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds provide better security than others. "The rangers and attendants at the front gate are super nice and friendly," notes one O'Neill Regional camper. However, some locations have reported theft issues, so secure valuables at night.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Most pet-friendly campgrounds near Costa Mesa have size limitations. At Newport Dunes, "spaces can be tight" according to Ray S., who recommends: "Be fully aware that these spaces can be very tight, overall we will stay again." Consider specific site numbers when booking.
Hookup variations: RV utilities vary significantly between locations. Waterfront RV Park offers "the full hookups were nice and welcomed," while Doheny State Beach has no hookups. "Dry camping with a dump station available," notes Paul N., so plan accordingly for power needs.
Reservation timing: Pet-friendly camping spots near Costa Mesa fill quickly, especially beachfront locations. For Doheny State Beach, "This campground fills up fast so book early!" advises Elly A. Most sites allow booking 6 months in advance.
