Costa Mesa camping opportunities feature mild year-round temperatures averaging 60-75°F with only 13 inches of annual rainfall. Most RV parks in the area are situated on paved surfaces with minimal natural vegetation. Several locations operate with seasonal restrictions due to summer beach parking demands.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Rancho Jurupa RV Park in Riverside, campers can enjoy fishing for catfish in a small, tree-shaded lake. "Fishing for catfish in the little lake which is shaded with trees and plenty of tables to picnic by the lake," notes a visitor to Rancho Jurupa RV Park.
Waterfront activities: Newport Dunes RV Resort provides water recreation with inflatable obstacles in the lagoon. "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 a camper at Newport Dunes RV Resort.
Biking trails: Golden Shore RV Resort offers convenient access to beach biking paths. "Great Long Beach location, a nice bike ride along the beach to Naples and the Queen Mary," mentions a visitor. The Santa Ana River Trail near Orangeland RV Park connects the beach to the San Bernardino Mountains for extended cycling opportunities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance at many Costa Mesa area RV parks. "Very well maintained and clean campsites! Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities," reports a reviewer at Rancho Jurupa Park. Another camper at Golden Shore RV Resort noted, "The grounds are kept in excellent condition - very clean and secure. The pool, showers, bathrooms are all spotless."
Family amenities: Many parks offer recreational facilities beyond basic camping. At Orangeland RV Park, campers enjoy "Heated pool, spa was hot. Nice little store with everything you need. Staff was very friendly and helpful." Another visitor highlights, "Free citrus picking! Pool, mini golf on site."
Urban convenience: RV parks near Costa Mesa provide proximity to attractions and services. "Located in the back bay of Newport Harbor ND has it all. This place is super clean and super accommodating... Bike trails for the kids and Balboa Island is just right down the way," states a visitor about Newport Dunes. Another camper at Canyon RV Park shares, "I have been here for a few months and I love it here. It's not only in the middle of a nature preserve but you're also in the middle of a City."
What you should know
Spacing considerations: Many RV parks near Costa Mesa have tight site configurations. "This campground has small sites like most RV parks do, but there was a lot of fun things to do with the kids," notes a camper at Newport Dunes. At Waterfront RV Park, a visitor mentioned, "The site itself is fairly tight. The full hookups were nice and welcomed."
Seasonal availability: Some beachside RV parks operate on limited schedules. Huntington Beach RV Campground "opens back up in October due to the high traffic of summer visitors... Basically a parking lot on the beach that you can stay and enjoy beachfront." This seasonal limitation affects planning during peak summer months.
Security concerns: Several campgrounds report theft issues. "Located in Huntington Beach California. This site is right across the street from the beach. Be careful and aware when staying here. My husband and I had our mountain bikes stolen when sleeping," warns a camper at Waterfront RV Park. At Rancho Jurupa Park, another camper notes, "The ranger said to lock up bikes and be careful leaving out items because a local has been coming in stealing."
Tips for camping with families
Water features: Several parks offer water attractions for children. At Canyon RV Park, "A pool, flushable toilets and hot showers are available to all campers for free." Rancho Jurupa Park provides "a splash water park" and "mini golf" according to visitors, making it ideal for families with young children.
Movie nights: Some RV parks organize evening entertainment. "They had a movie on the beach when we were there, and fun water toys out," shares a Newport Dunes visitor. These organized activities provide structured entertainment beyond standard playground equipment.
Budget considerations: Price points vary significantly between parks. "It was rather expensive though," notes a Newport Dunes camper. More affordable options may include weekday stays or inland locations. "Camping for over 25 years - 140 nights a year and we have never experienced a campground as unprofessional, clueless and arrogant as this one. Their campsite math is completely unacceptable," warns an Anaheim Harbor visitor about unexpected fees.
Tips from RVers
Transportation options: Staying near attractions offers transit advantages. Orangeland RV Park provides convenient access to theme parks: "Anaheim transit makes on-demand stops here to Disneyland as well as Garden Walk... On-demand public transport for $6/person for all-day access." This eliminates parking fees at major attractions.
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects some locations. Canyon RV Park "is bordered by highways on both sides, and they create noise day and night. They're also clearly visible." Several reviews mention ambient noise levels that may disturb light sleepers or affect site selection.
Utility requirements: Be prepared with correct equipment lengths. At Anaheim Harbor RV Park, "You must have a 25ft sewage hose." The park also has specific vehicle restrictions: "Must be manufactured by a recognized maker or you must provide photos and copy of valid DMV Registration."
