Best Tent Camping near Costa Mesa, CA

Are you in need of a campground near Costa Mesa, CA? Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Costa Mesa. Find the best campgrounds near Costa Mesa, CA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Best Tent Sites Near Costa Mesa, California (34)

    1. Falcon Group Campground

    1 Review
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (951) 736-1811

    $60 - $120 / night

    "It is very hot during this time so we ended up going down to the Lake to cool off. The campground was very well priced and it had bolted toilets and a water spout. No showers or sinks. "

    2. Black Jack Campground

    8 Reviews
    Avalon, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 510-8368

    "Great campground that is very accessible to the trans Catalina trail."

    "Each site has a picnic table and fire pit. You have to find or bring in your own wood for the fire. There’s two bathrooms and a public, open shower. Fresh water is available too."

    3. Two Harbors Campground

    10 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 778-1487

    "I am glad we pitched in a tent instead of paying for the high price hotels in town. The campground have toilets, running water, and showers."

    "We took the ferry to two harbors and walked up all of our gear to the site."

    4. Hermit Gulch Campground

    6 Reviews
    Avalon, CA
    34 miles
    Website

    "Only 30 mins walk or 5 minute bus ride from downtown Avalon."

    "I stayed here Labor Day weekend for tent camping! So, since I don't plan to camp here again for awhile, I should let you in on the secret(?) that the best campsite is Site 29!!!"

    5. Little Harbor Campground

    8 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    38 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 510-4205

    "If you’re backpacking through here, I highly recommend you stay the night. A camp site includes potable water, fire pit, picnic table, food storage box. Everything you need. Porta potties available."

    "If you’re backpacking the Trans-Catalina trail, this is one of the best spots. Great views of the sunset, spaced out campsites with water spouts at each one and a 6 mile hike from airport in the sky."

    6. Manker Campground

    12 Reviews
    Mount Baldy, CA
    45 miles
    Website
    +1 (626) 335-1251

    $12 / night

    "Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!"

    "Tucked away at the top of a precarious winding mountain road. It is very basic, simple and beautiful."

    7. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    41 miles
    Website

    "Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars."

    "When you can’t do a 2h hike before setting camp, but you also don’t want to camp close to your car, Millard campground is perfect. The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view."

    8. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    38 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. it's beautiful and feels completely isolated."

    "Hoegee’s is 2 miles hike from Chantry Flats by way of the Lower Winter Creek Trail. The site is named for Hoegee’s resort which stood just upstream."

    9. Parsons Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    Two Harbors, CA
    39 miles
    Website

    "Sites have rocks stacked up as a wind shield, it really helps! You’ll also have a picnic table, food storage box, and a fire pit. Vault toilets are available."

    "This is the final campgound on the Trans Catalina Trail and one of my favorites."

    10. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    41 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "No water, fountain is capped now"

    "There's no water right now but that could change after first rain or snow.

    Stayed here last week & it's still great."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 34 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Costa Mesa, CA

881 Reviews of 34 Costa Mesa Campgrounds



Guide to Costa Mesa

Discover the beauty of tent camping near Costa Mesa, California, where outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy a variety of scenic campgrounds that cater to all levels of adventurers.

Tent campers should check out China Camp State Park Campground

  • Experience the charm of the China Camp State Park Campground, which offers a picturesque setting with oak trees and a creek that runs through the park during wet months.
  • This campground allows fires and provides amenities like drinking water and picnic tables, making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • Located near San Francisco Bay, it’s a great spot for hiking and mountain biking, with trails that cater to various skill levels.

Local activities for outdoor enthusiasts

  • At Falcon Group Campground, enjoy a drive-in experience with access to Cleveland National Forest, perfect for hiking and exploring the natural beauty of the area.
  • The Two Harbors Campground offers unique boat-in and hike-in access, making it ideal for those looking to combine camping with water activities like kayaking and snorkeling.
  • For a more secluded experience, consider Parsons Landing Campground, where you can enjoy beachside camping and stunning sunsets after a scenic hike.

Tips for tent camping near Costa Mesa

  • When visiting Hermit Gulch Campground, be prepared for wildlife encounters and ensure you have food storage options to keep your supplies safe.
  • At Black Jack Campground, pack light as it requires a bit of a hike to reach, but the breathtaking views and tranquility make it worthwhile.
  • Don’t forget to bring water purification methods when camping at Millard Trail Campground, as it’s a hike-in site with no running water available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Costa Mesa, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Costa Mesa, CA is Falcon Group Campground with a 4-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Costa Mesa, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 34 tent camping locations near Costa Mesa, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.