Tent camping near Costa Mesa, California requires exploring the broader region, with established campgrounds in surrounding natural areas. Local campsites typically operate year-round due to Southern California's mild climate, though summer temperatures regularly exceed 85°F in inland locations. Coastal campgrounds provide relief from heat with average summer temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler than inland sites.
What to do
Beach exploration at Doheny State Beach: Drive 25 minutes south to camp with ocean views and immediate beach access. "Sweet campsite at Dana point surf break. Had a big crew along for spring break. Super nice but book early!" notes Rich J. This campground offers a mix of tent and RV sites with fire pits and picnic tables at each location.
Mountain biking at China Camp: This Bay Area park has extensive trail networks specifically designed for cycling enthusiasts. "This park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. There are definitely better mountain biking trails in Marin (Tamarancho Boy Scout Camp, for example) but keep in mind that the bar is very high for mountain biking in Marin," explains Nathaniel S. The ride from Costa Mesa takes approximately 7 hours, making this better for multi-day trips.
Waterfall hiking at Millard Trail Campground: Located near Pasadena, this campground sits at a popular trailhead. "About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. But there are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that," explains one camper. The creek running through the campground provides natural ambiance during wet seasons.
What campers like
Wildlife encounters: Catalina Island provides frequent wildlife sightings. "We did have deer walking directly through our site as we were eating dinner (seriously on a few feet away). They didn't both anyone and were really cool to watch," shares Corey B. about Two Harbors Campground. Island campers regularly report fox sightings, deer, and birds throughout the campsites.
Relative solitude: Some campgrounds offer quieter experiences despite their proximity to urban areas. "The campground was not busy and this allowed me to pick a spot hidden away from others," writes Tim J. about China Camp State Park. For more isolation, Little Harbor Campground on Catalina Island provides a remote experience where one camper notes, "if you're lucky enough (like we were) you may get the whole place to yourself."
Beach proximity: Several campgrounds offer direct beach access. "I love the sound of the waves and the fog horn. There are great bike trails to ride on," reports Karissa J. about Doheny State Beach. These oceanfront locations often feature swimming, kayaking and paddleboarding opportunities right from camp.
What you should know
Pricing structures vary: Catalina Island campgrounds often charge per person rather than per site. "The price is steep especially counting in the ferry, but it was a lot of fun and I'd do it again," mentions Corey B. about Two Harbors. At Doheny State Beach, beachfront sites cost $60 while non-beachfront sites run $40 nightly.
Transportation logistics: Reaching island campgrounds requires ferry service. "You have to walk to your site which involves a few hills but I took a few breaks along the way and it was fine. You can pay to get your luggage delivered to your site," explains Amber about her Two Harbors Campground experience.
Wildlife concerns: Multiple campgrounds report wildlife interactions. "The raccoons here are AGGRESSIVE! They won't attack you, but they will walk right up to your camp and try to steal your food," warns Rosie C. about China Camp State Park. Food storage containers are provided at most campgrounds, but vigilance remains essential.
Tips for camping with families
Easy access options: Some campgrounds accommodate families with simpler logistics. "I am camping with my husband and 3 kids and our puppy. The hosts are friendly, cheap firewood, china beach village is just down the road and perfect to explore and swim," shares Veronica H. about China Camp State Park. The beach area provides kid-friendly swimming opportunities.
Short hikes to attractions: Select campgrounds offer rewarding but manageable hikes for children. "Me and my girlfriend decided to go on this trail with our two doggos on a hot 95 degree day and we had such a good time the waterfall trail is nothing but shade provided by the trees foliage," notes Chris O. about Millard Trail Campground. The half-mile hike to the waterfall works well for families with younger children.
Educational opportunities: Campgrounds with historical features provide learning experiences. "China Camp was a Chinese shrimp fishing community. You can hike there from the campground (8 miles round trip) and see spectacular views of the bay and its marshlands," explains Laura F. Similarly, Two Harbors offers opportunities to learn about Catalina Island's history.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most coastal campgrounds provide limited utilities. "I love the sound of the waves and the fog horn. There are great bike trails to ride on. There are no hook ups but the price is right for beach front camping," explains Karissa J. about Doheny State Beach Campground. RVers should prepare for dry camping at many locations.
Dump station access: "When we first arrive it was out of order with a 'clogged signed'. It was fixed the following day. There is a $10 fee, they have a convenient credit card machine," reports Manuel P. about Doheny's dump station. He adds that the station is narrow, requiring careful maneuvering.
Water fill locations: Knowing where to find potable water saves hassle. "Hand carrying potable water is available by bathrooms. And RV tank filling also available at the same location of dump site only a few feet away as you drive out. You can screw in your own hose and your good to go," explains Manuel P., noting this prevents carrying hundreds of pounds of water from home.
