Top Tent Camping near Coto de Caza, CA

Searching for a tent campsite near Coto de Caza? Find the best information on tent camping near Coto de Caza, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your camping experience. Each spot offers quick access to one or more of Coto de Caza, California's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Coto de Caza, CA (20)

    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground

    1. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    144 Photos
    742 Saves

    San Clemente State Beach camping is located at the south end of the city of San Clemente, California. The area around San Clemente is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. The city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea." Visitors are attracted to the San Clemente area for its intense winds and dramatic location. San Clemente has been a California state beach since 1937 and is popular among water sport enthusiasts, and anyone who wishes to escape from inland heat and nearby metropolitan areas for the day. The beautiful mile long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $45 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

    2. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

    6 Reviews
    3 Photos
    214 Saves
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park

    3. China Camp State Park

    10 Reviews
    15 Photos
    144 Saves

    All campsites at China Camp Campground are HIKE-IN SITES for tent-camping only. Visitors must handcarry all equipment from the parking lot to the campsites. Campsites range from 50-300 yards from the parking lot. Eight persons maximum are allowed in each site. Check in time is 2pm or later and check out is Noon. Enroute camping is available for RV's with a grey water holding tank for one night only. No dump station or hook-ups are available. Enroute Camping is limited to space availability. Check in for enroute camping is 6pm and check out is 9am. A "Hike and Bike" site is available for those who travel to China Camp on foot or by bicycle.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 - $175 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground

    4. Falcon Group Campground

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    29 Saves

    Overview

    Falcon Group Campground has three individual group campsites just off the scenic Ortega Highway in Southern California, which connects San Juan Capistrano and Temecula Valley Highway. The pleasant climate, scenery, trail system and convenient location, make this a popular destination for groups from Los Angeles and San Diego. Hiking is especially popular among campers.

    Recreation

    Hikers of any level can find trails that challenge and accommodate their recreational goals around the campground. Among them are the Falcon Trail, a 1.4-mile easy trail that connects to the campground, and Trabuco Canyon Trail, which provides scenic 6.8-mile hike into the backcountry. The San Juan Trial, which is popular with mountain bikers, has a trailhead at Blue Jay campground, adjacent from Falcon Group Campground. The trail climbs a very steep set of stacked switchbacks from the floor of Hot Springs Canyon and traverses briefly before steeply ascending a ridge toward Sugarloaf Mountain. There are also many ideal picnic spots and scenic overlooks along Ortega Highway.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits at an elevation of 3,300 ft. off the Ortega Highway scenic drive in the Santa Ana Mountains, a route that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forest. The area lies in a mixed forest and chaparral ecosystem and is inhabited by a variety of birds, plants and wildlife.

    Nearby Attractions

    The closest town is Lake Elsinore, which has various shops, restaurants and recreation opportunities.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $120 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    5. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    47 Photos
    532 Saves

    Silverwood Lake camping includes a table, BBQ and fire ring. These sites hold up to 8 persons including children and 3 vehicles. There are boat ramps and boat rentals on-site. You can fish Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Trout, Catfish, Bluegill, and Carp at the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $45 - $350 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground

    6. Manker Campground

    12 Reviews
    26 Photos
    408 Saves

    Camp high in the clouds at Manker Flats Campground. This campground sits at 6000-feet and offers 21 campsites open year-round. However, piped-water is turned once temperatures reach freezing. Each site comes with a spacious spot for all your family camping needs and includes a picnic bench, fire ring, and vault toilets. It's located within a short drive to historic Mt. Baldy Schoolhouse and Visitor Center where visitors can discover the land's Native American roots. Close by, hikers have several options to begin their day's adventure including, Mt. Baldy Bowl trailhead. This trailhead can be combined with another major route, Devil's Backbone, to reach the summit (10,069') to form an impressive 11.3-mile loop hike. For the more casual hiker, a 1.4 mile round trip to the 75-foot San Antonio Falls is available. Bears are very active in this area, so it is recommended that all campers use provided bear boxes, personal bear canisters, or seal all food as to eliminate scent.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $12 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites
    Camper-submitted photo from Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

    7. Thomas Hunting Grounds Yellow Post Campites

    13 Reviews
    55 Photos
    84 Saves

    These five remote camping sites offer locations for tent and car camping. There are some mature shade trees near the sites, but other than a metal fire ring for campfires, these sites do NOT contain the amenities found at developed campgrounds. There is no water, no picnic tables, no restrooms nearby, and no trash containers. Please pack it in - pack it out! All sites are first-come, first-served. Campfire permits are required for any type of fire use - campfires, charcoal BBQ's, or stoves. Campfires may not be allowed certain times of the year. Contact the Mill Creek Ranger Station for current fire restriction information and road conditions. (909) 382-2882 (closed Tues/Wed) These yellow post sites are reached via forest road 1N12 (unpaved, trailers and large RVs not suitable). Please refer to the yellow-post site map available for free at the Mill Creek Ranger Station. High-clearance vehicles are recommended and four-wheel drive vehicles may also be required to reach these sites, depending on current road conditions.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Glamping
    • No image available
      Camper-submitted photo from Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
      Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground

      10. Black Jack Campground

      8 Reviews
      16 Photos
      27 Saves
      • Pets
      • Fires
      • Phone Service
      • Reservable
      • Tents
      • Dispersed
    Showing results 1-10 of 20 campgrounds

    Recent Tent Reviews In Coto de Caza

    1088 Reviews of 20 Coto de Caza Campgrounds


    • Jeff T.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dixon Lake Campground
      Oct. 21, 2024

      Dixon Lake Campground

      Great forestry feel. And good price ($30)

      We stayed here multiple times to car camp and have stayed in sites 3, 6, and 28. We really enjoyed site 28 due to the spectacular views of Escondido. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because their can be some creepy people occasionally like some old guy was following my son in his car. But other than that we had a good stay. If you are in a camper I would recommend Escondido RV resort instead due to the more inviting feel (we stayed there in our Coleman travel trailer). But if you car camp a lot like myself I would recommend staying here at Dixon lake. Great stay overall👍😊

    • Brittany W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Cherry Valley Lakes
      Oct. 5, 2024

      Cherry Valley Lakes

      Convenient Location for Seeing Family

      Staff all friendly and facilities while dated are kept very clean. Campers are respectful and quit at night but it’s a very noisy location right next to the freeway which took some getting used to the first few days.

    • Annie G.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Fry Creek Campground
      Sep. 18, 2024

      Fry Creek Campground

      Very beautiful

      This is a very nice and quiet campground and everyone there was very respectful of quite hours. The place was very clean and very beautiful. The only con was that there are way too many insects everywhere, My base camp got bombarded with a swarm of wasps, And I was forced to leave a day early, and had to leave my cooking pot behind because of the swarm of wasps... I wish there were some kind of rangers or someone there that I could have asked for help about this, or I wish someone would do something about this issue but I guess it is what it is at this location lol 😆 Other than not being able to cook and eat without wasps in your face and In your food, it was really nice

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground
      Sep. 18, 2024

      Tool Box Springs - Yellow Post Campground

      Canpsites a plenty

      There’s a few designated camp areas up this way. Went out in early Sept 2024 and the road was fine. I drive a lifted AWD overloaded Honda Element and I had no issue. There were two sections on the final ascent loop to the top of Thomas Mountain that were a little scratchy. You do not need to complete the final ascent to the top to enjoy the camping areas. Although if your car is capable there’s an excellent spot at the very end of the loop.

    • Kyle F.
      Camper-submitted photo from Champagne Lakes RV Resort
      Sep. 17, 2024

      Champagne Lakes RV Resort

      REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS!

      Let's start off with the fact that this"resort" has REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS living there and TWEAKERS SELLING DRUGS. When I mentioned it to the management they could care less, didn't say a word and walked away laughing. They DO NOT perform ANY BACKGROUND CHECKS and especially with children in the park I find that very disturbing. They nickel and dime you for every little thing and the rent has gone up 3x in one year. The water supply smells like sewage when you take a shower. Because they do pump outs the resort smells like human excrement most of the time. The lakes are polluted as well and completely full of cyanobacteria AKA green algae which is a respiratory hazard. POTENTIAL BEWARE.

    • jennifer G.
      Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
      Sep. 1, 2024

      O'Neill Regional Park

      Great little campground in south OC!

      Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. I stayed here on a weekday, and there were a few couple of vacant campsites in my area, so it was an extremely quiet visit. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked for my stay. I didn’t use the showers since I was only staying one night, but I heard they were free!

      Rangers were very friendly and firewood was only $5 for a decent bundle that lasted me over 2 hours.

      The city of Rancho Santa Margarita is right up the hill, so you can grab food and any necessities if needed.

      My site backed to the creek, so I never had people walking through my campsite.

      My dog & I slept in my van, but there was room for multiple tents, and a decent amount of shade in my spot.

      My spot didn’t have its own water spigot, but there was one at a site across from me.

      I was fortunate that all of the campers around me were quiet and considerate. I know that it doesn’t always work out that way, and having obnoxious neighbors can really ruin your experience.

    • Anita A.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
      Aug. 30, 2024

      Bonelli Bluffs

      Less crowded ocale while visiting family nearby

      Visiting family in Santa Ana and LA. Not to far for them to come to us and all to go to beach. Park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly Beautiful view from our site on area B. Crowded on weekend, much less during week Campground is not associated to adjacent Frank Bonelli Regional. Charge $12 to enter with vehicle but no fee to ride in on bikes

    • Kim N.
      Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove State Park Primitive
      Aug. 24, 2024

      Crystal Cove State Park Primitive

      beautiful beach

      Clean dump station, beautiful sites, very strict on rules. We came 10 minutes early before check in time, they made us wait. Campsite comes with wifi but very weak. We have t mobile and had bad reception. Would come back again for beautiful views, small hike, sandy beaches with lots of sand crabs.

    • Michael W.
      Camper-submitted photo from The Secret Place
      Aug. 19, 2024

      The Secret Place

      Peaceful, Private, Beautiful

      Although we booked a campsite, it felt more like we were invited to Mazen's home. He was communicative and responsive, happily answered all of our questions, and was beyond generous. I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore! We can't wait to visit this campground again!

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach
      Aug. 14, 2024

      Bolsa Chica State Beach

      Beach view

      The parking lot is next to the beach on the one side but also next to the highway on the other side. So the view and the breeze is beautiful, but the traffic noise in the evening and morning is not so nice. With earplugs everything is fine! ;) The host Jim is very kind and helpful!

    • MThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
      Aug. 12, 2024

      San Clemente State Beach Campground

      Camping

      It was overall a nice campsite. Our site seemed to be pretty large it came with a picnic table & fire pit. The walk to the beach was close seemed maybe about 10 minute till we reached the beach from our site. It is on a hill you need to walk down & back up. The only down side was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty did not seem to have any maintenance during our stay.

    • IThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from The Secret Place
      Jul. 29, 2024

      The Secret Place

      Friendly, knowledgeable and respectful hosts, best views I have ever experienced.

      We couldn't find any campgrounds, after calling multiple places we came across "The Secret Place". They have the best views I have ever experienced! Especially during sunset and as the city lights start to twinkle. Very nice and quiet place. No full hookups, but good bathrooms and showers available. The camp host was knowledgeable about the area and recommended great things to do. Very helpful, very respectful and very friendly. Will definitely stay here again, made our honeymoon trip very memorable! A+ recommend.

    • Madisyn L.
      Camper-submitted photo from Woods Valley Kampground
      Jul. 28, 2024

      Woods Valley Kampground

      So beautiful, quiet, and very nice employees !!

      My fiancé and I were last minute camping and this campground was beautiful, quiet, and very aesthetic! There is a lot to do near by, a very convenient store about 5-10 minutes away called valley center foods! Employees were sooo sweet and friendly! DID NOT DISAPPOINT!! Ps isn’t that expensive when tent camping ⛺️ 🙌🏻

    • Bo L.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
      Jul. 21, 2024

      Oceanside RV Park

      Solid spot for being near the beach

      Nice little site that is right in the middle of everything.

      It's crowded and you don't have much space, but if your using this instead of a hotel room it works great.

      It had a game room and pool so kids had something to do. There were families all over with kids riding bikes. We had a quick stay over while we were seeing family in the area and it worked great .

      Only issue we had is both entrances have a hell of a dip, we scraped the ass end real good going in and out with our 24ft class c.

    • GThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Blue Jay Campground
      Jul. 20, 2024

      Blue Jay Campground

      Hidden gem

      Awesome spot, lots of sights and some even have overlooks of the entire park. Can get crowded but no one was there on a Friday night in July. Bathrooms, trash, water and even buckets to fill to put out your fire. Fire pits, benches and grills nothing more you could want.

    • S
      Camper-submitted photo from Olive Dell Ranch
      Jul. 12, 2024

      Olive Dell Ranch

      Olive Dell Resort

      I have been a member of this place for 20+ years.

      Most times if someone has a problem at the front gate. It because of the many background checks and or any one of the Screening Process...

      The previous review does not mention anything about that factor???? I wonder why??

    • E
      Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
      Jul. 3, 2024

      Manker Campground

      Mankers campground

      We spent 3days and 2nights here and enjoyed our stay, the caretaker was so nice! Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!

    • J
      Camper-submitted photo from Observatory Campground
      Jun. 23, 2024

      Observatory Campground

      Great place! Bad timing!

      The pictures can be deceiving. It’s beautiful there, however, other than the picture showing flat ground, and wide space, this isn’t accurate.

      This time of year, mosquitos and flies everywhere to the point where it really ruined the experience. No matter what sprays, lotions, candles or anything we tried, it was not working.

    • dThe Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
      Jun. 19, 2024

      South Carlsbad State Beach

      Nice Camground!

      Nice campground. Mostly no hookups, but has toilets and fresh water throughout. Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks over looking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites.

    • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach
      Jun. 10, 2024

      San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach

      Nice spots with shade, clean facilities

      Site had tree cover which had some nice shade to provide relief from the sun. Lots of room for a couple vehicles and tents. Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied. Good access to walking and biking trails.

    • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
      Camper-submitted photo from Dogwood
      Jun. 6, 2024

      Dogwood

      Beautiful and Clean

      The place is clean and quiet. Our camp site was very spacious, and it was easy to back in our teardrop trailer. Restroom was cleaned every day, but wished there was some sort of light in there. It is dark in there even in the day. Camp hosts are friendly and knowledgeable. Overall, we had a really great time, my wife and I and our two labradors. We will return.



    Guide to Coto de Caza

    Camping near Coto de Caza, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

    What to do:

    • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. Campers love the easy beach access, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. One reviewer mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
    • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. A visitor shared, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
    • Fishing: Head to Lake Hemet Campground for some fishing. One camper noted, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

    What campers like:

    • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park said, "Bathrooms are cleaned the whole day through."
    • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy the spaciousness of sites at Dogwood Campground. One review mentioned, "Our camp site was very spacious, and it was easy to back in our teardrop trailer."
    • Friendly Staff: Many campgrounds have friendly staff who are helpful. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "Personnel very kind and friendly."

    What you should know:

    • Crowded on Weekends: Some campgrounds can get very busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "The only downside was the bathrooms... did not seem to have any maintenance during our stay."
    • Limited Privacy: Many sites are close together, which can lead to a lack of privacy. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
    • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks, which can be noisy. A visitor at San Mateo Campground noted, "During the weekday you can hear activity from Camp Pendleton."

    Tips for camping with families:

    • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds or activities for kids. One family at Lake Hemet Campground found it great for kids, saying, "Great place for family and kids."
    • Plan for Crowds: If you're camping on weekends, arrive early to secure a good spot. A camper at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground advised, "It can get very crowded and packed."
    • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at San Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, "There’s a small shop/cafe with live music."

    Tips from RVers:

    • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to check if the campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground noted, "Full hookups are available too."
    • Arrive Early for Best Spots: Popular campgrounds fill up fast, so arriving early can help secure a prime location. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs shared, "Crowded on weekends, much less during the week."
    • Be Prepared for Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "Caught a few people walking through my site."

    Camping near Coto de Caza, California, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to mountain adventurers. Just be prepared for crowds and noise, and you'll have a great time!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Coto de Caza, CA?

      According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Coto de Caza, CA is San Clemente State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.

    • What is the best site to find tent camping near Coto de Caza, CA?

      TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Coto de Caza, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.