Tammy L.
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ScoutCrystal Cove Beach Cottages — Crystal Cove State Park
Nice view. Hard to book!!!
Camping near Dana Point, CA
10 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Several good camping options sit within driving distance of Dana Point on the California coast. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is 32 miles away with sites right by the ocean where you can fall asleep to the sound of waves. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground has plenty of room between sites and well-maintained bathrooms that families appreciate. Lake Hemet Campground tends to be quieter, with trees and natural surroundings that give campers more privacy. You can hike, fish, or swim at these campgrounds depending on what you like. Book ahead if possible since spots fill up, especially on weekends and during summer. Check if any fire bans are in place before you go. Spring and fall camping near Dana Point works best for most people with comfortable temperatures. Summer gets hot except at the beach spots, while winter brings cooler weather that's actually nice for hiking. Each place has different basics like water and restrooms, so check what's available when you book. These campgrounds work well for groups or families looking for some time outdoors. Remember to clean up your trash to keep these places nice. The area around Dana Point has good views and things to do when you're not at your campsite. Think about what matters most to you when picking which campground to visit.
Best Campgrounds near Dana Point (147)
1. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
"San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."
"Another beautiful gem along the California Coast. Although not on or too near the beach, this campground is truly a lovely spot. All or most of the campsites boast a bit of privacy."
20 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $45 - $250 / night
2. San Clemente State Beach Campground
"California beach camping can be very hard to come by. Unlike some other campgrounds in Southern California this one gives you ample room to move around and set up camp."
"If you’re looking for classic Southern California beach camping with stunning ocean views, this spot is such a good choice."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $45 - $300 / night
3. Doheny State Beach Campground
"This campground is at the edge of the Dana Point Harbor. The sites are small, but many of them are right on the beach. All sites have easy access to the beach. "
"Sweet campsite at Dana point surf break. Had a big crew along for spring break. Super nice but book early!"
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $350 / night
4. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park
"Luckily Booked last minute on reserve California (the worst web thing ever) on site 49. Looks like there is a oven view from every site. Close to beach and shopping."
"There is an elementary school adjacent to the campground so you get a few PA announcements to start your day. There is a small visitor's center on site."
27 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $25 - $75 / night
5. San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping
"The campground is on the bluffs, and nearby Old Man's beach has some of the best beginner's surfing waves in Southern California."
"This military campground is located within walking distance of two world class surfing breaks; Old Man's and Tressels. This campground has a variety of camp spots from tent, RV to cabins."
Check Availabilityfrom $45 / night
6. Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach
"Camping cliff side along the beach in Southern California. The camp grounds are a little cramped. Seem more designed for RV’s and trailers but we don’t mind."
"During the open season on weekends it fills up quickly, during the weekdays it is kind of busy as well but there are still some walk up spaces available."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $45 - $250 / night
7. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
"This campground is amazing, just a few miles from the ocean @ Dana Point. Several hiking trails. Very quiet. Restrooms and showers available plus spiggots near each campsite."
"Tucked on the outskirts of Mission Viejo is an oasis of green grass and groves of the twisting and searching limbs of Coastal Live Oak trees. "
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $25 / night
8. O'Neill Regional Park
"Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers. It says to bring quarters for the showers but they were free. Each site is typical..."
"This is a nice little campground tucked away amidst the hustle and bustle of South Orange County."
Check Availabilityfrom $20 / night
9. Newport Dunes RV Resort
"The grounds are impeccably clean, beautifully maintained, and set in a truly stunning location. Everything feels well cared for and thoughtfully run."
"As we expected, the sites are stacked up next to each other like dominoes with minimal foliage/fencing to separate the sites."
Check Availabilityfrom $75 - $550 / night
10. Crystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park
"its close, so no 2 hour drive needed and its usually got open spots available, even in spring and summer (cause of the 3+ mile hike most likely). wouldn't say it has the best views but good when you just"
"Both Morro locations. Lower is a 3 mile hike with a few steep grades. 13 sites an outhouse and a decent view. This one is normally supporting several groups on weekends. There is no water."
Drive Time
- 59 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 4 min from San Diego, CA
- 1 hr 55 min from Oxnard, CA
- 2 hrs 21 min from El Centro, CA
Recent Camping Photos near Dana Point, CA
282 Photos of 147 Dana Point Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Doheny State Beach CampgroundK
San Clemente State Beach Campground
San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beachl
Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach
San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping
Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State ParkK
Crystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
O'Neill Regional Park
Newport Dunes RV ResortJ
Vintage Surfari Wagons CampersB
Falcon Group Campground
Recent Reviews near Dana Point, CA
1166 Reviews of 147 Dana Point Campgrounds
Sleep with O.ScoutRolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park
Just what I was looking for
- H
Harold W.ScoutSeabreeze At Seal Beach
Beautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
- DDouglas E.
TravelerDel Mar RV Park and Marina
Great military camp site
Very clean. Right in the beach. Good managers. It has been fantastic
- MMaciej P.Traveler
Golden Shore RV Resort
Nice place, can be noisy as it is right next to downtown. Only one building with toilets and showers
- DDouglas E.Traveler
Guajome Regional Park
Nice place
Clean, beautiful, hookups work, bathrooms/showers are clean. The lake is serene. Professional photographers are abound to take wedding and/or family pics here. Really wonderful. I almost don’t want to recommend it to keep others from flooding this gem.
David S.ScoutEscondido RV Resort
Nice, clean, accommodating RV Park with everything. Heated pool, Jacuzzi, laundry room, pet friendly and very nice people who went out of their way to hook us up with a spot . 😁Was going to stay for the 1 night ended up 3 days great atmosphere with everything close by . Highly recommended. 💯
- HHope H.
GuideHermit Gulch Campground
Overall Great!
This is a small campground with a lot of sites packed into it. Thankfully, it was not a full house for any of the days I was there. You can literally hear everything everyone says, every snore, every zipper, every time someone rolls over on their air mattress. There are no sites that are private. That said, I liked the place a lot.
The rangers were super nice and kept the bathrooms clean and stocked and calmly lit at night (not a blazing light). The showers were just the right temperature and cost 25 cents a minute (the first 60-90 seconds are waiting for the hot water).
Each site has access to a food/toiletry storage box. The upper loop sites have their own boxes (I think some of the lower loop sites share bigger boxes), and you can bring a lock (or buy one at Vons) and put anything you want in there or you can use the pay lockers (1.50).
You can definitely walk to town. It will take you 20 minutes, 30 if you are slower paced. The walk back is harder as it is up hill.
I do not recommend site 29, as it has no shade and it is no larger nor more private than the rest of the sites. My site was adjacent to 29 and shaded, the sites directly across from me had even more shade. There are lots of trees in the campground.
- HHope H.Guide
San Clemente State Beach Campground
Sites Near RR Tracks are Ocean View
I didn't book very early but was able to get a site right across from the lifeguard station. The sunset view was quintessential California and maybe even worth the price of admission, which is pretty steep at $53 for tent camping and freeway noise.
The restrooms vary, so if one is particularly distasteful, head to a quieter area of the campground.
RR noise isn't bad, as the crossing is far enough away that the horn blast seems quite distant. I-5 is very noisy however. There are lots of on/off ramps in that area, and with hills to climb it just makes for a lot of engine noise.
Guide to Dana Point
Dana Point camping offers options within 5-15 miles of this Southern California coastal city. The area features low coastal mountains with elevations between sea level and 1,500 feet, creating microclimates that vary between cool coastal zones and warmer inland canyons. Campground reservations often need to be made 3-6 months in advance, especially for beachfront sites during peak summer season.
What to do
Surf at Trestles Beach: A 1.5-mile hiking trail from San Mateo Campground leads to this popular surf spot. "Clean campground, most of the spots are super private! A fun little hike (1.5 miles) to the walk until tresels beach... The beach is beautiful, great for surfing!" notes Brianne S.
Hike No Name Ridge: This trail stretches across two parks and offers sunset viewing opportunities. At Crystal Cove State Park, "The best trail here stretches across the two parks -- No Name Ridge!! Amazing for EPIC SUNSETS!" says Chanel C.
Explore marine life: Low tide reveals ocean creatures along the shoreline. "The ocean wildlife is so cool, and at low tide you can see octopus, starfish, and all kinds of small fish/crabs," according to Andy H. who camped at San Onofre Recreation Beach.
Bike the Back Bay: The Newport area offers extensive paved trails for cyclists. "There are fantastic running/bike trails along the Back Bay," mentions Karissa J. about her stays at Newport Dunes RV Resort.
What campers like
Ocean proximity: Beachfront sites offer direct water access and nighttime ambiance. "I love the sound of the waves and the fog horn. There are great bike trails to ride on," says Karissa J. about Doheny State Beach.
Tiered campsites: Some campgrounds use terrain to maximize views. At Crystal Cove State Park, "The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean," explains Elly A.
Less crowded beaches: Certain campgrounds access more secluded shorelines. "You can't hear the freeway traffic. The beach is uncrowded, plus every camp site has a fire ring and picnic table," notes Terree R. about San Onofre State Beach.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were being cleaned frequently... spotless," says Amy H. about her February stay at Crystal Cove.
What you should know
Ant problems: Several campers report persistent ant issues at San Mateo. "We made the mistake of not being prepared for the ANTS!!! We learned that comet around all points of contact with the ground keeps them down," warns C M.
Challenging beach access: Some beach paths require careful navigation. "You can get to the beach if you're down to wade through 2-3 feet of still water that puddles under the highway underpass," explains Chanel C.
Reservation windows: Most state parks open reservations 6 months ahead at 8:00 am, with spots filling within minutes. Caspers Wilderness County Park offers more flexibility: "Part of OC Parks so getting a campsite is relatively easy compared to other online booking systems. We're usually able to book a site 2 weeks before we decide to go," says Chanel C.
Noise factors: Highway and railroad proximity can affect some campgrounds. "The campground is a little further from the beach than I expected... It's also very quiet as soon as the sun sets... everyone ends up going to bed around 8pm as to not disturb your VERY close neighbors," notes a Crystal Cove reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds have dedicated play areas. At O'Neill Regional Park, Johnny G. reports, "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."
Beach equipment: Inflatable water toys and rentals enhance the experience for kids. "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. about Newport Dunes.
Wildlife viewing: Several parks offer opportunities to see local animals. At Caspers Wilderness Park, campers report "Lots of wilderness sighting in the park -- snakes, deer" and "Plenty of squirrels, bunnies, the occasional deer and coyotes at night."
Sun protection: Coastal campgrounds often lack natural shade. "There are no shade structures or large trees, so definitely bring a canopy in the summer," advises Elly A. about Crystal Cove.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV site amenities vary significantly between campgrounds. At San Clemente State Beach, Paul N. notes they offer "Dry camping with a dump station available," while O'Neill Regional Park provides "Free dump station" according to Mike G.
Site spacing: Some RV areas pack units close together. Ray S. at Newport Dunes advises, "Be fully aware that these spaces can be very tight," though he still rated it highly overall.
Electric needs: Some parks have specific power requirements. James reports about Caspers Wilderness Park: "Lovely campsite with all sites on 30a + water spigot... Sites are pretty level, gravel and of a good size. My 24' + truck can fit lengthwise with room behind and plenty to the side."
Water considerations: Water availability can change seasonally. "The water is off for the time being. The dump station is very close by and easy to access," notes Ronald about Ortega Flats campground at Caspers Wilderness Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best campgrounds near Dana Point?
Where are the best campgrounds near Dana Point?
The Dana Point area offers several excellent camping options. Doheny State Beach Campground is a top choice with beachfront sites and easy access to Dana Point Harbor. Just a few miles inland, Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park provides a quieter experience with hiking trails and abundant wildlife. Other popular options within a short drive include San Clemente State Beach, San Mateo Campground, and O'Neill Regional Park. Each offers unique amenities from beach access to canyon views, making the Dana Point region a versatile camping destination for both coastal and wilderness experiences.
Are there any campsites directly in Dana Point?
Are there any campsites directly in Dana Point?
Doheny State Beach Campground is the only campground located directly in Dana Point. Situated at the edge of Dana Point Harbor, this popular campground offers 122 sites, many right on the beach with easy ocean access. The campground is within walking distance to both the harbor and beach activities. Sites in the middle of the campground tend to be smaller with less privacy, while the outer edge sites offer more space. While Doheny is the sole camping option within Dana Point proper, several other excellent campgrounds are available within a short drive of the city.
What RV parks and camping options are available in Dana Point?
What RV parks and camping options are available in Dana Point?
Dana Point offers limited but quality RV camping options. Doheny State Beach Campground accommodates RVs with beachfront access, though sites can be tight. For more spacious RV amenities near Dana Point, Pechanga RV Resort provides modern facilities with proximity to a casino, restaurants, and golf course. Another nearby option is Newport Dunes RV Resort, offering waterfront sites with full hookups. These RV parks provide varying levels of amenities from basic to resort-style, with most requiring reservations well in advance, especially during summer months.
Can you camp on the beach in Dana Point?
Can you camp on the beach in Dana Point?
Yes, you can camp on the beach at Doheny State Beach Campground, the only location in Dana Point offering true beachfront camping. Many sites are positioned right on the sand with direct beach access. For additional beach camping options near Dana Point, San Onofre State Beach offers sites along the bluffs with beach access. These beachfront sites are extremely popular and typically require reservations months in advance, especially during summer. Note that while camping is permitted in designated campgrounds, overnight sleeping directly on public beaches outside of established campgrounds is prohibited throughout Dana Point and Orange County.
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