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Best Campgrounds near Dana Point, CA

1,034 Reviews

Dana Point camping in Southern California gives you several options along the coast. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground sits right on the ocean with sites that work well for families. You'll find restrooms, showers, and picnic areas there, which makes camping by the beach pretty straightforward. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground is further inland and good for fishing and boating trips. The campground has flush toilets and drinking water available. Lake Hemet Campground in the San Jacinto Mountains has shady sites and hiking trails you can access easily. It's quieter than the coastal areas if you want to get away from crowds. Weather around Dana Point changes with the seasons - summers can get hot while winters are cooler and more pleasant. You should book sites ahead of time, especially if you're planning to camp during busy seasons. Fire restrictions might be in place during dry periods for safety reasons. Since wildlife is common in these camping areas, store your food properly. All campers need to follow Leave No Trace practices to keep these natural places in good shape. The Dana Point area has beach, lake, and mountain camping spots that fit different camping preferences.

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Best Camping Sites Near Dana Point, California (131)

    1. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $250 / night

    "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."

    2. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    2 miles

    $50 - $350 / night

    "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!"

    3. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-3156

    $45 - $300 / night

    "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."

    "The hardcore surfing nomads stealth camp in their bubble-top vans outside of the park on the streets. Walking distance to Cottons point for surfing and to hangout among the beach huts."

    4. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    $75 / night

    "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."

    5. San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    20 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 763-7263

    $45 / night

    "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."

    6. Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    20 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $250 / night

    "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."

    7. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    22 Reviews
    Coto de Caza, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2210

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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.  "

    8. O'Neill Regional Park

    29 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2260

    $20 / night

    "It's tucked back in the canyon, but you will still hear all the traffic from the road. Since it is a canyon, many loud cars and motorcycles zoom past at high speeds. 

    Free dump station.  "

    "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..."

    9. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    Newport Beach, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 765-7661

    $75 - $550 / night

    "As we expected, the sites are stacked up next to each other like dominoes with minimal foliage/fencing to separate the sites."

    "There's a nice bike trail that circles around the bay, which is great for kids. Also, lots of amenities for families, including playgrounds, water toys, movie nights and fire pits."

    10. Crystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park

    6 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 494-3539

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Dana Point, CA

268 Photos of 131 Dana Point Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Dana Point, CA

1034 Reviews of 131 Dana Point Campgrounds

Guide to Dana Point

Camping near Dana Point, California, offers a fantastic mix of ocean views, outdoor activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites."
  • Biking and Running: The area has excellent bike lanes and trails. A reviewer noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing and Water Sports: Campers can enjoy fishing at places like Lake Hemet Campground. One visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park are praised for their stunning ocean views. A camper said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review stated, "The bathrooms are very clean, and the showers are coin-operated but didn't take many coins to get a decent warm shower."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A visitor at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach noted, "The staff were also friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get quite busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "The only downside was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty."
  • Limited Hookups: Many sites, like those at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground, may not have full hookups. A camper shared, "If you are in an RV, you will be fine. As a tent camper, the spots are tiny, with zero privacy."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds are near busy roads or train tracks, which can be noisy. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "The train is loud, but passes seldom."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities for kids. A reviewer at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, "The campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. One camper noted, "Great mountain bike or hiking trail about 5-6mi loop."
  • Pack Snacks: Having food options on hand can help avoid trips to the store. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground suggested, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Moro Campground mentioned, "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you prefer quieter spots, try to book during the week. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground said, "The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."
  • Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: Some campgrounds may have limited cell service. A camper at Dogwood Campground noted, "The campgrounds were close to Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel, it’s about a 30-45 minute drive."

With these insights, you're all set for a great camping experience near Dana Point!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Dana Point, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dana Point, CA is San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 52 reviews.

What parks are near Dana Point, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Dana Point, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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