San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
Nice biking ride to highway 101
Very relaxing place to stay. Good amenities and very friendly staff.
Campgrounds near Fullerton, California cluster along the coastal areas and inland parks, offering diverse accommodation types from tent camping to full-service RV resorts. The region includes established facilities like Anaheim Harbor RV Park located just minutes from popular attractions, and Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas which provides lakeside recreation. Most campgrounds support both tent and RV camping, with several locations like Newport Dunes RV Resort also offering cabin and glamping options. The camping landscape encompasses beach-adjacent properties, regional parks with natural settings, and urban-adjacent facilities that serve as convenient basebases for exploring Southern California.
Road access throughout the region is generally well-maintained with paved entrances to major campgrounds, though some beach locations have limited parking. Reservations are essential at most locations, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends when beach campgrounds quickly reach capacity. "It is difficult to get a spot here, usually we have been able to grab a spot when there have been a few days of rain and people will tend to cancel their spots," noted one visitor about Doheny State Beach. Weather remains mild year-round with occasional winter rains and morning coastal fog, making spring and fall ideal camping seasons with more moderate temperatures and fewer crowds. Most facilities provide drinking water, toilets, and fire rings, though fire restrictions may apply during dry seasons.
Campers highlight the unique ability to access both beach environments and mountain terrain within short driving distances. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the proximity to urban amenities while still enjoying natural settings. Beach campgrounds such as Bolsa Chica State Beach offer "beachfront camping in the heart of southern California" with "concrete/asphalt sites with water electric and dump station." For those seeking more seclusion, inland options like O'Neill Regional Park provide hiking trails and natural surroundings, described by one camper as "great if you like hiking, biking, MTB, and running. It is very clean, and the showers are free and clean as well." Many campgrounds in Orange County serve dual purposes as recreational destinations and convenient bases for visiting theme parks, beaches, and other Southern California attractions.
$76 - $88 / night
"Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."
"The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"
$55 - $70 / night
"Nice bathrooms and hot showers with laundry on location. Good amount of space between sites. Very short drive or 20ish minute walk to Disneyland. Extremely helpful and kind staff."
"Park is within walking to the Disneyland park. The tent sites are very small with a picnic table and AstroTurf."
$75 - $90 / night
"Anaheim transit makes on-demand stops her to Disneyland as well as Garden Walk. Very helpful, friendly staff. Many residents mixed with overnight era or vacationers. "
"First time staying here, it will be our place to stay in California."
$47 - $120 / night
"I grew up around in the area so I have been to this park quite a few times for a few different reasons. It is a very expansive and versatile area."
"It's a nice park great for long walks and trail riding on bikes great for the dog 🐕 also a bit windy so you need to keep a eye on your awning, great cell service with at&t ."
$60 - $70 / night
"Beachfront camping in the heart of southern California. Concrete/asphalt sites with water electric and dump station. Adjacent to PCH so road noise but steps away from great sand beaches."
"Super convenient beach front parking with good restrooms and outdoor showers as well as a beach path perfect for walking, biking, rollerblading, etc."
$30 - $120 / night
"This is a nice, small campground with easy access to many freeways. "
"That probably makes sense since a side entrance is only a mile down the road from us. We hike this several times a month."
$75 - $550 / night
"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."
$25 - $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."
$35 - $175 / night
"You won't be able to drive up to your campsite. You have to carry your gear in a short distance from the parking lot."
"Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. "
"Awesome park, clean, level paved pads with a parking space..nice amenities, small NEX nearby. Wildlife reserve adjacent to the park made it nice for walking the dogs, too"
"Very clean, cement slab, walking paths well lit and near to many areas to explore. Wetlands on the base and birds galore."











Very relaxing place to stay. Good amenities and very friendly staff.
I went with my family for my birthday. My daughters loved the campground. Easy walk to the lake. My wife enjoy the luxury of having a nearby bathroom/ shower with warm water. It’s a good choice for families
The Views are fantastic sites are rugged but very cool locations, This is mainly a Hike in CG most of the time and better have some serious clearance to get there even when the road is open in summer, BUT very worth it!
Camping at the beach in LA! Large country campground that has sites designed for motorhomes and sites designed for travel trailers and fifth wheels. It asphalt campsites, but you’re at the BEACH! My only complaints are the electrical was not working properly, (I had to connect to 30A instead of 50A), and people don’t pick up after themselves.
first, as a drop in you can‘t stay more then two nights even if they have room!
second, annually pool maintenance in spring break! without information when checking in, and it’s not a cheap one and i chose it for the pool! no information no discount, had to beg to at least get a poolchair, so much gras to chill no chairs!
third the showers are only dripping and i was the only one showering! again, not a cheap place!
and fourth, WIFI does never connect, really for a campground with this price, every cheap one has better WIFI and some people need it as internationals!
Awesome area great service good vibes but I will say that there are to many city people who come to drink and not follow the rules of the campground
Overall the CG is fine everything you need just fine, Location is okay Beach 5 miles away many trails to hike and the Valley shopping and other Typical So cal things are 20 minutes away and L.A. is 35 minutes away (with no traffic). but That locaion is what makes the death of this place.with over 1 million (not exaggerating) having immediate access to this place and it not over all restful experience, and is just too darn PEOPLY!!
ThisThis RV Park is downright dangerous to camp at and is an absolute trash dump. The electrical supplies are not safe to plug into they have reverse polarity and if you plug into them it's going to blow all your appliances your air conditioner and all your Outlets. We sustained thousands of dollars worth of damage to our RV before an electrician told us what the problem was reverse polarity is when the wiring is incorrect and it can cause dangerous surges that can destroy your unit. There are stray animals running around the park everywhere there are old broken down RVs old broken down cars it's full of drug addicts the shower facilities are disgusting this place is nothing like the website you cannot afford to stay here for even one night.
Nice campground with sites on the beach!
Camping spots near Fullerton, California offer a mix of urban-adjacent facilities and more secluded natural environments within a 30-mile radius. The region experiences mild daytime temperatures year-round, typically ranging from 65-85°F, though summer days can exceed 90°F at inland campgrounds. Elevation varies dramatically from sea level beach campgrounds to inland sites reaching 1,500 feet in the nearby hills.
Mountain biking and hiking trails: Bonelli Bluffs offers extensive trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more," notes Jessica P., highlighting the diverse recreational options.
Kayaking at inland lakes: Several parks feature calm waters ideal for paddling. At Prado Regional Park, visitors can enjoy lake activities when conditions permit. "This one is to die for when it comes to kayaking," mentions one camper about the water access.
Beach activities and swimming: Coastal campgrounds provide ocean access and swimming opportunities. At Crystal Cove State Park, campers can explore tide pools and rock formations. "Lots of fun things along the beach to look at like tide pools and rock formations," notes a visitor, adding to the coastal experience.
Proximity to attractions: Campgrounds serve as convenient bases for visiting regional highlights. At Anaheim Harbor RV Park, campers appreciate the location. "Perfect spot to stay in central orange county. Nice amenities. Clean bathrooms. well functioning rv hook ups," shares Scott O., highlighting its central position.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The natural settings support diverse wildlife. At Rolling M. Ranch Campground, campers enjoy animal sightings. "And it was mostly quiet, except when people arrived mid-day... But after they left I got to enjoy some solitude, do a little birdwatching, and at night was treated to owls and coyotes calling," reports William S.
Orange picking at specialty RV parks: Some facilities offer unique agricultural experiences. At Orangeland RV Park, visitors can harvest fresh fruit. "Super friendly staff, super clean, 2 dog parks, offers really good wifi & cable. Can pick the oranges out of the tree," shares Alivia R. about this distinctive feature.
Reservation challenges: Popular sites fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. Booking well in advance is essential, particularly for weekend stays at coastal campgrounds.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise due to proximity to highways. One visitor to Bolsa Chica State Beach warns, "Great location. I mean what can I say to diminish a beach spot for 60 bucks? How about a motorcycle passing right outside your bedroom window at 12,000 rpm every two minutes all night long?"
Terrain and site conditions: Site surfaces vary widely across the region. At Bonelli Bluffs, campers note terrain differences: "Awesome for RVs but maybe not the best for tent camping... as for they do have the tent camping on the steep incline and not too many sites but for RVs couldn't be happier."
Water features for children: Seek campgrounds with swimming pools or splash pads. Prado Regional Park offers family-friendly water activities. "Playground and splash pad kept the youngins entertained," notes one parent about the facilities for children.
Beach campgrounds with amenities: Coastal options provide both entertainment and convenience. At Newport Dunes RV Resort, families find dedicated activities. "We stay here every year. 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," explains Karissa J.
Wildlife education opportunities: Some parks offer natural settings for wildlife observation. A visitor to Rolling M. Ranch Campground shares: "Lots of trails to hike very pretty in the winter,spring.been there in the fall and not a lot in summer.it has restrooms and showers and water."
Site selection considerations: RV sites vary in size, layout, and amenities. At Anaheim Harbor RV Park, one RVer advises, "Try to stay closer to Struck and the western side," while another recommends, "Get a deluxe site if you can. The standard sites are essentially a large parking spot in a paved parking lot."
Utility hookups and facilities: Understanding electrical capacities helps ensure compatibility. Crystal Cove State Park provides limited services. "We had 30/50 amp electrical and water. Dump station is on your way out, with 3 stations in that row," reports Patrick J., detailing the available utilities.
Managing seasonal conditions: Prepare for weather variations throughout the year. The coastal campgrounds often experience morning fog, while inland sites can reach high temperatures in summer months, requiring adequate cooling systems and water supplies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there campgrounds with fire pits near Fullerton?
San Clemente State Beach Campground offers spacious sites with fire rings and ocean views, making it perfect for evening campfires along the coast. The campground provides ample room to set up camp while enjoying coastal breezes. Inland, Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park features fire rings amid coastal live oak groves, creating a secluded natural setting for campfires despite being close to urban areas. Fire restrictions may apply during dry seasons or high fire danger periods, so always check current regulations before your visit. Most campgrounds in the region require fires to be contained within designated fire rings or pits for safety reasons.
What are the best fall camping options in Fullerton?
Fall offers ideal camping weather near Fullerton with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Doheny State Beach Campground provides beachfront camping with more favorable conditions in autumn when coastal winds typically diminish. For a mountain experience, Little Jimmy Trail Campground in the Angeles National Forest offers a backcountry experience with cooler temperatures and beautiful fall scenery. This hike-in campground sits just 2 miles off Angeles Crest Highway with first-come, first-served sites featuring fire rings and vault toilets. Fall is also perfect for visiting inland parks like Bonelli Bluffs, where the summer heat has subsided, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Where can I find camping spots in Fullerton?
While Fullerton itself doesn't have campgrounds within city limits, several excellent options exist within a 30-minute drive. O'Neill Regional Park in nearby Trabuco Canyon offers clean sites with free showers, hiking trails, and mountain biking opportunities. It's tucked into a canyon setting that feels removed from urban life. For beach camping, Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground provides beachfront sites with water, electric hookups, and a dump station. Its proximity to Fullerton makes it convenient for day trips to attractions like Disneyland while still enjoying coastal camping. Other options include Anaheim Harbor RV Park and Orangeland RV Park in Orange for those with recreational vehicles.
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