Best Campgrounds near Fullerton, CA

Several camping options exist near Fullerton, California, though most require a short drive outside the city limits. Fullerton City Park Campground sits closest to town, giving campers a balance of natural settings while staying near urban services. Fullerton Area State Park has larger sites and connects to a network of hiking trails that wind through the hills. The National Forest lands surrounding Fullerton tend to be more basic, with fewer people and more distance between campsites. Families often prefer the Fullerton Recreation Area because it has both bathrooms and tables at each site. Many campers choose Fullerton County Park Campground because it's clean and puts you close to local points of interest. Watch for wildlife in all these areas and store your food properly to keep animals away. During dry periods, fire rules can change quickly, so check what's allowed before lighting anything. Book ahead if you can, as the better spots fill up fast in busy seasons. Most campgrounds now let you reserve online instead of calling. Keep in mind that you typically can't stay longer than two weeks at any one site. Water access varies between campgrounds - some have taps while others require you to bring everything you need. A few of the more developed sites have shower buildings, which helps on longer trips. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable camping weather around Fullerton. Summer gets quite hot, so bring plenty of shade and water. Winter camping works too, but pack extra blankets for the cold nights.

Best Camping Sites Near Fullerton, California (177)

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Recent Reviews near Fullerton, CA

1175 Reviews of 177 Fullerton Campgrounds



Guide to Fullerton

Camping near Fullerton, CA, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly campground or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking and biking: Many campgrounds, like O'Neill Regional Park, have trails for hiking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "This site is great if you like hiking, biking, MTB, and running."
  • Beach access: Campgrounds such as San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach are just a short distance from the beach. A reviewer noted, "Nice campground. 1.5 miles from the ocean."
  • Wildlife watching: Campers at Dogwood Campground enjoy the natural surroundings. One camper shared, "The campground is located in some lush pines in Angeles forest."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs said, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Spacious sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground mentioned, "We camped in site 103 and found it to be an awesome spot."
  • Friendly staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground hosts. One camper at Malibu Creek State Park Campground noted, "The camp hosts are friendly and knowledgeable."

What you should know:

  • Noise levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The campground itself is pretty nice... but there was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."
  • Limited privacy: Many sites are close together, which can affect your camping experience. A camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground said, "It's like camping in your neighbor's lawn."
  • Reservations recommended: Popular campgrounds can fill up quickly, so it's wise to book in advance. A reviewer at Crystal Cove State Park — Moro Campground noted, "Difficult to find availability."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly sites: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. One parent at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground said, "Great overall experience, campgrounds are general and basic."
  • Plan activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A camper at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "Good access to walking and biking trails."
  • Pack snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Dogwood Campground shared, "The bathrooms are very convenient, the water stations make cleaning and refills extremely easy."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site before booking. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "The week days are really quiet... but weekends fill up completely."
  • Bring your own Wi-Fi: Some campgrounds have limited cell service. A visitor at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "Verizon is basically a dead zone in that area."
  • Use dump stations wisely: Know where the dump stations are located. A camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground said, "Dump site was closed this weekend... but with our day pass we were able to use the dump site at San Clemente State Beach."

Camping near Fullerton, CA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Fullerton, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Fullerton, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 177 campgrounds and RV parks near Fullerton, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Fullerton, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Fullerton, CA is Bonelli Bluffs with a 4.4-star rating from 37 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Fullerton, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Fullerton, CA.

What parks are near Fullerton, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Fullerton, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.