Tent camping near Huntington Beach, California requires travel to surrounding areas, with most sites located on Catalina Island or in nearby mountain regions. Catalina campgrounds are accessible by ferry service departing from coastal points near Huntington Beach, adding transportation time to camping trips. Winter Creek flows through several inland camping areas, providing water access at higher elevations during the appropriate seasons.
What to do
Snorkeling and paddleboarding: At Two Harbors Campground, the beach is "right off the campground, perfect for snorkeling and paddle boarding. There is also a rental office that can provide you with diving equipment, kayaks, and other fun water activities."
Hiking to waterfalls: A 30-minute hike from Millard Trail Campground leads to a scenic waterfall. The trail offers natural shade even on hot days as "the waterfall trail is nothing but shade provided by the trees foliage and the creek kept our dogs cool as they would jump in and out of the small pools."
Mountain biking trails: China Camp State Park offers extensive trails for cyclists. "Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. There are definitely better mountain biking trails in Marin but keep in mind that the bar is very high for mountain biking in Marin."
What campers like
Wildlife viewing: Catalina Island camping provides opportunities to see native and introduced species. At Hermit Gulch Campground, "there is sooooo much wildlife the frequently visits the campground. In one day we saw deer, quail, woodpeckers and the famous Catalina fox."
Beach camping: The shoreline sites at Parsons Landing Campground offer direct beach access. "Parson's Landing is a super unique campground. I would say it's the only TRUE beach camping I've ever been able to find. The campground is a secluded beach with a rock wall on one end. Site 1 is tucked around next to the wall - very cool!"
Peaceful backcountry settings: Mountain campgrounds near Los Angeles provide quiet retreats. At Hoegees Trail Camp, campers report it "feels completely isolated" despite being relatively close to urban areas. "You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings."
What you should know
Transportation logistics: Getting to Catalina Island requires advance planning. For Two Harbors Campground, "you have to reserve on Reserve America. The sites are pretty expensive and charge by the person. $27-$29 (Winter-Summer pricing) for each person with a $10 reservation fee... You also need to have a boat ticket to take the ferry over and back."
Water availability: Many backcountry sites have limited or no water access. At Black Jack Campground, "outdoor showers only but sites all come with tables, bear boxes and potable water is available."
Weather preparation: Marine fog affects coastal camping areas. At Black Jack Campground, "thick fog soaks everything so use the gear box overnight to keep your stuff dry."
Wildlife concerns: Raccoons and other small animals can be problematic at many campgrounds. At China Camp, "the raccoons here are AGGRESSIVE! They won't attack you, but they will walk right up to your camp and try to steal your food."
Tips for camping with families
Transportation assistance: At China Camp State Park, "wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees. Some sites are along a level trail."
Swimming safety: Exercise caution with children in natural water areas. At China Camp, "BEWARE—WEAR WATER SHOES and be careful if you swim here... Yes, it's shallow and the water is pretty nice... BUT there are tons of sharp rocks and oyster shells bits & pieces."
Campsite selection: At Millard Trail Campground, "there's about six campsites and their first come first serve, no reservations. I went during the week and was the only one camping. This place is heavily used for day camping and hiking."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Huntington Beach don't accommodate RVs. Two Harbors is one of the few that lists RV camping as an option, though tent camping is more common.
Ferry transportation: When bringing RVs to Catalina Island, verify size limitations and fees with ferry services. Larger RVs may not be accommodated on standard passenger ferries.
Alternative coastal options: For RVers seeking beach proximity without ferry transportation, consider mainland sites further from Huntington Beach with proper facilities.
