Best Campgrounds near Irvine, CA

Irvine, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Irvine is surrounded by family-friendly activities. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Irvine, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Irvine, California (189)

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Recent Reviews near Irvine, CA

1292 Reviews of 189 Irvine Campgrounds



Guide to Irvine

Camping near Irvine, CA, offers a fantastic escape into nature without straying too far from the city. With beautiful beaches and lush parks, there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground. Campers love the easy beach access, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing. One reviewer mentioned, “Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean.”
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. A visitor 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: At Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground, you can fish or rent boats. One camper shared, “Great overall experience, campgrounds are general and basic. A little more irrigation for the plants and trees might not hurt to green up a little dried.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. A happy camper said, “Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind.”
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at Bonelli Bluffs remarked, “Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen.”
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at San Elijo State Beach Campground noted, “The staff of the Camp is so friendly and helpful.”

What you should know:

  • Crowded Campsites: Some campgrounds can get packed, especially on weekends. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground mentioned, “It can get very crowded and packed. Hard to get a site.”
  • Limited Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. For instance, Doheny State Beach Campground has limited options, with one camper stating, “The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy.”
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near highways or busy areas. A camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground noted, “There was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities like playgrounds or nearby activities. One family at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, “The campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat.”
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food or check out local eateries. A camper at San Elijo State Beach Campground said, “There’s a small shop/cafe with live music. Lovely place.”
  • Pack Entertainment: Bring games or outdoor activities to keep kids engaged. A visitor at Malibu Creek State Park Campground noted, “The sites are nicely spaced out, and the hillsides after a lot of rain were green and lush.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Dogwood Campground mentioned, “Our camp site was very spacious, and it was easy to back in our teardrop trailer.”
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground said, “The downer is that I thought our camp spot would be closer to the overlook.”
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some sites may not have water hookups. A visitor at Moro Campground advised, “If you arrive early, you can register, but will be directed to Reef Point back down PCH or to the visitors center in front of the camp entrance.”

Camping near Irvine, CA, has its perks and quirks, but with the right planning, you can have a memorable outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Irvine, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Irvine, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 189 campgrounds and RV parks near Irvine, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Irvine, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Irvine, CA is Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 34 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Irvine, CA?

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

  • What parks are near Irvine, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Irvine, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.