Best Campgrounds near Irvine, CA

Irvine, California has several good camping spots within driving distance. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground accommodates both tent and RV campers and includes basic restrooms and shower facilities. Crystal Cove State Park sits along the coast, with trails leading to great ocean lookouts. The Moro Campground at Crystal Cove has clean sites and good facilities for overnight stays. You can drive right up to these campgrounds on paved roads. Watch for deer and local birds around your campsite, and store your food properly to avoid attracting wildlife. The weather stays fairly mild throughout the year, though summers can get hot. Camping during winter months brings cooler temperatures that make hiking more comfortable. Both places fill up quickly, so book your spot ahead of time. If you camp at Lake Perris, you can go boating or fishing during your stay. Crystal Cove campers can easily walk to the beach for swimming or checking out tide pools. These camping areas work well for both tent and RV setups, and they're not far from Irvine. Before heading out, look up the current rules for each campground to make sure you're prepared.

Best Camping Sites Near Irvine, California (188)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    8 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."

    2. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    Newport Beach, CA
    8 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."

    3. O'Neill Regional Park

    30 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2260

    $20 / night

    "You can be camping 20-30 mins away from Irvine. Facilities are clean and well maintained."

    "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.  "

    4. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    16 miles

    $50 - $350 / night

    "I frequently stay at this site since it's close to my house and on the beach. 

    THE SITES:

    The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."

    "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.  "

    5. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    22 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."

    6. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

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

    $20 - $25 / night

    "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.  "

    "Rangers at entrance to check for pets (not allowed) and where you can buy bundles of wood for $5 if you want. Technically not allowed to bring in outside wood."

    7. Anaheim Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Anaheim, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 535-6495

    $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."

    8. Orangeland RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Anaheim, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 633-0414

    $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."

    9. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    19 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 846-3460

    $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."

    10. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    22 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 188 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Irvine, CA

1304 Reviews of 188 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 188 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 35 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.