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Best Campgrounds near Irvine, CA

1,353 Reviews

Coastal campgrounds around Irvine, California provide access to both beachfront and inland recreation opportunities. Crystal Cove State Park's Moro Campground, located in Laguna Beach, features tiered campsites with ocean views and accommodates tents, RVs, and glamping setups. Newport Dunes RV Resort offers waterfront sites with full hookups for RVs and cabin rentals just 10 miles northwest of Irvine. O'Neill Regional Park in Trabuco Canyon provides a more rustic camping experience with both drive-in and hike-in tent and RV sites approximately 15 miles east of Irvine.

Campgrounds in the region typically require reservations well in advance, especially for weekend and summer stays when beach campgrounds fill quickly. "Beautiful sunsets! We stayed February 5th and 6th at site #23 but it looked like most of the sites had great views of the Pacific," noted one visitor about Crystal Cove State Park. The coastal location means morning fog and marine layers are common, particularly in May and June. Many campgrounds have specific regulations regarding campfires - several coastal sites like Crystal Cove prohibit wood or charcoal fires but allow propane fire pits. Most established campgrounds provide water hookups, restrooms, and showers, though primitive backcountry sites in Crystal Cove require hikers to pack in their own water.

State beach campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for their ocean views and proximity to beach access, though highway noise can be noticeable at some coastal locations. According to reviews, Crystal Cove's campground is "divided into an upper and lower section of sites" with varying amenities and views. Campgrounds farther inland like O'Neill Regional Park offer more shade and protection from coastal winds. Family-friendly amenities include picnic tables, nearby hiking trails, and clean facilities. Several visitors mentioned appreciating the combination of natural settings with proximity to urban conveniences - many campgrounds are within short driving distance to grocery stores, restaurants, and other services while still providing a sense of outdoor escape in the densely populated Orange County area.

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Best Camping Sites Near Irvine, California (197)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    $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."

    2. O'Neill Regional Park

    32 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.  "

    3. 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."

    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

    53 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $45 - $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

    39 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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Recent Camping Photos near Irvine, CA

395 Photos of 197 Irvine Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Irvine, CA

1353 Reviews of 197 Irvine Campgrounds

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    Busy beach camping

    This is a busy area for atv's and dirt bikes. No official camping areas, just find a spot in the sand. There was loud music around but it ended at a respectful time and staff was friendly. Very windy.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 4, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Campsite with playground

    Pretty average campsites with playground and clean bathrooms. Very windy roads in and out.

  • April H.
    Nov. 3, 2025

    South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    Quintessential SoCal Beach

    My upfront disclaimer is I knew what to expect.  It's easy to reserve these sites online at reservecalifornia.com but they go very quickly.  After waiting in line on the northbound PCH (Pacific Coast Highway) it was slow going driving in as any RV in front of you typically has some maneuvering to do to get settled in its site.  There is almost no privacy as the campground is situated on a bluff over looking the ocean and so any growth is scrub.  They have all the standard amenities including showers which cost extra.  You must buy tokens at a machine so be sure to buy enough as each token is only worth a very few minutes. (I still have a couple leftover from this trip)  The camp sites are dirt.  There is a camp store along with a restaurant with a limited menu.  They have tables with umbrellas at the edge of the bluff with an unbeatable view of the ocean.  They also have live entertainment-you'll need to check to see what & when.  The fire rings are tall, about 3' tall, which I didn't care for.  Hard to sit around that kind of fire.  There was also a sign posted warning campers of the hot items for theft.  The campground is arranged in 2 rows-one at the edge of the bluff and one inland.  The inland row is very close to the PCH so there's noise.   As far as camping experiences go, this is not the best.  But I didn't go there for a great "camping" experience; I went there to be in walking distance of a beautiful beach.  That did not disappoint!  Be advised-the walk to the beach is down a cliff and involves a lot of steps.

  • Vin W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 3, 2025

    Canyon RV Park

    Still a wonderful spot close to Orange County

    I have gone to long term RV and took a chance here. I came at night, and was frustrated with the traffic to just enter the park. It wasn't until the next morning that I began to appreciate the surroundings. The freeway noise became soothing. The showers clean, the grass maintained. Easy to access dump stations, fairly modern electrical hookups. Lots of families, people in golf carts, bicycles on trails. Wildlife including Blue Herons eating gophers, squirrels and coyotes. I would return here.

  • Frank M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Nice campground

    It's a very nice campground about an hours drive from the beach and other tourist attractions. Usually sold out every weekend. The road to get there can be dangerous. Some wannabe race drivers and commuters avoiding crowded freeways will NOT tolerate anyone doing the speed limit and will pass regardless of the danger.

  • L
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Deer loop

    Had an amazing time, unbeknownst to us deer loop was closed after we booked it in June. We ended up having the whole loop to ourselves. We come here about 5 times a year and never have issues.

  • Emily L.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort

    Horrible experience!

    Came to this park to relax, and was was kept awake all night by the sound of several cats fighting outside. Why wouldn't management do something about the stray cats? Just to see this many cats makes this park feel urban or ghetto. Great park if you don't need to sleep...

  • Anna X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Pacific touch :)

    Nice place very close to the beach with amazing Pacific view. All connections in place; sites very close to each other; a bit loud due to airport nearby. Very friendly staff. In overall good experience and recommend it :)

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Wish we could stay longer this trip

    We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups. We will be back for sure, especially since it's less than an hour from home.

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

Where is Irvine Lake camping located and is it still open?

Irvine Lake camping is no longer available to the public. The lake, located in Silverado in eastern Orange County, reopened for fishing in 2019, but camping facilities remain closed. For camping near Irvine, consider O'Neill Regional Park which is only 20-30 minutes from Irvine with clean, well-maintained facilities. The park offers hiking and biking trails in a canyon setting. Another option is Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, also within a short drive from Irvine, providing a more remote wilderness experience in Orange County.

What lakeside camping areas near Irvine offer fishing opportunities?

While Irvine Lake itself no longer offers camping, there are several lakeside camping options with fishing near Irvine. Bonelli Bluffs at Puddingstone Lake in San Dimas offers camping with fishing opportunities about 30 minutes from Irvine. The campground provides lake access and is family-friendly, though some visitors note it lacks playground facilities. For those willing to drive a bit further, Lake Campground in the San Bernardino National Forest provides a more natural setting for fishing. Most of these locations require a California fishing license, and some may have additional site-specific permits.

What are the best beach camping options near Irvine, CA?

Several excellent beach camping options are available within an hour's drive of Irvine. Doheny State Beach Campground offers beachfront camping with spacious sites along the campground's edge, though middle sites can be tight. For a quintessential Southern California beach experience, South Carlsbad State Beach Campground provides stunning ocean views and access to local shopping and restaurants. Other notable options include Bolsa Chica State Beach for RV camping with electric and water hookups, and San Clemente State Beach which offers a beautiful coastal setting. Reservations are highly recommended for all beach campgrounds, especially during summer months.

Are there cabins or full hookup campgrounds available near Irvine?

Pechanga RV Resort offers full hookup sites with excellent facilities including access to a pool, restaurants, and is located near Southern California wine country. Though it's about an hour from Irvine, the resort provides a luxurious camping experience. Closer to Irvine, Newport Dunes RV Resort features full hookups in a waterfront setting with resort amenities. For cabin options, several private campgrounds in the region offer cabin rentals, though they're limited compared to RV sites. Orangeland RV Park in Orange and Anaheim Harbor RV Park also provide full hookup options within a short drive from Irvine, both conveniently located near major attractions.

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