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.
The Moro campground, which is located on a bluff top with unparalleled ocean views, features 27 hookup sites, 30 non-hookup tent sites, both of which include 3 ADA-accessible sites each. We also feature primitive hike-in camping in our backcountry, which has 32 sites spread out across 3 areas. Although it does require a strenuous hike, it provides a peaceful refuge from the urban surroundings.
$75 / night
Details here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/647/files/SanMateo082609.pdf San Mateo Campground lies a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the campground to Trestles Beach, a world class surfing site. San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities include an RV sanitation station, hot, coin-operated indoor showers, and flush toilets. Below are listed a few park rules that will assist you in having a fun and save visit. San Onofre - San Mateo Campground is at 830 Cristianitos, San Clemente, CA, 92672 a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach. A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the San Mateo camping site to “Trestles Beach,” the world class surfing site. Surfers using redwood boards have visited San Onofre since at least the 1940s; San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. RV Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities includes a dump-station, hot indoor showers, and flush toilets. Camping is available year-round.
$250 / night
North Loop (sites 1-59, 120, 122)
$50 - $350 / night
The Arroyo campground offers 79 campsites varying in size to accommodate RVs or tent camping for up to eight people per site. Reservations for individual sites can be made online, by phone or in person. The park offers eight large group campsites for parties of 17 or more and five equestrian campsites, each equipped with horse corrals, barbeques and fire pits. Reservations for groups of 17 or more can be made by calling the park office at (949) 923-2260.
$20 / night
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is located in the heart of Newport Beach CA, along the scenic Back Bay. Our laid-back lux resort offers RV campers access to the same amenities as any hotel guest plus more, including beach access, hydrotherapy pools, beachfront dining, hiking & biking trails, water sports, and one of SoCal’s largest inflatable water park (summer season). We offer planned activities for families to take part in. Allow us to be your basecamp for everything Newport Beach and Orange County has to offer.
$75 - $550 / night
CAMPING AND PICNICKING The family campground sits high atop the bluffs. Each of 160 sites has a fire ring and picnic table. Water faucets are nearby. The family campground has 72 RV spots, with electric and water hookups.
ACCESSIBLE FEATURES • Restrooms, showers, seven campsites, the visitor center, the Butterfly and Multi-Use Trails, and picnic sites near parking are accessible. Assistance may be needed on the steep trails to the beach. • Accessibility in state parks is continually improving. For recent updates, visit
Two group-camping areas can each hold 50 people. Each campground has hot showers, flush toilets, and sinks. Group camp #1 holds up to 20 RVs; Group camp #2 takes tent-only campers with a maximum of 10 vehicles. A picnic area displays sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean from bluffs 150 feet above the beach. Two group picnic areas are also available. The visitor center adjoins the 200-space parking area.
San Clemente State Beach camping is located at the south end of the city of San Clemente, California. The area around San Clemente is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. The city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea." Visitors are attracted to the San Clemente area for its intense winds and dramatic location.
San Clemente has been a California state beach since 1937 and is popular among water sport enthusiasts, and anyone who wishes to escape from inland heat and nearby metropolitan areas for the day. The beautiful mile long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff.
$45 - $300 / night
Lakeside camping in LA county is possible at Bonelli Bluffs RV resort and campground in San Dimas, California! Our lush property is much more than a place to pull into and rest your head. It's a community surrounded by majestic mountain views, lush landscapes, and resort-style amenities. Vacations should feel special and revitalizing - at Bonelli Bluffs, it's easy.
We're located just 45 minutes east of Los Angeles, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Here, Bonelli Bluffs offers a peaceful reprieve from city life. Come enjoy nature, relax and explore the nearby attractions in San Dimas, California. Moreover, you don't even need to leave the campgrounds to have a good time. Our amenities include a beach-front park, two sparkling pools, outdoor fire pits, and activities galore.
While the natural beauty and views bring most visitors to Bonelli Bluffs, the nearby town of San Dimas is also highly appealing. Here, and in the nearby town of Pomona, you'll discover fantastic restaurants, shops and plenty to see and do.
So, if you're looking for the perfect place to bring your RV or to pitch a tent and camp, you've found it at Bonelli Bluffs. Moreover, we offer hundreds of sites on our 2,000 acres of meticulously preserved campgrounds for RVs and tents. Visit our RV resort in San Dimas, California, to experience the beauty for yourself.
$76 - $88 / night
While the park does now have water, the showers remain closed. Water is limited, though, so please plan accordingly.
Caspers Wilderness Park is an 8,000 acre protected wilderness preserve nestled among the river terraces and sandstone canyons of the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains. The park's many fertile valleys are overtly complemented by specimen groves of native Coastal Live Oak and magnificent stands of California Sycamore. These areas are further accentuated by seasonal wildflower displays and running streams. Wildlife is abundant and can be readily viewed from any of the park's numerous trails.
$20 - $25 / night
This park is loaded with outdoor recreation and adventure offering, fishing, camping, hiking, biking and nature trails, splash pad, disc golf and outstanding picnic facilities are just a sampling of what this park has to offer.
Prado Regional Park offers many options of camping and is dog-friendly. There are many camping options as well as amenities to enjoy with family and friends.
75 full hookup sites
Group tent camping
Tents & RV’s all sizes
Dump station
Hot showers and restrooms
ADA accessible restrooms
Fire rings
$47 - $120 / night
Campground (sites 32-57)
$60 - $70 / night
The Moro campground, which is located on a bluff top with unparalleled ocean views, features 27 hookup sites, 30 non-hookup tent sites, both of which include 3 ADA-accessible sites each. We also feature primitive hike-in camping in our backcountry, which has 32 sites spread out across 3 areas. Although it does require a strenuous hike, it provides a peaceful refuge from the urban surroundings.
$75 / night
Details here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/647/files/SanMateo082609.pdf San Mateo Campground lies a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the campground to Trestles Beach, a world class surfing site. San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities include an RV sanitation station, hot, coin-operated indoor showers, and flush toilets. Below are listed a few park rules that will assist you in having a fun and save visit. San Onofre - San Mateo Campground is at 830 Cristianitos, San Clemente, CA, 92672 a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach. A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the San Mateo camping site to “Trestles Beach,” the world class surfing site. Surfers using redwood boards have visited San Onofre since at least the 1940s; San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. RV Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities includes a dump-station, hot indoor showers, and flush toilets. Camping is available year-round.
$250 / night
North Loop (sites 1-59, 120, 122)
$50 - $350 / night
The Arroyo campground offers 79 campsites varying in size to accommodate RVs or tent camping for up to eight people per site. Reservations for individual sites can be made online, by phone or in person. The park offers eight large group campsites for parties of 17 or more and five equestrian campsites, each equipped with horse corrals, barbeques and fire pits. Reservations for groups of 17 or more can be made by calling the park office at (949) 923-2260.
$20 / night
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is located in the heart of Newport Beach CA, along the scenic Back Bay. Our laid-back lux resort offers RV campers access to the same amenities as any hotel guest plus more, including beach access, hydrotherapy pools, beachfront dining, hiking & biking trails, water sports, and one of SoCal’s largest inflatable water park (summer season). We offer planned activities for families to take part in. Allow us to be your basecamp for everything Newport Beach and Orange County has to offer.
$75 - $550 / night
Lakeside camping in LA county is possible at Bonelli Bluffs RV resort and campground in San Dimas, California! Our lush property is much more than a place to pull into and rest your head. It's a community surrounded by majestic mountain views, lush landscapes, and resort-style amenities. Vacations should feel special and revitalizing - at Bonelli Bluffs, it's easy.
We're located just 45 minutes east of Los Angeles, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Here, Bonelli Bluffs offers a peaceful reprieve from city life. Come enjoy nature, relax and explore the nearby attractions in San Dimas, California. Moreover, you don't even need to leave the campgrounds to have a good time. Our amenities include a beach-front park, two sparkling pools, outdoor fire pits, and activities galore.
While the natural beauty and views bring most visitors to Bonelli Bluffs, the nearby town of San Dimas is also highly appealing. Here, and in the nearby town of Pomona, you'll discover fantastic restaurants, shops and plenty to see and do.
So, if you're looking for the perfect place to bring your RV or to pitch a tent and camp, you've found it at Bonelli Bluffs. Moreover, we offer hundreds of sites on our 2,000 acres of meticulously preserved campgrounds for RVs and tents. Visit our RV resort in San Dimas, California, to experience the beauty for yourself.
$76 - $88 / night
Traveler
Clean bathrooms, friendly rangers, nice layout, cute wildlife, close to TCT. Only issue, which is probably just on all of Catalina, is that late hours of the night people are driving up the road in their golf carts which are super loud. So don’t get a site near the road if your an early or light sleeper.
Scout
Perfect to get out of the city but still be in it. Campgrounds have more than enough privacy with each one being about 15 to 20 yards apart. A ton of recreational things to do. Quiet at night.
Guide
Campsites are right on top of each other. Highway is breathing down your neck. Beach is nice though.
Guide
Be mindful of their shower token system. Otherwise, a nice spot. Not too close to the highway. We saw a coyote, so watch your dogs.
Guide
Just spent two weeks here including thanksgiving holiday. we watched this park fill to capacity the day before the holiday. We liked it better when there were a few empty spaces. It’s just how it is at RV parks like this-not much room. BUT- go out the locked gate at the back of the grounds, walk thru a park and across a (not too busy) street and there is the Pacific Ocean. The beach was hit hard by storms over the past year apparently and much sand has washed away. Leaving most of the beach covered in a thick layer of smooth river stones. Not easy to keep your balance on but doesnt hinder your walk to the surf too badly. We have loved our time here walking on the beach with our dog. This RV park is clean, has amenities like community room pool hot tub outdoor gathering area with tables with propane fireplace built in. It is also pretty expensive.
Traveler
Roads were bumpy but made it in a super low clearance rv (21ft). Had the place all to ourselves. A bit close to the other sites. Not bad
Traveler
Very cute set up tent sites are right next to road but it’s not to busy of a road. They have a basketball court one, lake for fishing or swimming and paddle boats to go out on the lake. There are tv hook ups and cabins. I did not see any fire pits on sites. Bathrooms are ok and have locks which you need code for.
Guide
Sweet campsite at Dana point surf break. Had a big crew along for spring break. Super nice but book early!
Scout
I can’t say that it was awesome but it wasn’t jaw dropping. Nothing to write home about but not uninviting.
Scout
Staff all friendly and facilities while dated are kept very clean. Campers are respectful and quit at night but it’s a very noisy location right next to the freeway which took some getting used to the first few days.
Scout
One of the most beautiful properties I've ever stayed on. Part of the Van Life Campgrounds network of community oriented homebases for vanlifers and nomads on wheels. Met some cool people, worked, hung out with goats, had a few communal dinners. What else could you ask for.
Traveler
Great North County location... Close to Legoland and the beach.
Scout
Just had the best weekend even with the 3 bears that decided to come by. Group of 30 . Definitely a good time. Be careful with the bears! 😮💨🥰🏕️
Scout
Let's start off with the fact that this"resort" has REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS living there and TWEAKERS SELLING DRUGS. When I mentioned it to the management they could care less, didn't say a word and walked away laughing. They DO NOT perform ANY BACKGROUND CHECKS and especially with children in the park I find that very disturbing. They nickel and dime you for every little thing and the rent has gone up 3x in one year. The water supply smells like sewage when you take a shower. Because they do pump outs the resort smells like human excrement most of the time. The lakes are polluted as well and completely full of cyanobacteria AKA green algae which is a respiratory hazard. POTENTIAL BEWARE.
Guide
Great little park. Heated pool, spa was hot. Nice little store with everything you need. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Only downside was the sports bar next door was pretty loud at night. And the loud music coming from the industrial building next door at 7am. Also very close to Disney with a free shuttle
Scout
Well secluded sites each with an incredible view!
Traveler
Youre packed like sardines but it's beachfront. It's noisy if you have party neighbors but they do turn off the music by 1030 ish so it's enforced. You hear planes flying and tmobile wifi is not great at the campground but good when on the beach front. It's at prime location in LAX so that was nice to go around town. Has full hookups. We would come back again if we need to be near LA area.
Guide
There are 21 campsites and not all have tree’s but its walking distance from the creek. Its nestled between mountains and the night sky is gorgeous. We saw wild ducks too and some other desert critters. Has it not been for the nasty animals called inconsiderate humans blasting their music and fighting amongst themselves bringing their family drama until 6am, the camp site would have been marvelous. No ranger to domesticate those animals and remind them of quiet hours. Another group even brought a dj and karaoke. Seriously, no consideration for the rest of the campers. They want to get away from the hustle and bustle and be with nature but they can’f live without the modern day amenities and bring that noise we are all trying to escape to a place of nature. They even had BB guns and shooting them within the campsite. Idiots. The day the ranger did come by he was giving tickets to vehicles with no pass. Wish he came at night when he was most needed. Bathrooms are poorly maintained too. Never coming back for an overnight stay, a day trip will suffice.
Traveler
Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. I stayed here on a weekday, and there were a few couple of vacant campsites in my area, so it was an extremely quiet visit. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked for my stay. I didn’t use the showers since I was only staying one night, but I heard they were free!
Rangers were very friendly and firewood was only $5 for a decent bundle that lasted me over 2 hours.
The city of Rancho Santa Margarita is right up the hill, so you can grab food and any necessities if needed.
My site backed to the creek, so I never had people walking through my campsite.
My dog & I slept in my van, but there was room for multiple tents, and a decent amount of shade in my spot.
My spot didn’t have its own water spigot, but there was one at a site across from me.
I was fortunate that all of the campers around me were quiet and considerate. I know that it doesn’t always work out that way, and having obnoxious neighbors can really ruin your experience.
Guide
Visiting family in Santa Ana and LA. Not to far for them to come to us and all to go to beach. Park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly Beautiful view from our site on area B. Crowded on weekend, much less during week Campground is not associated to adjacent Frank Bonelli Regional. Charge $12 to enter with vehicle but no fee to ride in on bikes
Traveler
Clean dump station, beautiful sites, very strict on rules. We came 10 minutes early before check in time, they made us wait. Campsite comes with wifi but very weak. We have t mobile and had bad reception. Would come back again for beautiful views, small hike, sandy beaches with lots of sand crabs.
Traveler
Just stayed 8/15-18/24, although hot during the day, it was the getaway we needed. The Burkhart trail to the waterfall was beautiful. Clean campsites. Some neighboring camps were louder than you'd hope but it is what it is. Our second trip here and will return for sure.
ScoutAlthough we booked a campsite, it felt more like we were invited to Mazen's home. He was communicative and responsive, happily answered all of our questions, and was beyond generous. I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore! We can't wait to visit this campground again!
Traveler
The parking lot is next to the beach on the one side but also next to the highway on the other side. So the view and the breeze is beautiful, but the traffic noise in the evening and morning is not so nice. With earplugs everything is fine! ;) The host Jim is very kind and helpful!
TravelerIt was overall a nice campsite. Our site seemed to be pretty large it came with a picnic table & fire pit. The walk to the beach was close seemed maybe about 10 minute till we reached the beach from our site. It is on a hill you need to walk down & back up. The only down side was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty did not seem to have any maintenance during our stay.
GuideThis place is nice, clean and quiet with newer RVs. It’s only a few miles off 78, about 10-15 miles from Carlsbad beach and the same distance to Escondido. We are long-time San Diego residents living out of state and came home to visit family. This is not a park like private site setting. It’s an RV parking lot with sewer and water hook-ups. If you want a location and North County works for you, this is a good place. There are two mobile homes but the RVs are all newer. Sites are narrow and close together, but this is the city in San Diego, not a spacious national park! Bathrooms in pool area are clean.
ScoutWe couldn't find any campgrounds, after calling multiple places we came across "The Secret Place". They have the best views I have ever experienced! Especially during sunset and as the city lights start to twinkle. Very nice and quiet place. No full hookups, but good bathrooms and showers available. The camp host was knowledgeable about the area and recommended great things to do. Very helpful, very respectful and very friendly. Will definitely stay here again, made our honeymoon trip very memorable! A+ recommend.
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.
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 Cleveland National Forest and Mojave River Dam.
