Places to Camp near Irvine, CA
Camping near Irvine, California
Camping near Irvine, California, offers a diverse range of experiences, from beachside retreats to serene inland parks. Whether you're looking to surf the waves, hike through scenic trails, or simply relax under the stars, the campgrounds around Irvine have something for everyone. With options for tent camping, RVs, and even glamping, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy the great outdoors.
In this guide, we'll explore some of the top campgrounds near Irvine, highlighting what makes each one unique. We'll also share insights from fellow campers, tips for families, and advice from RV enthusiasts to help you make the most of your camping trip.
What to do
The campgrounds near Irvine offer a variety of activities to keep you entertained. From hiking and biking to water sports and wildlife watching, there's plenty to do.
At San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach, you can enjoy the beach, set up your Starlink satellite antenna in the large open space, and explore nearby parks like San Onofre Bluffs and San Clemente State Beach. Mark W. shared, "The communal showers were nice. BRING DOLLAR BILLS to change them into tokens for the shower. A couple tokens (one dollar) is enough for a decent shower." Read more.
At Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park, you can hike and bike along scenic trails, enjoy ocean views, and dine at nearby restaurants like Shake Shack and Beachcomber's. Patrick J. mentioned, "We did a 12-mile loop to the north, and a ride along the coast on some bike paths." Read more.
For those who love fishing and water activities, Prado Regional Park offers a lake for fishing, paddle boats, and even a shooting range. John R. noted, "Very large park with something for everyone. Golf, disc golf, shooting range, soccer fields, baseball fields, playground, equestrian trails, and paddle boats." Read more.
What campers like
Campers appreciate the variety of experiences and the beautiful settings of the campgrounds near Irvine. Many campgrounds offer privacy, clean facilities, and easy access to nearby attractions.
At San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach, Bryan H. shared, "Campsites are well maintained and have mature trees and bushes between sites to provide lots of privacy." Read more.
San Clemente State Beach Campground is praised for its beach views and convenient amenities. Devon L. mentioned, "There are bathrooms and showers are good and nice hot water." Read more.
Campers at O'Neill Regional Park enjoy the clean facilities and the variety of activities available. Michael D. said, "Always clean and safe. Has showers that are free. Has a crowd in summer but really nice in Spring and Fall." Read more.
What you should know
While camping near Irvine offers many benefits, there are some things you should be aware of to ensure a smooth experience.
Noise can be an issue at some campgrounds. Alice S. at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach noted, "There is a ton of road noise coming off of the highway even late at night whenever a big trailer truck comes barreling down the road." Read more.
At Doheny State Beach Campground, Tyson A. mentioned, "They have signs up saying that there is a rise in thefts. Supposedly the thieves use the guise of the loud cargo train that runs just around the grounds to cover up them cutting locks and stealing." Read more.
Some campgrounds have limited amenities. For example, Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park currently has no water available from the faucet due to a well water issue. Shari G. shared, "As of April 2023, they were still experiencing a well water issue, so no water was available from the faucet." Read more.
Tips for camping with families
Camping with families near Irvine can be a fun and memorable experience. Many campgrounds offer family-friendly amenities and activities.
At San Clemente State Beach Campground, Gary R. mentioned, "Bathrooms were clean and showers have token dispensers right by the showers. Got pretty cold at night." Read more.
O'Neill Regional Park is a great spot for families with pets. Steve H. shared, "My 3 dogs and I stay here often, as it's the lowest cost in Orange County and allows dogs. It has several restrooms, showers, equestrian areas, nature trails, and picnicking for day use too." Read more.
For a beachside experience, San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping offers beautiful views and a safe environment. Anita K. noted, "This camp is on the base so it’s safe and clean." Read more.
Tips from RVers
RVers will find plenty of options near Irvine, with many campgrounds offering full hookups and spacious sites.
At Newport Dunes RV Resort, Lee D. shared, "The sites are in three sections: standard, deluxe, and premium. There are also cabins and a group tent area (on the public beach)." Read more.
Prado Regional Park offers spacious campsites with full hookups. Janet H. mentioned, "Really nice Regional Park with spacious campsites with fire pit and table. There's a lake for fishing, good roads to ride bikes on, lots of grass areas, mature trees, playground." Read more.
For a more rustic experience, Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach offers beautiful beach views and access. Desiree H. shared, "Restrooms and showers clean, facilities clean. Close to all major conveniences within a few miles." Read more.
Camping near Irvine, California, offers a variety of experiences for all types of campers. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat, a family-friendly park, or an RV-friendly campground, you'll find plenty of options to suit your needs. Happy camping!
