Yurt camping near Irvine, California offers outdoor experiences within 15-40 miles of the city. The region averages less than 14 inches of rainfall annually, creating ideal camping conditions nearly year-round. Most campgrounds in the area sit below 1,200 feet elevation, providing moderate temperatures even during summer months when inland areas experience higher heat.
What to Do
Hiking trails at Caspers Wilderness Park: Located about 25 miles from Irvine, this 8,000-acre preserve features multiple trail options with varying difficulty. One camper noted, "There are a number of hiking trails around that range from a 1 to 12 miles. On Saturdays there's a nature walk," while another mentioned the abundance of "wildlife sighting in the park -- snakes, deer" visible from trails.
Mountain biking at China Camp State Park: The park offers dedicated mountain biking trails with ocean views. According to one visitor, "This park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. There are definitely better mountain biking trails in Marin (Tamarancho Boy Scout Camp, for example) but keep in mind that the bar is very high for mountain biking in Marin."
Beach activities at San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping: This beachfront location provides excellent surf access. "This military campground is located within walking distance of two world class surfing breaks; Old Man's and Tressels," writes one reviewer. At low tide, another camper mentions "you can see octopus, starfish, and all kinds of small fish/crabs."
Water recreation at Bonelli Bluffs: This park features multiple water activities beyond swimming. As one visitor explains, "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more."
What Campers Like
Clean facilities at Canyon RV Park: Many campers praise the maintenance of this park. One long-term guest shared, "Bathrooms are clean and they even have fun events on many of the weekends. The spaces are well spaced out and you're not right on top of your neighbors."
Proximity to attractions from Anaheim Harbor RV Park: This location balances urban conveniences with camping. A reviewer mentioned, "Stores and restaurants super close. We had PF Changs delivered. Yum! We walked to and back from Disney. Super easy. It's a mile each way."
Beachfront camping at Newport Dunes RV Resort: The waterfront yurt camping provides immediate beach access. A camper described, "We stay here every year. They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach."
Privacy at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park: Despite being developed, campsites maintain spacing. "The campsites are roped off and have a decent amount of distance between them. There is some vegetation between them but not enough to be totally private," noted one visitor.
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. For Anaheim Harbor RV Park, a visitor cautioned, "Be aware that office hours are 9a-5p. Laundry closes at 9pm. Pool needs a separate key (they gave us one on arrival)."
Additional fees: Many campgrounds charge beyond the base rate. At Bonelli Bluffs, a camper warned, "Expensive! And expect to get to know your neighbors... for 2 nights it was $142! Not worth it."
Military restrictions: Several campgrounds have limited access. For Seabreeze At Seal Beach, visitors note, "Must have military clearance to rv here" and "everyone has to have an ID card to get on the base or be pre approved by base security."
Noise considerations: Urban campgrounds may experience traffic noise. At Canyon RV Park, a reviewer mentioned, "The site is bordered by highways on both sides, and they create noise day and night. They're also clearly visible."
Tips for Camping with Families
Beach accommodation options: Multiple campgrounds offer family-friendly beach alternatives to traditional camping. A visitor to Crystal Cove Beach Cottages wrote, "Sound of rhythmic waves, sand, smell of salt in the air…. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages……Home away from home."
Amenities for children: Seek campgrounds with dedicated kid facilities. At Newport Dunes, one parent shared, "We travelled with 2 dogs and 2 kids ages 7 and 5" noting the "fun things to do with the kids. They had a movie on the beach when we were there, and fun water toys out."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several parks offer educational wildlife encounters. At Caspers Wilderness Park, a camper observed, "Tons of little animals hanging out (rabbits, birds, chipmunks). Those chipmunks will definitely go for your stuff if you don't pack it away."
Safety considerations: Some areas require extra vigilance with children. A San Onofre visitor cautioned, "The ocean wildlife is so cool, and at low tide you can see octopus, starfish, and all kinds of small fish/crabs," but noted the beach is "more for surfing than playing in the waves on the beach, there are rocks spread out making it less enjoyable for kids."
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Moro Campground: The terraced design provides views from most sites. "The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean," observed one RVer, while another noted "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in."
Hookup availability: Utilities vary significantly between campgrounds. At Newport Dunes RV Resort, a camper confirmed, "All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool. A tent area. Some spaces monumentally better than others."
Yurt options near Irvine: Several campgrounds offer alternative accommodations. A visitor to Bonelli Bluffs advised, "Awesome for RVs but maybe not the best for tent camping," suggesting their yurt accommodations as an alternative to traditional camping.
Length restrictions: Some campgrounds limit RV size. At Moro Campground, a reviewer advised, "The maximum length is 38. We had 30/50 amp electrical and water. Dump station is on your way out, with 3 stations in that row."
