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Best Campgrounds near Laguna Beach, CA

1,053 Reviews

The coastal area around Laguna Beach has several good camping spots within driving distance. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground sits about 40 miles away, with campsites that put you right by the ocean. You can bring either an RV or tent there, and they have private bathrooms and pay showers that don't cost much. If you want something closer, Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park is only two miles from Laguna Beach and gives you more room than many other beach campgrounds in Southern California. The facilities are kept up well, and hiking trails are easy to reach from camp. Keep in mind that many coastal campgrounds in California have fire rules and limits on how long you can stay. You should definitely make reservations ahead of time, particularly in busy seasons, since these places fill up fast. Birds and small mammals live in the area, so store your food properly. When you're not at camp, you can check out Laguna Beach's art galleries or explore Crystal Cove State Park. Activities like hiking, surfing, and looking at tide pools are all options along the coast. Most campgrounds have water available, but it's smart to bring extra for longer stays. The weather stays pretty mild year-round, though more people camp during summer. Both tent and RV campers will find the Laguna Beach area works well for a coastal camping trip. Just check if there are any special rules or permits needed before you go.

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Best Camping Sites Near Laguna Beach, California (138)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

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

    $25 - $75 / night

    "Bathrooms are cleaned the whole day through, the hiking trails were closed when I was there. But the birds are flying around you and the squirrels are free to welcome you when you get there."

    "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. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    8 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.  "

    3. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    53 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    15 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."

    4. 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."

    5. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    38 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    14 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."

    6. O'Neill Regional Park

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

    $20 / night

    "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.  "

    "Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers. It says to bring quarters for the showers but they were free. Each site is typical..."

    7. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    22 Reviews
    Coto de Caza, CA
    13 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."

    8. San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    21 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 763-7263

    $45 / night

    "The campground is on the bluffs, and nearby Old Man's beach has some of the best beginner's surfing waves in Southern California."

    "This military campground is located within walking distance of two world class surfing breaks; Old Man's and Tressels. This campground has a variety of camp spots from tent, RV to cabins."

    9. Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    20 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $45 - $250 / night

    "Camping cliff side along the beach in Southern California. The camp grounds are a little cramped. Seem more designed for RV’s and trailers but we don’t mind."

    "During the open season on weekends it fills up quickly, during the weekdays it is kind of busy as well but there are still some walk up spaces available."

    10. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages — Crystal Cove State Park

    6 Reviews
    Newport Coast, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 376-6200

    "Crystal Cove Beach Cottages……Home away from home❤️"

    "Great views, nice trails & beach walks. Great restaurant."

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Recent Camping Photos near Laguna Beach, CA

247 Photos of 138 Laguna Beach Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Laguna Beach, CA

1053 Reviews of 138 Laguna Beach Campgrounds

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    Cool spot

    Difficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do. The full hookup spots are located in the middle of the campground. Don’t feel like you missed anything if you can’t get beachfront. Bushes, fences block any views unless your in dry camping down toward south end of park. Camp store is permanently closed so that Convenience is no longer here. Bathrooms and showers are clean and somewhat nice.

  • Moo
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Oceanside RV Resort

    For tent campers - pretty solid place for a quick couple stays

    First, the campsite has the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping. This is no doubt that for those folks who are needed for good built qaulity toiletery, this will be your location.

    For the down sides;

    1. The trains - There is a rail right behind the tent sites so if you are looking for the tent sites with quiet location: PLEASE STAY AWAY from here. the trains do not operate from around 10 pm, back on operating starting from 5 am.

    2. for T1 tent site, BE AWARE that there is a dog park RIGHT next to the tent site: there will be a urine odor all over the place.

    3. If you are planning on cooking, just be aware that there is no proper location to do a dish wash. You would need some sort of wipes to do.

  • ROCKSTAR C.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hare School Park

    It’s the sports fields parking lot

    I’ve been here for a couple days and nobody’s mess with us. There’s other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I’m in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It’s not tent friendly. I don’t believe.

  • A
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Bobcat Campsite

    Awesome campsite. Free showers. Electrical outlets by the restrooms at a handicap site. Water spigots scattered around the bobcat site. Dumpsters within walking distance from your site. The locals in the area will take your site if you arrive late. Just head back to the campground entrance and they will send a park ranger to remove them. The restrooms get cleaned daily around 8-10am. More than enough room at site 380

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Canyon RV Park

    Relaxed, clean, friendly, infor.ative, quiet

    Been passing this exit on the 91 freewqy for 25 years and had no idea canyon Rv park was tucked in beween corona and yorba linda. I was quite amazed with the tidy faculitie a d wqs very peacefull. When U are smake dab in the middle of asfalt jungle. I litteraly forgot where i was because its like a little bubble on you .exot the freeway a d e ter the park everything behind you just melts away and i felt like i was in the woods, and at times i swear i was the only camper here. If you are into easy going peacefull quite camp sites this is one of them

  • Tyler G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Great spot, loud planes

    We loved this spot next to the beach. We got used to the planes, but they are certainly jarring at first.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Pechanga RV Resort

    Good but can be noisy

    Pull-through sites have a little room not so close to neighbors Buddy sites are available

Guide to Laguna Beach

Camping near Laguna Beach offers a fantastic way to enjoy the beautiful California coastline. With several campgrounds nearby, you can find the perfect spot to relax, explore, and soak up the sun.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites."
  • Biking and Running: The area has excellent bike lanes and running paths. A reviewer noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Live Music: Some campgrounds host live music events. A visitor at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach shared, "The live music is always good, too."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. One reviewer at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds are well-maintained. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs remarked, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites. A visitor at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "The campground is set up as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at San Elijo State Beach Campground pointed out, "The dump station isn’t free for campers; it’s $10 or $15."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy. A visitor at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground mentioned, "There was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Sites Wisely: Look for sites that offer privacy and space. A camper at Dogwood Campground said, "Most of the sites are spaced out fairly decently."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at San Clemente State Beach Campground noted, "Nice place close to many convenient places."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, "Park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure your chosen campground has the right hookups for your RV. A camper at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground noted, "Most have no hookups but there are a handful of sites that are FHU."
  • Arrive Early: Getting to the campground early can help secure a good spot. A visitor at San Mateo Campground advised, "Try to get a site closer to the entrance and the store."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you don’t mind being close to others, this can be a fun experience. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "If you don't mind being right next to your neighbors, then it's a great site to stay at."

Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a lively family adventure, camping near Laguna Beach has something for everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the campgrounds near Laguna Beach, CA?

Several campgrounds are located within a short drive of Laguna Beach. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park is one of the closest options, offering terraced sites with ocean views in a developed area of Laguna Beach. Just south, Doheny State Beach Campground provides beachfront camping. Other nearby options include O'Neill Regional Park in the nearby canyon, San Clemente State Beach, and San Mateo Campground at San Onofre State Beach. For those willing to drive a bit further, South Carlsbad State Beach offers quintessential Southern California beach camping about 30-45 minutes south of Laguna Beach.

Can you camp directly on Laguna Beach?

There is no camping directly on Laguna Beach itself. The closest beach camping options are nearby at Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground, which offers beachfront RV camping with concrete/asphalt sites adjacent to PCH. Another option is San Clemente State Beach Campground, which provides beach access though the campsites aren't directly on the sand. These locations allow you to enjoy the coastal experience while still being a short drive from Laguna Beach. Both campgrounds typically require reservations well in advance, especially during peak summer months.

Are there RV parks or camping options with RV hookups in Laguna Beach?

While there are no RV parks directly in Laguna Beach, several nearby options offer RV hookups. Newport Dunes RV Resort is one of the closest full-service RV parks, offering water and electric hookups in a waterfront setting. For those willing to drive a bit further, Pechanga RV Resort offers newer facilities with full hookups plus amenities like a pool and proximity to restaurants and a casino. Some state beaches in the area, like Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park, offer limited hookups (electricity and water but no sewer, with dump stations available).

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