142 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Coastal campgrounds near Laguna Beach, California include several state park options with ocean views and varied camping experiences. Crystal Cove State Park's Moro Campground provides both tent and RV sites with most offering panoramic Pacific Ocean vistas. Doheny State Beach Campground and San Clemente State Beach provide additional options within a short drive, allowing campers to access Southern California beaches while staying overnight. The region includes a mix of campgrounds with traditional tent sites, RV hookups, and even beach cottages and glamping accommodations at locations like Newport Dunes RV Resort.
Most coastal campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during summer months when beach camping is in highest demand. Crystal Cove State Park provides electrical hookups and water at many sites, though campfires are generally prohibited unless using propane fire pits. Campgrounds like O'Neill Regional Park and Caspers Wilderness Park offer more inland alternatives with hiking trails and additional amenities. Access to beaches often involves steep trails or tunnels under Pacific Coast Highway. Cell service is generally excellent throughout the area, but traffic noise can be a factor at sites closest to major roads. A camper wrote: "We stayed in a site with electricity and water. No sewer hook-up but there is a dump station in the campground. Great amenities including flush toilets and token operated showers. Each site has an ocean view."
Campers consistently rate the ocean views and proximity to beaches as highlights of the Laguna Beach area camping experience. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with showers and restrooms, though some visitors note the challenge of nearby highway noise. Tent sites at Crystal Cove State Park cannot use stakes, requiring campers to bring weights for tent corners. The combination of beach access and hiking trails appeals to many visitors seeking varied outdoor activities. Despite being in one of California's most developed coastal areas, several campgrounds manage to provide a sense of escape. A review mentioned that "it's pretty crazy to be camping among the million dollar homes but thankful we can. It's a beautifully maintained spot on the cliff overlooking the ocean," highlighting the unique experience of camping in this affluent coastal region.
"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."
from $25 - $75 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"Sites are close to other sites but are pretty large for what you get. All site locations are in walking distance to the beach which is so great."
from $50 - $350 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $250 / night
Check Availability"The grounds are impeccably clean, beautifully maintained, and set in a truly stunning location. Everything feels well cared for and thoughtfully run."
"As we expected, the sites are stacked up next to each other like dominoes with minimal foliage/fencing to separate the sites."
from $75 - $550 / night
Check Availability"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."
"If you’re looking for classic Southern California beach camping with stunning ocean views, this spot is such a good choice."
from $45 - $300 / night
Check Availability"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..."
"This is a nice little campground tucked away amidst the hustle and bustle of South Orange County."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"its close, so no 2 hour drive needed and its usually got open spots available, even in spring and summer (cause of the 3+ mile hike most likely). wouldn't say it has the best views but good when you just"
"Both Morro locations. Lower is a 3 mile hike with a few steep grades. 13 sites an outhouse and a decent view. This one is normally supporting several groups on weekends. There is no water."
"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."
from $45 - $250 / night
Check Availability
ScoutLoved the beach and loved the wildlife and shops. The bathroom got dirty around closing time and people were loud and shooting fireworks late at night….its cool they have water sports and felt safe. However, for camping it was not easy to sleep cars playing loud noise and people fishing and running around…weather was great
ScoutThe place is simple, well maintained and extremely clean. There’s back in sites that accommodate smaller 20ft campers and bigger 30ft campers, with there being some pull through sites that are big enough for RV’s, however no camping with tents allowed. Would recommend against bringing in campers with damage or DIY repairs as they “have to maintain sightly appearance”. Overall great for the price. Extremely clean bathrooms with free showers with a pool and jacuzzi plus a short walk to the beach. Only about a 45 min drive to LA with no traffic. The only bad is the constant noise from the port that doesn’t go away at night.
GuideIf you like camping in a Walmart parking lot or on the streets, this place is for you.
No rangers working after the park close for day use. Didn't see one going through the campground. If you like to party all night and you have a loud system no problem. NO RAGERS AROUND. Be prepared keep your food in your car lot of rats, mice, skunks and coyotes. THE LAKE SUCKS, hard to launch your boat on and off, docks will mess up your boat. Fishing no fish they don't stock the lake. Marina is very over priced and out in the sunny parking lot. I live in LA I now got to SILVERWOOD LAKE, just as close as this place, and nicer, if you like to stay up all night Perris Lake is for you. If you want to work hard to get you boat on and off lake so you don't damage your boat, this place is for you.
TravelerKOA probably has the best app that indicates availability and precise grand total price. There are bargains under "deals." I've been a Rewards member since June 2024 when I transitioned from a stucco house to a tiny travel trailer fulltime. All my KOA stays were through the app, never a telephone call that is precarious with other RV parks that have hidden charges and deposits seldom refunded.
The Temecula KOA panders to campers with varying finances, but is far from free. While the fluffy class A crowd stays on a picturesque hill-with-a-view under shade, the Lower Merlot section where I docked is a treeless dusty ghetto that has a dilapidated but functional 18th century bathroom. It beats the boondocking bush toilets, and better than an outhouse vault. In fact, it has plumbing and showers that Beethoven probably appreciated.
But still not cheap. During summer Temecula is cooler at 90°s f than Palm Springs at 118° f, but unlike the coast at 70°s f with very high summer site rates and limited availability because of travelers from everywhere. Tent camping and non-air-con RVs in Temecula could be unbearable for the meek in summer.
LegendGeneral: Two sections: RV camping and dry camping
Site Quality: If you have a larger RV and/or need hookups, you will be in a parking space with ZERO privacy between spaces (it is literally a parking space!). If you have a small RV or van conversion (smaller than 19 feet), there is dry camping. Concrete driveway; minimal privacy but a direct view of the beach. You must have a bed, dinette, sink, and small water supply to be in these spots. A concrete picnic table is included in each site.
Bath/Shower: Six-digit codes (that change regularly) needed to enter (and a different one for each bathroom). One all-in-one with a sink, toilet, urinal, and diaper changing station. The other has two shower stalls, two toilets, and one sink. The shower in the one closest to the dry camping area left much to be desired. I couldn’t get the ADA-accessible shower to work, and the other one had a push-button flow that took some time to get warm and had to be repeatedly pushed to complete the shower. Hooks and bench are outside the shower stall, compromising privacy. My biggest disappointment, however, was that there were NO electrical outlets. I took a chance and walked to the other end of the campground (by the entrance and full hookup sites) where I discovered the bathroom was much nicer. Not only did it have electrical outlets, but it looked like the showers were much nicer.
Activities/Amenities: You are right on the beach! There is a paved path for walking, running, or bicycling. Laundry was temporarily out of order when we were there.
There are very limited options for camping in this area, and the price was $55/night for dry camping. You are in the direct flight path of LAX, so have earplugs at the ready if the sound of jet planes overhead is not your thing!
ScoutMy golden shore experience was nothing short of amazing the camping ground was clean. The poop ,electricity and water where working just fine there was enough space for our 40 ft RV. The palm trees added a beach atmosphere. The greatest part was the pool and the jacuzzi they where the cherry on top the pool was clean and the jacuzzi where just right! I absolutely loved it 5 stars.
GuideSeafront spots are beautiful, we were fully in the back which was a bit boring. Large empty grassy/sandy areas with no trees or play structures for kids. Far from the a bit dirty toilets. Campground is big and sites are spaced quite well. Nice to be close to the sea but go for a spot closer to the sea
ScoutCalled them around 5 times over several times on different days. They only allow a minimum of 2 nights stay. They had no spaces available 2 nights in a row. But there were multiple spots avaible on our nights. So i told them i didnt mind moving the RV, but they didnt want to cooperate on that and rather leave the spots open.
GuideMostly Park Model mobile homes and permanent RV's. There's 20 spots in the back for overnight stays. There is a pool but I didn't use it.
Camping spots near Laguna Beach, California sit within a Mediterranean climate zone receiving less than 13 inches of annual rainfall, mostly between November and March. The coastal sage scrub ecosystem surrounding these campgrounds creates distinct vegetation patterns visible from many sites, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. The marine layer often rolls in during mornings before burning off by midday.
Mountain biking through adjacent wilderness parks: Access extensive trail networks from O'Neill Regional Park, which connects to larger wilderness areas. "The campground is located next to Oneil Park, which is huge and great for bike and running. There are many hiking trails nearby in all directions. I usually ride to Caspers from the campsite or Trabruco creak up to Holy Jim," notes Mike G.
Explore tidepools at low tide: The rocky shoreline near San Clemente State Beach Campground offers exceptional marine life viewing opportunities. "Lots of fun things along the beach to look at like tide pools and rock formations," according to visitors. Plan visits during morning low tides for best viewing conditions.
Visit historic beach cottages: Walk through preserved 1920s-40s structures at Crystal Cove State Park. "We popped in and luckily was able to get the best view in house, please check them out and support the cottages!" writes Kenny T. The cottages showcase early California coastal architecture and can be toured without overnight stays.
Terraced campsites with ocean views: Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park features elevated sites ensuring visibility. "The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean," explains Elly A. Sites in upper rows still maintain ocean visibility despite being further from the shore.
Wildlife encounters: Morning and evening animal sightings enhance camping experiences. A visitor to Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park mentions "Plenty of squirrels, bunnies, the occasional deer and coyotes at night, signs warning you are now in mountain lion territory." The park's inland location increases wildlife viewing opportunities.
Quick escape from urban environments: Despite proximity to development, campgrounds provide natural settings. "ONeil is a great little park that's tucked away among the urban sprawl of Orange County. Once in the park you feel like you're far out in the wilderness," reports Berton M. Most campgrounds are within 30 minutes of urban amenities yet maintain natural surroundings.
Reservation requirements and timing: High demand necessitates advance planning. "This campground fills up fast so book early!" warns one camper at Crystal Cove. Sites at popular locations can book 6 months in advance, particularly for summer weekends and holidays.
Noise considerations: Highway and urban sounds affect some campgrounds more than others. At Doheny State Beach Campground, "After traffic noise dies down and in between the trains that rumble by, you can almost hear the ocean at the sites that back to the street," notes Lee D. Consider site location relative to roads and railways.
Fire restrictions vary by location: Rules range from complete prohibition to propane-only. "No coal or wood fires :( Kind of a bummer since your evening ends early. You can bring propane pits yourself for fires though," a Crystal Cove visitor explains. Always verify current fire regulations before arrival.
Wildlife precautions: Several campgrounds report active wildlife. "We had to be careful if you plan to climb down into it," warns Kim L. at Caspers Wilderness Park, while another camper notes: "Be careful of rattlesnakes" at multiple locations.
Playground access and kid-friendly trails: San Mateo Campground at San Onofre State Beach offers facilities specifically designed for children. "Lots of kids riding bikes and having fun! I suggest to follow their lead. Bring a bike to explore the loops and trail to beach," recommends Jeannie B. The 1.5-mile beach trail provides a manageable hike for most children.
Beach activity options: Various water features keep children engaged at different locations. At Newport Dunes RV Resort, 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," reports Karissa J. Check activity schedules when booking.
Consider inland options during peak summer heat: Coastal fog can make mornings chilly while inland areas warm faster. "It can be really hot in late summer early fall," notes Kelly E. about Caspers Wilderness Park. Morning activities at inland sites and afternoon beach time creates optimal temperature conditions.
Story trails for young hikers: Educational paths engage children during walks. "Great and fun 'Story Trail' hike for children. The hike features a new book every month, each page is mounted to a placard along the trail," mentions Johnny G. at O'Neill Regional Park.
Site dimensions and backing challenges: Many coastal campgrounds have tight access roads. "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. The maximum length is 38," warns Patrick J. at Crystal Cove State Park. Measure your rig and verify campground limits before booking.
Electrical requirements and availability: Power options vary significantly between campgrounds. "We stayed in a site with electricity and water. No sewer hook-up but there is a dump station in the campground," notes a camper at Crystal Cove. Some sites offer 50-amp service while others provide only 30-amp or no hookups at all.
Water fill and dump station logistics: Plan for limited hookups at most state beaches. At Doheny State Beach, "RV tank filling also available at the same location of dump site only a few feet away as you drive out. You can screw in your own hose and your good to go," explains Manuel P. Most dump stations charge additional fees ($10 at Doheny).
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).
Keep Exploring
