Best Campgrounds near Laguna Beach, CA

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Laguna Beach, California (129)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

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

    $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

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $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

    37 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. Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach

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

    $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."

    9. San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    20 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."

    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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Showing results 1-10 of 129 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Laguna Beach, CA

1022 Reviews of 129 Laguna Beach Campgrounds



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

What camping is available near Laguna Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Laguna Beach, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 129 campgrounds and RV parks near Laguna Beach, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Laguna Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Laguna Beach, CA is Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Laguna Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Laguna Beach, CA.

What parks are near Laguna Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Laguna Beach, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.