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)

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Recent Reviews near Laguna Beach, CA

1015 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 San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 52 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.