Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park offers diverse accommodation options near Laguna Beach, California. The campsites sit on terraced grounds with ocean views, approximately 33 miles south of Los Angeles. Unlike other coastal campgrounds, Moro provides both standard camping and glamping experiences with temperatures averaging 60-75°F year-round, creating consistent camping conditions even during winter months.
What to do
Bird watching excursions: The area surrounding Crystal Cove hosts numerous bird species visible from campsites. "The birds are flying around you and the squirrels are free to welcome you when you get there," notes Nick V. about Moro Campground.
Tide pool exploration: During low tide periods, examine marine ecosystems beneath coastal cliffs. A visitor to South Carlsbad State Beach mentions, "Beach is accessible by stairs--nothing at beach level," highlighting the need to plan visits according to tide schedules.
Backcountry hiking: Access trails directly from camping areas into undeveloped portions of the parks. "Quick hike into the hills with amazing views overlooking the ocean. I stayed at the lower campsite... and I think this was the best spot in the campground as it had an unobstructed view of the water," shares Torye C. about backcountry options.
Morning marine layer viewing: Camp above the fog line for unique sunrise experiences. At Moro Campground, one camper noted, "In the morning we were high up above the marine layer which was really cool to see," providing a distinctive photographic opportunity.
What campers like
Tiered camping layouts: The elevation-based site design ensures visibility regardless of campsite location. At Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, "The sites are big and well spaced, with 30 amp electric," according to Ronald, providing context for those seeking more spacious accommodations than beachfront options.
Convenient urban access: The proximity to shopping and dining creates practical supply options. "Close to shopping and great dining options," notes Ray S. about Newport Dunes RV Resort, highlighting the area's balance of natural settings with urban conveniences.
Wildlife observation opportunities: The natural habitat supports diverse animal sightings from campsites. One camper at Caspers Wilderness Park mentioned, "Lots of squirrels, bunnies, the occasional deer and coyotes at night, signs warning you are now in mountain lion territory."
Family recreational facilities: Many campgrounds provide dedicated play areas and water activities for younger campers. At Newport Dunes, Karissa J. explains, "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."
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary: Some locations prohibit wood fires entirely while others allow specific alternatives. A visitor noted about Bluffs Campground, "Fire pits and tables at each site," but added that seasonal burn restrictions may apply.
Beach access challenges: Physical pathways to beaches often involve significant elevation changes. One camper at Bluffs Campground warned, "We attempted to go down three different trails and couldn't make it. It's so steep, dangerous and not maintained. You really need hiking gear to get down it."
Noise considerations: Highway proximity affects sound levels at certain sites. A South Carlsbad camper advised, "Street is loud in the mornings - don't recommend the east side," highlighting the importance of site selection for noise-sensitive campers.
Reservation timing requirements: Securing glamping close to Laguna Beach, California often requires advance planning. One frequent visitor to Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park mentioned, "Part of OC Parks so getting a campsite is relatively easy compared to other online booking systems like ReserveAmerica. We're usually able to book a site 2 weeks before we decide to go."
Tips for camping with families
Seasonal site selection: Choose camping periods carefully based on marine conditions. Amy H. shared about Moro Campground, "We stayed February 5th and 6th at site #23 but it looked like most of the sites had great views of the Pacific," demonstrating that winter camping provides comparable experiences to summer months.
Security considerations: Many campgrounds offer regular patrol services for safety. James notes about Caspers Wilderness Park, "Rangers do the rounds to keep an eye on everything," providing reassurance for families with children.
Water safety planning: Beach access points vary in child-friendliness based on surf conditions. An experienced camper at San Onofre Beach observed it's "more for surfing than playing in the waves on the beach, there are rocks spread out making it less enjoyable for kids, but our crew were happy there."
Alternative accommodation options: For families new to camping, cabin options provide transitional experiences. One visitor to Newport Dunes RV Resort shared, "We rented the Large Cottage in the back because we needed a kitchen for cooking all the food we'd packed," demonstrating the practical benefits for families with specific needs.
Tips from RVers
Hookup specifications: Electrical capacity varies between campgrounds affecting which appliances can function simultaneously. At Anaheim Harbor RV Park, a reviewer recommended to "get a deluxe site if you can. The standard sites are essentially a large parking spot in a paved parking lot."
Site measurement considerations: Many campgrounds measure sites differently, affecting vehicle placement options. "The 40ft RV length restriction includes the length of the hitch," noted one RVer about Anaheim Harbor RV Park, highlighting an often overlooked specification.
Maneuverability factors: Access road design impacts larger vehicle navigation. One camper at Caspers Wilderness Park observed, "My 24' + truck can fit lengthwise with room behind and plenty to the side," providing concrete dimensional context for RV drivers.
Dump station protocols: Service facilities operate on specific schedules with varying fees. A Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park visitor mentioned, "The dump station is very close by and easy to access," offering practical information for planning departure procedures.
