Best Campgrounds near Laguna Niguel, CA

The coastal area near Laguna Niguel has several good camping options within a short drive. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground puts campers right by the ocean, with showers and private restrooms on site. Crystal Cove State Park combines beach camping with hiking trails, good for campers who want both water time and walking. Doheny State Beach Campground works well for families, with swimming and picnic areas close to the beach. Many campsites in these areas are fairly big, and some have trees for shade and better privacy between sites. Most roads to these campgrounds are in good shape for regular cars, but it's worth checking ahead if you're bringing an RV to make sure your vehicle fits. You'll see seabirds and sometimes small mammals around camp, so keep food stored properly. The weather stays mild year-round, but summer weekends fill up fast - book early if you can. Winter and fall camping means fewer people and quieter sites. Both tent and RV campers have good choices near Laguna Niguel. Each campground has specific rules, so look those up before you go. These campgrounds are close to stores and local attractions, making them good for weekend trips or longer stays. If you want more options, check out other state parks nearby. A bit of planning ahead will help you have a better trip in this part of Southern California.

Best Camping Sites Near Laguna Niguel, California (139)

    1. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    11 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."

    2. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    6 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."

    "Luckily Booked last minute on reserve California (the worst web thing ever) on site 49. Looks like there is a oven view from every site. Close to beach and shopping."

    3. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    5 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.  "

    4. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    11 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."

    5. O'Neill Regional Park

    30 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    10 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..."

    6. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    22 Reviews
    Coto de Caza, CA
    9 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."

    7. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    Newport Beach, CA
    12 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."

    8. Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    20 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    13 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
    13 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. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    21 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 673-6180

    $20 / night

    "We were able to find a spot tucked away off one of the loops to the left after a small hill. Neighbors played loud music but we didn’t mind at all."

    "clean restrooms and sites. large campground with paved roads was nice for strolling through. pretty far off the beaten path above lake elsinore. the views near by were fantastic. the staff was fairly friendly"

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Showing results 1-10 of 139 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Laguna Niguel, CA

1053 Reviews of 139 Laguna Niguel Campgrounds



Guide to Laguna Niguel

Camping near Laguna Niguel, California, offers a mix of beautiful beaches and lush parks. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. Campers love the convenience of walking right to the sand. One reviewer mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are abundant in the area. For instance, San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach is near great biking paths. A camper noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes."
  • Fishing: Lake Hemet Campground is a great spot for fishing. One visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. At Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park, one camper said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds maintain clean restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Bonelli Bluffs remarked, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. At San Elijo State Beach Campground, one visitor noted, "The staff of the Camp is so friendly and helpful."

What you should know

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get packed, especially on weekends. A camper at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Not all sites have full hookups. For example, Lake Hemet Campground has limited options, with some sites lacking electric hookups. A visitor said, "You do not get much privacy as the sites are quite close to each other."
  • Noise Levels: Some campers have experienced noise from nearby roads or other campers. At Doheny State Beach Campground, one reviewer noted, "The campground itself is pretty nice... but there was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities for kids. Lake Hemet Campground is noted for being great for families. One camper said, "Great place for family and kids."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "Good access to walking and biking trails."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground enjoyed the "great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Moro Campground advised, "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."
  • Reserve Early: Popular spots fill up fast. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, "Crowded on weekends, much less during the week."
  • Bring Your Own Supplies: Some campgrounds have limited stores. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground noted, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Camping around Laguna Niguel, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from beachside fun to mountain retreats. Whether you're with family or exploring solo, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Laguna Niguel, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Laguna Niguel, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 139 campgrounds and RV parks near Laguna Niguel, CA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Laguna Niguel, 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 Niguel, CA?

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

What parks are near Laguna Niguel, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Laguna Niguel, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.