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Best Campgrounds near Laguna Woods, CA

1,157 Reviews

Campgrounds near Laguna Woods, California range from beachfront locations to inland wilderness areas, with several options within a 30-minute drive. Crystal Cove State Park offers both developed camping at Moro Campground and primitive backcountry sites, while nearby O'Neill Regional Park provides tent and RV sites tucked into oak-studded canyons. The region includes a mix of state beaches, county parks, and state parks featuring tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations, with most campgrounds situated along the coast between Newport Beach and San Clemente.

Reservations are essential for most campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer months when beach locations fill quickly. Many coastal campgrounds like Doheny State Beach and San Clemente State Beach remain open year-round with mild temperatures, though winter can bring occasional rain. Inland options such as Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park offer more shade and protection from coastal winds but may experience hotter summer temperatures. Most campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, with varying levels of hookups for RVs. A camper noted that O'Neill Regional Park is "great if you like hiking, biking, MTB, and running. It is very clean, and the showers are free and clean as well."

The coastal campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for their beach access and ocean views. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages provide a unique accommodation option with historic structures available for overnight stays. San Mateo Campground at San Onofre State Beach offers a quieter alternative to direct beachfront camping while still providing beach access via a 1.5-mile trail. Several visitors mentioned the proximity to urban amenities as a significant advantage, with one reviewer describing Caspers Wilderness Park as "an oasis of green grass and groves of the twisting and searching limbs of Coastal Live Oak trees" that feels worlds away from the surrounding suburban development. Campers should be prepared for relatively close spacing between sites at most developed campgrounds, especially those along the beach.

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Best Camping Sites Near Laguna Woods, California (158)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

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

    $25 - $75 / night

    "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."

    "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. O'Neill Regional Park

    30 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    8 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..."

    3. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    10 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 Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

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

    $45 - $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."

    5. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    Newport Beach, CA
    9 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."

    6. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    38 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    16 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."

    7. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    22 Reviews
    Coto de Caza, CA
    11 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. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    21 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    16 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"

    9. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages — Crystal Cove State Park

    6 Reviews
    Newport Coast, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 376-6200

    "Crystal Cove Beach Cottages……Home away from home❤️"

    "Great views, nice trails & beach walks. Great restaurant."

    10. Crystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park

    6 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 494-3539

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Laguna Woods, CA

271 Photos of 158 Laguna Woods Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Laguna Woods, CA

1157 Reviews of 158 Laguna Woods Campgrounds

Guide to Laguna Woods

Camping near Laguna Woods, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside escape or a mountain retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like San Clemente State Beach Campground, are just a short walk from the beach. One camper mentioned, "The walk to the beach was close, seemed maybe about 10 minutes till we reached the beach from our site."
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are abundant in the area. A review for Dogwood Campground highlights, "Great mountain bike or hiking trail about 5-6mi loop."
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Lake Hemet Campground is a great spot. A visitor shared, "The fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review for Moro Campground states, "Bathrooms are cleaned the whole day through."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground noted, "The camp sites are not close together, which is nice."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. A review for San Mateo Campground says, "The staff were also friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience."

What you should know:

  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A visitor at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds, like San Mateo Campground, do not offer electric hookups. A camper noted, "The upper campground has water and electricity."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise, especially near busy roads or during peak times. A review for Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "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 campgrounds with amenities for kids. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs said, "The campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A review for San Elijo State Beach Campground mentioned, "Great surf spot. I’ve dry camped here many times and have always enjoyed it."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep the little ones happy. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground noted, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Moro Campground mentioned, "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."
  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check ahead. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground shared, "Full hookups are available too."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Some campgrounds can be noisy, especially on weekends. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "The train is loud, but passes seldom."

Camping near Laguna Woods, California, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to mountain adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Laguna Woods, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Laguna Woods, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 158 campgrounds and RV parks near Laguna Woods, CA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

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

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Laguna Woods, CA.

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