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Best Campgrounds near Lake Forest, CA

1,268 Reviews

Lake Forest, California has some good camping spots within driving distance. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground sits 43 miles away with beachfront sites and basic facilities like showers and restrooms. When camping with kids, you'll want to find places that have child-friendly facilities to keep everyone happy. Just 5 miles from Lake Forest, O'Neill Regional Park has roomy campsites under oak and sycamore trees where you can enjoy some quiet time. Watch out for local wildlife like raccoons and coyotes - store your food properly to avoid problems. During dry periods, fire rules might limit what you can burn, so check the current rules before you go. It's smart to book ahead, particularly in busy seasons, to get the site you want. Most campgrounds around here let you stay up to 14 days, giving you plenty of time to explore. You can hike, bike, or just relax at your campsite in the Lake Forest area. Always clean up after yourself and be respectful of nature so these camping areas stay nice for everyone.

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Best Camping Sites Near Lake Forest, California (177)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    8 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
    5 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
    13 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
    18 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
    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."

    6. 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."

    7. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    38 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    18 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."

    8. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    21 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    14 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
    10 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
    10 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 Lake Forest, CA

323 Photos of 177 Lake Forest Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Lake Forest, CA

1268 Reviews of 177 Lake Forest Campgrounds

Guide to Lake Forest

Camping near Lake Forest, California, offers a great mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide easy access to the beach. Campers love the convenience of walking right to the ocean. One reviewer mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Biking and Running: If you enjoy biking or running, the area has fantastic trails. A camper at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes."
  • Fishing: For those who love fishing, Lake Hemet Campground is a solid choice. A visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One happy camper at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park said, "Bathrooms are cleaned the whole day through."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Dogwood Campground mentioned, "Our camp site was very spacious, and it was easy to back in our teardrop trailer."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "Personnel very kind and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get packed, especially on weekends. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A visitor at San Mateo Campground pointed out, "The dump site was closed this weekend."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground shared, "There's not a lot of campground etiquette...people stomping through your site."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities for kids. A reviewer at San Elijo State Beach Campground said, "Great surf spot. I’ve dry camped here many times and have always enjoyed it."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes or games to keep kids entertained. A camper at Serrano Campground noted, "There is a biking trail that goes through the campground that was well used."
  • Check for Nearby Attractions: Look for campgrounds close to fun attractions. A visitor at Crystal Cove State Park mentioned, "Shake Shack and Beachcomber's restaurants are just down the street."

Tips from RVers:

  • Look for Full Hookups: If you need full hookups, check the campground details. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "Full hookups are available too."
  • Arrive Early: Get to your campground early to secure a good spot. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground advised, "We got there relatively late so the office was closed."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "If you don't mind being right next to your neighbors, then it's a great site to stay at."

Camping near Lake Forest, CA, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're with family or enjoying a solo trip, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Lake Forest, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Lake Forest, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 177 campgrounds and RV parks near Lake Forest, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Lake Forest, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Lake Forest, 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 Lake Forest, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Lake Forest, CA.

What parks are near Lake Forest, CA?

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

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