Best Campgrounds near Mission Viejo, CA

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Mission Viejo. Mission Viejo is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your California camping adventure.

Best Camping Sites Near Mission Viejo, California (161)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

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

    $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. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    14 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."

    4. 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.  "

    5. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    37 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    14 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."

    6. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    22 Reviews
    Coto de Caza, CA
    8 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
    13 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. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    21 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    12 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. San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    20 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    16 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. Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    20 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    16 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."

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Showing results 1-10 of 161 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mission Viejo, CA

1185 Reviews of 161 Mission Viejo Campgrounds



Guide to Mission Viejo

Camping near Mission Viejo, California, offers a great mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities. 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 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 trails. A reviewer noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Lake Hemet Campground, fishing is a popular activity. 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. A review for Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs remarked, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff. One visitor at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach noted, "The staff were also friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "It is loud, even if it isn't because your neighbors are on top of you."
  • Limited Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground pointed out, "You do not get much privacy as the sites are quite close to each other."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas have noise from nearby roads or trains. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "The train is loud, but passes seldom."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room. A family at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach enjoyed the privacy, stating, "There are mature trees between every campsite that provide privacy between sites."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A reviewer at Dogwood Campground mentioned, "Great mountain bike or hiking trail about 5-6mi loop."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground noted, "There’s a marina store with food trucks."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park 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."
  • Bring Your Own Shade: Some campgrounds may not have enough shade. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground suggested, "Bring your own shade for this campsite."
  • Be Prepared for Noise: Expect some noise from neighboring sites. A reviewer at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."

Camping near Mission Viejo, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mission Viejo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mission Viejo, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 161 campgrounds and RV parks near Mission Viejo, CA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Mission Viejo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mission Viejo, 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 Mission Viejo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Mission Viejo, CA.

What parks are near Mission Viejo, CA?

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