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.
$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."
$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..."
$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."
$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. "
$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."
$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."
$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."
$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"
$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."
$45 - $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."
TravelerNice place very close to the beach with amazing Pacific view. All connections in place; sites very close to each other; a bit loud due to airport nearby. Very friendly staff. In overall good experience and recommend it :)
ScoutWe chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups. We will be back for sure, especially since it's less than an hour from home.
ScoutIf they would simply notify campers upon check in of the SIGNIFICANT SEASONAL ANT INFESTATION, it could have alleviated us waking up with ants crawling on our faces in the morning. They sell diatomaceous earth for $10. And we carry it already, but all we could do was go to WAR with the ants to contain the outbreak in our camper. BTW, we carry NO food inside the camper. Had to go to 2 hardware stores to get supplies and spend significant time eradicating only 95%. SO Disappointed. Our site was near a “coyote corridor”, so maybe why we didn’t have so many squirrels! Ha Ha!
ScoutYou can overnight park here with your RV without problems.
ScoutDifficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do. The full hookup spots are located in the middle of the campground. Don’t feel like you missed anything if you can’t get beachfront. Bushes, fences block any views unless your in dry camping down toward south end of park. Camp store is permanently closed so that Convenience is no longer here. Bathrooms and showers are clean and somewhat nice.
GuideWe absolutely loved Fry Creek. It might be our favorite place to camp so far. Our site was removed from others so we weren’t bothered by neighbors. It was a nice large site next to the bathrooms (which were very clean and well maintained) and close to a water spigot and trash can. This campground is definitely a birder’s paradise. We were constantly surrounded and graced by the sounds of woodpeckers, pigeons, mountain quail, bluebirds, jays, and more. One important note though is this entire area is swarmed with flies. We brought nets to put around our faces and without these, I don’t think I would have survived. So definitely bring nets for your face, bug spray, and citronella. Despite this, it was a lovely place. Will be returning one day.
TravelerNice and clean with hookups
TravelerIt was okay for a last minute camping idea.
TravelerGreat customer service, easy access, restrooms, fishing, swimming and paddle boats.
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.
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
Are there any waterfront camping options near Mission Viejo?
Mission Viejo has several stunning waterfront camping options within driving distance. Doheny State Beach Campground offers beachfront camping with spacious sites along the edge of the campground, though middle sites tend to be smaller with less privacy. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground provides beachfront camping with concrete/asphalt sites offering water and electric hookups, just steps away from great sand beaches. Other waterfront options include San Clemente State Beach, South Carlsbad State Beach, and Newport Dunes RV Resort, all providing beautiful coastal views and beach access within a reasonable drive from Mission Viejo.
Where are the campgrounds near Mission Viejo, CA?
Mission Viejo is surrounded by several excellent camping options within a short drive. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park is tucked on the outskirts of Mission Viejo, offering an oasis of green grass and coastal live oak trees that feels miles away from suburban sprawl. O'Neill Regional Park is another nearby option tucked back in the canyon with clean facilities, free showers, and excellent hiking and mountain biking trails. Other campgrounds within driving distance include San Clemente State Beach, San Mateo Campground, and Doheny State Beach for coastal options, while Dripping Springs Campground offers a more inland experience.
What are the best camping places around Mission Viejo for beginners?
For camping beginners near Mission Viejo, San Clemente State Beach Campground is ideal with its ample space to set up camp, ocean views from most sites, and easy access to amenities. The campground offers a more relaxed experience than other crowded coastal options. San Mateo Campground is another beginner-friendly option with some sites offering great privacy, within walking distance to Trestles Beach. Both locations have clean facilities and are well-maintained. For those seeking a more developed experience, consider campgrounds with additional amenities like Pechanga RV Resort or Bonelli Bluffs, which offer more comfort amenities that can ease first-time campers into the outdoor experience.
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