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Best Campgrounds near Mission Viejo, CA

1,228 Reviews

Camping areas surrounding Mission Viejo in California center primarily on established county and state parks rather than dispersed camping. O'Neill Regional Park in nearby Trabuco Canyon provides a gateway to camping with tent and RV sites nestled among oak trees. Other notable developed campgrounds include Crystal Cove State Park's Moro Campground along the coast in Laguna Beach, San Onofre State Beach approximately 25 miles south, and Caspers Wilderness Park to the east. These established campgrounds collectively offer tent sites, RV hookups, cabin accommodations, and glamping options within 30 minutes of Mission Viejo.

Reservations are essential for most camping areas near Mission Viejo, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when coastal campgrounds reach capacity quickly. The campgrounds generally remain open year-round with mild Southern California temperatures, though coastal morning fog is common in summer months. Most developed sites provide amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, with many offering showers and water hookups. Fees typically range from $20-40 per night depending on the campground and services. "O'Neill Regional Park is amazing. Weekends fill up fast since it's a small drive from the hustle and bustle of Orange county life. It's a fun place to escape and feel a little more wild," noted one visitor.

Campers consistently highlight the juxtaposition of natural settings against the backdrop of suburban Orange County. Several visitors mentioned the convenience of proximity to urban areas while still enjoying natural surroundings. The campgrounds near Mission Viejo serve as accessible weekend getaways rather than remote wilderness experiences. "If you live in LA and you're looking for a close place to get away for the weekend, O'Neill Campground is perfect. It's close to civilization so you'll have easy access to lots of shops and markets, but you still can enjoy the great outdoors," shared one camper. Hiking trails, mountain biking opportunities, and beach access (at coastal sites) represent key attractions. Noise from nearby roads can impact some camping areas, and weekday visits typically offer more solitude than busy weekends when family groups predominate.

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Best Camping Sites Near Mission Viejo, California (168)

    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

    31 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

    53 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    14 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."

    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

    39 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

    21 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

    $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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Mission Viejo, CA

307 Photos of 168 Mission Viejo Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Mission Viejo, CA

1228 Reviews of 168 Mission Viejo Campgrounds

  • Frank M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 28, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Nice campground

    It's a very nice campground about an hours drive from the beach and other tourist attractions. Usually sold out every weekend. The road to get there can be dangerous. Some wannabe race drivers and commuters avoiding crowded freeways will NOT tolerate anyone doing the speed limit and will pass regardless of the danger.

  • L
    Oct. 24, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Deer loop

    Had an amazing time, unbeknownst to us deer loop was closed after we booked it in June. We ended up having the whole loop to ourselves. We come here about 5 times a year and never have issues.

  • Emily L.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort

    Horrible experience!

    Came to this park to relax, and was was kept awake all night by the sound of several cats fighting outside. Why wouldn't management do something about the stray cats? Just to see this many cats makes this park feel urban or ghetto. Great park if you don't need to sleep...

  • Anna X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Pacific touch :)

    Nice 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 :)

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Wish we could stay longer this trip

    We 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.

  • Karen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    San Clemente State Beach Campground

    Ant Infestation !

    If 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!

  • Julia G.
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Hare School Park

    Overnight parking ✅

    You can overnight park here with your RV without problems.

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    Cool spot

    Difficult 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.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Fry Creek Campground

    Loved it

    We 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.

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

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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