Best Tent Camping near Mission Viejo, CA
Tent camping options near Mission Viejo, California include several established campgrounds within driving distance of the city. Doheny State Beach Campground in Dana Point offers beachfront tent camping with easy access to the sand, while Manker Campground near Mount Baldy provides a more mountainous experience from May through October. Both locations accommodate tent campers with designated sites, though the environments and amenities differ significantly.
Tent sites at Doheny State Beach feature picnic tables and fire rings, with access to drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. The campground layout places sites relatively close together with minimal privacy between neighbors. One camper noted, "The sites are small and close together with little to no privacy in between campsites," though the proximity to the beach compensates for the tight quarters. Sites near the ocean tend to be more spacious than interior spots, which can feel crowded during peak seasons.
Tent campers seeking more seclusion might prefer Spruce Grove Trail Campground, accessible only by hiking in. This primitive camping area offers free tent sites with picnic tables and vault toilets but no drinking water, requiring campers to pack in their own supplies. Other backcountry tent camping options include China Camp State Park, which features walk-in tent sites with basic amenities like drinking water and trash service. For beach enthusiasts, Two Harbors Campground on Catalina Island provides tent sites accessible by boat or on foot, offering a more remote experience while still maintaining amenities like showers and toilets. Most tent campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer months when demand peaks.
