Best Campgrounds near Newport Beach, CA

The coastal area around Newport Beach has several camping spots worth checking out in Southern California. San Elijo State Beach Campground lets you camp right by the ocean with good spots for surfing and beach time. Hikers tend to like Malibu Creek State Park Campground for its trail network that cuts through beautiful terrain. Many families choose Dogwood Campground since the sites are larger and the bathrooms stay clean. You can drive to all these campgrounds without much trouble on decent roads, though summer traffic can get bad, especially on weekends. Newport Beach town sits close by when you need restaurants, shops, or something to do away from camp. The water around Newport Beach works well for kayakers and people who like paddleboarding. Make sure you book ahead for any camping trip here - sites fill up fast, particularly on holiday weekends. Spring and fall camping tends to be better here with nice weather and fewer people around. Winter camping works too, but bring warm clothes and good sleeping bags. The Newport Beach area has good camping options whether you're bringing a tent or driving an RV.

Best Camping Sites Near Newport Beach, California (122)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    6 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. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    Newport Beach, CA
    1 mile
    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."

    3. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    15 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. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    19 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 846-3460

    $60 - $70 / night

    "Beachfront camping in the heart of southern California. Concrete/asphalt sites with water electric and dump station. Adjacent to PCH so road noise but steps away from great sand beaches."

    "Super convenient beach front parking with good restrooms and outdoor showers as well as a beach path perfect for walking, biking, rollerblading, etc."

    5. O'Neill Regional Park

    30 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    17 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..."

    6. Waterfront RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 536-8316

    "Booking a site here at Waterfront, provided us a excellent homebase that was close to the water. In all, you are about a 2 minute walk to the sand, and 4 minutes to the oceanfront. "

    "Your not on the beach but literally on the other side of pacific coast highway you are there."

    7. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    22 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."

    8. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    38 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    22 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."

    9. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages — Crystal Cove State Park

    6 Reviews
    Newport Coast, CA
    3 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
    5 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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Showing results 1-10 of 122 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Newport Beach, CA

986 Reviews of 122 Newport Beach Campgrounds



Guide to Newport Beach

Camping near Newport Beach offers a fantastic way to enjoy the great outdoors while being close to the ocean. With several campgrounds in the area, you can find the perfect spot to set up camp and soak in the sun.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. For example, at San Elijo State Beach Campground, you can enjoy the surf and sand right at your doorstep. One camper mentioned, "Really fun campground, right along the beach, and right across the street from plenty of places to eat and shop."
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are abundant in the area. At Malibu Creek State Park Campground, you can easily access hiking trails. A visitor noted, "Nice, small campground with hiking trails easily accessible."
  • Water Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming are popular. Campers at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground enjoy the lake, with one saying, "Great overall experience, campgrounds are general and basic."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park offer stunning ocean views. A camper shared, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. At Dogwood Campground, one visitor said, "The place is clean and quiet. Our camp site was very spacious."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention helpful staff. At Bonelli Bluffs, a reviewer noted, "Personnel very kind and friendly."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get packed, especially on weekends. A camper at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Many sites do not offer full hookups. At South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, a visitor noted, "Mostly no hookups, but has toilets and fresh water throughout."
  • Noise Levels: Some campers have reported noise from nearby roads or other campers. A review for Doheny State Beach Campground stated, "The campground itself is pretty nice... but there was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "The sites are spacious, but some are tight."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A camper at Malibu Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Showers are coin operated and cold."
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, especially on weekends. A visitor at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground advised, "Try to get a site closer to the entrance and the store."

With these insights, you're all set for a great camping experience near Newport Beach, CA!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Newport Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Newport Beach, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Newport Beach, CA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Newport Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Newport Beach, 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 Newport Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Newport Beach, CA.

What parks are near Newport Beach, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Newport Beach, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.