133 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Newport Beach ranges from oceanfront campgrounds to wooded sites inland, giving tent campers and RV drivers solid options across 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.
"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."
from $25 - $75 / night
Check Availability"The grounds are impeccably clean, beautifully maintained, and set in a truly stunning location. Everything feels well cared for and thoughtfully run."
"As we expected, the sites are stacked up next to each other like dominoes with minimal foliage/fencing to separate the sites."
from $75 - $550 / night
Check Availability"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. "
"Sites are close to other sites but are pretty large for what you get. All site locations are in walking distance to the beach which is so great."
from $50 - $350 / night
Check Availability"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..."
"This is a nice little campground tucked away amidst the hustle and bustle of South Orange County."
from $20 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $60 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $45 - $250 / night
Check Availability"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."
"If you’re looking for classic Southern California beach camping with stunning ocean views, this spot is such a good choice."
from $45 - $300 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Crystal Cove Beach Cottages……Home away from home❤️"
"Great views, nice trails & beach walks. Great restaurant."
ScoutPlenty of room at the beach an lots of bike riding areas.cold showers are free an nice in the summer,however there are no shower curtains ,be advised this might not be for you or shower after dark,is an option .fyi .nice entry staff,restrooms cleaned daily.
GuideWe have been to this campground quite a few times in the last couple of years and I really love it, personally because it’s really close to home. I also love that it’s first come first serve, which allows us to spontaneously go and enjoy without having to make reservations. I also like the fact that all the campsites have a fire pit and a picnic table, which were very recently replaced so they look very new. They installed metal storage boxes for saving your food overnight, this is super helpful. I love the creek even though the water is freezing cold but it’s truly a favorite. This place is wonderful and even though right now there is no water access until further notice, as long as you know you need to take lots of water for cooking and cleaning up you are good.
ScoutLoved the beach and loved the wildlife and shops. The bathroom got dirty around closing time and people were loud and shooting fireworks late at night….its cool they have water sports and felt safe. However, for camping it was not easy to sleep cars playing loud noise and people fishing and running around…weather was great
ScoutThe place is simple, well maintained and extremely clean. There’s back in sites that accommodate smaller 20ft campers and bigger 30ft campers, with there being some pull through sites that are big enough for RV’s, however no camping with tents allowed. Would recommend against bringing in campers with damage or DIY repairs as they “have to maintain sightly appearance”. Overall great for the price. Extremely clean bathrooms with free showers with a pool and jacuzzi plus a short walk to the beach. Only about a 45 min drive to LA with no traffic. The only bad is the constant noise from the port that doesn’t go away at night.
GuideIf you like camping in a Walmart parking lot or on the streets, this place is for you.
No rangers working after the park close for day use. Didn't see one going through the campground. If you like to party all night and you have a loud system no problem. NO RAGERS AROUND. Be prepared keep your food in your car lot of rats, mice, skunks and coyotes. THE LAKE SUCKS, hard to launch your boat on and off, docks will mess up your boat. Fishing no fish they don't stock the lake. Marina is very over priced and out in the sunny parking lot. I live in LA I now got to SILVERWOOD LAKE, just as close as this place, and nicer, if you like to stay up all night Perris Lake is for you. If you want to work hard to get you boat on and off lake so you don't damage your boat, this place is for you.
TravelerBe sure to come early. Great location for families and small groups. Peaceful close to a city within 40min small town with church ect 15 minutes away.
LegendGeneral: Two sections: RV camping and dry camping
Site Quality: If you have a larger RV and/or need hookups, you will be in a parking space with ZERO privacy between spaces (it is literally a parking space!). If you have a small RV or van conversion (smaller than 19 feet), there is dry camping. Concrete driveway; minimal privacy but a direct view of the beach. You must have a bed, dinette, sink, and small water supply to be in these spots. A concrete picnic table is included in each site.
Bath/Shower: Six-digit codes (that change regularly) needed to enter (and a different one for each bathroom). One all-in-one with a sink, toilet, urinal, and diaper changing station. The other has two shower stalls, two toilets, and one sink. The shower in the one closest to the dry camping area left much to be desired. I couldn’t get the ADA-accessible shower to work, and the other one had a push-button flow that took some time to get warm and had to be repeatedly pushed to complete the shower. Hooks and bench are outside the shower stall, compromising privacy. My biggest disappointment, however, was that there were NO electrical outlets. I took a chance and walked to the other end of the campground (by the entrance and full hookup sites) where I discovered the bathroom was much nicer. Not only did it have electrical outlets, but it looked like the showers were much nicer.
Activities/Amenities: You are right on the beach! There is a paved path for walking, running, or bicycling. Laundry was temporarily out of order when we were there.
There are very limited options for camping in this area, and the price was $55/night for dry camping. You are in the direct flight path of LAX, so have earplugs at the ready if the sound of jet planes overhead is not your thing!
ScoutMy golden shore experience was nothing short of amazing the camping ground was clean. The poop ,electricity and water where working just fine there was enough space for our 40 ft RV. The palm trees added a beach atmosphere. The greatest part was the pool and the jacuzzi they where the cherry on top the pool was clean and the jacuzzi where just right! I absolutely loved it 5 stars.
GuideSeafront spots are beautiful, we were fully in the back which was a bit boring. Large empty grassy/sandy areas with no trees or play structures for kids. Far from the a bit dirty toilets. Campground is big and sites are spaced quite well. Nice to be close to the sea but go for a spot closer to the sea
Crystal Cove State Park sits on coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean, with campsites ranging from 50 to 200 feet above sea level. Camping near Newport Beach provides access to more than 40 miles of coastline within Orange County, with most campgrounds open year-round due to the area's Mediterranean climate. Winter temperatures typically range from 45-65°F while summer temperatures hover between 60-85°F.
Hike the trails at Crystal Cove: The backcountry area offers primitive camping with several steep sections on the approach. "After the steep beginning, you feel a sense of being father in the wilderness then you really are. Tons of Hawks hunting all over the top of the hill," notes a camper at Crystal Cove Backcountry.
Bike along the coastline: Many campgrounds offer easy access to coastal bike paths. "There is a nice day area and trails within walking distance. The tide was high both times we tried to walk under the highway to get to the beach but there were parking lots just a short drive up the road," shares a visitor to Crystal Cove State Park.
Enjoy water activities beyond swimming: The protected bay areas offer calm water for beginners. "Take the family and bring the toys! This place is the best of both family and party atmosphere! Be warned it is not a sleepy RV park," reports a camper at Newport Dunes RV Resort.
Oceanfront camping options: Several sites offer direct beach access or ocean views. "Beautiful beachfront camping steps from the sand. Dry camping with a dump station available. Great sunsets and beautiful sand," writes a reviewer at Doheny State Beach Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms and shower facilities. "The bathrooms are spotless. They were being cleaned frequently. The showers are coin operated but it didn't take many coins to get a decent warm shower," notes a visitor to Moro Campground.
Beach access without crowds: Some parks offer more secluded beach experiences. "The walk up from the beach is a little tough, but the lifeguards are super nice and helpful if you need assistance. The upside of the walk is that there aren't as many people as down the beach by the public parking," comments a camper at San Clemente State Beach.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "This campground fills up fast so book early! I really like how clearly the sites are marked and how often the park rangers patrol," advises a Crystal Cove State Park visitor.
Fire restrictions vary by site: Some campgrounds prohibit wood fires. "No coal or wood fires :( Kind of a bummer since your evening ends early. You can bring propane pits yourself for fires though," warns a camper at Crystal Cove State Park.
Wildlife concerns: Be prepared for encounters with local wildlife. "You'll wake up to them chasing rabbits literally in your campsite. Pretty much the reason I haven't returned," shares a camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground regarding coyotes.
Choose campgrounds with family amenities: Some sites offer playgrounds and organized activities. "We stay here every year. They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach," recommends a visitor to Newport Dunes RV Resort.
Consider sites with short hiking trails: Kid-friendly trails add value to the camping experience. "Great playground for children. Recently paved streets (perfect for scootering, skating, biking). Easy and fun 'Story Trail' hike for children. The hike features a new book every month, each page is mounted to a placard along the trail," shares a family who stayed at O'Neill Regional Park.
Bring ant prevention supplies: Several campgrounds report ant problems. "We made the mistake of not being prepared for the ANTS!!! We learned that comet around all points of contact with the ground keeps them down," advises a camper at San Mateo Campground.
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds offer terraced or tiered sites with different views. "The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean. It is in a developed area of Laguna Beach, so there is not much solitude or quiet enjoyment of nature," notes an RV camper at Crystal Cove State Park.
Expect tight spaces: Most coastal RV sites are close together. "Spaces are all concrete, very tight so you better be good at backing up your toys. Water and electric only but they do have a dump station," explains a camper at Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground.
Beach access varies by vehicle type: Check beach accessibility if traveling with an RV. "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. The maximum length is 38. We had 30/50 amp electrical and water," advises an RV owner at Crystal Cove State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the campgrounds located at Newport Beach?
Newport Beach offers several excellent camping options in the immediate area. Newport Dunes RV Resort is located directly in Newport Beach with waterfront access. For those willing to venture slightly beyond, Crystal Cove State Park offers camping just north of Newport Beach along the scenic coastal bluffs. Additional nearby options include campgrounds in Huntington Beach, Dana Point, and San Clemente, all within a short drive and offering easy beach access while providing the full Southern California coastal camping experience.
How much does camping at Newport Beach cost?
Camping costs near Newport Beach vary by location and amenities. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground offers beachfront RV camping with water and electric hookups typically ranging from $50-75 per night. Doheny State Beach Campground charges similar rates for its beach-adjacent sites. Prices generally increase during peak summer months and holidays. Most state beach campgrounds also charge a reservation fee of around $7.99 per booking. Premium campgrounds with resort amenities like Newport Dunes can cost $75-150+ per night depending on the season and site location. Many campgrounds also offer day-use fees around $15-20 if you're just visiting for the day.
When is the best time of year to camp at Newport Beach?
The best time to camp near Newport Beach is late spring through early fall (May-October) when temperatures are ideal for beach activities. San Clemente State Beach Campground offers excellent coastal camping during these months with spacious sites and ocean views. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground is also perfect during this period, with sites directly overlooking the Pacific. Summer brings warmer water temperatures ideal for swimming, though it's also the busiest season. Fall offers fewer crowds with still-pleasant conditions. Winter camping is possible with mild temperatures, but expect more variable weather with occasional rain. For the perfect balance of good weather and smaller crowds, consider May-June or September-October.
What amenities are available at Newport Beach camping sites?
Camping sites near Newport Beach offer a range of amenities to enhance your stay. O'Neill Regional Park provides clean facilities with free showers, hiking and biking trails, and is tucked into a scenic canyon. For those seeking more luxurious accommodations, Pechanga RV Resort offers upscale facilities including a pool, proximity to restaurants, and sports park facilities. Most coastal campgrounds in the area typically provide water hookups, electric sites for RVs, dump stations, restrooms with showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. Many sites offer easy beach access with some featuring playground areas, laundry facilities, camp stores, and Wi-Fi. Reservation systems are standard for most locations, and many campgrounds are pet-friendly with specific regulations.
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