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Best Campgrounds near Newport Beach, CA

1,013 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Newport Beach, California (128)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    6 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. 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

    53 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    22 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."

    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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Recent Camping Photos near Newport Beach, CA

246 Photos of 128 Newport Beach Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Newport Beach, CA

1013 Reviews of 128 Newport Beach Campgrounds

  • Moo
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Oceanside RV Resort

    For tent campers - pretty solid place for a quick couple stays

    First, the campsite has the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping. This is no doubt that for those folks who are needed for good built qaulity toiletery, this will be your location.

    For the down sides;

    1. The trains - There is a rail right behind the tent sites so if you are looking for the tent sites with quiet location: PLEASE STAY AWAY from here. the trains do not operate from around 10 pm, back on operating starting from 5 am.

    2. for T1 tent site, BE AWARE that there is a dog park RIGHT next to the tent site: there will be a urine odor all over the place.

    3. If you are planning on cooking, just be aware that there is no proper location to do a dish wash. You would need some sort of wipes to do.

  • ROCKSTAR C.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hare School Park

    It’s the sports fields parking lot

    I’ve been here for a couple days and nobody’s mess with us. There’s other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I’m in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It’s not tent friendly. I don’t believe.

  • A
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Bobcat Campsite

    Awesome campsite. Free showers. Electrical outlets by the restrooms at a handicap site. Water spigots scattered around the bobcat site. Dumpsters within walking distance from your site. The locals in the area will take your site if you arrive late. Just head back to the campground entrance and they will send a park ranger to remove them. The restrooms get cleaned daily around 8-10am. More than enough room at site 380

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Canyon RV Park

    Relaxed, clean, friendly, infor.ative, quiet

    Been passing this exit on the 91 freewqy for 25 years and had no idea canyon Rv park was tucked in beween corona and yorba linda. I was quite amazed with the tidy faculitie a d wqs very peacefull. When U are smake dab in the middle of asfalt jungle. I litteraly forgot where i was because its like a little bubble on you .exot the freeway a d e ter the park everything behind you just melts away and i felt like i was in the woods, and at times i swear i was the only camper here. If you are into easy going peacefull quite camp sites this is one of them

  • Tyler G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Great spot, loud planes

    We loved this spot next to the beach. We got used to the planes, but they are certainly jarring at first.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Pechanga RV Resort

    Good but can be noisy

    Pull-through sites have a little room not so close to neighbors Buddy sites are available

  • Amanda K.
    Jul. 15, 2025

    Rawhide Ranch

    The perfect spot for family, childrens, or scout horse camps!

    The perfect spot for family, childrens, or scout horse camps! My father and I both went as kids (40 years a part) and remember and treasure our experience. Rawhide ranch hosts family, youth groups, and scout weekend or summer camps. Note that I do not believe they host individual adult campers. It seems like all their camping options are associated with their events/camp program. It is however the perfect, fun introduction to camping for kids with a lot of fun activities. Note that these photos were taken about 14 years ago

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

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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