Best Campgrounds near Newport Beach, CA

The coastal city of Newport Beach has several camping spots within driving distance for beach-loving campers. San Elijo State Beach Campground puts you right on the beach, which works well if swimming and sunbathing are high on your list. Campers looking for good hiking can try Malibu Creek State Park Campground, where trails cut through the surrounding hills. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground sits close to the water too, with campsites that aren't far from where the waves break. Most of these places have bathrooms and shower buildings that help make longer stays more comfortable. If you want more space between you and other campers, Dogwood Campground tends to have roomier sites and stays quieter. You'll need to book ahead for most of these campgrounds, especially in summer when they fill up fast. Check if fire bans are in effect before you go, as California often restricts campfires during dry periods. These campgrounds work for both tent and RV camping, and some have water and electric hookups. The roads to these campgrounds are in good shape, so you won't need a special vehicle to reach them. When you're not at your campsite, you can hike, fish, or try local restaurants. San Clemente and Laguna Beach are close enough for quick trips to pick up supplies. The Newport Beach area combines good natural settings with decent facilities, whether you're staying for a couple days or a week. Just make sure to pack out what you pack in to keep these places nice.

Best Camping Sites Near Newport Beach, California (120)

    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. 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."

    6. O'Neill Regional Park

    29 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..."

    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

    37 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 120 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Newport Beach, CA

980 Reviews of 120 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 120 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.