Top Tent Camping near Newport Beach, CA

Are you planning a tent camping trip to Newport Beach? We've got you covered. The Dyrt is an easy way to find tent camping spots near Newport Beach. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your California camping adventure.

Best Tent Sites Near Newport Beach, CA (27)

    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground

    1. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    144 Photos
    742 Saves

    San Clemente State Beach camping is located at the south end of the city of San Clemente, California. The area around San Clemente is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. The city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea." Visitors are attracted to the San Clemente area for its intense winds and dramatic location. San Clemente has been a California state beach since 1937 and is popular among water sport enthusiasts, and anyone who wishes to escape from inland heat and nearby metropolitan areas for the day. The beautiful mile long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $45 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

    2. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

    6 Reviews
    3 Photos
    214 Saves
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park

    3. China Camp State Park

    10 Reviews
    15 Photos
    144 Saves

    All campsites at China Camp Campground are HIKE-IN SITES for tent-camping only. Visitors must handcarry all equipment from the parking lot to the campsites. Campsites range from 50-300 yards from the parking lot. Eight persons maximum are allowed in each site. Check in time is 2pm or later and check out is Noon. Enroute camping is available for RV's with a grey water holding tank for one night only. No dump station or hook-ups are available. Enroute Camping is limited to space availability. Check in for enroute camping is 6pm and check out is 9am. A "Hike and Bike" site is available for those who travel to China Camp on foot or by bicycle.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 - $175 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground

    4. Two Harbors Campground

    10 Reviews
    63 Photos
    72 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground

    5. Black Jack Campground

    8 Reviews
    16 Photos
    27 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground

    7. Hermit Gulch Campground

    5 Reviews
    17 Photos
    25 Saves

    Hermit Gulch Campground is Avalon’s only camping facility located within city limits. The campground is situated in Avalon Canyon near the Nature Center and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.

    The campground offers a nice view of the surrounding hills that are home to a wide variety of endemic plant and animal species. Hermit Gulch Trail is accessible from the campground, and there's access to other hiking trails nearby.

    Hermit Gulch is great for first-timers and experienced campers alike. Being so close to town allows easy access to groceries, shopping, restaurants, tours, sight seeing and nightlife.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Tent Cabin
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Falcon Group Campground

    8. Falcon Group Campground

    1 Review
    6 Photos
    29 Saves

    Overview

    Falcon Group Campground has three individual group campsites just off the scenic Ortega Highway in Southern California, which connects San Juan Capistrano and Temecula Valley Highway. The pleasant climate, scenery, trail system and convenient location, make this a popular destination for groups from Los Angeles and San Diego. Hiking is especially popular among campers.

    Recreation

    Hikers of any level can find trails that challenge and accommodate their recreational goals around the campground. Among them are the Falcon Trail, a 1.4-mile easy trail that connects to the campground, and Trabuco Canyon Trail, which provides scenic 6.8-mile hike into the backcountry. The San Juan Trial, which is popular with mountain bikers, has a trailhead at Blue Jay campground, adjacent from Falcon Group Campground. The trail climbs a very steep set of stacked switchbacks from the floor of Hot Springs Canyon and traverses briefly before steeply ascending a ridge toward Sugarloaf Mountain. There are also many ideal picnic spots and scenic overlooks along Ortega Highway.

    Natural Features

    The campground sits at an elevation of 3,300 ft. off the Ortega Highway scenic drive in the Santa Ana Mountains, a route that offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, valleys and forest. The area lies in a mixed forest and chaparral ecosystem and is inhabited by a variety of birds, plants and wildlife.

    Nearby Attractions

    The closest town is Lake Elsinore, which has various shops, restaurants and recreation opportunities.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group

    $120 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Parsons Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Parsons Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Parsons Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Parsons Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Parsons Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Parsons Landing Campground

    9. Parsons Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    38 Photos
    137 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground

    10. Manker Campground

    12 Reviews
    26 Photos
    408 Saves

    Camp high in the clouds at Manker Flats Campground. This campground sits at 6000-feet and offers 21 campsites open year-round. However, piped-water is turned once temperatures reach freezing. Each site comes with a spacious spot for all your family camping needs and includes a picnic bench, fire ring, and vault toilets. It's located within a short drive to historic Mt. Baldy Schoolhouse and Visitor Center where visitors can discover the land's Native American roots. Close by, hikers have several options to begin their day's adventure including, Mt. Baldy Bowl trailhead. This trailhead can be combined with another major route, Devil's Backbone, to reach the summit (10,069') to form an impressive 11.3-mile loop hike. For the more casual hiker, a 1.4 mile round trip to the 75-foot San Antonio Falls is available. Bears are very active in this area, so it is recommended that all campers use provided bear boxes, personal bear canisters, or seal all food as to eliminate scent.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $12 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 27 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Newport Beach

778 Reviews of 27 Newport Beach Campgrounds


  • Kyle F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Champagne Lakes RV Resort
    Sep. 17, 2024

    Champagne Lakes RV Resort

    REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS!

    Let's start off with the fact that this"resort" has REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS living there and TWEAKERS SELLING DRUGS. When I mentioned it to the management they could care less, didn't say a word and walked away laughing. They DO NOT perform ANY BACKGROUND CHECKS and especially with children in the park I find that very disturbing. They nickel and dime you for every little thing and the rent has gone up 3x in one year. The water supply smells like sewage when you take a shower. Because they do pump outs the resort smells like human excrement most of the time. The lakes are polluted as well and completely full of cyanobacteria AKA green algae which is a respiratory hazard. POTENTIAL BEWARE.

  • jennifer G.
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
    Sep. 1, 2024

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Great little campground in south OC!

    Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. I stayed here on a weekday, and there were a few couple of vacant campsites in my area, so it was an extremely quiet visit. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked for my stay. I didn’t use the showers since I was only staying one night, but I heard they were free!

    Rangers were very friendly and firewood was only $5 for a decent bundle that lasted me over 2 hours.

    The city of Rancho Santa Margarita is right up the hill, so you can grab food and any necessities if needed.

    My site backed to the creek, so I never had people walking through my campsite.

    My dog & I slept in my van, but there was room for multiple tents, and a decent amount of shade in my spot.

    My spot didn’t have its own water spigot, but there was one at a site across from me.

    I was fortunate that all of the campers around me were quiet and considerate. I know that it doesn’t always work out that way, and having obnoxious neighbors can really ruin your experience.

  • Anita A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Less crowded ocale while visiting family nearby

    Visiting family in Santa Ana and LA. Not to far for them to come to us and all to go to beach. Park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly Beautiful view from our site on area B. Crowded on weekend, much less during week Campground is not associated to adjacent Frank Bonelli Regional. Charge $12 to enter with vehicle but no fee to ride in on bikes

  • Kim N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove State Park Primitive
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Crystal Cove State Park Primitive

    beautiful beach

    Clean dump station, beautiful sites, very strict on rules. We came 10 minutes early before check in time, they made us wait. Campsite comes with wifi but very weak. We have t mobile and had bad reception. Would come back again for beautiful views, small hike, sandy beaches with lots of sand crabs.

  • Michael W.
    Camper-submitted photo from The Secret Place
    Aug. 19, 2024

    The Secret Place

    Peaceful, Private, Beautiful

    Although we booked a campsite, it felt more like we were invited to Mazen's home. He was communicative and responsive, happily answered all of our questions, and was beyond generous. I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore! We can't wait to visit this campground again!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Bolsa Chica State Beach

    Beach view

    The parking lot is next to the beach on the one side but also next to the highway on the other side. So the view and the breeze is beautiful, but the traffic noise in the evening and morning is not so nice. With earplugs everything is fine! ;) The host Jim is very kind and helpful!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Aug. 12, 2024

    San Clemente State Beach Campground

    Camping

    It was overall a nice campsite. Our site seemed to be pretty large it came with a picnic table & fire pit. The walk to the beach was close seemed maybe about 10 minute till we reached the beach from our site. It is on a hill you need to walk down & back up. The only down side was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty did not seem to have any maintenance during our stay.

  • IThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Secret Place
    Jul. 29, 2024

    The Secret Place

    Friendly, knowledgeable and respectful hosts, best views I have ever experienced.

    We couldn't find any campgrounds, after calling multiple places we came across "The Secret Place". They have the best views I have ever experienced! Especially during sunset and as the city lights start to twinkle. Very nice and quiet place. No full hookups, but good bathrooms and showers available. The camp host was knowledgeable about the area and recommended great things to do. Very helpful, very respectful and very friendly. Will definitely stay here again, made our honeymoon trip very memorable! A+ recommend.

  • Bo L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Oceanside RV Park

    Solid spot for being near the beach

    Nice little site that is right in the middle of everything.

    It's crowded and you don't have much space, but if your using this instead of a hotel room it works great.

    It had a game room and pool so kids had something to do. There were families all over with kids riding bikes. We had a quick stay over while we were seeing family in the area and it worked great .

    Only issue we had is both entrances have a hell of a dip, we scraped the ass end real good going in and out with our 24ft class c.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Jay Campground
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Blue Jay Campground

    Hidden gem

    Awesome spot, lots of sights and some even have overlooks of the entire park. Can get crowded but no one was there on a Friday night in July. Bathrooms, trash, water and even buckets to fill to put out your fire. Fire pits, benches and grills nothing more you could want.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Olive Dell Ranch
    Jul. 12, 2024

    Olive Dell Ranch

    Olive Dell Resort

    I have been a member of this place for 20+ years.

    Most times if someone has a problem at the front gate. It because of the many background checks and or any one of the Screening Process...

    The previous review does not mention anything about that factor???? I wonder why??

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Manker Campground

    Mankers campground

    We spent 3days and 2nights here and enjoyed our stay, the caretaker was so nice! Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!

  • dThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
    Jun. 19, 2024

    South Carlsbad State Beach

    Nice Camground!

    Nice campground. Mostly no hookups, but has toilets and fresh water throughout. Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks over looking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites.

  • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach
    Jun. 10, 2024

    San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach

    Nice spots with shade, clean facilities

    Site had tree cover which had some nice shade to provide relief from the sun. Lots of room for a couple vehicles and tents. Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied. Good access to walking and biking trails.

  • Roxanna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon RV Park
    May. 21, 2024

    Canyon RV Park

    Anaheim CA

    This is our second stay here and probably our last. It was super expensive this time and we were put in the back (overflow) lot which name I use loosely as when it rains it floods. Had to park the car at the office so it wouldn’t float away. Upon our arrival my husband pulled up in our 42’ 5th wheel and parked to go into the office. There is a painted line on the curb where I guess you’re supposed to park but our unit would have been longer and wider than that space provided. She also could have used some tact and nicely asked if he could park the unit in the space provided but she was asking for a fight. He went to register and a lady with longer gray hair and glasses, who I’d seen there before, greeted him with..you need to park by the curb in the designated area- you’re blocking my driveway!! That kinda set the tone. He said I thought you’d open the gate so I could get out of the way. About that time I pulled up in the car and he was storming out the bldg saying I have to get out of the way- park in the designated area! So I went in and couldn’t understand why he hadn’t registered already. She very hatefully said I told him to move he was blocking my drive! (There was nobody out there but us). The tone could have been better, but I wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation- she took my information and said you’ve been here before so you know where you’re going! Maybe she is the owner or maybe an employee but it wasn’t a great way to start off our 2 wk stay at the rate of $2k! She was a real bitch!

  • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    May. 10, 2024

    Manker Campground

    Clean and near trails

    I went on a Wednesday afternoon in May and got my pick of sites.  There were only 4-6 other campers each night so it was very quiet.  Bathrooms were clean and supplied with TP.  

    No AT&T service.  Only one car per campsite.

  • Matthew W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
    May. 3, 2024

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Quiet & Peaceful

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved. As a family with young children, we were hoping for playgrounds or similar amenities to keep them entertained throughout our stay. Unfortunately, the absence of such facilities meant we had to get creative in finding ways to occupy their time during downtime.

    Additionally, while the campground's proximity to the lake was appealing, the walk to get there was longer than expected, especially with little ones in tow. This made spontaneous trips to the lake less feasible and slightly inconvenient.

    However, despite these minor inconveniences, the campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat. The staff were also friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience.

    In summary, while Bonelli Bluffs Campground could benefit from adding playgrounds and reducing the distance to the lake, it still offers a pleasant camping experience for families looking to reconnect with nature.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from South Carlsbad State Beach
    May. 2, 2024

    South Carlsbad State Beach

    Glamping of Campsites

    PROS:

    This site offers amazing sunsets and ocean breezes. There are plenty of facilities, and the camp store is great. The live music is always good, too. 

    A grocery store is nearby, just over the freeway. 

    CONS:

    It can get very crowded and packed. 

    Hard to get a site

    Many generators are always on.

    If you get a site at the far ends, it's a hike to go in and out. Try to get a site closer to the entrance and the store. But you will get a lot of traffic through your site. 

    Don't try to get there earlier; they usually won't let you in before check-in. 

    Biking and Running:

    Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas. 

    Good running. You can lap the campsite, which is almost 1 mile, end to end. I usually run down towards Encinitas along PCH.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
    May. 2, 2024

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Great Tucked Away Spot in Orange County

    SITE: 

    This site is great if you like hiking, biking, MTB, and running. It is very clean, and the showers are free and clean as well. 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.  

    SURROUNDING AREA

    There aren't too many shops in close proximity, but there are shops down the road a few minutes away if you need supplies. 

    ACTIVITIES 

    The campground is located next to Oneil Park, which is huge and great for bike and running. There are many hiking trails nearby in all directions. I usually ride to Caspers from the campsite or Trabruco creak up to Holy Jim.

  • Tina M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort
    Apr. 26, 2024

    Thousand Trails Wilderness Lakes RV Resort

    Good stay

    We didn't particularly care for the area, it was not far enough out to feel like in serene nature but still far to drive to anything. Well kept campground, enjoyed the mini golf (probably our favorite TT mini golf so far) but weren't too majorly impressed overall. It didn't help that it rained a lot and the streets turned into lakes - so not only did you have geese on your roof but also right outside your door. ;)

  • Steve H.
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
    Apr. 17, 2024

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Beautiful area and lots of hiking/biking trails

    My 3 dogs and I stay here often, as it's the lowest cost in Orange County and allows dogs. It has several restrooms, showers, equestrian areas, nature trails and picnicking for day use too.



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

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Newport Beach, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Newport Beach, CA is San Clemente State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Newport Beach, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 27 tent camping locations near Newport Beach, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.