Tent campsites near Newport Beach, California span from mainland parks to offshore island locations on Catalina. Camping options range from primitive wilderness sites at elevations up to 1,600 feet to beachfront locations where waves crash directly onto the shore. Weather conditions vary significantly between inland and coastal sites, with fog common on Catalina Island and temperatures fluctuating between 50-80°F depending on elevation and proximity to water.
What to do
Beach activities at Little Harbor: Camp within steps of a protected cove with clear water ideal for snorkeling and swimming. Little Harbor Campground offers beachfront sites with fire rings on the shore. "The water is clean and great for snorkeling and the campsites all have amazing views of the cove," notes one visitor.
Mountain biking trails: China Camp State Park provides extensive trail networks popular with cyclists. "There are definitely better mountain biking trails in Marin (Tamarancho Boy Scout Camp, for example) but keep in mind that the bar is very high for mountain biking in Marin. So China Camp won't disappoint even if it's not the most epic biking in the area," explains one experienced rider.
Waterfall hiking: Explore creek-side trails with moderate elevation gain near tent camping areas. "About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. But there are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that," reports a visitor to Millard Trail Campground.
What campers like
Exclusive beach access: Parsons Landing Campground offers true beachfront camping with only eight designated sites on the sand. "I would say it's the only TRUE beach camping I've ever been able to find. You have to coordinate the ferry to Two Harbors on Catalina Island and then hike about 8 miles to the far end of the island," explains a camper who stayed at site #1.
Wildlife encounters: Tent campgrounds throughout Catalina Island provide opportunities to observe native species. "This campsite is positively a must camp if you are on Catalina Island. In one day we saw deer, quail, woodpeckers and the famous Catalina fox," shares a visitor to Hermit Gulch Campground.
Trail connectivity: Backcountry campsites serve as connection points along the Trans-Catalina Trail. "We were only there for one night and arrived at Dusk. Its not the best campground but it had water and a bathroom, it did its job but it isnt somewhere I would use as a destination," notes a hiker at Black Jack Campground.
What you should know
Food storage challenges: Island camping requires careful food protection from wildlife. "The birds there are relentless and will poke holes in everything including water jugs if you turn your back for even a second. They even know how to get into unlocked lockers," warns a camper at Parsons Landing Campground.
Limited resources: Remote sites often require planning for essentials. "No water on site, you must bring your own. Water, firewood, and fire starter are available for purchase. You can buy them at two harbors, which is where they will give you a key for a locker that is at parsons landing which will have all those items."
Transportation logistics: Reaching tent campsites involves multiple travel modes. "We took the ferry from San Clemente to Avalon (45 mins to 1 hour). Then a bus from Avalon to the campsite (1 to 1.5 hours depending the stop at the airport)," explains a camper at Little Harbor.
Tips for camping with families
Best family-friendly location: Two Harbors Campground provides easier access to amenities while maintaining a rustic experience. "Easy walk down to the 'town' of Two Harbors for a Buffalo Milk drink or across the island for views on the South Side of the Island. This is a great place to stay for the microbrew fest every year on the island."
Activity planning: Consider sites with diverse recreational options nearby. "This walk-in campground is part of China Camp State Park. Only 33 tent-only sites! Wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees."
Wildlife education opportunities: Prepare children for animal encounters. "I am camping with my husband and 3 kids and our puppy. The hosts are friendly, cheap firewood, china beach village is just down the road and perfect to explore and swim... We are at spot 21 and the hike up the hill to our walk on spot is rough...they do have bins you can use to carry all your stuff up. There are coons here so you can't keep any food out when dark comes near!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection for RV-capable campgrounds: China Camp State Park offers some sites with RV access though most tent campsites near Newport Beach require walk-in access. "The website will say the sites are 'hike in', but this is not how I'd describe it. Yes, you need to park in the main lot and then carry your gear to the campsite, but it's not really a hike. More like a short walk, a quarter of a mile at best."
Gear transport solutions: Plan for equipment transfer from parking areas. "You won't be able to drive up to your campsite. You have to carry your gear in a short distance from the parking lot. Not a big deal, but if you tend to overpack, pick a spot closer to the parking lot."
Weather preparation: Coastal camping requires gear for moisture protection. "It's often foggy in the morning, and sunny in the afternoon. You can camp here year round, and I've been here in the winter, spring and summer. I really enjoy it here when the creek is running, but even in the summer when it's dry, the proximity to the bay means it probably won't get too hot."
