San Mateo Campground at San Onofre State Beach offers a coastal camping experience within Trabuco Canyon's network of protected wilderness. Located about 10 miles south of Newport Coast, this campground sits at an elevation of approximately 150 feet above sea level. Morning marine layers create natural air conditioning during summer months, with temperatures typically ranging from 50-80°F throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking in Trabuco Canyon: O'Neill Regional Park provides numerous trails for all skill levels. "The campground is beautiful, the drive can be a bit weird since it is all commercial and residential. there is literally a Starbucks 3 minutes from camp. the sites are wonderful and many hiking areas," notes Janet S. about the park.
Beach exploration: At San Mateo Campground, campers can access the shoreline via a 1.5-mile trail. "Chill campground, most of the spots are super private! A fun little hike (1.5 miles) to the walk until tresels beach. I think it's 2 miles all together. The beach is beautiful, great for surfing!" shares Brianne S.
Biking opportunities: Paved paths at Doheny State Beach Campground make it ideal for cyclists. "There are great bike trails to ride on. There are no hook ups but the price is right for beach front camping," explains Karissa J.
What campers like
Accessibility to urban amenities: While camping at O'Neill Regional Park, visitors appreciate having services nearby. "ONeil is a great little park that's tucked away among the urban sprawl of Orange County. Once in the park you feel like you're far out in the wilderness. It makes for a great weekend great away," reports Berton M.
Clean facilities: Huntington Beach RV Campground maintains well-kept restrooms and shower areas. "All is very clean and great we could wash our clothing there," mentions Meindert R. about the facilities at this seasonal beachfront campground.
Ocean views: At Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground, the tiered design ensures excellent vistas. "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 Elly A.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Newport Coast fill quickly. "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 Elly A. about Crystal Cove State Park.
Seasonal operations: Huntington Beach RV Campground only operates from October through May. "This opens back up in October due to the high traffic of summer visitors. Need to have self contained rigs. Basically a parking lot on the beach that you can stay and enjoy beachfront," explains Brittney C.
Wildlife awareness: Prepare for insects at certain locations. "We made the mistake of not being prepared for the ANTS!!! Campground looked pretty cool, so close to the beach, some trails nearby. Room for kids to ride bikes... but we picked up about a gazillion ants," warns C M. about San Mateo Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Newport Dunes RV Resort offers extensive recreation for children. "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," shares Karissa J.
Story trails: O'Neill Regional Park features educational hiking paths. "Very affordable, friendly staff and atmosphere, recently paved streets (perfect for scootering, skating, biking). Great playground for children. 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," explains Johnny G.
Spacing considerations: Choose campgrounds with adequate site separation when traveling with kids. "Campsites are located on a relatively busy road, so you can hear road traffic but nothing that bothered us. Campsites seemed to be largely pull thru's which is nice too. Neighbour are close but not too close," reports James about O'Neill Regional Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Crystal Cove State Park, certain locations offer better accommodations. "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. Dump station is on your way out, with 3 stations in that row," advises Patrick J.
Off-season benefits: Pet friendly campgrounds near Newport Coast are less crowded during cooler months. "We stayed February 5th and 6th at site #23 but it looked like most of the sites had great views of the Pacific. The campsites are roped off and have a decent amount of distance between them. There is some vegetation between them but not enough to be totally private," reports Amy H. at Crystal Cove State Park.
Hookup details: RVers should note the utility offerings at different campgrounds. "Water Fill for RV: Something maybe this app should distinguish is 'Drinking Water'. What sort of Water access? for RV tank filling or for simple hand held vessels for carrying. At this park they have both. Hand carrying potable water is available by bathrooms. And RV tank filling also available at the same location of dump site only a few feet away as you drive out," explains Manuel P. about Doheny State Beach.
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