Tent camping near Newport Coast, California offers access to protected coastal areas and inland wilderness settings. The region's Mediterranean climate brings mild winters with occasional rain and warm, dry summers with average temperatures between 65-85°F. Tent sites throughout the area typically require advance reservations, with peak season availability often booking up 3-6 months ahead for summer weekends.
What to do
Kayaking adventures: Two Harbors Campground provides direct water access for paddlers. "You can kayak in the bay here as well," notes a camper, with the calm waters making it ideal for beginners and experienced kayakers alike. Multiple rental outfitters operate near the camp beach.
Mountain biking trails: Access extensive trail networks from China Camp State Park Campground, where riders find varied terrain and elevation. "This park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. The trail running and hiking is great too," shares Nathaniel S., who recommends combining camping with full days of cycling through the park's network of interconnected trails.
Beach exploration: Beachcombers find extensive shoreline access at coastal campgrounds. "The water is clean and great for snorkeling and the campsites all have amazing views of the cove," explains one visitor about Little Harbor Campground. Early morning tidepooling yields the best marine life sightings when crowds are minimal.
What campers like
Private beach camping: Secluded coastal sites offer direct beach access. "Such a beautiful campground, and if you're lucky enough (like we were) you may get the whole place to yourself. The beach is beautiful, and there's nothing like the sunsets here," writes Morgan F. about Little Harbor. These beach-adjacent sites often feature natural windbreaks and unobstructed ocean views.
Walk-in tent sites: Walk-in camping areas provide buffer from vehicle noise. "This walk-in campground is part of China Camp State Park. Wheeled totes can be borrowed to haul your gear up some little hills to your campsite under oak and bay trees," notes Laura F., highlighting the practical accessibility despite the car-free setting.
Wildlife viewing: Many tent sites feature regular wildlife visits. "Lots of wildlife! A coyote walked right by us. Brave raccoons," reports one camper about the animal encounters at China Camp. Doheny State Beach Campground offers marine wildlife sightings, with one camper noting, "Beautiful beachfront camping steps from the sand. Great sunsets and beautiful sand."
What you should know
Crowding factors: Campgrounds near popular areas fill quickly on weekends. "The location is obviously great but the sites are on top of each other. No privacy and are definitely built for RVs and Trailers," warns Morgan F. about Doheny State Beach. Most tent-specific areas require bookings 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Seasonal considerations: Winter camping brings different challenges. "This stay would have been our 2nd cancellation due to storms we have been having," reports Manuel P. about winter conditions at coastal sites, also noting specific flooded sites to avoid: "Avoid these spots in case of rain: 12-17, 75-45 beach side. Odd numbers only."
Water availability: Some remote sites lack potable water. At Parsons Landing Campground, "Reservations are required and you'll need to purchase water and firewood in a locker since it is walk in only and trust me you won't want to try and carry it," advises Mandy E. Water requirements at backcountry sites often reach 1-2 gallons per person per day.
Tips for camping with families
Safety precautions: Wildlife interactions require preparation. "Also be sure to utilize the bear boxes even though there aren't any bears. The birds there are relentless and will poke holes in everything including water jugs if you turn your back for even a second," warns a Parsons Landing camper about necessary food storage.
Beach-adjacent activities: Combine camping with water recreation. "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," shares Veronica H. about China Camp State Park.
Transportation logistics: Island camping requires additional planning. "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 Jon C. about accessing Little Harbor Campground. Ferry schedules often limit departure and arrival times, requiring advance coordination.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Doheny State Beach offers dump facilities with specific protocols. "Dump site: When we first arrive it was out of order with a 'clogged signed'. It was fixed the following day. There is a $10 fee, they have a convenient credit card machine. There's a hose there to use for clean up or flushing tank," reports Manuel P. about the practical considerations for waste management.
Water fill stations: Separate drinking water access points exist for different needs. "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 a camper about the distinction between potable water spigots and RV filling stations at Doheny State Beach.
