Camping accommodations near Orange, California range from basic sites to full-service RV parks. The region has mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F at night, while summer camping offers temperatures between 70-90°F with lower humidity than inland areas. Several camping options provide convenient access to nature while remaining within 20-30 minutes of Orange's urban amenities.
What to do
Hiking trails access: O'Neill Regional Park offers multiple trail difficulty levels within a 4,500-acre wilderness area. "The campground is super clean and well maintained. Bathrooms and showers are clean and lots of hiking trails to choose from," notes one camper. The park features the popular "Story Trail" hike designed specifically for children.
Water recreation: Newport Dunes RV Resort provides beach access with inflatable water obstacles. "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. There are fantastic running/bike trails along the Back Bay," shares a regular visitor. The resort combines water activities with family entertainment.
Wildlife viewing: China Camp State Park offers opportunities to spot native animals. "There are many hiking opportunities and chances to see wildlife (deer, wild turkey, rabbits, squirrels, racoons, and birds)," reports a camper. The park provides a natural setting for wildlife observation within close proximity to urban areas.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Anaheim Harbor RV Park provides direct access to Disneyland. "We walked to and back from Disney. Super easy. It's a mile each way," mentions one camper. The park serves as a convenient base for theme park visitors seeking camping accommodations.
Citrus experiences: Orangeland RV Park offers guests the unique opportunity to harvest fresh fruit. "Can pick the oranges out of the tree," notes a visitor. This amenity provides a distinctive agricultural experience uncommon at standard campgrounds.
Ocean views: Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park features tiered camping with ocean visibility. "The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean," explains a camper. The elevated design ensures most sites maintain visual connection to the Pacific.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campsites near Orange require advance booking, with premium locations filling 3-6 months ahead. Crystal Cove State Park's Moro Campground fills particularly quickly due to its ocean views and limited capacity.
Urban camping reality: Many campgrounds near Orange operate as developed facilities rather than wilderness experiences. "The back-in sites are essentially a large parking spot in a paved parking lot," explains one visitor at Anaheim Harbor RV Park.
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways affects several area campgrounds. "You can hear cars driving through because its close to a frwy. You'll get used to it, or bring earplugs," advises a Crystal Cove camper.
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly campgrounds: O'Neill Regional Park offers specialized amenities for children. "If you're camping with kids, it doesn't get much better than this! We stayed at campsite #58 which we felt was very large and private. Will definitely come back," shares a visitor. The park includes a playground and educational hiking trails.
Beach camping options: Bolsa Chica State Beach provides direct beach access for families. "Imagine camping at the beach with all the amenities and close to everything you'd want to do in SoCal. There are stores and restaurants nearby for those forgotten items or a quick meal," explains a camper. The campground combines natural beach recreation with practical conveniences.
Entertainment access: Several campgrounds offer on-site activities for children beyond standard playground equipment. "They have a movie on the beach when we were there, and fun water toys out," mentions a Newport Dunes RV Resort visitor.
Tips from RVers
Space limitations: Many RV parks near Orange have compact sites requiring careful maneuvering. "The spaces aren't huge so if you have a big rig or large trailer it will be tight. Most trailers parked their tow vehicle perpendicular to the space and some barely fit," notes a Bolsa Chica State Beach visitor.
Transportation options: Several RV parks provide shuttle services to attractions. "Anaheim transit makes on-demand stops here to Disneyland as well as Garden Walk," explains an Orangeland RV Park visitor, highlighting the $6/person all-day access rate.
Hookup variations: Water and electric connections are standard at most area RV sites, though sewer hookups vary. "Only plus each site have full hookups and sewer," mentions a visitor to Bonelli Bluffs about their amenities, which exceed some state park offerings.
