Best Campgrounds near Orange, CA

Several good camping options are within driving distance of Orange, California. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground sits right on the beach, giving campers easy access to the water and ocean views. Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground has spots around the lake where you can fish or take a boat out for the day. Crystal Cove State Park combines beach areas with hiking paths that wind through the coastal hills. Campers looking for trees and shade might prefer Serrano Campground, which has more private sites separated by vegetation. The facilities vary between these places - South Carlsbad has showers and tables at each site. Lake Perris maintains clean bathrooms and has areas specifically set aside for tents. Crystal Cove is known for its well-kept walking trails and great views of the ocean. Serrano has bigger campsites with enough space between them to feel peaceful. You can drive directly to most of these campgrounds on good roads. Some parts of Crystal Cove require you to park and walk a short distance to your campsite. It's smart to check if rain has affected any of the roads before you head out. Make your reservations early since these campgrounds fill up fast, especially in summer and on weekends. The camping areas near Orange work well for different types of trips, whether you want to be by the ocean or in the woods.

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Best Camping Sites Near Orange, California (198)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    $25 - $75 / night

    "campsite, I believe it's #31 on the map (I don't think there were actual site markers), and I think this was the best spot in the campground as it had an unobstructed view of the water and was far enough away from"

    "Great family campground to use as a base camp for a weekend at the beach and enjoying the Orange County coast."

    2. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    Newport Beach, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 765-7661

    $75 - $550 / night

    "As we expected, the sites are stacked up next to each other like dominoes with minimal foliage/fencing to separate the sites."

    "There's a nice bike trail that circles around the bay, which is great for kids. Also, lots of amenities for families, including playgrounds, water toys, movie nights and fire pits."

    3. Anaheim Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Anaheim, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 535-6495

    $55 - $70 / night

    "Perfect spot to stay in central orange county. Nice amenities. Clean bathrooms. well functioning rv hook ups. Everything worked as planned. Interesting mix of short term and long term guests."

    "Nice bathrooms and hot showers with laundry on location. Good amount of space between sites. Very short drive or 20ish minute walk to Disneyland. Extremely helpful and kind staff."

    4. Prado Regional Park

    21 Reviews
    Chino, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 597-4260

    $47 - $120 / night

    "I grew up around in the area so I have been to this park quite a few times for a few different reasons. It is a very expansive and versatile area."

    "It's a nice park great for long walks and trail riding on bikes great for the dog 🐕 also a bit windy so you need to keep a eye on your awning, great cell service with at&t ."

    5. O'Neill Regional Park

    30 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2260

    $20 / night

    "Now I'm 64...its nice and convenient for me, just 30 minute drive from Orange. Showers, water, hook up. Dry and sometimes wet riverbed..."

    "This is a nice little campground tucked away amidst the hustle and bustle of South Orange County."

    6. Bonelli Bluffs

    38 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $76 - $88 / night

    "⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."

    "The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"

    7. Orangeland RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Anaheim, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 633-0414

    $75 - $90 / night

    "First time staying here, it will be our place to stay in California."

    "We have family in Orange County and we stay here whenever we come out. Centrally located and best for easy access coming from or leaving to the east of the Los Angeles area"

    8. Rolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park

    14 Reviews
    Chino Hills, CA
    10 miles

    $30 - $120 / night

    "That probably makes sense since a side entrance is only a mile down the road from us.

    We hike this several times a month."

    "This is a nice, small campground with easy access to many freeways.  "

    9. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    19 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 846-3460

    $60 - $70 / night

    "Beachfront camping in the heart of southern California. Concrete/asphalt sites with water electric and dump station. Adjacent to PCH so road noise but steps away from great sand beaches."

    "Super convenient beach front parking with good restrooms and outdoor showers as well as a beach path perfect for walking, biking, rollerblading, etc."

    10. China Camp State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Chino Hills, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (415) 456-0766

    $35 - $175 / night

    "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."

    "Located on the west side of the San Rafael/Richmond Bridge, on San Francisco Bay, this park is extremely popular with mountain bikers. "

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Recent Reviews near Orange, CA

1226 Reviews of 198 Orange Campgrounds


  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Nice little park

    Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. There were only two other campers here while we were here. Lots of trees but not so thick you dont get some sun. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so again it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer We camped at Applewhite Campground in a Fifth Wheel.

  • ROCKSTAR C.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hare School Park

    It’s the sports fields parking lot

    I’ve been here for a couple days and nobody’s mess with us. There’s other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I’m in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It’s not tent friendly. I don’t believe.

  • Lizzette M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hollywood RV Park

    Gem near the big city

    I came 3 days ago in my class C. Showers and restrooms were clean and supplied. The RV is cute very Hollywood movies vibes. Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️

  • A
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Bobcat Campsite

    Awesome campsite. Free showers. Electrical outlets by the restrooms at a handicap site. Water spigots scattered around the bobcat site. Dumpsters within walking distance from your site. The locals in the area will take your site if you arrive late. Just head back to the campground entrance and they will send a park ranger to remove them. The restrooms get cleaned daily around 8-10am. More than enough room at site 380

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Canyon RV Park

    Relaxed, clean, friendly, infor.ative, quiet

    Been passing this exit on the 91 freewqy for 25 years and had no idea canyon Rv park was tucked in beween corona and yorba linda. I was quite amazed with the tidy faculitie a d wqs very peacefull. When U are smake dab in the middle of asfalt jungle. I litteraly forgot where i was because its like a little bubble on you .exot the freeway a d e ter the park everything behind you just melts away and i felt like i was in the woods, and at times i swear i was the only camper here. If you are into easy going peacefull quite camp sites this is one of them

  • Tyler G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Great spot, loud planes

    We loved this spot next to the beach. We got used to the planes, but they are certainly jarring at first.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 30, 2025

    Pechanga RV Resort

    Good but can be noisy

    Pull-through sites have a little room not so close to neighbors Buddy sites are available


Guide to Orange

Camping near Orange, CA, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a mountain escape, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide easy access to the beach. Campers enjoy the convenience of walking to the shore. One reviewer mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Hiking and Biking: Trails are abundant in the area. For instance, San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach offers great biking paths along the coast. A visitor noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH."
  • Fishing and Water Sports: At Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground, you can enjoy fishing and other water activities. One camper shared, "Short walk/drive to the lake which was also very nice for my son!"

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at places like Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. A happy camper said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds pride themselves on cleanliness. For example, Dogwood Campground received praise for its well-maintained restrooms. One visitor remarked, "The restroom was cleaned every day."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff at various locations. 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 visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For instance, San Mateo Campground lacks electric hookups, which some campers found inconvenient. One reviewer said, "The dump site was closed this weekend."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy, especially near highways or busy campgrounds. A camper at Lake Perris noted, "There was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room to play. Malibu Creek State Park Campground has nicely spaced sites, making it easier for kids to roam. A parent shared, "The sites are nicely spaced out."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. At Serrano Campground, one family enjoyed the biking trails, saying, "There is a biking trail that goes through the campground."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep the little ones happy. Campers at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground loved the nearby restaurant for quick bites.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if the campground has the necessary hookups for your RV. Bonelli Bluffs is big rig friendly, which is a plus for RVers. One reviewer mentioned, "Big rig friendly, drinking water, electric hookups."
  • Arrive Early: To secure a good spot, try to arrive early, especially on weekends. A camper at San Mateo Campground advised, "Try to get a site closer to the entrance."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you prefer a quieter experience, consider visiting during the week. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "Crowded on weekends, much less during the week."

Camping near Orange, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from beach fun to mountain adventures. Whether you're with family or friends, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping locations in Orange County?

Orange County offers several excellent camping options despite its urban setting. O'Neill Regional Park stands out as a local favorite, providing a wilderness feel tucked away from the urban sprawl with 78 sites, showers, water hookups, and oak-lined settings. Just a 30-minute drive from Orange, it's perfect for quick getaways. For a more remote experience, Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park in the Orange County foothills offers excellent hiking trails, flat camping pads suitable for tents or large rigs, and equestrian camping options with private corrals. Both parks maintain well-kept facilities and provide that crucial escape from city life while remaining conveniently accessible.

Are there beach campgrounds near Orange, California?

Yes, Orange County offers fantastic beach camping options within driving distance of Orange. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground provides beachfront camping with concrete/asphalt sites featuring water, electric hookups, and a dump station. While there is some road noise from the adjacent Pacific Coast Highway, you'll be just steps away from beautiful sandy beaches and within easy reach of Disneyland. Another excellent option is Doheny State Beach Campground, where you can camp right on the beach. The outer edge sites offer the best experience with more space and privacy, though the middle sites can be tight. Both locations provide the quintessential Southern California beach camping experience.

What are the best tent camping sites near Orange?

Tent campers near Orange have several excellent options that provide a true wilderness experience. Little Jimmy Trail Campground is a backcountry gem, located just two miles off Angeles Crest Highway. This hike-in only campground offers approximately seven first-come, first-served sites with fire rings and vault toilets, providing a secluded experience for tent enthusiasts. For those preferring to stay closer to Orange, San Mateo Campground at San Onofre State Beach offers excellent tent sites with flat pads in a more accessible setting. Both locations provide that crucial escape from urban life while remaining within reasonable driving distance from Orange, making them perfect for weekend tent camping adventures.

What lakeside camping options are available near Orange?

While natural lakes are limited in Orange County, there are quality lake-adjacent camping options within driving distance. Rolling M. Ranch Campground in Chino Hills State Park offers camping with access to serene water features and extensive hiking trails that make you feel miles from civilization despite being close to urban areas. For a more developed lake experience, Prado Regional Park near Chino provides drive-in camping with reservable sites, water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces alongside its lake. If you're willing to drive further, Bonelli Bluffs offers lakeside camping with scenic water views and recreational opportunities just outside the immediate Orange area.