Camping options near Placentia, California extend beyond standard RV parks to include waterfront spots, tent sites, and family-oriented destinations. The region sits in Orange County at elevations between 200-400 feet, with a Mediterranean climate featuring mild winters and warm, dry summers. Most campgrounds remain open year-round with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 85°F between June and September.
What to do
Swimming and water activities: Newport Dunes RV Resort offers a protected lagoon with inflatable water attractions. "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 one camper at Newport Dunes RV Resort.
Fishing opportunities: Rancho Jurupa Park provides stocked fishing lakes with catfish. "Sights of all kinds of birds like hawks and herons. Water park and mini golf for kids. Showers and laundry convenient. Camping spots all have fire pit and spacious area for RVs and tents," reports a visitor at Rancho Jurupa RV Park.
Beach access: Waterfront RV Park in Huntington Beach puts you minutes from the ocean. "In all, you are about a 2 minute walk to the sand, and 4 minutes to the oceanfront. We also liked having the hot tub/pool at the end of the day. We rode bikes along the bike path through Huntington, and went for daily walks as well," notes a recent guest.
What campers like
Citrus trees: Orangeland RV Park features orange trees that guests can pick from. "Being traveling nomads with 3 kids (five & under), 3 dogs (five & over) that run our company from the road there are some necessities we must have. A place for the kids to play, water, and space. Orangeland has all of these! Not only that you can pick all the oranges you want," according to a family at Orangeland RV Park.
Urban proximity with nature: Canyon RV Park offers a surprising natural setting despite urban surroundings. "This place is surprisingly nice for being in the middle of the city. It was very well-kept and clean nice family environment. We will definitely spend more time here," notes one visitor at Canyon RV Park.
Pool and recreation amenities: Bonelli Bluffs provides lake views with multiple recreation options. "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more," shares a regular visitor.
What you should know
Variable site quality: Campgrounds often have dramatically different sites within the same property. "Cottonwood is for the true RV'ers. Lakeside is more for tent camping. Nice park for family camping," explains a camper about site differences at Rancho Jurupa Park.
Noise considerations: Many rv sites near Placentia, California experience urban noise. "The site is bordered by highways on both sides, and they create noise day and night. They're also clearly visible," warns a camper about Canyon RV Park.
Security concerns: Some waterfront camping locations require extra vigilance. "Be careful and aware when staying here. My husband and I had our mountain bikes stolen when sleeping. When we asked for camera footage the owners of the campground claimed the cameras were broken and they couldn't share the footage," cautions a visitor at Waterfront RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Water parks and splash pads: Several campgrounds offer water attractions specifically for children. "Second time here and we're enjoying it. It's hot but a fire haze has blocked the sun a bit also the water pad is so fun even for grown ups," mentions a family staying at Rancho Jurupa Park.
Movie nights: Newport Dunes RV Resort runs outdoor movie screenings. "They have a movie on the beach when we were there, and fun water toys out. It was rather expensive though," notes a family camper.
Mini-golf and playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with built-in entertainment options. "Splash pad, park, mini golf great amenities. Nice staff! Would of liked to be on grass like the sites across but they were clean," reports a family at Bonelli Bluffs.
Tips from RVers
Parking fees and restrictions: At several rv sites near Placentia, California, your tow vehicle may incur additional charges. "The 40ft RV length restriction includes the length of the hitch. Despite their sites being able to accommodate a 40ft rig their campground is extremely tight and sites may be very difficult to back in if longer than 35ft," cautions an RVer at Anaheim Harbor RV Park.
Site surface considerations: RV sites vary between concrete, asphalt, and grass. "All paved spots which is great because no dust getting into your rig. The host is friendly and lives on site. No pool. A laundry room is available. Besides that pretty basic but has full hook ups," explains a visitor at Stone Villa RV Park.
Site spacing: Many campgrounds have close quarters for RVs. "It's just a parking lot, but they do it well! Little tufts of fake grass (real on one side, none on the cheap spots) with full hook ups. Nice bathrooms and hot showers with laundry on location. Good amount of space between sites," reports a visitor at Anaheim Harbor RV Park.
