Best Campgrounds near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Rancho Santa Margarita campgrounds just for you. At The Dyrt, campers like you share their favorite spots, plus tips and photos. No matter where you're headed in Rancho Santa Margarita, you'll find the best spot for you and your camping crew.

Best Camping Sites Near Rancho Santa Margarita, California (182)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 182 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

1304 Reviews of 182 Rancho Santa Margarita Campgrounds



Guide to Rancho Santa Margarita

Camping near Rancho Santa Margarita offers a fantastic escape into nature, with beautiful campgrounds that cater to all types of campers. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a mountain getaway, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. One camper noted, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites."
  • Biking and Running: The area is perfect for outdoor activities. A reviewer mentioned, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing and Hiking: Campgrounds like Lake Hemet Campground are great for fishing. A visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. One said, "Couldn’t have better views. We watched dolphins and seals playing in the waves" at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground.
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A camper at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach remarked, "Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. One visitor at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "Personnel very kind and friendly."

What you should know

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get quite busy. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground mentioned, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Not all sites offer full hookups. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground pointed out, "You do not get much privacy as the sites are quite close to each other."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near highways. A visitor at San Clemente State Beach Campground said, "You can try to imagine it’s the sound of the water but it doesn’t really work out when it’s off sync with the sound of the waves."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room. A family at Dogwood Campground appreciated, "Most of the sites are spaced out fairly decently."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. One camper at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park mentioned, "Lots of hiking and bike trails."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground suggested, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to confirm if your chosen campground has the necessary hookups. A reviewer at Bonelli Bluffs noted, "Most the campers have their own facilities."
  • Arrive Early: Getting to the campground early can help secure a good spot. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground mentioned, "The outside sites along the edge of the campground are much more spacious."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at San Mateo Campground said, "Hard to get a site."

Exploring the campgrounds around Rancho Santa Margarita can lead to memorable adventures, whether you're camping in a tent, RV, or cabin.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 182 campgrounds and RV parks near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 51 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.

  • What parks are near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 parks near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.