Rancho Santa Margarita sits at approximately 1,000 feet elevation in a valley near the foothills of the Santa Ana Mountains. The area's Mediterranean climate creates mild winters with occasional rain and warm, dry summers that typically range from 50-90°F. Many campsites in the region offer oak tree shade that's crucial during summer months when daytime temperatures can exceed 90 degrees.
What to do
Hiking exploration: 8,000 acres of wilderness at Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park provides extensive trail networks ranging from 1 to 12 miles. "There are hiking trails everywhere with lots of wildlife to watch," noted one regular visitor. On Saturdays, the park offers a guided nature walk for those interested in learning more about the local ecosystem.
Beach activities: Ocean sports just a short distance from camping areas. At San Onofre Recreation Beach, "The beach is rocky in some parts and soft sand in others, if you are a surfer you must go catch a wave here," advises a camper. Two world-class surfing breaks—Old Man's and Tressels—are within walking distance.
Family recreation: Waterfront fun for all ages at Lake Elsinore. One visitor to Launch Pointe Recreation Destination shared, "This campground has a pool, splash pad, park, dog park and access to the lake. They also have a band on Saturday nights." The campground features organized activities for children including smores by the campfire and art projects.
What campers like
Tiered ocean viewing: Sites at Moro Campground are arranged to maximize views. "The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean," explains one reviewer. The campground's design allows each row of approximately 10 sites to be elevated from the previous row, ensuring most campers can enjoy ocean vistas.
Urban convenience: Easy access to stores and restaurants while still feeling remote. At Crystal Cove, "It's super convenient to have stores like Trader Joe's and restaurants just a few minutes away," reported a frequent camper. Despite being in developed areas, many campgrounds maintain a feeling of escape through natural buffers or terrain features.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and shower buildings. "The bathrooms are pretty clean, some of the showers run pretty hot but I didn't mind it," noted a camper. Another mentioned that at Crystal Cove, "The bathrooms were spotless. They were being cleaned frequently."
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary by location: Not all glamping spots permit wood fires. At Crystal Cove State Park, "No coal or wood fires :( Kind of a bummer since your evening ends early. You can bring propane pits yourself for fires though." Some campgrounds sell firewood bundles for $5-7, while others enforce strict no-burn policies.
Reservation windows: Most popular glamping sites book quickly, especially during summer. Caspers Wilderness County Park uses a different reservation system than ReserveAmerica. One visitor noted, "We're usually able to book a site 2 weeks before we decide to go," which is unusual flexibility for Southern California camping.
Pet policies differ dramatically: Anaheim Harbor RV Park and several other locations welcome pets, but some strictly prohibit them. "You must pay for your family pet," warns one camper about additional fees. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park specifically notes "No fur friends allowed so leave your pets at home. Unless you own a horse!"
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and splash pads: Several campgrounds feature built-in entertainment for children. One family visiting Canyon RV Park noted the site is "well-organized, with cabins, RV spots, a youth area, tent spots and a ropes course. A pool, flushable toilets and hot showers are available to all campers for free."
Beach access complexity: Getting to beaches can require planning. At San Onofre State Beach, "If you go to the beach from the campsite there are a few trails. I will tell you we attempted to go down three different trails and couldn't make it. It's so steep, dangerous and not maintained." Some campgrounds offer shuttles or have designated beach access points.
Wildlife encounters: Prepare children for local animal sightings. "Lots of little animals hanging out (rabbits, birds, chipmunks). Those chipmunks will definitely go for your stuff if you don't pack it away," warned one visitor to Caspers Wilderness Park. Several campgrounds post warnings about coyotes, mountain lions, and rattlesnakes.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions matter: Many glamping locations near Rancho Santa Margarita have specific size restrictions. At Newport Dunes RV Resort, "These spaces can be very tight," according to one RVer. Another noted that at Crystal Cove, "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in. The maximum length is 38."
Electrical hookups vary: Not all sites offer the same power options. At Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, sites include 30a connections plus water spigots. One visitor explained, "Sites are pretty level, gravel and of a good size. My 24' + truck can fit lengthwise with room behind and plenty to the side."
Leveling requirements: Prepare for uneven terrain at some locations. A visitor to Launch Pointe noted, "The sites were all uneven. Every camper we saw had to do major leveling efforts." Bringing additional leveling blocks or equipment is often necessary, even at otherwise well-maintained glamping facilities.
