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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

1,346 Reviews

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.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Rancho Santa Margarita, California (141)

    1. O'Neill Regional Park

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

    $20 / night

    "Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use."

    "It's tucked back in the canyon, but you will still hear all the traffic from the road. Since it is a canyon, many loud cars and motorcycles zoom past at high speeds. 

    Free dump station.  "

    2. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    53 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $45 - $250 / night

    "San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."

    "Good trails nearby, but only 2 in Onofre Beach that allow dogs. Close to the ocean, restaurants and shopping. The trail between the campground and beach is~1.5 miles."

    3. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

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

    $25 - $75 / night

    "It’s right on top of Pacific Coast Highway and has a beautiful view of the ocean!"

    "Luckily Booked last minute on reserve California (the worst web thing ever) on site 49. Looks like there is a oven view from every site. Close to beach and shopping."

    4. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    12 miles

    $50 - $350 / night

    "I frequently stay at this site since it's close to my house and on the beach. 

    THE SITES:

    The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."

    "This campground is at the edge of the Dana Point Harbor.  The sites are small, but many of them are right on the beach.  All sites have easy access to the beach.  "

    5. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    21 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 673-6180

    $20 / night

    "We were able to find a spot tucked away off one of the loops to the left after a small hill. Neighbors played loud music but we didn’t mind at all."

    "clean restrooms and sites. large campground with paved roads was nice for strolling through. pretty far off the beaten path above lake elsinore. the views near by were fantastic. the staff was fairly friendly"

    6. Newport Dunes RV Resort

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

    $75 - $550 / night

    "Beautiful weather, great location, full hook ups, fun activities, family & pet friendly!"

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

    7. San Onofre Recreation Beach and Camping

    21 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 763-7263

    $45 / night

    "The campground is on the bluffs, and nearby Old Man's beach has some of the best beginner's surfing waves in Southern California."

    ".

    • No dogs allowed on beach. 30 min drive to Dog Beach in Solana.
    • Lower bathrooms. These were the only showers available. The bathrooms are well stocked but the showers were not cleaned regularly."

    8. Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Lake Elsinore, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (855) 471-1212

    $55 - $140 / night

    "I had site 126 in the fields, corner site and lake view. This campground has a pool, splash pad, park, dog park and access to the lake. They also have a band on Saturday nights."

    "Launch Pointe was a great stay for our family and dog! Check in was very speedy. The campground was clean as can be- no overflowing garbages, all utilities tastefully hidden."

    9. Bluffs Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    20 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $45 - $250 / night

    "Camping cliff side along the beach in Southern California. The camp grounds are a little cramped. Seem more designed for RV’s and trailers but we don’t mind."

    "During the open season on weekends it fills up quickly, during the weekdays it is kind of busy as well but there are still some walk up spaces available."

    10. El Cariso Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lake Elsinore, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 736-1811

    $15 / night

    "The campground was right off the highway, cost affective ($15/night), and there were no reservations needed. There were 24 sites tucked in the woods. A few water faucets & bathrooms throughout."

    "Albeit it’s just off the road and Ortega highway is fairly busy at all hours of the night, so road noise was a little annoying but not bad. Self pay was easy and quick."

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

120 Photos of 141 Rancho Santa Margarita Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA

1346 Reviews of 141 Rancho Santa Margarita Campgrounds

  • jennifer G.
    Sep. 1, 2024

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Great little campground in south OC!

    Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. I stayed here on a weekday, and there were a few couple of vacant campsites in my area, so it was an extremely quiet visit. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked for my stay. I didn’t use the showers since I was only staying one night, but I heard they were free!

    Rangers were very friendly and firewood was only $5 for a decent bundle that lasted me over 2 hours.

    The city of Rancho Santa Margarita is right up the hill, so you can grab food and any necessities if needed.

    My site backed to the creek, so I never had people walking through my campsite.

    My dog & I slept in my van, but there was room for multiple tents, and a decent amount of shade in my spot.

    My spot didn’t have its own water spigot, but there was one at a site across from me.

    I was fortunate that all of the campers around me were quiet and considerate. I know that it doesn’t always work out that way, and having obnoxious neighbors can really ruin your experience.

  • Milagros B.
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Escondido RV Resort

    🚙Campground🔹

    Location near I-15 and Gas stations. Staff is kind and professional. Full hookups. Fill propane avaible. Resort-style amenities. Heated outdoor Pool. Nice dog park. Access to a park for walking. 🔹For sure we will stay again and recommend🔹

  • Carlyne F.
    Feb. 21, 2021

    Waterfront RV Park

    Waterfront RV Park, CA

    Located in Huntington Beach California. This site is right across the street from the beach. 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. There are many homeless folks living in the area. The showers don’t get hot, but the area is clean. There is a pool and a hot tub and a small dog park. It’s expensive to stay here, but a beautiful spot.

  • Moo
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Oceanside RV Resort

    For tent campers - pretty solid place for a quick couple stays

    First, the campsite has the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping. This is no doubt that for those folks who are needed for good built qaulity toiletery, this will be your location.

    For the down sides;

    1. The trains - There is a rail right behind the tent sites so if you are looking for the tent sites with quiet location: PLEASE STAY AWAY from here. the trains do not operate from around 10 pm, back on operating starting from 5 am.

    2. for T1 tent site, BE AWARE that there is a dog park RIGHT next to the tent site: there will be a urine odor all over the place.

    3. If you are planning on cooking, just be aware that there is no proper location to do a dish wash. You would need some sort of wipes to do.

  • kelly N.
    Mar. 16, 2022

    Banning Stagecoach KOA

    Nice clean park

    Very clean, dog friendly ( with dog park) helpful nice staff, propane available, small playground and swimming pool, picnic tables and grills at each site

  • Alivia R.
    Mar. 11, 2023

    Orangeland RV Park

    Enjoyable, Clean, & Friendly

    Super friendly staff, super clean, 2 dog parks, offers really good wifi & cable. Can pick the oranges out of the tree

  • Jeff T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Escondido RV Resort

    Amazing resort style amenities. Spacious sites

    People are complaining about freeway noise, we stayed in site 3 (the closest site to the freeway) and it was quiet as a mouse from inside our (insulated) RV. Amazing amenities. Dog park, pool, clubhouse. We loved site 3 so close to the amenities and restrooms. Overall amazing stay

  • Milagros B.
    Jun. 2, 2021

    Pala Casino Spa Resort

    🚙Forest campground🔹

    🔹location in front of Pala Casino. 🔹Great guest services. Full hookups sites. Propano fills available. The spot are big as well, each spot have a picnic table! Resort-style amenities. Nice Pool, kids playground and dog park great! Near Gas station and small market! 🔹We sure

    will stay again and recommend

  • Jason M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 11, 2025

    Golden Village Palms RV Resort

    Don't Let the Town Deter You!

    Being reasonably close to our home base, we frequent this park with the family. Major grocery and shopping establishments are nearby, with Target directly across the street, In-n-Out, local parks, and the like. Our kids love the pool area, grandparents love the pickleball courts, and there are always fun activities to do throughout the year. Full-timers are friendly and inclusive of newcomers and passer-throughs. Dog parks are clean and located at either corner of the park. The entrance security kiosk is staffed 24/7, and they'll even help spot you while parking your rig. We cannot say enough good things about this place. 

    Check their website for events and specials.

Guide to Rancho Santa Margarita

Discovering pet-friendly camping options near Rancho Santa Margarita, California, allows you to enjoy the great outdoors with your furry friends. Here are some excellent campgrounds that welcome pets and offer a variety of amenities and activities.

Pet owners like spacious sites and clean facilities

Dog owners appreciate nearby activities and trails

  • O'Neill Regional Park is surrounded by numerous hiking and biking trails, ideal for adventurous pet owners looking to explore the area.
  • At Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park, families can enjoy various activities, including a splash pad and playground, while their pets are welcome to join in the fun.
  • Blue Jay Campground provides access to scenic trails and a peaceful environment, making it a great spot for hiking with your dog.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include great amenities

  • Anaheim Harbor RV Park offers full hookups and clean facilities, making it a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions with your pet.
  • Waterfront RV Park features a hot tub and pool, providing a relaxing atmosphere after a day of outdoor adventures with your furry companion.
  • Prado Regional Park boasts spacious campsites and a variety of recreational activities, ensuring a fun-filled experience for both pets and their owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA is O'Neill Regional Park with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 141 dog-friendly camping locations near Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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