Best Campgrounds near San Juan Capistrano, CA

Looking for the best campgrounds near San Juan Capistrano, CA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—San Juan Capistrano is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near San Juan Capistrano and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near San Juan Capistrano, California (138)

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Recent Reviews near San Juan Capistrano, CA

1055 Reviews of 138 San Juan Capistrano Campgrounds



Guide to San Juan Capistrano

Camping near San Juan Capistrano offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family getaway or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide direct access to the beach. Campers love the convenience of walking right to the ocean. One reviewer mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Biking and Running: The area has fantastic bike lanes and running paths. A camper noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: Campgrounds like Lake Hemet Campground are great for fishing. One visitor shared, "The fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly so you have a good chance of catching trout."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at places like Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. One camper said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach, are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer mentioned, "Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate helpful staff at campgrounds like Bonelli Bluffs. One visitor noted, "Personnel very kind and friendly."

What you should know

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get quite busy, especially on weekends. A camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "The only downside was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty."
  • Limited Privacy: Campers at Doheny State Beach Campground noted that sites can be close together. One reviewer said, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas can be noisy due to nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground shared, "Each time I’ve stayed, there was a large group of people blasting their music until 2/3 AM."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Lake Hemet Campground, which offers activities for kids. One parent said, "Great place for family and kids. Affordable."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep the kids entertained. A camper mentioned, "Great mountain bike or hiking trail about 5-6mi loop."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One camper at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground enjoyed the "great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to choose campgrounds with the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Lake Hemet Campground noted, "Full hookups are available too."
  • Arrive Early: Popular spots fill up quickly, so getting there early can help secure a good site. One camper at San Mateo Campground advised, "Try to get a site closer to the entrance and the store."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: If you don’t mind being close to others, campgrounds like Doheny State Beach Campground can be a good choice. A visitor mentioned, "If you just need a place to crash and plan to spend the whole day in the water, go for it."

Camping around San Juan Capistrano has something for everyone, from beach lovers to families looking for adventure. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful California outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions