Best Campgrounds near Santa Ana, CA

Campgrounds around Santa Ana, California primarily consist of developed RV parks and urban campground facilities rather than dispersed camping areas. Several established options like Orangeland RV Park in Orange and Anaheim Harbor RV Park offer convenient access to popular attractions including Disneyland, with full hookups and amenities for both short and long-term stays. Most campgrounds in this urban region cater to RVs, though some accommodate tent camping and cabins, particularly at locations like Newport Dunes RV Resort which features glamping and yurt options.

Reservations are strongly recommended for all campgrounds in the area, especially during peak tourist seasons when Disneyland and beach areas draw large crowds. Most facilities maintain year-round operation with consistent accessibility regardless of season. The region experiences mild Southern California weather with warm, dry summers and cool winters. "Close to Disney, laundry facilities, can see fireworks from Disney. Great location," notes one visitor about Anaheim Harbor RV Park. Urban campgrounds typically feature paved sites rather than natural settings, with limited tree cover or privacy between sites. Many facilities enforce specific rules regarding vehicle parking, pet policies, and occupancy limits that differ significantly from more rural camping areas.

Campers consistently praise the convenient location of Orange County RV parks relative to attractions. Orangeland RV Park receives particularly high ratings, with one visitor noting it's the "Best Orange County RV Park" for those visiting family in the area. Several reviewers mention amenities like heated pools, hot showers, and on-site stores as significant benefits. While natural settings are limited compared to more traditional camping destinations, proximity to both urban attractions and beaches proves valuable to visitors. Reviews frequently mention the cleanliness of facilities and friendliness of staff at most established campgrounds, though some caution about unexpected fees and strict enforcement of rules regarding vehicle parking and site occupancy. Most developed campgrounds provide full hookups with electricity, water and sewer connections, making them suitable primarily for self-contained RVs rather than primitive camping.

Best Camping Sites Near Santa Ana, California (173)

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

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

    $25 - $75 / night

    "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."

    "There is an elementary school adjacent to the campground so you get a few PA announcements to start your day. There is a small visitor's center on site."

    2. Newport Dunes RV Resort

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

    $75 - $550 / night

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

    "There's a nice bike trail that circles around the bay, which is great for kids. Also, lots of amenities for families, including playgrounds, water toys, movie nights and fire pits."

    3. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    19 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 846-3460

    $60 - $70 / night

    "Beachfront camping in the heart of southern California. Concrete/asphalt sites with water electric and dump station. Adjacent to PCH so road noise but steps away from great sand beaches."

    "Super convenient beach front parking with good restrooms and outdoor showers as well as a beach path perfect for walking, biking, rollerblading, etc."

    4. Anaheim Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Anaheim, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 535-6495

    $55 - $70 / night

    "Nice bathrooms and hot showers with laundry on location. Good amount of space between sites. Very short drive or 20ish minute walk to Disneyland. Extremely helpful and kind staff."

    "Park is within walking to the Disneyland park. The tent sites are very small with a picnic table and AstroTurf."

    5. Orangeland RV Park

    9 Reviews
    Anaheim, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 633-0414

    $75 - $90 / night

    "Anaheim transit makes on-demand stops her to Disneyland as well as Garden Walk. Very helpful, friendly staff. Many residents mixed with overnight era or vacationers. "

    "First time staying here, it will be our place to stay in California."

    6. Waterfront RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 536-8316

    "Booking a site here at Waterfront, provided us a excellent homebase that was close to the water. In all, you are about a 2 minute walk to the sand, and 4 minutes to the oceanfront. "

    "Your not on the beach but literally on the other side of pacific coast highway you are there."

    7. O'Neill Regional Park

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

    $20 / night

    "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.  "

    "Behind my Camp site was a few different hiking paths. Restroom buildings have water, toilets, and showers. It says to bring quarters for the showers but they were free. Each site is typical..."

    8. Seabreeze At Seal Beach

    9 Reviews
    Seal Beach, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (562) 626-7504

    "Awesome park, clean, level paved pads with a parking space..nice amenities, small NEX nearby. Wildlife reserve adjacent to the park made it nice for walking the dogs, too"

    "Very clean, cement slab, walking paths well lit and near to many areas to explore. Wetlands on the base and birds galore."

    9. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    22 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.  "

    10. Rolling M. Ranch Campground — Chino Hills State Park

    14 Reviews
    Chino Hills, CA
    16 miles

    $30 - $120 / night

    "This is a nice, small campground with easy access to many freeways.  "

    "That probably makes sense since a side entrance is only a mile down the road from us. We hike this several times a month."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 173 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Santa Ana, CA

1125 Reviews of 173 Santa Ana Campgrounds


  • Emily L.
    Oct. 13, 2025

    Crane Lakeside Mobile Home Park & RV Resort

    Horrible experience!

    Came to this park to relax, and was was kept awake all night by the sound of several cats fighting outside. Why wouldn't management do something about the stray cats? Just to see this many cats makes this park feel urban or ghetto. Great park if you don't need to sleep...

  • Anna X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Pacific touch :)

    Nice place very close to the beach with amazing Pacific view. All connections in place; sites very close to each other; a bit loud due to airport nearby. Very friendly staff. In overall good experience and recommend it :)

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Wish we could stay longer this trip

    We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups. We will be back for sure, especially since it's less than an hour from home.

  • Karen C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 28, 2025

    San Clemente State Beach Campground

    Ant Infestation !

    If they would simply notify campers upon check in of the SIGNIFICANT SEASONAL ANT INFESTATION, it could have alleviated us waking up with ants crawling on our faces in the morning. They sell diatomaceous earth for $10. And we carry it already, but all we could do was go to WAR with the ants to contain the outbreak in our camper. BTW, we carry NO food inside the camper. Had to go to 2 hardware stores to get supplies and spend significant time eradicating only 95%. SO Disappointed. Our site was near a “coyote corridor”, so maybe why we didn’t have so many squirrels! Ha Ha!

  • Julia G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Hare School Park

    Overnight parking ✅

    You can overnight park here with your RV without problems.

  • Lianne A.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Monte Cristo Campground

    Nice Campground but Fire Restrictions!

    Monte Cristo is a nice campground not far from home. My husband and I visited this campsite for the first time just for one night. There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak. The bathroom that I was using I give it a 2 star.

  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Nice little park

    Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. There were only two other campers here while we were here. Lots of trees but not so thick you dont get some sun. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so again it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer We camped at Applewhite Campground in a Fifth Wheel.


Guide to Santa Ana

Camping near Santa Ana, California, offers a mix of beautiful beaches and serene parks. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a quiet 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 mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."
  • Biking and Running: Trails are available for biking and running. A reviewer noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. One visitor shared, "Nice, small campground with hiking trails easily accessible."

What campers like

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the views at places like Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. A happy camper said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Dogwood Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. One reviewer stated, "The place is clean and quiet. Our campsite was very spacious."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers appreciate the helpful staff at places like San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach. A visitor mentioned, "The camp hosts are friendly and knowledgeable."

What you should know

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer of San Elijo State Beach Campground noted, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Hookups: Many sites, like those at Doheny State Beach Campground, have limited hookups. One camper shared, "The middle sites are small and tight, offering little privacy."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for noise from nearby roads or other campers. A visitor at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground mentioned, "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 Bonelli Bluffs, which offer spacious sites and clean facilities. One family said, "The campground is well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A camper at San Mateo Campground noted, "Good access to walking and biking trails."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A visitor at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground enjoyed the "great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Malibu Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites with the best views are 59, 61, and 63."
  • Be Mindful of Noise: Choose sites away from loud areas. A camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground advised, "If you don't like campfire smoke blowing through your site, then stay on the more inland sites."
  • Plan for Amenities: Some campgrounds have limited amenities. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground noted, "Nice, clean bathrooms with flush toilets, showers, and plentiful water spigots."

Camping near Santa Ana, CA, offers a variety of experiences, from beachside fun to peaceful mountain retreats. Whether you're tent camping or RVing, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Santa Ana, CA?

Santa Ana offers excellent camping options in and around the city. Santa Ana River Lakes provides a quiet, safe, and beautiful camping experience perfect for families. Just a short drive away, O'Neill Regional Park offers clean facilities with free showers and extensive hiking and mountain biking trails tucked into a canyon setting. While in the city itself camping options are limited, these nearby locations provide convenient access for Santa Ana residents. For those willing to drive a bit further, the Orange County area features numerous additional camping opportunities within 30-60 minutes of Santa Ana, ranging from beach campgrounds to mountain retreats.

Is there forest camping near Santa Ana?

Yes, there's excellent forest camping within driving distance of Santa Ana. Coldbrook Campground offers beautiful streamside sites with plenty of room for tents and a forest setting. Little Jimmy Trail Campground is another forest option, located above Crystal Lake in the Angeles National Forest. This backcountry hike-in campground sits just 2 miles off Angeles Crest Highway with approximately 7 first-come, first-served sites featuring fire rings and vault toilets. Both locations provide the peaceful forest camping experience many seek, with shaded sites and natural surroundings, though they require about 1-2 hours of driving from Santa Ana.

Is there waterfront camping available near Santa Ana?

Yes, Santa Ana has excellent access to waterfront camping options along Southern California's coastline. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground offers beachfront camping with concrete/asphalt sites, water, electric hookups, and a dump station. Located steps from great sand beaches, it's perfect for RVs. Doheny State Beach Campground is another popular option right on the beach with spacious sites along the campground's edge (though middle sites are smaller and offer less privacy). For a more upscale experience, Newport Dunes RV Resort provides waterfront sites with resort amenities. All these options are within 30-45 minutes of Santa Ana.

What tent camping sites are available in the Santa Ana area?

The Santa Ana area offers several excellent tent camping options. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach provides some of the better beach-adjacent tent camping in Southern California, with sites offering good privacy despite occasional crowds. It's within walking distance to Trestles Beach. For a different experience, Applewhite Campground in San Bernardino National Forest offers a more rustic tent camping option. Closer to Santa Ana, Orange County parks like Caspers Wilderness Park provide tent sites with basic amenities. Most tent campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during peak seasons, and typically provide amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms.