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Best Campgrounds near Santa Ana, CA

1,119 Reviews

Around Santa Ana, you'll find camping spots for pretty much any style of outdoor stay. Bonelli Bluffs works well for families thanks to its picnic areas and playgrounds. Campers who want to hear ocean waves while they sleep head to South Carlsbad State Beach Campground with its waterfront sites. Hikers often choose Malibu Creek State Park Campground because trails start right from the camping area. Crystal Cove State Park draws people who want to explore tide pools and enjoy coastal views. Up in San Bernardino National Forest, Dogwood Campground gives campers shade and more distance from others. Doheny State Beach Campground puts you right by the sand for easy beach days and surfing. Weather matters when planning your trip - summer brings heat and crowds to most sites. Most locals consider spring and fall the best times to camp, with better temperatures and fewer people around. Some campgrounds have tight roads leading in, so check if your vehicle will work before driving out. Animals live throughout these areas, making proper food storage necessary at all campsites. Follow the fire rules and trash guidelines posted at each location. Santa Ana's nearby camping ranges from beaches to forests, giving you lots of choices for short or long stays. Pack based on your specific campground, as conditions vary widely across the region.

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Los Alamitos Army Campground

Los Alamitos Army Campground

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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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Santa Ana, CA

344 Photos of 173 Santa Ana Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Santa Ana, CA

1119 Reviews of 173 Santa Ana Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • ROCKSTAR C.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hare School Park

    It’s the sports fields parking lot

    I’ve been here for a couple days and nobody’s mess with us. There’s other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I’m in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It’s not tent friendly. I don’t believe.

  • Lizzette M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hollywood RV Park

    Gem near the big city

    I came 3 days ago in my class C. Showers and restrooms were clean and supplied. The RV is cute very Hollywood movies vibes. Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️

  • A
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground

    Bobcat Campsite

    Awesome campsite. Free showers. Electrical outlets by the restrooms at a handicap site. Water spigots scattered around the bobcat site. Dumpsters within walking distance from your site. The locals in the area will take your site if you arrive late. Just head back to the campground entrance and they will send a park ranger to remove them. The restrooms get cleaned daily around 8-10am. More than enough room at site 380

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 3, 2025

    Canyon RV Park

    Relaxed, clean, friendly, infor.ative, quiet

    Been passing this exit on the 91 freewqy for 25 years and had no idea canyon Rv park was tucked in beween corona and yorba linda. I was quite amazed with the tidy faculitie a d wqs very peacefull. When U are smake dab in the middle of asfalt jungle. I litteraly forgot where i was because its like a little bubble on you .exot the freeway a d e ter the park everything behind you just melts away and i felt like i was in the woods, and at times i swear i was the only camper here. If you are into easy going peacefull quite camp sites this is one of them

  • Tyler G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 31, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Great spot, loud planes

    We loved this spot next to the beach. We got used to the planes, but they are certainly jarring at first.

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.

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