Best Campgrounds near Santa Ana, CA

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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 (174)

    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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    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. O'Neill Regional Park

    34 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..."

    6. Orangeland RV Park

    10 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."

    7. Waterfront RV Park

    13 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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    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. Bonelli Bluffs

    40 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $76 - $88 / night

    "Visiting family in Santa Ana and LA. Not to far for them to come to us and all to go to beach."

    "Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."

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Recent Reviews near Santa Ana, CA

1144 Reviews of 174 Santa Ana Campgrounds


  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 10, 2025

    Rancho Jurupa RV Park

    Clean Park with Amenities

    Usually come week after Thanksgiving when 25% occupied. They provide gate / bathroom / laundry codes for late arrivals. Nice level grounds to walk around. Lakeside has gravel roads / pads... other side has asphalt roads / concrete pads. Restrooms are clean and acceptable. Lakeside showers require tokens... inquire at check-in. Limited shower seating to change clothes both sides. Easy drives to downtown area to see Mission Inn Christmas lights and walk around lake at city park. Cabins on-site look good and had some holiday lights. Store on-site has basics for camping and fishing. Overall a good place at this time of year.

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    2 stars even though we had a good time

    We were here in november for 3 nights. Expensive for a narrow pad / parking lot. The far bathroom was without toilet paper, the near one dirty since early morning until same time next day. Public beach building had the best toilet available...

    Beach is close but in winter no view due to sand wall. Slightly smelly ocean, not sure what it is ...

    A lot of load airplanes (every minute or so) - which we were of course expecting but are detracting from the beach vibe. Bright lights that are on all night.

    Anyway, as far as I know still one of the best places to camp close to LA/Hollywood as there ain't so many, but it is far from great

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Angeles National Forest Meadow Group Campground

    Suitable for large groups

    So much space! One of the few campgrounds still reservable within the Angeles National Forest, now that only group sites are reservable.

    Although it’s a beautiful area and the sites are spacious, the sites could be more maintained. The main vault toilets were closed so we had to walk 3 minutes each way to some further away. Potable hasn’t been available at Meadows for this season at least, but we heard you may be able to get water at the nearby Chilao campground. We just brought our own water for the weekend.

    Make sure to call for the gate lock code during weekday business hours, there is no service once you’re in the forest.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Sturtevant Camp

    amazing camp, amazing organization

    We ended up unexpectedly staying at Sturtevant Camp because we left a scary experience at Spruce grove trailhead nearby. And wow, what an amazing experience we had here! We walked up to the campgrounds after it was already dark, and the camp host came outside of his cabin within a minute. He saw our headlamps and greeted us by asking if everything was okay. We asked if we could set up our tent near the cabins, and he offered to let us stay in one of the cabins that happened to be open that weekend. Some of the most amazing hospitality I've encounted while camping, really restored my faith in humanity. We made a donation after we got home as a thank you.

    The facilities have running water and electricity. The camp host preps coffee and hot water in the morning so that other hikers coming through can stop for a warm beverage. What an amazing place!

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    scary experience

    I took my friend backpacking on a Friday in August with the goal of camping at Spruce Grove camp that night. I read other reviews talking about how busy the campground can be over the weekend, so I was hoping we would still get a spot if we arrived Friday instead of Saturday. My friend and I were less than a mile away from the camp sites when it got dark and a guy started following us on the trail. It was unsettling, and we hoped it would be fine once we got to Spruce Grove. Unfortunately, upon arriving to the camp, it was completely empty. The guy started explaining that he didn't have a tent and his story didn't make sense (ex: said he walked up from Pasadena, instead of parking at the trailhead). Anyways, I know this guy isn't a permanent part of the campground, BUT it made me realize that backcountry camping in the Angeles National Forest is different than other backpacking I've done, because it's so close to an urban area. I've camped in many other parts of the ANF, but never the backcountry sites. I also want people to know that the campground is empty sometimes, so if you're going, I would only do it with a larger party.

    The story ends by us taking safe haven at Sturtevant Camp a little further up the trail

  • rich I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    San Clemente State Beach Campground

    Beach Camping on the bluff

    Great place for beach camping, but the hike down to the beach is steep. Beach used to be sandy, but over the years the tide has taken the sand away and left smaller stones so wear Tevas.

  • rich I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Family Camp at ONeill Regional Count Park (soCal)

    Great regional county park for camping. We did a pre-Thanksgiving family campout. However, Nov was cold at night! The next day was our adventure day where we trekked up the wash and climbed the trail to Mesa day use area. Trail is steep for kids under 5, but doable. Check your site and location of bathrooms. Some sites are far from them.

  • TO T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    This is a campsite located very close to the city center

    This park has a great Halloween atmosphere,The bad thing is that there is no distance between these park RVs, they are very close and expensive. I must be 128US dollar.To be honest, I don't think it's worth the price. I won't go for a second time


Guide to Santa Ana

Campground options near Santa Ana, California primarily consist of developed RV parks and established camping areas, with limited primitive sites available in the region. Orangeland RV Park in the city of Orange offers full hookup sites for RVs with amenities including a heated pool, picnic tables, and pet areas, while Anaheim Harbor RV Park provides convenient access to area attractions. Several campgrounds within a 30-minute drive include Crystal Cove State Park's Moro Campground and Newport Dunes RV Resort, both offering waterfront locations with accommodation types ranging from tent sites to cabins and glamping options.

Many campgrounds in this urban region require advance reservations, particularly those with proximity to popular attractions. The region experiences mild weather year-round with a Mediterranean climate, making camping possible throughout all seasons, though summer months see higher demand and temperatures. "We stayed here because we were going to Disneyland, and in terms of closeness, this place cannot be beaten," noted one camper about Anaheim Harbor RV Park. Most developed campgrounds provide full hookups including water, electric, and sewer connections, while state beaches like Bolsa Chica and Doheny offer more traditional camping experiences with fire rings and beach access.

Campers consistently highlight the convenience of RV parks in the Santa Ana region for their proximity to attractions and amenities. Reviews indicate high satisfaction with the cleanliness and maintenance of facilities at parks like Orangeland RV Park, which received numerous five-star ratings. A visitor mentioned, "Super friendly staff, super clean, 2 dog parks, offers really good wifi & cable. Can pick the oranges out of the tree." The mixed-use nature of these campgrounds accommodates both short-term visitors and longer-term residents. For those seeking more natural surroundings, O'Neill Regional Park in nearby Trabuco Canyon provides a more traditional camping experience with both drive-in and hike-in sites available, offering a contrast to the more urban camping environments closer to Santa Ana.

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.