At less than an hour's drive from Santa Ana, pet-friendly camping options range from beachside sites to canyon retreats. Coastal campgrounds maintain ocean breezes that moderate temperatures year-round, while inland sites experience more temperature variation with summer highs reaching 90°F. Most dog-friendly campgrounds near Santa Ana enforce strict leash requirements outside designated exercise areas, typically six feet or less in length.
What to do
Beach activities: Crystal Cove State Park offers excellent tide pooling and marine wildlife viewing opportunities. Camper Amy H. notes, "There is a nice day area and trails within walking distance. The tide was high both times we tried to walk under the highway to get to the beach but there were parking lots just a short drive up the road." Crystal Cove features hiking trails that connect to adjacent wilderness areas.
Biking: O'Neill Regional Park provides extensive paved roads perfect for biking with children. Mike G. describes, "This site is great if you like hiking, biking, MTB, and running. It is very clean, and the showers are free and clean as well. It's tucked back in the canyon, but you will still hear all the traffic from the road." The recently paved campground roads are ideal for young cyclists.
Water recreation: Newport Dunes RV Resort features water-based activities including paddle boarding and an inflatable obstacle course. Chad M. explains, "We aren't used to staying at RV resorts like the Newport Dunes, but it was a fun change of pace... The resort was well run. A great pool. Fun beach. Nice market. Worth the stay." The lagoon area offers protected waters for family swimming.
What campers like
Private sites: Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park offers tiered camping with ocean views from most sites. Camper Amy H. shared, "We stayed February 5th and 6th at site #23 but it looked like most of the sites had great views of the Pacific. The campsites are roped off and have a decent amount of distance between them." The terraced design maximizes privacy while maintaining ocean views.
Citrus picking: Orangeland RV Park allows guests to harvest fresh citrus on the property. Alivia R. mentioned, "Super friendly staff, super clean, 2 dog parks, offers really good wifi & cable. Can pick the oranges out of the tree." This unique amenity provides a distinctive camping experience in an urban environment.
Beach access: Doheny State Beach Campground provides immediate beach access from campsites. Carley O. explains, "It's quite possibly the most beautiful yet easiest camping you'll do, shy of setting up a tent in your yard. We love how easy it is to camp so close to the city (in case you forget anything or don't want to do the camo cooking thing) and be right on the sand overlooking and listening to the Pacific."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground experiences significant traffic noise due to its proximity to Pacific Coast Highway. Rob N. reports, "Great location. I mean what can I say to diminish a beach spot for 60 bucks? How about a motorcycle passing right outside your bedroom window at 12,000 rpm every two minutes all night long? Yeah, that'll do it. Bring earplugs and lots of white noise."
Site dimensions: Anaheim Harbor RV Park charges additional fees for vehicles that don't fit within designated site measurements. Jennifer H. advises, "Get a deluxe site if you can. The standard sites are essentially a large parking spot in a paved parking lot. The deluxe feel more like an RV site with a picnic table and grass. And for only a few bucks more."
Seasonal considerations: Rolling M. Ranch Campground lacks shade coverage, making summer visits uncomfortable. Spotlight Squad warns, "It is a nice campground in the spring or fall. No shade so avoid in the summer. Enjoyed best if you bring bikes. Dogs allowed." Spring visits offer wildflower viewing opportunities after rainy winters.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Newport Dunes RV Resort schedules family-oriented activities throughout peak seasons. Karissa J. reports, "They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach. There are fantastic running/bike trails along the Back Bay." Family activities are concentrated during summer months and holiday weekends.
Playground access: O'Neill Regional Park features playground equipment directly within the campground. Johnny G. explains, "Clean facilities, flushing toilets and hot showers, well maintained sites. Very affordable. Friendly staff and atmosphere. Recently paved streets (perfect for scootering, skating, biking). Great playground for children." The park also offers a "Story Trail" with mounted book pages along the path.
Safety considerations: Waterfront RV Park requires extra vigilance with personal belongings. Carlyne F. cautions, "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." Security levels vary significantly between campgrounds in the area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Crystal Cove State Park Moro Campground works best for smaller RVs despite allowing larger vehicles. Patrick J. advises, "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in. The maximum length is 38. We had 30/50 amp electrical and water. Dump station is on your way out, with 3 stations in that row."
Extended stays: Orangeland RV Park accommodates longer-term visitors with weekly and monthly rates. John M. shares, "We have family in Orange County and we stay here whenever we come out. Centrally located and best for easy access coming from or leaving to the east of the Los Angeles area." Monthly rates provide significant discounts for extended visits.
Electric hookups: Bolsa Chica State Beach offers 50-amp electric service for larger RVs with high power needs. Paul N. notes, "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." Most dog-friendly campsites with hookups in the area charge additional pet fees ranging from $1-5 per night per animal.
