Top Tent Camping near Santa Ana, CA

Looking for the best Santa Ana tent camping? Find the best information on tent campgrounds near Santa Ana, including sites, reviews, and tips. Search nearby tent campsites or find top-rated spots from other campers.

Best Tent Sites Near Santa Ana, CA (48)

    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground

    1. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    144 Photos
    742 Saves

    San Clemente State Beach camping is located at the south end of the city of San Clemente, California. The area around San Clemente is known for its ocean, hill, and mountain views, a pleasant climate and its Spanish Colonial style architecture. The city slogan is "Spanish Village by the Sea." Visitors are attracted to the San Clemente area for its intense winds and dramatic location. San Clemente has been a California state beach since 1937 and is popular among water sport enthusiasts, and anyone who wishes to escape from inland heat and nearby metropolitan areas for the day. The beautiful mile long beach stretches between the curling ocean surf and the foot of a steep bluff.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Cabins

    $45 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from China Camp State Park

    2. China Camp State Park

    10 Reviews
    15 Photos
    144 Saves

    All campsites at China Camp Campground are HIKE-IN SITES for tent-camping only. Visitors must handcarry all equipment from the parking lot to the campsites. Campsites range from 50-300 yards from the parking lot. Eight persons maximum are allowed in each site. Check in time is 2pm or later and check out is Noon. Enroute camping is available for RV's with a grey water holding tank for one night only. No dump station or hook-ups are available. Enroute Camping is limited to space availability. Check in for enroute camping is 6pm and check out is 9am. A "Hike and Bike" site is available for those who travel to China Camp on foot or by bicycle.

    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 - $175 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

    3. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

    6 Reviews
    3 Photos
    214 Saves
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    4. Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

    25 Reviews
    47 Photos
    532 Saves

    Silverwood Lake camping includes a table, BBQ and fire ring. These sites hold up to 8 persons including children and 3 vehicles. There are boat ramps and boat rentals on-site. You can fish Striped Bass, Largemouth Bass, Crappie, Trout, Catfish, Bluegill, and Carp at the lake.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $45 - $350 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground

    5. Manker Campground

    12 Reviews
    26 Photos
    408 Saves

    Camp high in the clouds at Manker Flats Campground. This campground sits at 6000-feet and offers 21 campsites open year-round. However, piped-water is turned once temperatures reach freezing. Each site comes with a spacious spot for all your family camping needs and includes a picnic bench, fire ring, and vault toilets. It's located within a short drive to historic Mt. Baldy Schoolhouse and Visitor Center where visitors can discover the land's Native American roots. Close by, hikers have several options to begin their day's adventure including, Mt. Baldy Bowl trailhead. This trailhead can be combined with another major route, Devil's Backbone, to reach the summit (10,069') to form an impressive 11.3-mile loop hike. For the more casual hiker, a 1.4 mile round trip to the 75-foot San Antonio Falls is available. Bears are very active in this area, so it is recommended that all campers use provided bear boxes, personal bear canisters, or seal all food as to eliminate scent.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $12 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground

    6. Millard Trail Campground

    8 Reviews
    39 Photos
    208 Saves

    Gate may be closed due to High Fire danger. Elevation: 1900-Foot ElevationAmenities: 6 hike-in__campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, no piped water.__Seasonal stream water may be available (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall.Hiking: Just a short hike__to the 50' Millard Falls. __Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required. Campsites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed._ Day use -__Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required.Millard Trail Camp may occasionally be closed due to bear activity. Be Bear Aware.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Cabins
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Two Harbors Campground

    7. Two Harbors Campground

    10 Reviews
    63 Photos
    72 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hoegees Trail Camp Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Black Jack Campground

    9. Black Jack Campground

    8 Reviews
    16 Photos
    27 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Valley Forge Trail Camp    hike in. no drive
    Camper-submitted photo from Valley Forge Trail Camp    hike in. no drive
    Camper-submitted photo from Valley Forge Trail Camp    hike in. no drive
    Camper-submitted photo from Valley Forge Trail Camp    hike in. no drive
    Camper-submitted photo from Valley Forge Trail Camp    hike in. no drive
    Camper-submitted photo from Valley Forge Trail Camp    hike in. no drive
Showing results 1-10 of 48 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Santa Ana

878 Reviews of 48 Santa Ana Campgrounds


  • I B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    Nice and friendly Staff, clean site

    Everything was fine. We stayed for 1 night to Visit L.A. . It was clean and the Staff was very nice. We called a night before and got a Site for our RV.

  • Thomas F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    6/10

    This place offers a convenient location near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an excellent base for exploring the city's attractions. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms and helpful staff who are eager to assist guests. However, Block Blast noise from the surrounding area can be an issue, so those seeking a peaceful retreat might want to consider this before booking.

  • Suly&Fabian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Southfork Campground
    Sep. 2, 2024

    Southfork Campground

    Nature beautiful, human horrible

    There are 21 campsites and not all have tree’s but its walking distance from the creek. Its nestled between mountains and the night sky is gorgeous. We saw wild ducks too and some other desert critters. Has it not been for the nasty animals called inconsiderate humans blasting their music and fighting amongst themselves bringing their family drama until 6am, the camp site would have been marvelous. No ranger to domesticate those animals and remind them of quiet hours. Another group even brought a dj and karaoke. Seriously, no consideration for the rest of the campers. They want to get away from the hustle and bustle and be with nature but they can’f live without the modern day amenities and bring that noise we are all trying to escape to a place of nature. They even had BB guns and shooting them within the campsite. Idiots. The day the ranger did come by he was giving tickets to vehicles with no pass. Wish he came at night when he was most needed. Bathrooms are poorly maintained too. Never coming back for an overnight stay, a day trip will suffice.

  • jennifer G.
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
    Sep. 1, 2024

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Great little campground in south OC!

    Clean, quiet campground located in one of the OC Parks, with plenty of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian use. I stayed here on a weekday, and there were a few couple of vacant campsites in my area, so it was an extremely quiet visit. Bathrooms were clean and well stocked for my stay. I didn’t use the showers since I was only staying one night, but I heard they were free!

    Rangers were very friendly and firewood was only $5 for a decent bundle that lasted me over 2 hours.

    The city of Rancho Santa Margarita is right up the hill, so you can grab food and any necessities if needed.

    My site backed to the creek, so I never had people walking through my campsite.

    My dog & I slept in my van, but there was room for multiple tents, and a decent amount of shade in my spot.

    My spot didn’t have its own water spigot, but there was one at a site across from me.

    I was fortunate that all of the campers around me were quiet and considerate. I know that it doesn’t always work out that way, and having obnoxious neighbors can really ruin your experience.

  • Anita A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
    Aug. 30, 2024

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Less crowded ocale while visiting family nearby

    Visiting family in Santa Ana and LA. Not to far for them to come to us and all to go to beach. Park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly Beautiful view from our site on area B. Crowded on weekend, much less during week Campground is not associated to adjacent Frank Bonelli Regional. Charge $12 to enter with vehicle but no fee to ride in on bikes

  • Kim N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Crystal Cove State Park Primitive
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Crystal Cove State Park Primitive

    beautiful beach

    Clean dump station, beautiful sites, very strict on rules. We came 10 minutes early before check in time, they made us wait. Campsite comes with wifi but very weak. We have t mobile and had bad reception. Would come back again for beautiful views, small hike, sandy beaches with lots of sand crabs.

  • Jamie C.
    Camper-submitted photo from Buckhorn Campground
    Aug. 20, 2024

    Buckhorn Campground

    Perfect peaceful getaway

    Just stayed 8/15-18/24, although hot during the day, it was the getaway we needed. The Burkhart trail to the waterfall was beautiful. Clean campsites. Some neighboring camps were louder than you'd hope but it is what it is. Our second trip here and will return for sure.

  • Michael W.
    Camper-submitted photo from The Secret Place
    Aug. 19, 2024

    The Secret Place

    Peaceful, Private, Beautiful

    Although we booked a campsite, it felt more like we were invited to Mazen's home. He was communicative and responsive, happily answered all of our questions, and was beyond generous. I can't say enough about the beautiful views of Lake Elsinore! We can't wait to visit this campground again!

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Bolsa Chica State Beach

    Beach view

    The parking lot is next to the beach on the one side but also next to the highway on the other side. So the view and the breeze is beautiful, but the traffic noise in the evening and morning is not so nice. With earplugs everything is fine! ;) The host Jim is very kind and helpful!

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Clemente State Beach Campground
    Aug. 12, 2024

    San Clemente State Beach Campground

    Camping

    It was overall a nice campsite. Our site seemed to be pretty large it came with a picnic table & fire pit. The walk to the beach was close seemed maybe about 10 minute till we reached the beach from our site. It is on a hill you need to walk down & back up. The only down side was the bathrooms on the same road as our site were pretty dirty did not seem to have any maintenance during our stay.

  • IThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from The Secret Place
    Jul. 29, 2024

    The Secret Place

    Friendly, knowledgeable and respectful hosts, best views I have ever experienced.

    We couldn't find any campgrounds, after calling multiple places we came across "The Secret Place". They have the best views I have ever experienced! Especially during sunset and as the city lights start to twinkle. Very nice and quiet place. No full hookups, but good bathrooms and showers available. The camp host was knowledgeable about the area and recommended great things to do. Very helpful, very respectful and very friendly. Will definitely stay here again, made our honeymoon trip very memorable! A+ recommend.

  • Bo L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Oceanside RV Park
    Jul. 21, 2024

    Oceanside RV Park

    Solid spot for being near the beach

    Nice little site that is right in the middle of everything.

    It's crowded and you don't have much space, but if your using this instead of a hotel room it works great.

    It had a game room and pool so kids had something to do. There were families all over with kids riding bikes. We had a quick stay over while we were seeing family in the area and it worked great .

    Only issue we had is both entrances have a hell of a dip, we scraped the ass end real good going in and out with our 24ft class c.

  • GThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Blue Jay Campground
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Blue Jay Campground

    Hidden gem

    Awesome spot, lots of sights and some even have overlooks of the entire park. Can get crowded but no one was there on a Friday night in July. Bathrooms, trash, water and even buckets to fill to put out your fire. Fire pits, benches and grills nothing more you could want.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Olive Dell Ranch
    Jul. 12, 2024

    Olive Dell Ranch

    Olive Dell Resort

    I have been a member of this place for 20+ years.

    Most times if someone has a problem at the front gate. It because of the many background checks and or any one of the Screening Process...

    The previous review does not mention anything about that factor???? I wonder why??

  • merlinda M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lupine Campground
    Jul. 6, 2024

    Lupine Campground

    Came across this place on a whim

    After trying to find an escape from the fireworks and trying campgrounds in surrounding areas to this one and all of them being full, we just kept driving (ended up off-roading) and found this hidden jem. Quite, dark, and one dirt road in n out. No amenities besides a picnic table & fire pit. There's an outhouse, but it's pretty gross..

  • E
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    Jul. 3, 2024

    Manker Campground

    Mankers campground

    We spent 3days and 2nights here and enjoyed our stay, the caretaker was so nice! Although the restroom are very dirty but overall it was a great stay!

  • Vincent B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach
    Jun. 10, 2024

    San Mateo Campground—San Onofre State Beach

    Nice spots with shade, clean facilities

    Site had tree cover which had some nice shade to provide relief from the sun. Lots of room for a couple vehicles and tents. Clean bathrooms and showers, but we stayed midweek and the place was very, very minimally occupied. Good access to walking and biking trails.

  • Donna H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Jun. 1, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    As good as it gets for LA

    This quirky campground was safe, and that was what I needed while visiting friends in LA. This isn't a self-park park...the spaces are so close together that they use a cart to park you. On the upside, the bathrooms and showers were clean and plentiful, there was an area at the back of the park that was fenced for pups, and although the spaces were small, the park was landscaped such that you had some privacy. On the downside, the park is right next to the departure/arrival runway for Burbank and so if you don't fancy airplanes, you may not appreciate the noise. There is quite a bit of noise, but then again, you are in downtown Burbank. The owner is quite a character and told me that they even have an entertainment space where they offer musical performances, plays, etc. by local artists. He also mentioned that most of the park's customers were long-term residents that support the local production companies. I'm not sure if I would stay there again, but then again I'm not sure I'm interested in visiting Burbank again either.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest
    May. 29, 2024

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Great place

    I had a positive impression of this small campground, located just 5-7 miles away from the 215 highway, amidst natural surroundings. I can join many activities here such as playing merge fruit. However, I was taken aback to discover that the campground was closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. It would be great if they were open full-time, although it didn't affect our stay as we had planned to leave by Monday night. While the bathroom facilities could benefit from some renovations, the actual campsite itself was quite enjoyable. Despite a previous reviewer mentioning that the road near the campground was busy, we personally didn't find it bothersome as there were only occasional cars passing by during the day, and the traffic volume was relatively light during our visit



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

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Santa Ana, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Santa Ana, CA is San Clemente State Beach Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 35 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Santa Ana, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 48 tent camping locations near Santa Ana, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.