Best Camping near Sunset Beach, CA

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Sunset Beach, CA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Find the best campgrounds near Sunset Beach, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Sunset Beach, CA (134)

    Camper-submitted photo from Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    1. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    34 Reviews
    89 Photos
    1356 Saves
    Laguna Beach, California

    The Moro campground, which is located on a bluff top with unparalleled ocean views, features 27 hookup sites, 30 non-hookup tent sites, both of which include 3 ADA-accessible sites each. We also feature primitive hike-in camping in our backcountry, which has 32 sites spread out across 3 areas. Although it does require a strenuous hike, it provides a peaceful refuge from the urban surroundings.

    • Pets
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Newport Dunes RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Newport Dunes RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Newport Dunes RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Newport Dunes RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Newport Dunes RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Newport Dunes RV Resort

    2. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    83 Photos
    377 Saves
    Newport Beach, California

    Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is located in the heart of Newport Beach CA, along the scenic Back Bay. Our laid-back lux resort offers RV campers access to the same amenities as any hotel guest plus more, including beach access, hydrotherapy pools, beachfront dining, hiking & biking trails, water sports, and one of SoCal’s largest inflatable water park (summer season). We offer planned activities for families to take part in. Allow us to be your basecamp for everything Newport Beach and Orange County has to offer.

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

    $75 - $550 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    3. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    18 Reviews
    36 Photos
    354 Saves
    Huntington Beach, California

    Campground (sites 32-57)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $60 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs

    4. Bonelli Bluffs

    37 Reviews
    84 Photos
    328 Saves
    South El Monte, California

    Lakeside camping in LA county is possible at Bonelli Bluffs RV resort and campground in San Dimas, California! Our lush property is much more than a place to pull into and rest your head. It's a community surrounded by majestic mountain views, lush landscapes, and resort-style amenities. Vacations should feel special and revitalizing - at Bonelli Bluffs, it's easy.

    We're located just 45 minutes east of Los Angeles, at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains. Here, Bonelli Bluffs offers a peaceful reprieve from city life. Come enjoy nature, relax and explore the nearby attractions in San Dimas, California. Moreover, you don't even need to leave the campgrounds to have a good time. Our amenities include a beach-front park, two sparkling pools, outdoor fire pits, and activities galore.

    While the natural beauty and views bring most visitors to Bonelli Bluffs, the nearby town of San Dimas is also highly appealing. Here, and in the nearby town of Pomona, you'll discover fantastic restaurants, shops and plenty to see and do.

    So, if you're looking for the perfect place to bring your RV or to pitch a tent and camp, you've found it at Bonelli Bluffs. Moreover, we offer hundreds of sites on our 2,000 acres of meticulously preserved campgrounds for RVs and tents. Visit our RV resort in San Dimas, California, to experience the beauty for yourself.

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

    $76 - $88 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Doheny State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Doheny State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Doheny State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Doheny State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Doheny State Beach Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Doheny State Beach Campground

    5. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    118 Photos
    22 Saves
    Capistrano Beach, California

    North Loop (sites 1-59, 120, 122)

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $50 - $350 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    6. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    50 Reviews
    92 Photos
    521 Saves
    San Clemente, California

    Details here: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/647/files/SanMateo082609.pdf San Mateo Campground lies a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the campground to Trestles Beach, a world class surfing site. San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities include an RV sanitation station, hot, coin-operated indoor showers, and flush toilets. Below are listed a few park rules that will assist you in having a fun and save visit. San Onofre - San Mateo Campground is at 830 Cristianitos, San Clemente, CA, 92672 a short distance inland from the 3.5-miles of sandy beaches within San Onofre State Beach. A 1.5-mile Nature Trail connects the San Mateo camping site to “Trestles Beach,” the world class surfing site. Surfers using redwood boards have visited San Onofre since at least the 1940s; San Mateo Creek flows just east of the campground outward towards the ocean creating key riparian and wetland habitats which host some rare and even endangered species. All campsites include a fire pit and picnic table. RV Hookup sites are available with electricity and water. Other amenities includes a dump-station, hot indoor showers, and flush toilets. Camping is available year-round.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $250 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park
    Camper-submitted photo from O'Neill Regional Park

    7. O'Neill Regional Park

    28 Reviews
    68 Photos
    438 Saves
    Trabuco Canyon, California

    The Arroyo campground offers 79 campsites varying in size to accommodate RVs or tent camping for up to eight people per site. Reservations for individual sites can be made online, by phone or in person. The park offers eight large group campsites for parties of 17 or more and five equestrian campsites, each equipped with horse corrals, barbeques and fire pits. Reservations for groups of 17 or more can be made by calling the park office at (949) 923-2260.

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

    $20 / night

    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

    8. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    36 Reviews
    146 Photos
    755 Saves
    San Clemente, California

    CAMPING AND PICNICKING The family campground sits high atop the bluffs. Each of 160 sites has a fire ring and picnic table. Water faucets are nearby. The family campground has 72 RV spots, with electric and water hookups.

    ACCESSIBLE FEATURES • Restrooms, showers, seven campsites, the visitor center, the Butterfly and Multi-Use Trails, and picnic sites near parking are accessible. Assistance may be needed on the steep trails to the beach. • Accessibility in state parks is continually improving. For recent updates, visit

    Two group-camping areas can each hold 50 people. Each campground has hot showers, flush toilets, and sinks. Group camp #1 holds up to 20 RVs; Group camp #2 takes tent-only campers with a maximum of 10 vehicles. A picnic area displays sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean from bluffs 150 feet above the beach. Two group picnic areas are also available. The visitor center adjoins the 200-space parking area.

    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
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $45 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Anaheim Harbor RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anaheim Harbor RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anaheim Harbor RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anaheim Harbor RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anaheim Harbor RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Anaheim Harbor RV Park

    9. Anaheim Harbor RV Park

    11 Reviews
    7 Photos
    142 Saves
    Anaheim, California

    Close to Disney!

    Accommodations for RVs up to 40-feet
    Full hook-ups, plus 30 & 50 AMP service
    Heated swimming pool- open in dry weather, $5.00 cash deposit for the key
    Large laundry room
    Newly remodeled shower facilities (2) located in both Men and Women's Restrooms
    Wheelchair accessible bathrooms
    Free wireless internet access
    Mini Market
    Five hole Putting Green
    Gazebo Area near pool and front office with barbecues and fire pits
    Clubhouse with sitting area, television, and Keurig machine
    Closest RV Park located near Disneyland® Resort
    Great view of Disneyland® Resort fireworks without leaving Anaheim Harbor RV Park
    Tours to the most popular Southern California attractions available in our park office
    Shuttle service to Disneyland® Resort- $6.00 per all day ticket via RideART system - More info
    Conveniently located near local dining and entertainment
    
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $55 - $70 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Seabreeze At Seal Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Seabreeze At Seal Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Seabreeze At Seal Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Seabreeze At Seal Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Seabreeze At Seal Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Seabreeze At Seal Beach

    10. Seabreeze At Seal Beach

    9 Reviews
    11 Photos
    151 Saves
    Seal Beach, California
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
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Showing results 1-10 of 134 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near Sunset Beach

Recent Reviews in Sunset Beach

953 Reviews of 134 Sunset Beach Campgrounds


  • Kaitlyn B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Dec. 17, 2024

    Hermit Gulch Campground

    Easy and great for first time campers

    Clean bathrooms, friendly rangers, nice layout, cute wildlife, close to TCT. Only issue, which is probably just on all of Catalina, is that late hours of the night people are driving up the road in their golf carts which are super loud. So don’t get a site near the road if your an early or light sleeper.

  • Ryan W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Dec. 13, 2024

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Convenient to Wilderness and Luxury

    Three miles from a the grocery and only minutes from north LA, you'll find a basic campground with flush toilets, coin showers, and easily accessible hiking trails. The sites are basic with campfire pit and grill, open space for a tent or rv, and picnic table. The inner circle of sites abuts the bathrooms and is better for groups. The outer rings on three sides have nice views, but some sites on the south side are shorter and abut a fence.

    We stayed in site 59 which had a really nice shade tree and great views of a meadow and the cliffs out the back of the site. The sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything, and because the campground is close to the city it is popular with groups and families.

    The campground was under fire warning all weekend, but faux wood (javalog or duraflame) and charcoal was still allowed. The camphost sold Javalogs, and there were plenty of options at the nearby Albertson's.

    The state park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more. It was easy to imagine you weren't anywhere close to the city. During a holiday weekend the trails were fairly busy with day-use hikers, but even then, it was easy to get away and be on trails alone if you wanted. There is also a visitor center in the park, but it has limited hours.
    The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. If you have a dog with you make sure they don't try join the pack. On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub—making their way to a running creek.

    I'd recommend a visit if you're looking for a close to town escape.

  • T
    Camper-submitted photo from Prado Regional Park
    Dec. 2, 2024

    Prado Regional Park

    Great Local Getaway

    Perfect to get out of the city but still be in it. Campgrounds have more than enough privacy with each one being about 15 to 20 yards apart. A ton of recreational things to do. Quiet at night.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wildomar Campground
    Nov. 28, 2024

    Wildomar Campground

    Decent space.

    Roads were bumpy but made it in a super low clearance rv (21ft). Had the place all to ourselves. A bit close to the other sites. Not bad

  • vector J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Nov. 11, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    Thats good

    This location is conveniently situated near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the city’s many attractions. The facilities are well-kept, with clean restrooms and a friendly staff always ready to assist. However, the noise from nearby https://blockblast.link/ may be disruptive for those in search of a quiet getaway, so it's worth considering if peace and quiet are a priority before booking.

  • 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, noise from the surrounding area can be an issue, so those seeking a peaceful retreat might want to consider this before booking.

  • A
    Camper-submitted photo from Vanlife Campground Community In Coastal Mountains
    Oct. 4, 2024

    Vanlife Campground Community In Coastal Mountains

    Perfect homebase for life on the road!

    One of the most beautiful properties I've ever stayed on. Part of the Van Life Campgrounds network of community oriented homebases for vanlifers and nomads on wheels. Met some cool people, worked, hung out with goats, had a few communal dinners. What else could you ask for.

  • Kate
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    pch camping

    we stayed in the tent campsites. beware the tent sites do NOT have electrical hookups. you also have to park and carry your things to your campsite. luckily, they have wheelbarrows to make that easier.

    woodfires are not allowed but propane fires are. there are showers, flush toilets, and water sources in the campground. the bathrooms have a lock and code needed for entry. the campsites are all pretty close together but no one was there when we arrived on a weekday. it didn’t get busy until people started showing up on saturday for the holiday weekend.

    when you first drive in, there is a convenience store up front where you check in.

  • Bryan S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Orangeland RV Park
    Sep. 16, 2024

    Orangeland RV Park

    Perfect

    Great little park. Heated pool, spa was hot. Nice little store with everything you need. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Only downside was the sports bar next door was pretty loud at night. And the loud music coming from the industrial building next door at 7am. Also very close to Disney with a free shuttle

  • Kim N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dockweiler Beach RV Park
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    beachfront

    Youre packed like sardines but it's beachfront. It's noisy if you have party neighbors but they do turn off the music by 1030 ish so it's enforced. You hear planes flying and tmobile wifi is not great at the campground but good when on the beach front. It's at prime location in LAX so that was nice to go around town. Has full hookups. We would come back again if we need to be near LA area.

  • 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 Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park
    Aug. 24, 2024

    Crystal Cove Backcountry — Crystal Cove State Park

    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 Campground
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    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.

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Heaton flats
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Heaton flats

    Not always allowed

    Camping outside esablished campgrounds within the Angeles National Forest is sometimes prohibited, you have to be on top of reading recently published orders on https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles. Currently, camping is allowed for 7 days or less, see here: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/angeles/alerts-notices/?aid=78080 The people I saw camping here looked to have been set up somewhat permanently though. I wouldn't feel comfortable setting up a tent here, but it could be an okay rest area at the beginning/end of the hike to Bridge to Nowhere.

  • Julian M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Amazing experience, beautiful sunset

    Great campground, Great spots but unfortunately bit expensive .Very disappointed about the rules regarding fire, but I understood. I left from the campground after the sunset...fire allowed only with courchal...



Guide to Sunset Beach

Camping near Sunset Beach, California, offers a fantastic mix of ocean views, outdoor activities, and family-friendly environments. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. For instance, at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, you can enjoy direct beach access and watch dolphins and seals playing in the waves.
  • Biking and Running: The area has great bike lanes along PCH. A reviewer mentioned, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Point Mugu State Park, where you can find amazing views over the state park and the Pacific Ocean. One camper noted, "Great location. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views. A visitor at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park said, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Dogwood Campground, are well-maintained. One camper mentioned, "The place is clean and quiet. Our camp site was very spacious."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach offer a welcoming environment for families. A reviewer shared, "The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get packed, especially on weekends. A camper at Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park noted, "It can get very crowded and packed."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. For example, Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park has no water or dump station, just portable bathrooms. A visitor mentioned, "No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site."
  • Noise Levels: Some sites are near busy roads or train tracks. A camper at Doheny State Beach Campground said, "There is a rise in thefts...the loud cargo train...to cover up them cutting locks and stealing."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites for more room. A family at San Mateo Campground appreciated the "mature trees between every campsite that provide privacy."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or scooters for kids to enjoy. One reviewer at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, "The campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at South Carlsbad State Beach Campground enjoyed the "great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Canyon Campground said, "The sites are small. It is very difficult to back in to a spot when you have campers across from your campsite."
  • Bring Dollar Bills for Showers: Some campgrounds have coin-operated showers. A camper at San Mateo Campground advised, "BRING DOLLAR BILLS to change them into tokens for the shower."
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have spotty cell service. A visitor at Point Mugu State Park noted, "No reception for T-Mobile users."

Camping near Sunset Beach, California, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to families looking for a fun getaway. Just be prepared for the crowds and plan accordingly!

Frequently Asked Questions