Top Tent Camping near Sunset Beach, CA

Looking for the best Sunset Beach tent camping? The Dyrt helps you find campsites near Sunset Beach with tent camping. Each tent site offers quick access to one or more of Sunset Beach, California's most popular destinations.

Best Tent Sites Near Sunset Beach, CA (43)

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

    2. Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

    6 Reviews
    3 Photos
    214 Saves
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • Tents
    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

    3. 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 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

    4. Two Harbors Campground

    10 Reviews
    63 Photos
    72 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    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

    5. Black Jack Campground

    8 Reviews
    16 Photos
    27 Saves
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Dispersed
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Little Harbor 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
    Camper-submitted photo from Millard Trail Campground

    7. 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 Parsons Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Parsons Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Parsons Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Parsons Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Parsons Landing Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Parsons Landing Campground

    8. Parsons Landing Campground

    5 Reviews
    38 Photos
    137 Saves
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Hermit Gulch Campground

    9. Hermit Gulch Campground

    5 Reviews
    17 Photos
    25 Saves

    Hermit Gulch Campground is Avalon’s only camping facility located within city limits. The campground is situated in Avalon Canyon near the Nature Center and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.

    The campground offers a nice view of the surrounding hills that are home to a wide variety of endemic plant and animal species. Hermit Gulch Trail is accessible from the campground, and there's access to other hiking trails nearby.

    Hermit Gulch is great for first-timers and experienced campers alike. Being so close to town allows easy access to groceries, shopping, restaurants, tours, sight seeing and nightlife.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Tent Cabin
    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
Showing results 1-10 of 43 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews In Sunset Beach

775 Reviews of 43 Sunset Beach 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.

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

    Malibu Creek State Park

    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...

  • 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.

  • 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

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8
    May. 27, 2024

    Stockton Flats Yellow Post Sites 3-8

    Prepare the climb; also not for big RVs

    The turn is not marked well, in fact the coordinates are a little bit off. If you miss the turn like we did you have to go 5 miles or more to get a turnabout big enough to turn around. You climb a big steep hill to get to the turn in. On the way back down from the turnaround we almost burned out or brakes. We decided not to go to the site because it looked like a one lane road and too tight for our 35 ft bumper pull. Disappointed because pictures from others looked great and it is a beautiful area. We found a spot near the road that I’ll post for others.

  • Roxanna L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon RV Park
    May. 21, 2024

    Canyon RV Park

    Anaheim CA

    This is our second stay here and probably our last. It was super expensive this time and we were put in the back (overflow) lot which name I use loosely as when it rains it floods. Had to park the car at the office so it wouldn’t float away. Upon our arrival my husband pulled up in our 42’ 5th wheel and parked to go into the office. There is a painted line on the curb where I guess you’re supposed to park but our unit would have been longer and wider than that space provided. She also could have used some tact and nicely asked if he could park the unit in the space provided but she was asking for a fight. He went to register and a lady with longer gray hair and glasses, who I’d seen there before, greeted him with..you need to park by the curb in the designated area- you’re blocking my driveway!! That kinda set the tone. He said I thought you’d open the gate so I could get out of the way. About that time I pulled up in the car and he was storming out the bldg saying I have to get out of the way- park in the designated area! So I went in and couldn’t understand why he hadn’t registered already. She very hatefully said I told him to move he was blocking my drive! (There was nobody out there but us). The tone could have been better, but I wasn’t in the mood for a confrontation- she took my information and said you’ve been here before so you know where you’re going! Maybe she is the owner or maybe an employee but it wasn’t a great way to start off our 2 wk stay at the rate of $2k! She was a real bitch!

  • Malina S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Little pine campground
    May. 19, 2024

    Little pine campground

    Great weekend get away spot

    Nice sized spot. We stayed on site 15, with a great view. Fire pit came in handy with a cooking grate and parking spaces are large enough for a small RV.

  • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Manker Campground
    May. 10, 2024

    Manker Campground

    Clean and near trails

    I went on a Wednesday afternoon in May and got my pick of sites.  There were only 4-6 other campers each night so it was very quiet.  Bathrooms were clean and supplied with TP.  

    No AT&T service.  Only one car per campsite.

  • Matthew W.
    Camper-submitted photo from Bonelli Bluffs
    May. 3, 2024

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Quiet & Peaceful

    ⭐⭐⭐⭐

    Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved. As a family with young children, we were hoping for playgrounds or similar amenities to keep them entertained throughout our stay. Unfortunately, the absence of such facilities meant we had to get creative in finding ways to occupy their time during downtime.

    Additionally, while the campground's proximity to the lake was appealing, the walk to get there was longer than expected, especially with little ones in tow. This made spontaneous trips to the lake less feasible and slightly inconvenient.

    However, despite these minor inconveniences, the campground itself was well-maintained, and the surrounding natural beauty made for a peaceful retreat. The staff were also friendly and helpful, adding to the overall positive experience.

    In summary, while Bonelli Bluffs Campground could benefit from adding playgrounds and reducing the distance to the lake, it still offers a pleasant camping experience for families looking to reconnect with nature.



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

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Sunset Beach, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Sunset Beach, 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 Sunset Beach, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 43 tent camping locations near Sunset Beach, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.