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Best Campgrounds near Trabuco Canyon, CA

1,444 Reviews

Trabuco Canyon, nestled in the scenic landscapes of Southern California, provides a range of camping experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, located just 41 miles away, is a popular choice for those seeking a coastal camping experience. This campground offers both tent and RV sites, with amenities such as showers and restrooms. For those interested in a more inland experience, O'Neill Regional Park is conveniently located just a mile from Trabuco Canyon. This park features spacious campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, making it ideal for family gatherings. Privacy varies across the sites, with some offering more seclusion than others. Wildlife in the area includes deer and various bird species, so campers should store food securely to avoid attracting animals. Reservations are recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure a spot at these popular campgrounds. Fire restrictions may be in place during dry periods, so it's important to check current conditions before your visit. Blue Jay Campground, although temporarily closed, is another option to consider once it reopens. This site is known for its beautiful forest setting and proximity to hiking trails. Campers should be aware of the 14-day stay limit in most areas to ensure compliance with local regulations. Booking windows can fill up quickly, so planning ahead is crucial for a successful trip. Whether you're camping by the beach or in the forest, Trabuco Canyon offers diverse options for a memorable outdoor adventure.

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Best Camping Sites Near Trabuco Canyon, California (228)

    1. O'Neill Regional Park

    30 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    1 mile
    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..."

    2. Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

    35 Reviews
    Laguna Beach, CA
    13 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."

    3. San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach

    52 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-4872

    $45 - $250 / night

    "San Mateo is one of the better beach campgrounds in California, some sites have some great privacy."

    "Another beautiful gem along the California Coast. Although not on or too near the beach, this campground is truly a lovely spot. All or most of the campsites boast a bit of privacy."

    4. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park

    22 Reviews
    Coto de Caza, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 923-2210

    $20 - $25 / night

    "Tucked on the outskirts of Mission Viejo is an oasis of green grass and groves of the twisting and searching limbs of Coastal Live Oak trees.  "

    "Rangers at entrance to check for pets (not allowed) and where you can buy bundles of wood for $5 if you want. Technically not allowed to bring in outside wood."

    5. Blue Jay Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    21 Reviews
    Trabuco Canyon, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (858) 673-6180

    $20 / night

    "We were able to find a spot tucked away off one of the loops to the left after a small hill. Neighbors played loud music but we didn’t mind at all."

    "clean restrooms and sites. large campground with paved roads was nice for strolling through. pretty far off the beaten path above lake elsinore. the views near by were fantastic. the staff was fairly friendly"

    6. Doheny State Beach Campground

    35 Reviews
    Capistrano Beach, CA
    15 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.  "

    7. San Clemente State Beach Campground

    38 Reviews
    San Clemente, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (949) 492-3156

    $45 - $300 / night

    "California beach camping can be very hard to come by. Unlike some other campgrounds in Southern California this one gives you ample room to move around and set up camp."

    "The hardcore surfing nomads stealth camp in their bubble-top vans outside of the park on the streets. Walking distance to Cottons point for surfing and to hangout among the beach huts."

    8. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    Newport Beach, CA
    18 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."

    9. Launch Pointe Recreation Destination and RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Lake Elsinore, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (855) 471-1212

    $55 - $140 / night

    "Canopy Court area has easy and close access to the splash pad, the playground, a large grass area, and even the pool. The boat launch is very near by too but we had no use for that."

    "I had site 126 in the fields, corner site and lake view. This campground has a pool, splash pad, park, dog park and access to the lake. They also have a band on Saturday nights."

    10. El Cariso Campground

    9 Reviews
    Lake Elsinore, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 736-1811

    $15 / night

    "The campground was right off the highway, cost affective ($15/night), and there were no reservations needed. There were 24 sites tucked in the woods. A few water faucets & bathrooms throughout."

    "Albeit it’s just off the road and Ortega highway is fairly busy at all hours of the night, so road noise was a little annoying but not bad. Self pay was easy and quick."

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Recent Camping Photos near Trabuco Canyon, CA

426 Photos of 228 Trabuco Canyon Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Trabuco Canyon, CA

1444 Reviews of 228 Trabuco Canyon Campgrounds

Guide to Trabuco Canyon

Camping near Trabuco Canyon, California, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a place to park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like South Carlsbad State Beach Campground, provide easy access to the beach. One camper mentioned, "Great little restaurant serving pizza and snacks overlooking the ocean. Beach access. Lots of sites."
  • Biking and Running: If you enjoy biking or running, the area has great trails. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach noted, "Great if you want to ride along PCH. This stretch has good bike lanes that take you into Oceanside or Encinitas."
  • Fishing: For fishing enthusiasts, Lake Hemet Campground is a solid choice. A visitor shared, "The campground is clean and the fishing is good, most of the time. They stock the lake regularly so you have a good chance of catching trout."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One reviewer at Bonelli Bluffs said, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer generous space between sites. A camper at Serrano mentioned, "The campground was clean, quiet, and had a decent amount of space between sites."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often highlight the helpfulness of campground staff. A visitor at Dogwood Campground noted, "Camp hosts are friendly and knowledgeable."

What you should know:

  • Crowded Conditions: Some campgrounds can get quite busy, especially on weekends. A reviewer at San Clemente State Beach Campground said, "It is loud, even if it isn't because your neighbors are on top of you."
  • Limited Hookups: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. A camper at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "You do not get much privacy as the sites are quite close to each other."
  • Noise Levels: Some areas have noise from nearby roads or trains. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground shared, "The train is loud, but passes seldom."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. A reviewer at San Elijo State Beach Campground said, "Amazing site in a little town with all you need for a weekend getaway."
  • Plan Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A camper at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park noted, "Lots of hiking and bike trails."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can help keep everyone happy. A visitor at Lake Hemet Campground mentioned, "Bring your own shade for this campsite, your own water too."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs said, "The week days are really quiet maybe 15 to 20 RVs in the F area but weekends fill up completely."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Services: Some campgrounds may not have full amenities. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach noted, "Upper campground has water and electricity."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Know where the nearest dump stations are located. A visitor at Doheny State Beach Campground shared, "There is a $10 fee, they have a convenient credit card machine."

Camping near Trabuco Canyon, California, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to families looking for a quick getaway. Just be sure to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Trabuco Canyon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Trabuco Canyon, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 228 campgrounds and RV parks near Trabuco Canyon, CA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Trabuco Canyon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Trabuco Canyon, CA is O'Neill Regional Park with a 4.2-star rating from 30 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Trabuco Canyon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Trabuco Canyon, CA.

What parks are near Trabuco Canyon, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Trabuco Canyon, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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