The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Trabuco Canyon, CA

1,459 Reviews

Trabuco Canyon in Southern California features several campgrounds catering to different camping preferences, with O'Neill Regional Park serving as a central camping area. Located in Orange County, this park provides tent and RV sites with amenities like showers, potable water, and dump stations. Nearby Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park offers additional camping areas with three distinct campgrounds, including a dedicated RV area with electrical hookups and a tent camping section beneath coastal live oak trees. The region's camping options extend from developed facilities to more secluded sites in the canyons, with several state beaches within driving distance providing oceanfront camping alternatives.

Road conditions and accessibility in Trabuco Canyon campgrounds vary by location, with most sites being accessible via paved roads. Summer temperatures in this Southern California region can be quite warm, making spring and fall the most comfortable seasons for camping. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, especially during weekends and peak summer months. Facilities typically include restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables, though amenities vary by campground. Cell phone coverage is generally available throughout the region due to proximity to urban areas. According to one visitor, "O'Neill Regional Park is great if you like hiking, biking, MTB, and running. It is very clean, and the showers are free and clean as well."

Campers frequently mention the blend of natural beauty and accessibility as highlights of the Trabuco Canyon camping experience. The canyon setting provides scenic surroundings while remaining relatively close to urban conveniences. Several visitors noted the hiking trails that connect directly to campgrounds, making them popular with outdoor enthusiasts. While the campgrounds may experience traffic noise from nearby roads, they still offer a peaceful retreat from city life. The proximity to both mountain landscapes and beaches within driving distance makes these camping areas versatile bases for exploring Southern California. A camper observed that despite being tucked in the canyon, "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."

Map showing campgrounds near Trabuco Canyon, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Trabuco Canyon, California (235)

    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

    53 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 235 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Trabuco Canyon Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Trabuco Canyon, CA

430 Photos of 235 Trabuco Canyon Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Trabuco Canyon, CA

1459 Reviews of 235 Trabuco Canyon Campgrounds

  • B
    Sep. 4, 2025

    Keller Peak Yellow Post Campsites

    Stunning but Safety Concerns

    I’ve camped at the Keller Peak yellow post sites more than two dozen times over the years and, at their best, they’re incredible. The scenery and isolation are superb—starry skies, quiet nights, and that deep-woods stillness that’s getting harder to find. For years this was my go-to spot. 

    Unfortunately, I’ve also watched trash and waste increase. Please, pack it out—these sites only stay special if we treat them with care. 

    My last trip was frightening enough that I haven’t returned. Late at night a group of locals came to the edge of my site, yelling and using threatening language. They assumed I was homeless despite my SUV and proper camping setup. I was using a portable propane fire pit—which is allowed—and I calmly explained that. I can understand why fire is an issue to locals.  I only felt safe because my small dog has a very loud bark, which kept them from coming closer. They said they were calling a ranger. I left the next morning, shaken. On my way out, I spoke with a park ranger who confirmed propane fire pits are permitted and told me they don’t patrol up there at night because of recurring issues like this. She also mentioned they were trying to move the site to a reservation system to deter homeless use; I’m not sure if that has happened yet. 

    It’s a shame, because this area is one of the best around. I’m sharing this so others can make an informed choice.  

    Pros - Spectacular views and true solitude Cool nights, dark skies, classic forest feel

    Cons -  Rising litter and human waste Nighttime safety concerns due to occasional rowdy visitors Limited ranger presence after dark

     I hope increased stewardship and enforcement can restore the magic here.

  • D
    Aug. 31, 2025

    San Elijo State Beach Campground

    Cool spot

    Difficult to book. 6 months in advance but if you do. The full hookup spots are located in the middle of the campground. Don’t feel like you missed anything if you can’t get beachfront. Bushes, fences block any views unless your in dry camping down toward south end of park. Camp store is permanently closed so that Convenience is no longer here. Bathrooms and showers are clean and somewhat nice.

  • Elise F.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Fry Creek Campground

    Loved it

    We absolutely loved Fry Creek. It might be our favorite place to camp so far. Our site was removed from others so we weren’t bothered by neighbors. It was a nice large site next to the bathrooms (which were very clean and well maintained) and close to a water spigot and trash can. This campground is definitely a birder’s paradise. We were constantly surrounded and graced by the sounds of woodpeckers, pigeons, mountain quail, bluebirds, jays, and more. One important note though is this entire area is swarmed with flies. We brought nets to put around our faces and without these, I don’t think I would have survived. So definitely bring nets for your face, bug spray, and citronella. Despite this, it was a lovely place. Will be returning one day.

  • Julie
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bogart County Park

    Bogart Regional park

    It was okay for a last minute camping idea.

  • Julie
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Bogart County Park

    Yucaipa Regional park

    Great customer service, easy access, restrooms, fishing, swimming and paddle boats.

  • Wayne S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Applewhite Campground (Ca) — San Bernardino National Forest

    Nice little park

    Very small campground. Camping sites are spread out. The access road is very narrow. We did it with a 22 foot fifth wheel. Space 41 could hold a much longer rig but it would be a challenge even getting to that space. There were only two other campers here while we were here. Lots of trees but not so thick you dont get some sun. The road getting to the campgrounds is somewhat narrow and has some hairpin turns so again it might be difficult for someone with a long trailer We camped at Applewhite Campground in a Fifth Wheel.

  • Moo
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Oceanside RV Resort

    For tent campers - pretty solid place for a quick couple stays

    First, the campsite has the MOST CLEANEST restroom and shower booths I have ever visited for tent camping. This is no doubt that for those folks who are needed for good built qaulity toiletery, this will be your location.

    For the down sides;

    1. The trains - There is a rail right behind the tent sites so if you are looking for the tent sites with quiet location: PLEASE STAY AWAY from here. the trains do not operate from around 10 pm, back on operating starting from 5 am.

    2. for T1 tent site, BE AWARE that there is a dog park RIGHT next to the tent site: there will be a urine odor all over the place.

    3. If you are planning on cooking, just be aware that there is no proper location to do a dish wash. You would need some sort of wipes to do.

  • ROCKSTAR C.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hare School Park

    It’s the sports fields parking lot

    I’ve been here for a couple days and nobody’s mess with us. There’s other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I’m in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It’s not tent friendly. I don’t believe.

Guide to Trabuco Canyon

Trabuco Canyon sits at an elevation of approximately 1,800 feet in the Santa Ana Mountains of Orange County. The area experiences mild winters with temperatures rarely dropping below 40°F and warm summers that often reach into the 90s. Summer camping can be particularly hot with limited natural shade at many nearby campgrounds, so canopies are recommended during peak season.

What to do

Hiking trails: 1-2 miles from camp: O'Neill Regional Park offers immediate access to hiking through native chaparral and oak woodland. "There are a number of hiking trails around that range from a 1 to 12 miles. On Saturdays there's a nature walk," notes a visitor to Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park.

Beach access: 25-30 minute drive: While inland camping provides seclusion, ocean activities are easily accessible. "San Clemente beach which is a short drive away from camp is more for swimming," explains a camper who stayed at San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach.

Cycling routes: various distances: The area offers both paved roads and mountain biking trails for cycling enthusiasts. "Nice, clean, easy access for trailers/rv's. Not an easy or quick access to the beach from the rv and tent areas, so just plan on spending time there!" shares a camper about San Clemente State Beach Campground.

What campers like

Shaded sites under oak trees: Many campers appreciate the natural canopy in specific areas. "Ortega Flats Campground... The campsite was nice, shady with benches, a picnic table plus a fire pit. I had electric hookup but no water because of the drought," explains a visitor to Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park.

Clean facilities despite high use: Bathroom quality varies by campground but many maintain good standards. "The bathrooms on site were clean and well maintained. The only downfall was that each campsite is allotted three parking passes so make sure you and your friends share rides!" notes a camper from San Mateo Campground.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: "This campground is amazing, just a few miles from the ocean @ Dana Point. Several hiking trails. Very quiet. Restrooms and showers available plus spiggots near each campsite. Abundance of small wildlife such as squirrels and rabbits," shares a visitor to Caspers Wilderness County Park.

What you should know

Summer heat and bug concerns: Campgrounds near Trabuco Canyon can get extremely hot during summer months. "Stayed here in late August, it's easy to get to and close enough for a short trip out of town. The trees were nice, needed some maintenance though because a large tree fell very close to our camp and the area was covered with Poison Oak. The bugs were not enjoyable at all," warns a camper about El Cariso Campground.

Road noise at some sites: Certain campgrounds experience traffic noise. "The drive can be a bit weird since it is all commercial and residential. There is literally a Starbucks 3 minutes from camp. The sites are wonderful and many hiking areas," mentions a visitor to O'Neill Regional Park.

Fire restrictions vary seasonally: "They often have no burn times, these are dependent on the winds," notes a camper at Caspers Wilderness Park. Always check current fire regulations before your trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best camping spots in Trabuco Canyon?

The best camping option in Trabuco Canyon is O'Neill Regional Park, which offers clean facilities, free showers, and excellent access to hiking, biking, and running trails. While it's tucked back in the canyon, you may hear some traffic noise from the road. Another excellent nearby option is Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, located on the outskirts of Mission Viejo. This park provides a more secluded experience with grassy areas and groves of trees, offering a peaceful retreat from urban surroundings.

What amenities are available at Trabuco Canyon campgrounds?

Trabuco Canyon campgrounds offer a range of practical amenities. At O'Neill Regional Park, you'll find clean facilities including free showers, well-maintained campsites, and access to numerous trails for outdoor activities. For those looking for more developed options near Trabuco Canyon, Doheny State Beach Campground provides beachfront camping with varying site sizes - middle sites are small and tight, while outside edge sites offer more space. Most Trabuco area campgrounds provide basic amenities like vault toilets, fire rings, and potable water, though specific offerings vary by location.

Is camping allowed in Silverado Canyon near Trabuco Canyon?

Yes, camping is allowed in the Silverado Canyon area near Trabuco Canyon, though options are limited and sometimes subject to seasonal closures. Blue Jay Campground is located in this region, offering drive-in and hike-in access with basic amenities like water and toilets, though it's temporarily closed (always check current status before planning). As an alternative, Applewhite Campground in nearby San Bernardino National Forest provides a natural setting just a short drive from highways. Be aware that some campgrounds in these canyon areas may have seasonal closures, especially during high fire danger periods.

Keep Exploring