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

Best Campgrounds near Trabuco Canyon, CA

1,487 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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 (236)

    1. O'Neill Regional Park

    33 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

    54 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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    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

    40 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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    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 236 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

440 Photos of 236 Trabuco Canyon Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Trabuco Canyon, CA

1487 Reviews of 236 Trabuco Canyon Campgrounds

  • M
    Dec. 4, 2025

    Morongo Casino RV Park

    No longer offer RV parking here

    I just contacted the Hotel & resort to verify and camping/RV parking is NO longer offered. As most places around, the "wrong crowd" (their words) ruined it for all and they had to shut it down.

    If you are staying at the hotel, you check in and get a pass to park behind the casino but can not stay inside overnight.

  • Keith S.
    Dec. 1, 2025

    Lake Skinner Recreation Area

    Lake Skinner

    Another great trip to Lake skinner for Thanksgiving. Camp sites and bathrooms are clean. Plenty of hikes and bike trails. Rangers and camp hosts are friendly and informative. Camp store has the basics if you forgot anything.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Sturtevant Camp

    amazing camp, amazing organization

    We ended up unexpectedly staying at Sturtevant Camp because we left a scary experience at Spruce grove trailhead nearby. And wow, what an amazing experience we had here! We walked up to the campgrounds after it was already dark, and the camp host came outside of his cabin within a minute. He saw our headlamps and greeted us by asking if everything was okay. We asked if we could set up our tent near the cabins, and he offered to let us stay in one of the cabins that happened to be open that weekend. Some of the most amazing hospitality I've encounted while camping, really restored my faith in humanity. We made a donation after we got home as a thank you.

    The facilities have running water and electricity. The camp host preps coffee and hot water in the morning so that other hikers coming through can stop for a warm beverage. What an amazing place!

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    scary experience

    I took my friend backpacking on a Friday in August with the goal of camping at Spruce Grove camp that night. I read other reviews talking about how busy the campground can be over the weekend, so I was hoping we would still get a spot if we arrived Friday instead of Saturday. My friend and I were less than a mile away from the camp sites when it got dark and a guy started following us on the trail. It was unsettling, and we hoped it would be fine once we got to Spruce Grove. Unfortunately, upon arriving to the camp, it was completely empty. The guy started explaining that he didn't have a tent and his story didn't make sense (ex: said he walked up from Pasadena, instead of parking at the trailhead). Anyways, I know this guy isn't a permanent part of the campground, BUT it made me realize that backcountry camping in the Angeles National Forest is different than other backpacking I've done, because it's so close to an urban area. I've camped in many other parts of the ANF, but never the backcountry sites. I also want people to know that the campground is empty sometimes, so if you're going, I would only do it with a larger party.

    The story ends by us taking safe haven at Sturtevant Camp a little further up the trail

  • rich I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    South Carlsbad State Beach Campground

    Beach camping-small sites

    Good for beach camping. Stairs down to the beach. Smaller widths for the sites, with usually some shrubbery between sites. Campground backs up to the highway, though after 10 pm I hardly heard any cars on the highway. Sites overlooking the beach are extra $$. Clean (flush toilet) bathroom and showers.

  • rich I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    San Clemente State Beach Campground

    Beach Camping on the bluff

    Great place for beach camping, but the hike down to the beach is steep. Beach used to be sandy, but over the years the tide has taken the sand away and left smaller stones so wear Tevas.

  • rich I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Family Camp at ONeill Regional Count Park (soCal)

    Great regional county park for camping. We did a pre-Thanksgiving family campout. However, Nov was cold at night! The next day was our adventure day where we trekked up the wash and climbed the trail to Mesa day use area. Trail is steep for kids under 5, but doable. Check your site and location of bathrooms. Some sites are far from them.

  • TO T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    This is a campsite located very close to the city center

    This park has a great Halloween atmosphere,The bad thing is that there is no distance between these park RVs, they are very close and expensive. I must be 128US dollar.To be honest, I don't think it's worth the price. I won't go for a second time

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

  5. View all California cities for camping