Doheny State Beach Campground

Sweet campsite at Dana point surf break. Had a big crew along for spring break. Super nice but book early!

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. You will be right next to your neighbor. The outside sites along the edge of the campground are much more spacious.

TIP: The wind usually blows to the ocean in the evening/early morning. If you don't like campfire smoke blowing through your site from other sites, then stay on the more inland sites. 

SURROUNDING AREA:

It's located next to shops and restaurants, so you don't need to cook anything if you don't want to. A few are within walking distance, but you'd have to drive to most of them unless you bring a bike. The shoreline village is a good place to visit. The downtown area has many restaurants, but you must go up a steep hill. I don't mind riding up there, but most would prefer to drive. Project Social is a neat place to go. 

RIDING, RUNNING, SUP

I like coming here because I can do all three of these. You can SUP in the harbor; it's a great place for it and just a few minutes drive over. There are a ton of places to run and bike. You can go south along the shoreline, where there is a protected path that will take you to San Clemente Pier. You can run to the harbor and over the bridge on the Peninsula. 

Everything about this site is a plus, except the tightness of the sites. If you don't mind being right next to your neighbors, then it's a great site to stay at.

Right on the ocean. No hookups. Kind of crowded!

I was excited when I first arrived, then it went downhill after that. They have signs up saying that there is a rise in thefts. Supposedly the thieves use the guise of the loud cargo train that runs just around the grounds to cover up them cutting locks and stealing. No free showers , half of the showers aren’t operating. People up till 2 am with car lights on and speakers going. Caught a few people walking through my site and around my van. Didn’t feel like the host or rangers are doing what they’re paid to do.

I've camped here a few times, in both normal and premium spots. If you are in an rv, you will be fine. As a tent camper, the spots are tiny, with zero privacy, and room for one large tent, or squeezing in two medium tents. The last time I was here, I was boxed in by RVs, with one running his generator all day and past the allowed 8:00 p.m. time limit. The saving grace is that the ocean, though not visible unless you get a premium spot, is a one minute walk away.

Nice, clean bathrooms with flush toilets, showers, and plentiful water spigots.

If you just need a place to crash and plan to spend the whole day in the water, go for it. Otherwise, head a little further south and check out San Onofre. Or, spend a little extra and grab a premium spot--closer to the ocean, and only two neighbors.

The train is loud, but passes seldom.

This stay would have been our 2nd cancellation due to storms we have been having. We where determined not let that happen this time. In the rain we embarked to Doheny SB and we stayed on spot 6. As soon as we arrived to our spot it was flooded see pictures. We where fortunate that It did not rain all week. Eventually after many calls and attempting on website and talking to park ranger several times they moved out spot to 3 which wasn’t flooded. This took a-lot of effort , shouldn’t be that way. I did note which campsites to avoid if theres a chance of rain, also see pics. **Avoid these spots in case of rain ** 12-17 , 75 - 45 beach side. Odd numbers only.

Beach walking is all ways great here must 100% more amazing when its not raining.

Dump site: When we first arrive it was out of order with a “clogged signed”. It was fixed the following day. There is a $10 fee, they have a convenient credit card machine. Theres a hose there to use for clean up or flushing tank. Dump site is narrow so watch your sides.

Water Fill for RV: Something maybe this app should distinguish is “Drinking Water”. What sort of Water access ? for RV tank filling or for simple hand held vessels for carrying. At this park they have both. Hand carrying potable water is available by bathrooms. And RV tank filling also available at the same location of dump site only a few feet away as you drive out. You can screw in your own hose and your good to go. As this was my first time here at Doheny SB I wasn’t sure about the water situation and app was not clear ( Please add “RV tank fill” as a feature “Drinking Water” is to vague ) I will make it my mission to let you guys know on any info relating to Dump and RV tank fill. In my case I didn’t have to cary 200lbs of water. Next time I know. ”

Nothing really stands out about this campsite. It provides the basic fire pit ring, picnic bench, and parking spot for your RV and one vehicle that you have to pay an additional fee per day to park on your site. The rangers patrol very early in the morning and will issue you a citation for any violation. No soap provided in the restrooms. Restrooms were cleaned and maintained every morning. The city is very nearby to grab any necessities or food if you don’t want to cook.

Sites are close to other sites but are pretty large for what you get. All site locations are in walking distance to the beach which is so great. Bathrooms are decent but note your have to pay for showers. Bring quarters. We’d camp here again for sure.

FIRST camping trip in rented van.  On premium site - $73 when all done - lucked into a premium ocean front site. Bathrooms were clean and showers were clean.  It was a very cold and windy night - May 10 and we were between a beach access and someone who didn't show up...  Others have said campsites are close to each other - they are - but when we visited was quiet enough.  Did hear the trains and the wind and the ocean - it was a great spot for a very first camping trip.

General: 122 sites located between the ocean and a street and railroad tracks. None have hookups. $60 for beachfront sites; $40 for others. 

Site Quality: We reserved two adjacent sites as we were meeting friends. A few weeks later, we received an email canceling half our reservation as one of the sites would be under renovation. We quickly hopped on the computer and the only site available was 22. This backs up to the street with a view of a hotel beyond the chain-link fence. We were dismayed upon arrival to see this site. There is some foliage between some of the sites but basically NO privacy between sites. Sites also include a fire ring and picnic table. 

Restrooms: There are more than sufficient restrooms located throughout the park; some are combos with toilet and sink while others are traditional restrooms. No paper towels or soap; I don’t have a problem bringing my own towel but especially in the time of Covid, soap should be available! Showers are separate and require tokens. I didn’t use them so cannot comment on the quality of the shower. Restrooms were basically clean but lots of toilet paper litter. 

Activities: Good day-use facilities with toy rentals (bikes, tandems, surreys, etc.), beach volleyball and many picnic tables. Walking distance to town with coffee shops, and other shops, however, there is no sidewalk on the road leading out of the park, making the walk on the hazardous side. At low tide, you can walk to town on the beach. We found a local yoga studio that offered sessions in a nearby park. 

Other: We were there about the time new camp hosts were arriving and they took their responsibilities way too seriously! Each morning, we woke to a new pink slip on our vehicles, requiring a walk to the entrance gate (no sidewalk) where the gate attendant would just shake her head and tell us not to worry. After traffic noise dies down and in between the trains that rumble by, you can almost hear the ocean at the sites that back to the street. IMO, the cost of this park is way too much for what is offered. I would only consider returning if I could get a beachfront site but still the cost of one of these would make me think twice.

Great campground right in the beach in area for surfing, paddle boarding or other ocean activities.

Stayed at site #10 and was happy. All sites are different so check them out before booking

Warm state park coin operated shower with coins being sold outside shower.

Was able to see dolphins at high tide.

We stay premium site(Beach front) and it's worth it. The restroom building have only two toilet but have 6 locked shower room, it's really not enough. It's less than 20 minutes walking distance to Starbucks and others shop.

We love going to Doheny, but it's hard to get a camping spot here. The campground is right on the beach, where you'll find some of the best longboard surfing in OC. Lots of places to rent kayaks and paddle boards, and the onsite Cafe del Sol has pretty good food and drinks. Keep in mind that this beach can get pretty rocky, so wear water shoes if your feet are sensitive. Great pathways for bikes and skateboarding, and lots of picnic tables if you're here just for the day. We love it here!

I loved it I went there for one night and loved it so much I was greeted with love

This was the first campground my family and I visited back in September of 2019 when we started testing out the whole camping thing!

We borrowed a 1985 VW Vanagon from a friend and wanted to pick a spot we knew would be an easy WIN. This campground was exactly that.

We found a campsite online last minute. It was a beach front site for $60 a night, which was more than I wanted to pay but was worth it.

We met great people, took a fun bike ride, and spent lots of time on the beach and in the ocean.

We’d go back for sure.

Camp sites are pretty tight and will be very crowded during the summer months. Good waves during the right swell though. Convenient spot to beach camp if you live in the OC area.

Love this place when I was a kid

When it rains.... most the spots along the beach flood and dont drain so be aware may be wading into your spot

The location is obviously great but the sites are on top of each other. No privacy and are definitely built for RVs and Trailers

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.  It is easy to ride your bike to the harbor or up the river trail from this campground.  The harbor is walking distance from the campground.  It is difficult to get a spot here, usually we have been able to grab a spot when there have been a few days of rain and people will tend to cancel their spots.

Beautiful beachfront camping steps from the sand. Dry camping with a dump station available. Great sunsets and beautiful sand.

Camping is great here if you reserve 6 months in advance. Spaces are small for large groups but completely on the beach

This campground is sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and some active train tracks. But it's quite possibly the most beautiful yet easiest camping you'll do, shy of setting up a tent in your yard.

We love how easy it is to camp so close to the city (in case you forget anything or don't want to do the camo cooking thing) and be right on the sand overlooking and listening to the Pacific.

Sights are sand and close to each other but we've always enjoyed our stays here.

Great location on the beach but very crowded and campsites stacked on top of each other. No privacy from neighbors. Freight train passes by often and loudly. Waves break very shallow and limit activities in the water.

I love this park because you are right on the sand!

The beach is very pretty. The campground was quiet enough, though the spaces are very close together with little to no privacy in between campsites. I wouldn’t go out of my way to stay there again, but it is fine for a night when heading to or from somewhere.

the restrooms were clean and showers hot. great views and great for families. most sites are a good size but only room for two vehicles. No wifi but a good book will do. The staff was nice. Kids will love this place.

location is great. plenty of ‘beach’ , before you get to the beach. my only real complaInt, Is that the sites are super close to one another, and as someone who likes to get up early, the noise from neighboring camps , was distracting and made it difficult to fall asleep or enjoy my own music.

My grandparents where coming through town to see my husband and me and everyone was amazing and helped them out. The campgrounds where clean and you could smell the bonfires each night

Excellent beach camping and tent friendly. plenty of shade and nearby restaurants and shops. Definitely recommend this location.