Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park

This is a gem of a campground. Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind. 

The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in. The maximum length is 38. We had 30/50 amp electrical and water. Dump station is on your way out, with 3 stations in that row. Wi-Fi works fair. Cell towers are in sight just to the north, so no reception issues. Lots of hiking and bike trails. We did a 12 mile loop to the north, and a ride along the coast on some bike paths. Shake shack and Beachcomber's restaurants are just down the street for an easy ride or walk. Bathroom and showers are very clean. The picnic tables are what you would expect, very seasoned. :-) Most are anchored to the sites. The length of the site is very good with lots of room to setup your outdoor goodies. Check in is at 3pm. They are hard on this. If you arrive early, you can register, but will be directed to Reef Point back down PCH or to the visitors center in front of the camp entrance.

I went here as a first stop, the people are lovely and nice, the views are stunning and there is right enough space between the slots so you don’t feel like you’re in each other’s privacy.

Bathrooms are cleaned the whole day through, the hiking trails were closed when I was there. But the birds are flying around you and the squirrels are free to welcome you when you get there.

Campgrounds are close to Laguna Beach and Laguna Niguel, it’s about a 30-45 minute drive.

It can be that you could hear cars driving through because its close to a frwy. You’ll get used to it, or bring earplugs.

I RECOMMEND THIS PLACE! Try it out for yourself!

Beautiful sunsets! We stayed February 5th and 6th at site #23 but it looked like most of the sites had great views of the Pacific. The campsites are roped off and have a decent amount of distance between them. There is some vegetation between them but not enough to be totally private. We were just a short walk to the bathrooms which were spotless. They were being cleaned frequently. The showers are coin operated but it didn't take many coins to get a decent warm shower.

There is a nice day area and trails within walking distance. The tide was high both times we tried to walk under the highway to get to the beach but there were parking lots just a short drive up the road.  

We will definitely go again.

The campground was very nice . It was clean and the bathrooms were very clean as well I would Recommend this campground to all my friends and family. Early in the morning we walked across to the wAter and everywhere you could see were clear jellyfish all over the shoreline it really was a spectacular sight.

Stayed in spot 6 very nice had full hookups. Then moved to 41..Loudddd neighbors..no fault of park just disappointing.

so nice amd quite, beautifull views of the ocean and right next tomthe beach. perfectly located next to the 1

Everything about this camp site was great! There’s enough privacy between campers and the bathrooms were clean. Only down side was the walk down to the beach was a step hill.

Parked van sideways to get more privacy and went to shower and came back to a ticket. I didn’t read the camp rules, figured you could park any way you want in your site like all the other state park in Southern California.

Beautiful view and CLEAN! I love how you can choose to hike to your campsite in the back country (4mi hike) or do what we did, drive straight to your site! I have how they have three different level hiking trails. The site itself was smooth and perfect. We were in the first row which had amazing views of the ocean. I also like how at the bottom they have benches where you can watch the sunset or sunrise on! The bathrooms and showers were extremely CLEAN! They just had no seat covers. Luckily I always bring my own camping just in case. Will be coming back!

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.

Quick hike into the hills with amazing views overlooking the ocean. I stayed at the lower campsite, I believe it's #31 on the map (I don't think there were actual site markers), and I think this was the best spot in the campground as it had an unobstructed view of the water and was far enough away from others, but still easy to get to the restroom if needed. The sunset was absolutely beautiful and in the morning we were high up above the marine layer which was really cool to see. At night you could hear PCH traffic in the distance (sirens, loud motorcycles), but this really was the perfect, quick getaway into the backcountry right in the middle of Orange County. Perfect trip for a gear shakedown or first time backpackers. 

Note: The ground is hard packed and rocky. Free/semi-free standing tents recommended.

Campsites were a short distance from the beach. Campers had free access to private beach, water wasn't too cold and there were tons of tide pools some big enough for my 4 year old son to snorkel in. Campsite was clean. Showers & bathrooms were clean. They have free Wi-Fi. Feels very safe. Campsites are nice with a picnic table. Will definitely camp there again.

This is a nice clean Campground with restrooms. The only slight downside is the longer walk to the beach.

Honestly with the current situation with the pandemic and quarantine ending it has made camping and reservations so difficult. Dyrt just allows you to view so many more options and although they aren’t the national park camp grounds they still offer that just enough outdoor experience. I’d definitely recommend this if you aren’t stressing too much about the location rather than the experience.

surfer meets, backpacker meets, mountain biker meets, beach comber meets, just about anything you can think of other than activities that require snow!

This is an easy, safe, and fun stop with the family. It’s right on top of Pacific Coast Highway and has a beautiful view of the ocean!

Bummer is that no campfires are ever allowed, unless it’s a propane fire pit, and no dogs on the beach or trails (even if leashed).

We went twice in October and got day of spots each time. Rangers were friendly and helpful.

Met great people and walked the beach a mile down to the Shake Shack. Very fun.

Great clean campground, beautiful views, short walk down to the beach! Lots of hiking trils around, or take the walk across the beach to the shake shack! Definitely recommend for a local glamping trip!

It’s pretty crazy to be camping among the million dollar homes but thankful we can. It’s a beautifully maintained spot on the cliff overlooking the ocean. So much nicer than many of the Southern California beach spots in that there is a bit more space and it's much nicer than a parking lot. Plus the fantastic benefit of miles of hiking trails right from the back of the campground and the ocean and beach right in front. Something for all. And if you want to go have a posh meal or shopping that’s just a minute away too.

Be sure to go take a look at the Crystal Cove cottages while here, it’s a pretty special spot. Try and hit up the Shake Shack too!

Only downside is not being able to have a fire but we just used our propane portable fire pit. Spots in the back have hookups and spots in the front are tent. The tent spots are a bit nicer and would fit small trailers.

Love this place! Great views with beach access. Clean restrooms with showers. One negative thing is you are right next to a highway. Scenery is so nice you end up blocking out the noise. At night all you hear are waves breaking on the beach

Crystal Cove State Beach campground is located within a 10min walk to the beach.  Unfortunately you have to go under the busy/noisy Pacific Coast Highway to get there. There's a great historic area that's worth checking out. There are a variety of campsite throughout the park from RV to tent; all of them have great views. There's also an abundance of hiking trails.  

I only gave it 4 stars due to cost and the noise from PCH

Cell Coverage: Excellent

Cost: $55 - $75

Much like most California Beach Campgrounds, it is very crowded with little privacy. The beach is great but it is basically a glorified parking lot

Crystal cove campground is immaculate, clean, and amongst the best ocean views you can get in the OC without having millions to spend on a ritzy house on the water. BUT, the camp hosts and rangers are not friendly. Instead of saying things like "have a nice day" they say to you "drive slow" or "check out at 1pm not a minute later" it's like, yes we are all aware of the rules and we are made to sign a little list of rules upon check in. But come on, just some sign of happiness or friendliness never killed anybody... No fire pits allowed unless they are propane and you bring it yourself. The walk down to the beach is steep but worth it. The lines in and out of the gate is long and annoying because even if you're already checked in and just wanting to get back to your site you gotta wait in a line of cars paying and checking in... So yea amazing camping but weird experiences otherwise.

We went right after it had been raining, so all of the flowers were in bloom mode and gorgeous. There’s two campgrounds an upper and lower—we opted for Lower Moro campground. These campgrounds aren’t too pricey and it includes parking for one car each night you stay. The trails are well-maintained and wide, allowing a lot of room for mountain bikers and hikers of all types. It’s about a 3 mile trek to Lower Moro from the coastal parking lot and not too bad of a hike, but it does get steep at times especially if you trek the coastal ridge way. We picked Lower Moro and loved it because it has a view of the beautiful pacific ocean as opposed to Upper Moro. The sites include a picnic table and no fire pit, but it was warm over Memorial Day weekend (though it rained one day). The bathroom is nicer as well, but if you did decide to have a larger group to camp with, Upper Moro has bigger camp sites. No water available, so you gotta bring enough for everyone. I gave this 3 stars because the campground is right off the heavily trafficked trail and you can hear everything your neighbor is doing.

we've overnighted here multiple times. its divided into an upper and lower section of sites. all first come first served. no complaints. you must pack in all water. no water source at the site and a simple outhouse available for a restroom. the hike to the site has a decent amount of include, so prepare. we've seen multiple groups bring large coolers and regret it each time. you do get a lot of moisture in the mornings because of how close you are to the coast.

My family camps here often, it’s one of the closest beach campgrounds to us and the views are amazing. The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you’ll have a view of the ocean. It is in a developed area of Laguna Beach, so there is not much solitude or quiet enjoyment of nature. However, it’s super convenient to have stores like Trader Joe’s and restaurants just a few minutes away. There is beach access from the campground and several hiking trails in the park. There are no shade structures or large trees, so definitely bring a canopy in the summer. The bathrooms are pretty clean, some of the showers run pretty hot but I didn’t mind it. This campground fills up fast so book early! I really like how clearly the sites are marked and how often the park rangers patrol. Highly recommend this campground!

Great time

We camped here a week before Christmas. We have a 24 ft travel trailer. Stayed in a site with electricity and water. No sewer hook-up but there is a dump station in the campground. Great amenities including flush toilets and token operated showers. Each site has an ocean view. A bit of road noise from PCH but million dollar houses also have such problems! 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. Hiking and mountain bike riding are in the canyon adjacent to the campground. You can access the beach by walking down the hill and using the tunnel under PCH. From there, you can walk to Crystal Cove Historic Site and the Beachcomber restaurant. You can also walk to a nice chopping center with restaurants and a Trader Joe's (we forgot toothpaste). Your campsite parking pass is good at any of the parking areas in Crystal Cove State Park so you don't have to walk if mobility is an issue.The beach is clean and great for beachcombing - just can't collect anything. Lots of marine and land wildlife in the area.

Close to Laguna Beach so you can go into this nice artsy community.

A couple of other reviewers mentioned a few things that seem a bit inaccurate. Alcohol is limited to the campsites but you can drink in your campsite. You just can't take it to the beach or to the bluff overlook. It is easy to get in and out - unless you are in one of the backcountry sites. Pelican Hill Resort and golf club are nearby (not Trump National which is in Palos Verdes).

You are so near to nightlife yet so in the wilderness. Couldn't be a better place to camp. The beach is beautiful. And you can still have pizza delivered.

We camped over New Years and it rained and really only RVs showed up (we crashed at a friend’s house one night and put up our tent the next when it dried out a bit). There was little protection. Location is great to walk along the beach.

we stayed here during a 24 hour adventure challenge. every campsite has a great ocean view and bathrooms were clean and easily accessible. we will be staying here again. the beach access isnt ideal but you can drive down to a lot to access the beach under an overpass.