Top Beach Camping Spots in Orange County, CA

Best Places to Beach Camp and Explore in Orange County.

Camping by the beach in Orange County isn’t just about great views and salty air — it’s a full-on coastal adventure. Here’s where to camp, and where to explore once you’re there.

1. Crystal Cove State Park – Moro Campground (Laguna Beach)

Camp vibe: Dramatic bluffs, panoramic views, and coastal wilderness
Camping style: Tent, RV, hike-in primitive backcountry sites

• Place to visit: 🏛️ Crystal Cove Historic District
  
  • A preserved 1930s-era beach colony with colorful cottages, a walking trail, and beachfront café.
    
  • Why go: Feels like stepping back in time. Explore tide pools, watch plein-air painters, and rent a cottage (if you’re lucky enough to snag one).
• Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com
  

2. Doheny State Beach Campground (Dana Point)

Camp vibe: Right on the sand, social and surfy
Camping style: Tent, RV, oceanfront and inland sites

• Place to visit: 🐬 Dana Point Harbor
  
  • Just down the road, this charming marina offers kayak rentals, shopping, whale watching tours, and waterfront restaurants.
    
  • Why go: It’s a hub for all things ocean — plus, the vibe is perfect for sunset strolls and grabbing a gelato on the docks.
• Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com
  

3. San Clemente State Beach Campground (San Clemente)

Camp vibe: Peaceful, with bluff-top views and lots of space
Camping style: Tent and RV (many with hookups)

• Place to visit: 🚉 San Clemente Pier & Downtown
  
  • A classic SoCal pier with panoramic views and beachside eateries. The nearby Avenida Del Mar is filled with boutiques, surf shops, and cafes.
    
  • Why go: Catch the Amtrak zipping by, take in the view from the pier, then grab ice cream in this postcard-worthy beach town.
• Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com

4. San Onofre State Beach – San Mateo Campgrounds

Camp vibe: Raw coastline, surfers everywhere, and nature all around
Camping style: Primitive (Bluffs), modern with amenities (San Mateo)

• Place to visit: 🏄 Trestles Surf Beach
  
  • A short hike from San Mateo leads you to one of California’s most iconic surf breaks.
    
  • Why go: Even if you don’t surf, it’s a beautiful, untouched stretch of sand with pro-level action in the waves. Bring a camera and comfy shoes.
• Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com

5. Bolsa Chica State Beach (Huntington Beach – RV Only)

Camp vibe: Simple, salty-air RV living right next to the waves
Camping style: RV only, full hookups

• Place to visit: 🌿 Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
  
  • A protected wetland filled with migratory birds, walking trails, and educational signs.
    
  • Why go: A surprisingly peaceful nature escape right across the highway — bring binoculars and walk the loop for sunset views.
• Reservations: ReserveCalifornia.com

6. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina (Newport Beach)

Camp vibe: Resort-like, family-friendly, lagoon-side camping
Camping style: RV and cottage rentals, upscale amenities

• Place to visit: ⛵ Balboa Island
  
  • Hop over the bridge or take a quick drive to this charming, walkable island filled with quaint shops, frozen bananas, and seaside homes.
    
  • Why go: It’s pure Newport charm — a blend of upscale and nostalgic. Ride the ferry, rent a Duffy boat, or stroll the boardwalk.
• Reservations: Newport Dunes

🏕️ Summary: Camp, Explore, Repeat

Orange County offers the perfect blend of nature + adventure + coastal culture. Whether you’re a beach bum, history buff, surfer, or day hiker, there’s something near every campsite to round out your trip.