Orange County is home to first-rate beaches, extraordinary nature reserves, and stunning landscapes that highlight California’s intrinsic
charm. Apart from the cities, amusement park, and establishing facilities that people frequently connect with Orange County, the region’s great weather and special environment make the county an enticing location.
Perhaps the very best method to experience the county’s landscape firsthand is by spending time over night in camping sites dripped along the coast and through the state parks.
Camping in Orange County is a great way to do just that. The area provides a number of well-placed campgrounds, functioning as idyllic places to delight in California’s landscapes.
Whether you like the ocean or open space, the camping areas in Orange County have much to offer! Here are our favorites.
Beach Outdoor Camping in Orange County
San Onofre Bluffs Camping Area
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Superior campgrounds line San Onofre State Beach, towards the southern end of Orange County. With your
camping tent or car set down on the bluffs, you can get up to the sounds of waves crashing on the coast! Trestles, Churches, and Paths are a few famous surf breaks along San Onofre’s coast, with waves suitable for newbies and
skilled athletes. Apart from being among the best browse spots in Orange County, San Onofre consists of gorgeous tracks, fresh air, and lovely sights everywhere you look.
With a total of 156 campsites at the San Onofre Bluffs Camping area, this location consists of facilities such as RV connections, drinking water, and showers.
The park offers drive-in outdoor camping, ideal for parking converted vans and expedition lorries!
The park is dog-friendly and enables campfires, so you can end your day heating up by the firepit; roasting hot dogs and s’mores is a fitting way to unwind after a long day invested in the ocean!
The lots of trails lining San Onofre State Beach make it a fantastic place to check out. Keep your eye out for native wildlife such as squirrels, birds, and frogs.
Historically, San Onofre State Beach is the site of an ancient spiritual town called Panhe, where the Acjachemen individuals flourished along the coast.
While much of the location has actually been converted, keeping visitors aware of this history is necessary to maintain the sacred area.
San Mateo Camping Area
San Mateo Campground lies a few miles inland from San Onofre Beach. Groups of up to eight individuals can establish camp and delight in the seaside scenery along the PCH.
The campground lies in a remote area, making it ideal for a weekend getaway from Los Angeles, San Diego, or Orange County!
From the site, hikers can access Trestles Beach by the Nature Path which connects the camping area to the coast.
Moreover, San Mateo Creek streams east of the camping site and provides a wetland environment home to endangered and distinct species.
Features such as hot indoor showers make the camping site really comfortable and enjoyable. San Mateo Camping site is a well-rounded area, excellent for discovery!
San Clemente Beach Campgrounds
San Clemente State Beach, simply north of San Onofre, provides outstanding outdoor camping areas for large groups of people consisting of
important features; spots are offered for a basic rate of $40 per night. Right on the bluffs, this is an optimum location for enjoying the Pacific Ocean’s waves roll in and taking part in water sports, the most popular being surfing due to the location’s impressive browse conditions.
Downtown San Clemente, thought about the halfway point between San Diego and Los Angeles, characterizes a little beach town ambiance. It is filled with renowned surf stores and in your area owned brands.
The town is developed with Spanish Colonial-style architecture, discussing the red roofs and big archways.
The campground is positioned on the southern end of the higher San Clemente region, however the area is close sufficient together that you will get a possibility to explore all the town needs to offer.
Distinct from the city, the available outdoor leisure activities suffice to intrigue visitors. Coastal bluffs and high mountains create exceptional hiking and mountain biking routes.
Trestles Beach, a hot spot for professional surfers, is located an 8-minute drive from the outdoor camping area. Whether you surf or delight in viewing the waves, keep in mind to be thoughtful of locals, as the zone tends to draw in big crowds.
Moro Camping Area– Crystal Cove State Park
Found in Crystal Cove State Park, Moro Camping site includes spots for tent and RV outdoor camping, with beach access.
The camping site consists of an upper outdoor camping location utilized for camping tent outdoor camping and a lower location that enables drive-in outdoor camping.
Both areas are family-friendly and enable leashed pets. With to die for ocean views, this Orange County camping areas is a must for visitors and residents alike.
The famous Crystal Cove State Park consists of the Historic District including an enclave of 46 vintage beachside homes, flourishing tide pools, and interesting sea caverns, a change in surroundings from Orange County’s cities.
The location includes among the biggest expanses of open land in OC, with 2,400 acres of backcountry to explore.
Experience hunters and nature fans can run and hike in Crystal Cove State Park while staying at Moro Camping site and take a dip in the sensational ocean.
With cell service restricted in the park, camping in Moro Canyon uses a much-needed opportunity to loosen up and detach.
Doheny State Beach Campground
Doheny State Beach, located throughout Dana Point’s harbor, is a family-friendly beach
with fields, volley ball courts, and picnic tables. Doheny and Boneyard are excellent browse areas for beginners and perfect for bringing your entire household to try to catch some waves! In summer seasons, the treat shack serves beverages and treats right on the sand.
Throughout from Doheny Beach, a regional yoga studio, iHeartYoga hosts yoga in the park neglecting the coast every early morning and sunset.
The camping areas are walking distance from the town of Dana Point if you are seeking to for regional dining and shopping choices.
To get your caffeine repair and beverage coffee like the locals, visit J.C. Bean, a coffeehouse with a hassle-free drive-thru and a variety of tasty drinks and breakfast items.
It is hard to run out of methods to fill your days while camping in Doheny’s campgrounds!
Huntington Beach Recreational Vehicle Parks
Visiting Orange County, you will not wish to miss on
remaining at among the 3 beachfront recreational vehicle camping sites in Huntington Beach! Waterfront, Sundown Vista, and Bolsa Chica State Beach RV Parks line the coast of Huntington Beach
, nicknamed Browse City, U.S.A.. Sadly, camping tent outdoor camping is not allowed in these areas. However, if you are lucky adequate to have a recreational vehicle, the sites are created with recreational vehicle electrical and water hookups, bathrooms, and fire rings.
The areas are actions away from the beach, and you can stroll or bike down the bike course to reach downtown Huntington’s dining and shopping mall.
Bolsa Chica State Beach is a positive location with prime surfing conditions, beach ball courts, and an ecological reserve with a flourishing environment. Walk on the routes or down the pier to stay active and entertained on your see.
The beaches are prime locations for summertime bonfires and launching kayaks. Since of its appeal, bookings for summertime go quickly, so make sure to book your websites early.
Forest Camping in Orange County
Blue Jay Campground
Blue Jay Camping Area in Cleveland National Park Leisure Location is a charming place for family camping trips and hiking excursions!
Located off Ortega Highway, Blue Jay Camping area offers an authentic wilderness feel, in spite of its Orange County place.
The camping site is first-come, first-serve, so ensure to get there early on hectic weekends to ensure a prime spot. Invest your days treking on San Juan Trail and venturing to Ortega Falls.
Lake Elsinore is a half-an-hour drive away if you want to venture additional inland.
For water-sport lovers and thrill-seekers, the fast trip to the lake is a great chance to take part in activities consisting of fishing, boating, swimming, and paragliding.
Arroyo Camping Area in O’Neill Regional Park
Picture Credit: Laura Camp by means of Flickr In the heart of Orange County, O’Neill Regional Park includes 4,000 acres of natural land.
Arroyo Camping site, situated within the park, is properly designed for mountain biking, treking, horseback riding, and camping away from traffic and busy streets.
Woodlands, meadows, and chaparral contribute to the beautiful native greenery. Professional photographers take pleasure in shooting birds and wildlife living among the greatly woody oak and sycamore groves and recording photos of glimmering stars at night.
With the sky far enough away from city light, stargazing within O’Neill Regional Park is remarkable.
The camping cost is $20 a night and well worth it, as the campground includes great restrooms with hot showers, well-kept picnic tables, horseshoe pits, and more visitor accommodations.
The park has 2 group outdoor camping locations and one equestrian outdoor camping location, where horseback riders can ride along the tracks.
Ronald W. Casper Wilderness Park
Ronald W. Casper Wilderness Park is a locally loved 8,000-acre natural reserve on the outskirts of San Juan Capistrano.
The 3 significant camping sites within Casper’s Wilderness Park are Starr Mesa, Live Oak Grove, and Ortega Flats Camping Area.
The beautiful trails inside the park follow rivers and sandstone canyons of the Santa Ana Mountains. The wilderness is similar to Orange County’s past, with unblemished landscapes and adventures through fertile valleys.
Cougars and wildlife reside in the preserve, so make certain to leave your family pets at home.
To entertain your family, the park hosts various informational activities, consisting of programs in the amphitheater, assisted walks, and “Animal Talks” for schools or organizations.
Hannah Morrison is a writer from California who got her Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Studying abroad in Germany and Italy sparked Hannah’s passion for travel, and she wants to motivate others to experience all the world has to offer. In addition to travel journalism, Hannah enjoys writing sustainability, health, and way of life content for online and print media.
Orange County is home to first-rate beaches, unbelievable nature reserves, and stunning landscapes that emphasize California’s intrinsic beauty. Apart from the cities, amusement park, and developing infrastructure that individuals frequently relate to Orange County, the region’s wonderful weather and distinct environment make the county a luring destination. Perhaps the very best method to experience the county’s … Learn more Where to Go Outdoor Camping in Orange County (Both Beaches & Backcountry!)