Orange County Beach Camping Guide
Located on the southern coast of California, Orange County is known for its stunning beaches, natural beauty, and bustling cities. Its beaches stretch for miles and are lined with towering cliffs, sprawling sand dunes, and crystal-clear waters. And what better way to experience this stunning scenery than by camping on the beach?
From secluded backcountry campsites to RV campgrounds located in the heart of the city, Orange County has a diverse range of camping options to suit every preference. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty or a bustling city experience with endless opportunities for fun and entertainment, Orange County has it all.
Orange County Beach Camping Overview
Below, I’ll get into more detail on each campground, but to give you the lay of the land, I’ll sum up each campground and why you might choose one over another.
For those seeking seclusion in natural surroundings, the Bolsa Chica State Beach and Crystal Cove State Park campgrounds are perfect options. Bolsa Chica State Beach offers visitors a chance to escape into the beauty of the beach, with the sounds of the surf providing a soothing backdrop. Crystal Cove State Park offers breathtaking views of the beach and backcountry and restored historic beach cottages for rent, adding a touch of old-world charm to the camping experience.
For those who want to be in the middle of the action, the Doheny State Beach and Huntington Beach RV Campground provide easy access to the beaches, as well as a wide range of activities and entertainment options. Doheny State Beach offers a range of water activities, while the nearby San Juan Capistrano Mission provides a glimpse into the area’s rich history. The Huntington Beach RV Campground offers the opportunity to experience the excitement of downtown Huntington Beach while enjoying epic views of the Pacific Ocean.
Overall, Orange County’s beach campgrounds offer a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Southern California. Whether you’re looking for a quiet retreat or an action-packed getaway, Orange County’s beach campgrounds have something for everyone.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
| Address | Bolsa Chica State Beach 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649 |
| Reservations | http://www.reservecalifornia.com/ |
| Website | http://parks.ca.gov/bolsachica/ |
Bolsa Chica State Beach is a popular campground located in Huntington Beach, California. It features over 50 RV and tent campsites that are perfect for a beach camping adventure. The campground is located right on the beach, which means you can enjoy stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and take advantage of the many water activities available, such as swimming, surfing, and fishing.
The campsites at Bolsa Chica State Beach are well-maintained and offer a variety of amenities to make your stay comfortable, including picnic tables, fire pits, and access to restrooms and showers. The campground is also pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
In addition to beach activities, the area around Bolsa Chica State Beach offers plenty of opportunities for exploration. You can go hiking or biking on the nearby trails, visit the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, or take a short drive to downtown Huntington Beach to explore local shops and restaurants.
Bolsa Chica State Beach is conveniently located, well-equipped, and offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and relaxation.
Crystal Cove State Park Campground
| Address | Crystal Cove State Park 8471 N. Coast Highway Laguna Beach, California 92651 |
| Reservations | http://www.reservecalifornia.com/ |
| Website | https://www.crystalcovestatepark.org/ |
Crystal Cove State Park is a popular beach campground (and rightly so) located off Pacific Coast Highway between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach in Orange County, California. Its known for its access to wide sandy beaches, tide pools, and nearby wooded canyons and ridges. It is one of Orange County’s largest remaining examples of open space and natural seashores.
Recreation at Crystal Cove State Park can be had along seven separate coves that stretch along the 3.2 miles of beach, providing visitors with plenty of opportunities to swim, surf, fish, or simply relax and soak up the sun.
Tide pools teeming with marine life are also a popular attraction. Additionally, the park offers over 2,400 undeveloped acres of the El Moro backcountry for hiking and mountain biking, allowing visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area and take in stunning views of the coast.
One of the highlights of Crystal Cove State Park is the historic district, which features 46 vintage beach cottages that have been restored and are available for rent. Staying in one of these cottages is a truly unique experience, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the charm of the California coast as it was in the 1930s and 1940s.
In addition to the beach and backcountry activities, there are also several dining options available in the park, including a restaurant and snack bar. The park also offers educational programs and guided tours, allowing visitors to learn more about the area’s history and ecology.
Crystal Cove State Park offers unique camping options, stunning views, historic charm, and vast opportunities for recreation make it a truly special place to explore and enjoy. What more could you ask for?
Doheny State Beach Campground
| Address | Doheny State Beach 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive Dana Point, CA 92629 |
| Reservations | http://www.reservecalifornia.com/ |
| Website | http://www.parks.ca.gov/doheny/ |
Doheny State Beach Campground is a beautiful beachfront campground located in Dana Point, California. It is divided into two areas – the southern area is dedicated to camping, and the northern area is reserved for day use. The camping area features campsites that are only steps away from the beach, allowing visitors to enjoy stunning ocean views and a prime location for water activities.
Surfing is a popular activity at Doheny State Beach, although it is restricted to the north end of the beach. Surf fishing is also a popular pastime, with several species of fish available to catch. For those who prefer to stay on land, there is a five-acre lawn in the northern area of the park with picnic facilities and volleyball courts, providing a perfect spot for a day of relaxation and fun.
Doheny State Beach is located near Dana Point Harbor and is just three miles from the historic San Juan Capistrano Mission. The area around the park offers many opportunities for exploration and adventure, including hiking, shopping, and dining. There are also several museums and historical sites to visit, allowing visitors to learn more about the rich history and culture of the area.
The campsites at Doheny State Beach campground are well-equipped, with amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms and showers. The campground is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your furry friends along for the adventure.
With its beautiful location, water activities, and nearby attractions this is a great spot to spend a day or a weekend with family and friends.
Huntington Beach RV Campground
| Address | Huntington Beach RV Campground 20903 E Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach, CA 92648 |
| Reservations | https://www.camplife.com/1191/reservation/step1 |
| Website | https://www.hbrv.org/ |
The Huntington Beach RV Campground is a popular beachside campground located between 1st Street and Huntington Street, within the Huntington City Beach Parking Lot. It’s important to note that this is not a backcountry camping experience, as the campground is situated within the bustling city of Huntington Beach, California.
Despite its location, the Huntington Beach RV Campground is a popular choice for RV enthusiasts, offering stunning views and close proximity to the pier and downtown area. During your stay, you can enjoy a range of activities, from relaxing with friends around a beach bonfire, to taking surfing lessons or starting up a game of beach volleyball.
The nearby boardwalk is perfect for biking and strolling, and there are plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options in the surrounding downtown area and Pacific City.
The Huntington Beach RV Campground, owned and operated by the City of Huntington Beach, is open from October 1 through May 31, making it a great option for those looking for a beach camping experience during the off-season. Reservations can be made up to three months in advance.
While it may not offer the same level of seclusion as a backcountry camping experience, the RV park it’s well-equipped and offers access to a variety of activities, making it a great choice for a weekend getaway or a longer stay.
