From its stunning Californian beaches to such world-famous attractions as the original Disneyland theme park, there’s so much for a visitor to Orange County to enjoy. Indeed this sun-blessed corner of California is home to more than 40 miles (64km) of coastline that is a massive draw for millions of beach-goers, surfers, sunbathers and swimmers, with the likes of the Laguna and Newport beaches. If you have a hankering to experience a camping or RV park experience instead, there are plenty of options in the county - from beach side and resort locales to true roughing it experiences in the hills. Read on for some of the top campsites in Orange County, California.
1. Cleveland National Forest
Set amid more than 720 square miles (1,900 sq km) of chaparral landscape, the Cleveland National Forest’s huge size means it is home to no fewer than 16 campgrounds, and almost as many RV-friendly options in locations ranging from the Laguna Mountain area to the Ortega Highway. Unsurprisingly this sizable parkland, which is named after former President Grover Cleveland and is the most southerly national forest in the state, is home to a host of activities for you to enjoy during your stay in the area, such as hiking. These include the varied flora and fauna of the Sunset Trail - a 4.6 mile (7.4 km) circuit that can be reached via the forest’s Meadows Trailhead - and the Mount Laguna Observatory, with its occasional public viewing sessions that will appeal to fans of stargazing.
Cleveland National Forest
Address: County Highway S7, Santa Ysabel, California, CA 92070
Website: Cleveland National Forest
Price: Varies depending on site.
2. Doheny State Beach
It’s time to hit the surf! Doheny State Beach has been open for public use for nearly 90 years and welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. A popular surfing spot, the beach has been immortalised by none other than the Beach Boys in some of their most famous hits, and extends across an area of more than 60 acres (roughly 25 hectares). Other attractions include a visitor centre with numerous aquariums, while those who explore the beach itself may spot some of the local wildlife - which ranges from dolphins and seals to shark species and a number of seabirds. Those planning on camping should bear in mind however that, while RVs are welcome, there are no electrical, water or sewage hook-ups.
Doheny State Beach
Address: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, California, CA 92629
Website: Doheny State Beach
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily, park hours)
3. Bolsa Chica State Beach
Another option for surfing and wildlife fans, this public beach extends for some 3 miles (5km), giving you ample opportunity to enjoy a stroll on the sands. Indeed, there is also a paved bike path, which extends into the neighbouring Huntington City Beach - should you wish to explore a little further. Popular with birdwatchers and surfers alike, the beach is also next to the Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, which extends across some 1,200 acres (4.99 sq km), and boasts a range of hiking and wildlife-spotting opportunities as well as the Bolsa Chica Conservancy Interpretive Center, with its aquariums and animal exhibits. The beach’s location alongside the famed Pacific Coast Highway also makes it easy to reach by RV.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Address: 18331 East Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, California, CA 92649
Website: Bolsa Chica State Beach
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4. O’Neill Regional Park
Set amid the woody and chaparral landscapes of the Live Oak and Trabuco Canyons, and their surrounding hillsides, this extensive park extends across an area of more than 4,500 acres (18.2 sq km). Indeed it is home to miles of trails which can be enjoyed on bike, by foot or even on horseback - making it an enticing possibility for fans of the great outdoors. The various picnic tables and barbecue spots which can be found throughout O'Neill Regional Park will also win fans among friends seeking a pleasant spot to unwind in good company, while families will also enjoy the use of the playground and community turf areas. Those who visit will also find dozens of camping spots in the Arroyo campground, which can cater for RVs too.
O’Neill Regional Park
Address: 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, California, CA 92679
Website: O’Neill Regional Park
Opening hours: 7am - sunset (daily, day use); 7am - 8pm (daily, registration). Check in from 2pm.
Price: Varies
5. San Onofre State Beach
One of the most visited state parks in California, San Onofre State Beach welcomes more than 2.5 million people every year. And it’s easy to see why - from the world-famous Trestles surfing area to the various sandy beaches that can be reached along the San Onofre Bluffs, there are plenty of things to do during your visit. Indeed, the area has been attracting surfers since the first-half of the 20th century, and it - like Doheny State Beach - has been immortalised in Beach Boys lyrics. Other attractions include a range of biking, kayaking, swimming and sunbathing options. Those who explore will also want to keep an eagle-eye out for local bird life, while culture and history fans will find the ancient Acjachemen village of Panhe in the park.
San Onofre State Beach
Address: Old Pacific Highway, San Clemente, California, CA 92672
Website: San Onofre State Beach
Opening hours: 6am - 10pm (daily)
6. San Clemente State Beach
Sitting roughly midway between San Diego and Los Angeles, San Clemente has been California’s most popular beach for more than eight decades. It is home to a large campground area - perfect for those planning on spending the night - while it also boasts a range of day-use parking spots. Walkers and cyclists will find plenty to enjoy, including the 2.3 mile (3.7km) long San Clemente Beach Coastal Trail, which runs uninterrupted along the shore. Water sport fans are also drawn to this section of coast thanks to its winds, while those eager to enjoy the striking bluffs and classic Californian coastal sunsets will likely find a spot to marvel at the natural spectacle.
San Clemente State Beach
Address: 225 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, California, CA 92672
Website: San Clemente State Beach
7. Orangeland RV Park
This family-run RV park comes complete with a host of amenities which will make it a great spot for unwinding with family and friends. Attractions include a heated swimming pool - perfect for cooling off in the hot Californian sun - and spa facilities for those seeking to pamper themselves after a long day on the road. Cable TV and free wi-fi are also available, should you wish to catch up on your favourite show or simply upload your holiday snapshots to social media. What’s more, its location in Anaheim has proven popular for guests seeking to park up their RV before visiting the area’s attractions - which range from the original Disneyland Resort to the Angel Stadium.
Orangeland RV Park
Address: 1600 West Struck Avenue, Orange, California, CA 92867
Website: Orangeland RV Park
Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Price: From 70 USD per day (for up to 6 people)
8. Crystal Cove State Park
One for fans of big open spaces, the park’s 3.2 mile (5.1 km) beach backs onto some 2,400 acres (970 hectares) of wild land featuring chaparral canyons that appeal to walkers, horse riders and mountain bikers. The waters of the Pacific are also popular with surfers, swimmers and scuba divers - the latter of which make use of Crystal Cove’s 1,140 acre (460 hectare) underwater park marine conservation area. Campers looking to explore off the grid will also find three backpacking camp areas - all of which are only accessible on foot. Those eager to go wildlife spotting will also find much to draw the eye - some 180 different bird species and more than 2 dozen different species of reptiles call the park home. And architecture and history fans will enjoy the 46 rustic coastal cottages which form the park’s historic district.
Crystal Cove State Park
Address: 8471 North Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, California, CA 92651
Website: Crystal Cove State Park
Opening hours: 6am - sunset (daily, park); 6am - 10pm (daily, Historic District)
9. Newport Dunes
Set in the heart of the popular Newport Beach, the Newport Dunes waterfront resort and marina will likely appeal to a range of RV owners - from those seeking a convenient base from which to explore the wider area, to those looking to make full use of the extensive facilities. Speaking of which, these include everything from a whirlpool spa and swimming pools to the aforementioned beach and a wave-less swimming lagoon. Other attractions include the marina, which will appeal to water sports fans and sailors, while the wider resort is also home a number of dining options for you to enjoy.
Newport Dunes
Address: 1131 Back Bay Drive, Newport Beach, California, CA 92660
Website: Newport Dunes
Opening hours: 8am - 7pm (daily)
Price: From 67 USD
10. Caspers Wilderness Park
From resort comfort to the delights of the wilderness now, this extensive park is home to some 8,000 acres (32 sq km) of protected preserve that encompasses some of the canyons and river terraces of the Santa Ana Mountains. Likely to appeal to fans of the great outdoors, the park is home to impressive California Sycamores and native coastal live oak, as well as a wide array of animal life - the latter of which are the subject of special ‘critter talks’ and guided walks with local trail guides (although you’ll need to book these in advance). Time your visit right and your trip may also coincide with the seasonal wildflowers. And if you enjoy a good walk, there are plenty of trails to enjoy - boasting such evocative names as the Sun Rise Trail, Cougar Pass and the West and East Ridge Trails. They cater to a range of abilities - from easy to difficult.
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
Address: 33401 Ortega Highway, San Juan Capistrano, California, CA 92675
Website: Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
Opening hours: 7am - sunset (daily, park); 7am - 10pm (daily, camping); Check out at 12pm.
What type of camping experience will you opt for?
Be it stunning coastal settings with surf, sea and sand, or rugged inland spots with hiking delights aplenty, there are numerous campsite options available in Orange County, California. Will you plump for resort comfort or seek to rough it up?
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