The Best Camping Spots Near Orange County
With the hot days of summer behind us, camping takes on a new life. Chilly mornings, perfect hiking weather and warm comfort food all come together to make fall camping a must-do for any outdoors enthusiast. While Orange County is our favorite place to be, we understand that we need a quick getaway and to enjoy some fresh air. Luckily, there are plenty of places within just a few hours to pop a tent and kick back next to the firepit. Here are our favorites that you can’t miss:
O’Neill Regional Park
30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
O’Neill Regional Park’s 4,500 acres are situated in beautiful Trabuco and Live Oak Canyons. Trabuco and Hickey Creeks also meander through the park, flowing in winter and early spring, dry in summer and fall. Picnic areas vary in size and are available on a first-come, first-served basis or by reservation. Barbeques and picnic tables are available throughout the park. This park is open year-round from 7 am to sunset. If you are a hiker, be sure to check for updates on the weather, as they close their trails for three days following the rain. Parking fees are $3 a day on weekdays and $5 on the weekends, per day.
Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park
33401 Ortega Hwy. , San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675
Caspers Wilderness Park is an 8,000 acre protected wilderness preserve nestled among the river terraces and sandstone canyons of the western coastal Santa Ana Mountains. Nature walks are offered at this park as a ranger will guide the walks and talk more about wildlife. Camping is offered year-round from 7 am-10 pm. Parking fees are $3 weekdays and $5 on the weekends.
The Holidays Vintage Trailer
225 Avenida Calafia, San Clemente, CA 92672
The Holidays’ trailers are located in San Clemente State Beach, on a coastal bluff only a short walk to a beautiful beach down below. The trailers are positioned in a way so that they face each other and share a central, communal median area. Each of the trailers can accommodate 4 adults plus a smaller child in an overhead bunk. Book your reservations by calling 760.707.9141.
Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park
8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Crystal Cove State Park features 3.2 miles of Pacific coastline, plus wooded canyons, open bluffs, and offshore waters designated as an underwater park. Visitors to Crystal Cove can enjoy the Historic District, the beach, the backcountry and activities such as swimming, surfing, sunbathing, scuba and skin diving, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, and horseback riding. State Park Rangers conduct nature hikes in the winter. Park fees are due and payable upon entry into the park. An additional fee of $15 will be accounted for, for extra vehicles. 8 people are allowed per site. The site is also dog-friendly.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
The Bolsa Chica State Beach Visitor Center features year-round interpretative displays and exhibits. The State Beach has 50 campsites with electric and water hookups for self-contained RVs. Picnic tables, outdoor showers, and restrooms are accessible. A beach wheelchair is available for loan, with ramps for sand access. There is a paved beachside trail that runs for 8.5 miles between Bolsa Chica and Huntington State Beaches.