Where to Camp in Newport Beach
There’s something magical about stargazing, cozying up around a campfire and slipping into a sleeping bag at night. And with summer in full swing, there’s no better time to pitch a tent and explore the great outdoors. Newport Beach is known for its natural beauty—think rugged bluffs, sandy shores, scenic trails and stunning sunsets—and there’s no better way to take it all in than with a weekend of camping. Check out these four camping spots in Newport Beach for a weekend of sun, surf and, of course, s’mores.
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
Combining scenic natural space with an array of resort-like amenities, Newport Dunes is a popular place to park an RV for the weekend. This no-frills resort sits on the shores of the Back Bay and offers RV camping, tent camping and even glamping options (we love the beachfront cottages!). Wake up to the sway of palm trees and a salty sea breeze, and enjoy a day of paddleboarding, kayaking or boating, or simply kick back and relax by the resort’s pool. This camping spot in Newport Beach is perfect for families and those seeking a balance between natural beauty and modern comforts, and if you’ve got kids in tow, they’ll love the inflatable waterpark. Don’t miss the free summer concert series, Tunes at the Dunes, taking place this summer too!
Prized for its 3.2 miles of coastline and acres of backcountry wilderness, Crystal Cove State Park is a haven for nature enthusiasts. The park is protected and sits just north of Laguna Beach on Pacific Coast Highway. There are 59 single-family campsites to choose from, and 28 of these sites are premium campsites with water and electric hookups for RVs. The perks of pitching a tent at Moro Campground include spectacular views of the ocean, access to drinking water, showers, restrooms and a campfire center—plus, pets are welcome too! Plus, during your Newport Beach camping adventure, you can explore the Crystal Cove Historic District complete with restaurants, coastal cottages, fire pits and hiking and biking trails.
If you’re up for an adventure (and don’t mind a hike), Moro’s primitive tent camping option is the perfect way to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and explore the beauty of Crystal Cove. There are three primitive Newport Beach campgrounds available, which include Deer Canyon, Upper Moro and Lower Moro. These sites are accessible only by foot and require at least a three-mile hike inland from the parking lot. If you plan on camping at one of these locations, come prepared with water, food and the correct gear, and expect to see wildlife like deer, bobcats, coyotes, hawks and other native animals.
Meticulously restored and thoughtfully preserved, the Crystal Cove Beach Cottages are a Newport Beach treasure that offers visitors and locals a glimpse into the area’s history. For decades, the Crystal Cove Conservancy has fought to preserve these beachside cottages and the natural seashore that surrounds them. And while staying in one of these abodes is technically more of a “glamping” experience, they still deserve a special mention. The cottages can sleep anywhere from 2-9 people (depending on the unit), and many come equipped with kitchens and outdoor decks. Spend a day exploring the nearby tidepools, then head over to The Beachcomber for an ocean-view brunch!
