Finding the best family camping in Orange County means more than just picking a campground—it’s about choosing a place where kids can explore, parents can unwind, and everyone can create unforgettable memories. Orange County is home to diverse, family-friendly campgrounds that offer everything from oceanfront serenity to scenic wilderness retreats.
Whether your family loves beachside adventures, forest hikes, or campfire storytelling, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. In this guide, we’ve rounded up seven of the best family campgrounds in Orange County, each offering a unique mix of nature, recreation, and comfort to make your next trip stress-free and spectacular.
Criteria for Selecting The Best Family Camping Options in Orange County
Not all campgrounds are created equal, especially when planning a trip with kids. Families need more than just a place to pitch a tent—they need safe, accessible, and activity-packed locations that cater to all ages. Here’s what we considered when selecting the top family-friendly campgrounds in Orange County.
Family-Friendly Amenities
A great family campground should feel like an outdoor playground, not a survival challenge. We prioritized locations with:
- Playgrounds and open spaces for kids to run and explore.
- Educational programs like nature crafts, and hands-on activities.
- Well-maintained restrooms and showers for family convenience.
- Safety measures such as clearly marked trails, security presence, and on-site staff.
Accessibility
Family camping should be fun, not frustrating. We looked for campgrounds that offer:
- Easy access from major cities with well-maintained roads.
- Kid-friendly terrain, meaning short hikes, stroller-friendly paths, and minimal elevation.
- Simple reservation systems, making it easy to book a spot without a last-minute scramble.
Diverse Activities
Keeping kids entertained is key, so we chose campgrounds offering:
- Hiking and biking trails suited for all skill levels.
- Water activities, including lakes, rivers, or beaches for swimming and fishing.
- Wildlife viewing, from tide pool explorations to bird-watching opportunities.
Scenic Value
A memorable camping trip needs breathtaking surroundings. Our selections include:
- Coastal views, forests, or scenic mountain backdrops.
- Unique natural features, such as waterfalls, canyons, or rare ecosystems.
By focusing on these elements, we’ve ensured that every campground on our list offers a perfect blend of comfort, adventure, and natural beauty—ideal for an unforgettable family camping experience.
Top 7 Family-Friendly Campgrounds in Orange County
Orange County is home to some of the best family-friendly campgrounds in California, offering beachside escapes, forested retreats, and modern camping comforts. Here are seven of the best family campgrounds in Orange County, each with its own charm and unique experiences.
1. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina – The Ultimate Family Camping Escape
📍 Newport Beach, CA
If your family craves a mix of outdoor adventure and resort-style comfort, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is the ultimate destination. Located along Newport Beach’s scenic Back Bay, this luxury campground delivers a stress-free, activity-filled experience for families looking to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing convenience.
Why Families Love It:
- Beachfront Access – A calm, kid-friendly lagoon perfect for swimming and paddleboarding.
- Massive Inflatable Water Park – A floating playground open during summer, keeping kids entertained for hours.
- Top-Tier Amenities – Swimming pools, hot tubs, a playground, and water sports rentals including kayaks, SUPs and Duffy boats. Own your own boat? Guest slips are available in the on-site marina.
- Movie Nights on the Beach – Enjoy family-friendly films under the stars during the summer.
With beachfront cottages, spacious RV sites, and endless family-friendly activities, Newport Dunes makes camping easy and completely unforgettable.
2. Crystal Cove State Park – A Beachside Camping Adventure
📍 Laguna Beach, CA
For families who love coastal camping, Crystal Cove State Park offers breathtaking ocean views, tide pools filled with marine life, and miles of hiking trails. Whether your kids want to explore sea caves, hike through canyons, or spot dolphins offshore, this is one of Orange County’s most scenic and exciting campgrounds.
Why Families Love It:
- Historic Beach Cottages – Stay in a restored 1930s beachfront cottage for a truly unique camping experience.
- Tide Pool Exploration – Kids can discover sea stars, anemones, and tiny fish in the protected tide pools.
- Hiking & Biking – Over 18 miles of trails wind through coastal bluffs and woodlands, perfect for all skill levels.
With its unspoiled coastline and hands-on nature experiences, Crystal Cove makes for an amazing family getaway.
3. O’Neill Regional Park – A Quiet Escape in Nature
📍 Trabuco Canyon, CA
Looking for a peaceful, nature-filled retreat? O’Neill Regional Park is tucked away in the Santa Ana Mountains, offering shady oak groves, winding trails, and wildlife sightings. This spot is perfect for families who want a traditional camping experience with fewer crowds.
Why Families Love It:
- Spacious Campsites – Plenty of room for tents and RVs, plus fire rings for classic campfire nights.
- Wildlife Watching – Kids can spot deer, hawks, and even the occasional bobcat.
- Kid-Friendly Trails – Short, easy hikes that introduce kids to California’s beautiful natural landscapes.
If your family loves hiking, biking, and simple, quiet camping, O’Neill Regional Park is a must-visit.
4. Orangeland RV Park – A Fun, Convenient Family Campground
📍 Orange, CA
Originally an orange grove, Orangeland RV Park blends modern amenities with rustic charm, offering families a convenient, comfortable camping experience. Located in the heart of Orange County, this park is close to Disneyland, Angel Stadium, and top attractions, making it a great home base for adventure.
Why Families Love It:
- Pick Your Own Oranges – Kids love picking and eating fresh oranges straight from the trees!
- Resort-Style Pool & Spa – Relax while the kids splash around.
- Playground & Mini Golf – Perfect for keeping kids entertained without leaving the campground.
- Minutes from Disneyland – One of the closest campgrounds to the park, making it ideal for families.
If your family wants camping with comfort, Orangeland RV Park is a fantastic option.
5. San Clemente State Beach – Ocean Views & Outdoor Fun
📍 San Clemente, CA
San Clemente State Beach offers the perfect mix of ocean adventure and relaxation. With cliffside campsites overlooking the Pacific Ocean, families can enjoy surfing, swimming, and breathtaking sunset views.
Why Families Love It:
- Beachfront Campsites – Fall asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the shore.
- Great for Swimming & Surfing – The gentle waves are perfect for beginner surfers and kids.
- Scenic Hiking Trails – Trails wind along the bluffs, offering unforgettable ocean views.
For families wanting the full Southern California beach camping experience, San Clemente is unbeatable.
6. Doheny State Beach – A Classic Family Beach Campground
📍 Dana Point, CA
As California’s first state beach, Doheny State Beach is one of the most iconic campgrounds in Orange County. Families can camp just steps from the water, explore tide pools, or rent kayaks and paddleboards for an ocean adventure.
Why Families Love It:
- Tide Pool Adventures – Kids can get up close to colorful sea life.
- Paddleboarding & Kayaking – A calm, safe environment for water sports.
- Fire Pits on the Beach – Perfect for toasting marshmallows while watching the sunset.
For laid-back beach camping, Doheny is a top pick.
7. Canyon RV Park – A Riverside Retreat
📍 Anaheim, CA
Tucked along the Santa Ana River, Canyon RV Park offers wide open spaces, towering trees, and plenty of outdoor activities. It’s perfect for families who love nature but still want to be close to city conveniences.
Why Families Love It:
- Huge Campsites – Lots of space for tents, RVs, and big family gatherings.
- Nature Trails & Bike Paths – The Santa Ana River Trail runs through the park, great for biking and exploring.
- Outdoor Movie Nights – Fun for the whole family after a day of adventure.
For a quiet, nature-filled camping experience without leaving Orange County, Canyon RV Park is a hidden gem.
Planning Your Trip
A successful family camping trip requires careful preparation to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience. From securing a reservation to packing the right gear, here’s everything you need to know before heading out.
Reservation Tips
Many of Orange County’s top family campgrounds fill up fast, especially during weekends and peak seasons. To avoid last-minute disappointment:
- Book early: Some sites allow reservations up to two years in advance.
- Check availability often: Cancellations happen, so checking back frequently can secure a last-minute spot.
- Consider off-season trips: Spring and fall offer fewer crowds, lower prices, and mild weather.
- Know the rules: Some parks require a minimum stay, while others have specific check-in/check-out times.
What to Pack
Packing smart keeps your trip stress-free. Essentials include:
- Shelter & Comfort: Tent, sleeping bags, air mattresses, or RV supplies.
- Clothing & Footwear: Layers for varying temperatures, rain gear, and sturdy shoes.
- Food & Cooking: Cooler, portable stove, utensils, and non-perishable snacks.
- Safety & Essentials: First-aid kit, sunscreen, bug spray, and headlamps.
- Fun for Kids: Binoculars, board games, and outdoor toys.
Safety Considerations
- Wildlife awareness: Store food properly to avoid unwanted animal encounters, like squirrels or birds.
- Fire safety: Follow all park regulations, use designated fire pits, and never leave flames unattended.
- Leave No Trace: Teach kids to respect nature—clean up, stay on marked trails, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
With proper planning, your family camping adventure will be a fun, safe, and memorable escape into the outdoors!
Camping Hacks for Families – Make Your Trip Easier & More Fun
Even the best-planned camping trips can come with challenges, especially when kids are involved. A little preparation and a few clever camping hacks can turn a good trip into an amazing, stress-free adventure.
Smart Packing Tips
- Use clear bins – Organize camping gear in labeled, stackable bins for easy access.
- Freeze meals in advance – Pre-cooked meals like chili or pasta can be frozen, doubling as ice packs in your cooler.
- Bring a pop-up hamper – Keeps dirty clothes contained and out of the way.
Keeping Kids Entertained
- DIY scavenger hunt – Create a nature-themed scavenger list for kids to check off while exploring.
- Glow stick fun – Attach glow sticks to kids’ wrists or shoes for visibility at night.
- Camping story jar – Fill a jar with silly story prompts and let kids take turns telling campfire tales.
Stress-Free Sleeping
- Use fitted sheets on air mattresses – Keep sleeping setups neat and cozy.
- White noise app or portable fan – Helps kids (and adults) sleep better in unfamiliar outdoor settings.
- Pack a small nighttime potty – If tent camping with little ones, keep a travel potty inside the tent for quick, hassle-free bathroom trips.
Your Perfect Family Camping Trip Starts Here
Orange County offers stunning coastal escapes, peaceful nature retreats, and adventure-packed campgrounds, making it the ultimate destination for family camping. Whether you’re seeking oceanfront relaxation, scenic hiking trails, or kid-friendly activities, these top campgrounds provide unforgettable experiences.
If you want a stress-free, adventure-filled getaway with all the comforts of home, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina is the perfect choice. With beachfront access, water sports, and top-tier amenities, it takes the hassle out of camping while keeping the outdoor fun alive. Book your stay at Newport Dunes today and start making memories that last a lifetime!
