Deer Canyon Campground

Star4.57
41 reviews
8471 North Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA 92651

Quick Facts

699 ft

Price

$25 - $33.25/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

32 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

No Pets

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Deer Canyon Campground
$25.00 - $33.25 / night
Campsite Fees
Rates for hike-in primitive campsites are $25 per night, plus an $8.25 reservation fee. Additional vehicles incur a $15 daily fee.
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$25.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
949-494-3539Crystal_Cove_info@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.57

Top-Rated

Based on 41 reviews

42 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewspeacefulcleanhiking

"User reviews of Deer Canyon Campground highlight its strenuous access hike, beautiful views, and clean facilities. However, campers frequently mention issues such as overcrowding, squatters occupying reserved sites, and lack of privacy due to day hikers and mountain bikers."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

8471 North Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA 92651

Deer Canyon Campground

8471 North Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA 92651

Driving directionsThe park is located off Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach. From Corona del Mar, the entrance is at Los Trancos cross street, the first traffic light after Newport Coast Drive. From Laguna Beach, the entrance is at Los Trancos cross street, the first traffic light after Crystal Heights Drive.
Located off Pacific Coast Highway, the campground is accessible via paved roads. However, access to Deer Canyon Campground requires a strenuous 3-mile hike inland, mostly uphill.
Nearby places
Corona del Mar (approx. 6 miles), Newport Beach (approx. 8 miles), Laguna Beach (approx. 4 miles).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be found in nearby Laguna Beach (approximately 4 miles away).

Best Time to Camp at Deer Canyon Campground

Experience the gentle rhythm of coastal California weather, where warm golden days melt into refreshingly cool evenings perfect for stargazing. Summer mornings often arrive wrapped in mystical marine fog, creating an ethereal atmosphere as the mist slowly burns away to reveal sparkling ocean views. This temperate paradise offers year-round camping opportunities, with each season painting the landscape in its own unique palette.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm days/cool evenings; mid-July small flies reported but fog can reduce them.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Coastal California fall likely offers clear, pleasant weather; fewer insect issues implied.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Mediterranean ecosystem suggests pleasant spring weather and good wildflower/visibility potential.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; mild coastal winters but storms can affect accessibility.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Not explicitly stated.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Available year-round, but weather conditions may affect accessibility.
  • Current Alerts: None reported.

About Deer Canyon Campground

Perched high above the Pacific coastline, Deer Canyon Campground rewards adventurous souls with an unforgettable wilderness experience. This secluded primitive campground beckons those willing to tackle a challenging 3-mile uphill trek, where each switchback brings you closer to breathtaking panoramic vistas. Here, far from the crowds, you'll discover a backcountry sanctuary where the ocean stretches endlessly before you and surrounding ridges paint dramatic silhouettes against the sky.
Primitive camping is available at Deer Canyon Campground. Sites are hike-in only, requiring a three-mile uphill trek from the parking area. The campground is not accessible by car and does not offer RV, tent, or group camping as typically defined.
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
02:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Picnic tables
Vault toilets

Activities you can enjoy

Deer Canyon Campground is secluded and offers activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. The area features steep trails and panoramic views of the ocean. The campground is also popular among mountain bikers.
HikingThe hike to the campground is approximately three miles and strenuous, with steep uphill sections. Trails in the surrounding area include ridgeline and multi-use fire roads, offering scenic views.
BikingMountain biking is popular in the area, with trails suitable for experienced riders. Bikes are allowed on designated trails but not after dark.
Wildlife viewingThe area provides opportunities for observing local wildlife, although specific species are not mentioned.
Winter Activities
Water Sports
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsStrenuous trail, lack of water sources, and steep terrain pose hazards for campers. Wildlife such as small flies reported during mid-summer.
Active AlertsNone reported.
No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Weather at Deer Canyon Campground

Reviews

4.6
41 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Deer Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Deer Canyon Campground highlight its strenuous access hike, beautiful views, and clean facilities. However, campers frequently mention issues such as overcrowding, squatters occupying reserved sites, and lack of privacy due to day hikers and mountain bikers.
Review Summaries
Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects mentioned in reviews include clean pit toilets, panoramic ocean views, and the secluded nature of the campground after nightfall. Many campers appreciate the opportunity to engage in...
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Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include squatters occupying reserved sites, lack of ranger oversight, steep and uneven campsite terrain, and frequent interruptions from day hikers and bikers.
Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend arriving early to select the best campsite, packing light due to the strenuous hike, and being prepared for limited privacy during the day. Using a backpack rather than carrying...
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Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Seasonal trends include a higher prevalence of small flies in mid-July, which diminish when fog rolls in. Reviews also suggest that the trails and campsites can be crowded during peak camping seasons.
Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Hiked up to Lower Moro last Saturday with a 40lb pack. Took the cut across trail, recommended by the rangers, and glad I did." - John Blakely "Totally worth the hike. You should backpack in and camp...
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Based on 41 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #1 is noted for its panoramic ocean views atop a hill. However, campers report overcrowding and difficulty in finding suitable tent spots due to steep and uneven terrain.
Based on 41 reviews

Accessibility Features

The campground is not accessible for individuals with disabilities due to the strenuous hike required to reach the sites.
Based on 41 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are not allowed at Deer Canyon Campground.
Based on 41 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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