How much does camping cost at Upper Moro Campground?

Camping fees at Upper Moro Campground range from $25-$75/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Upper Moro Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Upper Moro Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Upper Moro Campground before I book?

Yes! Upper Moro Campground has 47 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Upper Moro Campground?

Upper Moro Campground is open Summer months (June through August) typically see the highest demand.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Upper Moro Campground?

Yes, Upper Moro Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Upper Moro Campground?

Fire policies at Upper Moro Campground: No wood or charcoal fires allowed. Propane grills and fireplaces permitted.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Upper Moro Campground have?

Upper Moro Campground has 58 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Upper Moro Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Upper Moro Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Upper Moro Campground?

Upper Moro Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Upper Moro Campground?

Popular activities at Upper Moro Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Upper Moro Campground

4.63

526 reviews

8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Top 3% in CASummer

Scenic Views

Featured in:Camping Near Los Angeles#1 Summer Camping Summer Camping California

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

804 ft

Price

$25 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

804 ft

Price

$25 - $75/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

58 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

Partial HookupsShowersWiFi

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Upper Moro Campground

$25.00 - $75.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Standard tent site fees range from $25 for hike-in primitive sites to $75 for sites with water and electricity hookups. Additional fees for extra...

Standard Site Fee$25.00

Hookup Site Fee$75.00

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Reserve California

Provider

949-494-3539crystalcoveinfo@parks.ca.gov

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Upper Moro Campground

8471 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651

Nearby places

Corona Del Mar (approximately 5 miles), Laguna Beach (approximately 3 miles), Newport Beach (approximately 10 miles).

Nearby supplies

Grocery stores, camping supplies, and fuel available in nearby Laguna Beach (approximately 3 miles).

Driving directionsLocated off Pacific Coast Highway between Corona Del Mar and Laguna Beach. When driving south on Pacific Coast Highway, the entrance to Crystal Cove State Park is located at the Los Trancos cross street. When driving north, it is at the traffic light after Crystal Heights Drive.

The campground is accessible via Pacific Coast Highway, a well-maintained paved road with clear signage. However, traffic in the area can be heavy, especially during weekends and peak tourism seasons.

Weather at Upper Moro Campground

Current alert: Trail closures may occur due to weather or public safety concerns. Tunnel to the beach prone to flooding during high tide.

Best Time to Camp at Upper Moro Campground

Summer is peak season. Highs reach the upper 70s to low 80s, with mornings in the 55–65°F range under marine layer that typically clears by midday. Calm seas in late summer and early fall make for good tidepooling, snorkeling, and sunset watching. Pacific breezes keep afternoons comfortable but evenings cool enough that you'll want a sleeping bag rated for chilly nights. June brings persistent morning fog ("June gloom"). Longer summer daylight stretches hiking and beach time, but weekends get crowded.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

5.0 / 5

Top 3% in CA

Summer is peak season; beaches, hiking and warm weather make it the most desirable time.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Summer months (June through August) typically see the highest demand.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.

About Upper Moro Campground

Upper Moro Campground sits on terraced bluffs above the Pacific at Crystal Cove State Park, offering 58 sites with ocean views. Sites range from primitive tent spots to RV sites with hookups (up to 38 feet). Fees run $25–75 per night depending on site type and season. The campground books up on summer weekends, so reserve ahead.

Upper Moro Campground offers family campsites, RV sites, tent camping, and primitive hike-in camping. Each site is designed to ensure ocean views and a balance of natural beauty and convenience.

Historical Significance

The Crystal Cove Historic District sits nearby, a 12.3-acre collection of 46 beach cottages from the 1930s and 1940s. The structures are on the National Register of Historic Places and reflect Southern California's early beach culture when artists and filmmakers built a bohemian seaside colony along this stretch of coast.

Weather and SeasonsSummer is peak season. Highs reach the upper 70s to low 80s, with mornings in the 55–65°F range under marine layer that typically clears by midday. Calm seas in late summer and early fall make for good tidepooling, snorkeling, and sunset watching. Pacific breezes keep afternoons comfortable but evenings cool enough that you'll want a sleeping bag rated for chilly nights. June brings persistent morning fog ("June gloom"). Longer summer daylight stretches hiking and beach time, but weekends get crowded.

ElevationThe campground's dramatic terraced design cascades down the coastal bluffs, offering a spectacular vantage point high above the churning Pacific. This elevated perch not only provides cooling ocean breezes and unobstructed sunset views but also creates a natural amphitheater where each campsite enjoys its own unique perspective of the endless blue horizon.

Natural Features and SceneryThe campground perches at 804 feet on coastal bluffs where chaparral vegetation clings to the terraced slopes. Native sage and shrubs provide some screening between sites. Below, sandy beaches stretch along the shoreline with tidepools that open up at low tide. Morning fog rolls in from the Pacific, usually burning off by midday to reveal ocean views from every tier. Salt air carries up from the water, mixing with the scent of drought-adapted coastal plants. The geology here is classic Southern California: dramatic cliffs meeting open sea.

Geological RegionCamp within a remarkable coastal ecosystem where Mediterranean influences shape every aspect of the landscape. The marine environment creates a natural phenomenon of cool, moisture-laden mornings that nourish the drought-adapted chaparral vegetation clinging to the coastal bluffs. As Pacific breezes sweep across the terraced camping area, they carry the salt-tinged air that defines this unique geological region where land dramatically meets sea, creating one of California's most distinctive and beautiful camping environments.

Scenic ViewsEvery campsite features unobstructed views of the Pacific Ocean due to the terraced design.

Lodging & AccommodationsThere are no hotel-style accommodations directly at Upper Moro Campground. The historic Crystal Cove Beach Cottages, located elsewhere in the park, provide lodging options.

Programs & ActivitiesNature hikes, tidepool walks, and geology talks are conducted year-round by park staff and docents.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

3PM

Check-out

1PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Up to 8 guests per standard campsite and 4 guests per primitive hike-in site.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSix tiers step down the bluff, each level offering ocean exposure. Spacing between sites varies. Chaparral and shrubbery provide some privacy, though you'll still hear neighbors. Road noise from Pacific Coast Highway reaches the campground. RV sites accommodate rigs up to 38 feet with hookups; primitive tent sites max out around 25 feet. No fire pits, so bring a propane setup if you want a flame.

Reservation PlatformsReservations available via ReserveCalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityLimited walk-up availability, especially during peak season. Early arrival recommended.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled up to 48 hours in advance without penalty. Refunds may exclude a small processing fee.

AccessibilityThe campground offers accessible parking spaces, restrooms, and showers. Six designated accessible campsites are available for people with qualifying disabilities.

Site SizeSites are reported to be spacious, accommodating RVs up to 38 feet in some areas and 25 feet in others for non-hookup tent sites. Larger sites are available with hookups.

PrivacyNatural chaparral plants and shrubbery provide some privacy between campsites, ensuring a quieter experience.

Total Campsites58 campsites

Recommended SitesDolphin Circle offers the best ocean views. Sites in the first row provide unobstructed sunset views. Sites closer to restrooms recommended for families.

Best CampsitesSites 25, 26, 27, 28, and 31 get mentioned most for prime ocean views and proximity to restrooms and showers. The terraced layout means every site has some ocean visibility, but these upper-tier spots deliver the clearest sightlines.

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Amenities available

Upper Moro Campground at Crystal Cove State Park offers a mix of amenities, emphasizing clean facilities and breathtaking views. Restrooms and showers are widely mentioned in reviews as being clean and well-maintained. However, fire rings and wood or charcoal fires are not permitted, with campers required to use compressed gas fireplaces or barbecues. The campground provides picnic tables at each site, but potable water has a poor taste according to campers, who recommend bringing your own drinking water. There is a Wi-Fi service available, although it is reportedly slow and unreliable. The campground also features accessible restroom and shower facilities, along with accessible parking.

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Upper Moro Campground caters to a variety of outdoor enthusiasts with options for hiking, biking, wildlife viewing, and proximity to beaches. It is praised for its hiking trails, which vary in difficulty and offer scenic views of both the ocean and wilderness.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSteep walkways and trails may be challenging for visitors with mobility issues. Wildlife like squirrels may pose a minor nuisance. Ant infestations noted by campers.

Fire PolicyNo wood or charcoal fires allowed. Propane grills and fireplaces permitted.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesLaguna Beach Fire Department, approximately 3 miles away.

Trash & RecyclingRecycling and trash facilities are not explicitly mentioned in the reviews or authoritative sources; campers at hike-in sites are required to follow a pack-it-in, pack-it-out policy.

Water FeaturesAdjacent to Crystal Cove Beach and Pacific Ocean; access via tunnel under Pacific Coast Highway.

Camp HostCampground hosts are available, though reviews are mixed regarding friendliness and helpfulness.

Cell CoverageCell phone service quality is not explicitly described, but some campers mention limited and unreliable coverage in certain areas, particularly at primitive sites.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.6

526 reviews

Top-Rated

Upper Moro Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews often praise the campground’s stunning ocean views, clean facilities, and convenient proximity to hiking trails and the beach. However, complaints about grumpy staff and the lack of fire pits are recurring themes.

Review Summaries

Based on 526 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive aspects highlighted by users include breathtaking ocean views, clean restrooms and showers, and well-maintained campsites. 'The tiered setup ensures every campsite has an ocean view,' writes...

Based on 526 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include grumpy staff interaction, high levels of noise from Pacific Coast Highway, and the difficulty of reserving spots due to overwhelming demand.

Based on 526 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 25, 26, 27, 28, and 31 are often named the best due to their views and spaciousness. Sites near the restrooms like #55 receive specific praise for convenience.

Based on 526 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include bringing drinking water due to poor taste of provided water, bringing a propane fire pit, and packing a sleeping bag rated for chilly temperatures during colder months.

Based on 526 reviews

Seasonal Insights

During warmer months, visitors enjoy the beach and outdoor activities such as tidepool exploration. Colder months bring more complaints about chilly weather and closed trails.

Based on 526 reviews

Camper Quotes

'The views are stunning, and the campground is impeccably clean,' said one camper. Another wrote, 'Rangers could be more welcoming, but the location makes up for it.'

Based on 526 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible facilities are broadly appreciated, though one review lamented inappropriate behavior from a camp host towards a disabled camper.

Based on 526 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but restricted from the backcountry trails and beach areas. Owners are reminded to keep dogs on a leash and to clean up after them.

Based on 526 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

Ocean views from every tier are the real draw, and sites 25-28 and 31 deliver the best combination of space and sightline. Hikers get trails from 1 to 11 miles right out of camp, dolphins are visible from the bluffs, and flush showers stay genuinely clean.

Skip if

PCH traffic noise carries into the campground day and night, there are no fire rings (propane only), staff get mixed reviews at best, the tap water tastes bad enough that regulars bring their own, and summer weekends book out months in advance on ReserveCalifornia.

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Deer Canyon Campground sits at 699 feet on a ridgeline above the Pacific, accessible only by a steep 3-mile hike. The 32 primitive tent sites accommodate up to four people each and cost $25-$33.25 per night. Day hikers and mountain bikers pass through frequently, and squatters sometimes occupy reserved sites despite the strenuous access.