Doheny State Beach Campground

Star4.22
359 reviews
25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

16 ft

Price

$40 - $65/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

113 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

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
Doheny State Beach Campground
$40.00 - $65.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Fees range from $40 for standard tent sites to $65 for premium beachfront sites. A booking fee of $7.95 is applied to all reservations.
Standard Site Fee$40.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$65.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
(949) 496-6171doheny@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 359 reviews

209 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationbeach

Some mention

noisetrain

"User reviews vary widely, highlighting the campground's proximity to the beach and amenities, but also pointing out noise pollution, cramped sites, and lack of privacy. "Camping by the beach, what more can you ask for." Meanwhile, complaints often focus on train noise and inadequate enforcement of quiet hours."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629

Doheny State Beach Campground

25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629

Driving directionsThe campground is located approximately one mile north of Interstate 5 and about three miles from the San Juan Capistrano Mission, off Del Obispo Street and Dana Harbor Drive.
Access is straightforward from Interstate 5, with well-maintained paved roads leading directly to the park entrance; however, it is recommended to check for seasonal road closures or active construction projects in the vicinity.
Nearby places
San Juan Capistrano (3 miles, approximately 10 minutes)
Laguna Beach (12 miles, approximately 25 minutes)
Irvine (20 miles, approximately 30 minutes).
Nearby supplies
Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are available within Dana Point city limits (approximately 2 miles away). Specialized services like RV supply stores may require further travel toward San Juan Capistrano or Laguna Hills.

Best Time to Camp at Doheny State Beach Campground

Blessed with Southern California's enviable year-round coastal climate, Doheny offers camping comfort in every season. Summer days bask in the high 70s with gentle ocean breezes, perfect for beach activities from dawn to dusk. Winter brings a different charm, with temperatures settling into the comfortable mid-60s and morning fog creating mystical beachscapes that burn off to reveal crystalline afternoons.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Warm high-70s, ideal beach weather but peak-season crowds and noise are common.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Southern California fall offers pleasant weather and generally fewer crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Pleasant spring weather and beach activities; moderate crowds during holidays.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; winter stays are quieter though fog and cooler temps occur.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season varies but generally spans summer months, Memorial Day through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round; potential temporary closures during construction projects (e.g., January-March 2024 for drilling).
  • Current Alerts: Active drilling expected from January-March 2024, potentially causing noise and disruption. Check California State Parks websites for updates.

About Doheny State Beach Campground

Where the golden California coastline meets the Pacific's endless blue, Doheny State Beach Campground offers 113 campsites that bring you as close to ocean living as camping allows. Among these, 33 premium beachfront sites let you fall asleep to the rhythm of waves just steps from your tent. This southern Orange County gem has earned its reputation as a family favorite, where warm waters invite swimmers of all ages and sandy beaches stretch as far as the eye can see.
Doheny State Beach Campground offers various camping options catering to families, groups, RVs, and tent campers. Beachfront sites are particularly sought after.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2PM
Check-out
12 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 14 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Activities at Doheny State Beach Campground are beach-oriented and family-friendly, including surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. There are tide pools to explore during low tide and volleyball courts for sports enthusiasts. The visitor center and aquarium offer educational exhibits.
HikingThe Beach Promenade Trail is a 0.34-mile paved accessible trail. It offers flat terrain with scenic views and access to various day-use activities.
FishingSurf fishing is popular among visitors, as is angling in rocky areas during low tide. Licensed anglers can fish within the park.
SwimmingSwimming is available and popular at Doheny State Beach, particularly in the designated areas near the campground.
BikingBike trails are available but restricted to paved roads. Riders under 18 are required to wear helmets.
BoatingKayaking and paddleboarding are popular water sports at Doheny State Beach, especially near the campground.
Wildlife viewingBird species such as black-crowned night herons and snowy egrets are commonly spotted. During seasonal migrations, gray whales and monarch butterflies can be seen.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNoise pollution from trains and nearby roads; theft has been reported in campsites near the train tracks. Seasonal drilling activities may cause vibrations and dust.
Active AlertsActive drilling expected from January-March 2024, potentially causing noise and disruption. Check California State Parks websites for updates.

Weather at Doheny State Beach Campground

Reviews

4.2
359 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Doheny State Beach Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews vary widely, highlighting the campground's proximity to the beach and amenities, but also pointing out noise pollution, cramped sites, and lack of privacy. "Camping by the beach, what more can you ask for." Meanwhile, complaints often focus on train noise and inadequate enforcement of quiet hours.
Review Summaries
Based on 359 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests appreciate the beachfront location and clean facilities. "Clean bathrooms and trash is picked up frequently," "directly near the beach."
Based on 359 reviews

Common Concerns

Noise pollution from trains and neighboring campers, lack of privacy, cramped sites, and outdated trash cans are common complaints. Theft and safety concerns near train tracks are also noted.
Based on 359 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking premium beachfront sites, bringing earplugs to mitigate noise, and using water shoes for rocky beach areas. "Bring water shoes if you plan to play in the waves near the...
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Based on 359 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter stays tend to be quieter, though fog and cooler temperatures are common. Summer experiences are lively but may include significant noise from trains and crowded conditions.
Based on 359 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Showers $1 for 15 mins clean and hot water. Restrooms clean." "Some spots next to the beach are unbelievable." "Beach camping is much different with all the sand. Very fun with family and extended...
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Based on 359 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites #36, #37, #38, #40, #41, #43, #45, #47, #57, #59, #64, #73, #75, #78, #87, and #92 are listed as favorites.
Based on 359 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible campsites (#16, #27, #91, #117) receive positive reviews for their proximity to bathrooms and beach. Accessible parking and routes are appreciated.
Based on 359 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but restricted from the beach. "Large enough you can take your dog for a good walk within the campground."
Based on 359 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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