Doheny State Beach Camping

Location

Address

25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629, USA

Coordinates

33.4627777630056, -117.68563749140083

Directions

Take I-405 S from Los Angeles to CA-73 S. Then take CA-73 S to Doheny State Beach

Elevation

5 ft (1.5 m)

Area

62 acres (25 ha)

Terrain

• Beach

• Tide pools

• Coastal bluffs

• Salt marsh

Contact

Phone

(949) 496-6171

Website

http://www.dohenystatebeach.org

Email

info@dohenystatebeach.org

Operator

California State Parks

Links

Facebook

California State Parks

Twitter

California State Parks

Instagram

California State Parks

Resources

Maps

• Doheny State Beach map

• Doheny State Beach Foundation Interactive Map

Videos

• California Beach Tent Camping at Doheny State Beach Campground Review by Weekenders

• Doheny State Beach Review With Kids by Califoreigners

• Doheny State Beach Camping Review by Smo'King BBQ Tips & Recipes

• Doheny State Beach Camping Best Campsites by Daytrippen

• Doheny State Beach - Dana Point California | Overview by Chip Hammontree

Reservations

Reservations available

Camping reservations at Doheny State Beach can be made 6 months in advance of your arrival date. Reservations open at 8:00 AM PST/PDT on the desired arrival date.

Fees

• Hike and bike campsites: $10 per night

• Inland campsites: $50 per night

• Premium sites: $65 per night

• Group campsite: $300 per night

Online booking

Doheny State Beach reservations at Reserve California

Phone reservations

1-800-444-7275 (between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.)

Sold-out?

Scan Doheny State Beach for cancelations

Campground

Season

Open year-round, but camping reservations begin 6 months in advance.

Access

Drive in

Number of sites

118

Site types

• Tent campsites

• RV campsites (no hookups)

Check-in time

3:00 p.m.

Check-out time

1:00 p.m.

Pets

Dogs are permitted but must be kept on a six-foot leash. Dogs are not allowed on the beach, buildings, or rental boats. Service dogs are welcome in all areas.

Campfires

Campfires are allowed only in designated fire rings when fire restrictions are not in place. 

Group camping

One group campsite available (can accommodate up to 40 people and 12 vehicles)

Regulations

• Alcohol is only allowed within your campsite and must be consumed responsibly

• Do not dispose of wastewater on the ground

• Drones are not allowed without a permit

• Fireworks are strictly prohibited

• Food storage lockers must be used to prevent attracting wildlife

• Generators are not allowed

• Glass containers are not allowed on the beach or in the campground

• Quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 7:00 am

• Smoking is prohibited in all public areas, including beaches and campsites

• Vehicles must be parked in designated areas only

Campsites

Max. site occupants

8

Vehicles per site

2

Maximum vehicle length

35'

Pad type

Gravel and dirt

Campsite features

• Fire rings

• Food lockers

• Picnic tables

• Water spigots

Accessibility

Number of accessible sites

2

Accessible campsites

Sites 80 and 81

Accommodations

• Accessible food locker

• Accessible picnic table

• Fire ring accessible with a paved path

• Level pad suitable for tents, RVs, or vans

• Paved access path from parking area to campsite

• Restroom facilities within 100 feet of the campsite are equipped with wider doorways and grab bars

• Wider camping space to accommodate maneuvering

Amenities

Facilities

• Beach access

• Camp store

• Fire rings

• Food lockers

• Kiosk

• Nature trails

• Picnic tables

• Playground

• Restrooms with showers

• Tide pools

• Volleyball courts

Hookups

None

Conveniences

• Camp store selling basic supplies and firewood

• Coin-operated laundry facilities

On site

• Fire ring

• Firewood

• Ice

• Picnic tables

• Potable water

Support

• Camp hosts may be available to answer questions and provide basic assistance 

• Park Rangers are on-site for visitor assistance and emergencies

Waste

• Dump station

• Recycling bins

Activities

Sports

• Surfing

• Bodyboarding

• Stand-up paddleboarding

• Kayaking

• Fishing

• Beach volleyball

• Skateboarding (skate park nearby)

Nature

• Beachcombing

• Birdwatching

• Exploring the salt marsh

• Hiking on coastal trails

• Photography

• Tidepooling

Recreation

• Attending ranger-led programs and talks

• Building sandcastles

• Participating in beach cleanups

• Picnicking

• Sunbathing

• Swimming

• Whale watching (nearby Dana Point Harbor)

Service

Wifi

Limited wifi is available in some areas; paid and the speed and reliability can vary.

Carriers

• AT&T

• Sprint

• T-Mobile

• Verizon

Nearby

Attractions

• Dana Point Harbor

• Mission San Juan Capistrano

• Salt Creek Beach

• Crystal Cove State Park

• The Shops at Monarch Beach

• Laguna Beach

• Pelican Hill Golf Course

• Newport Beach

• Fashion Island

Members say

Pros

• Stunning ocean views make for a relaxing spot

• Easy access to water, surfing, and tidepools

• Variety of activities ranging from hiking and fishing to volleyball

Cons

• Can get crowded and noisy

• No hook-ups for RVers

Tips

• Book campsites in advance, especially during peak season

• Explore the tide pools at low tide for the best experience.

• Take advantage of the ranger-led programs and talks offered by the park.

Best campsites

• Oceanfront sites 1 – 23 and 103 – 118 offer stunning ocean views and direct access to the beach

• RV sites 33 – 48 are suitable for RVs and trailers and close to amenities

• Sites 69 – 77 wooded area with shade, good for tent camping

• Site 102: Large, accessible campsite with paved path and wider space