Newport Dunes Waterfront: Camping, Fun, and Relaxation in Newport Beach

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We just returned from our first stay at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort in Newport Beach, California, and I have a lot to unpack from our trip. Both literally and figuratively speaking. The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort has been on my radar for years, but I could never pull the trigger on booking it. Mostly because it’s not cheap. Not by a long shot. Here’s my takeaway from the resort, along with my honest thoughts about whether it’s worth the cost or not.

Tucked along the scenic Back Bay of Newport Beach, this unique destination is part waterfront campground, part family resort, and part outdoor playground—which means there’s truly something for everyone.

Whether you want to park your RV, pitch a tent, rent a beach cottage, or just come for a day of water fun, Newport Dunes offers endless activities, convenient amenities, and easy access to some of the best things to do in Orange County.

Accommodations for Every Style of Traveler

The Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort offers many lodging options:

• RV Camping in Newport Beach – Choose from standard, large, and premium waterfront RV sites with full hookups, picnic tables, and easy beach access.
• Beach Cottages – These cozy, air-conditioned units come with private bathrooms, kitchenettes, and patios—perfect for those who want a glamping in Newport Beach experience.
• Tent Camping – Bring your gear and enjoy a more traditional camping stay while still having resort-style amenities close by.

Most of the resort consists of RV sites, and there are a variety of sizes and options. All of them have full hook ups and a picnic table. There are no fire pits, and the sites are narrow–which means you’ll be seeing a lot of your neighbors.

The RV sites along the back row are the least expensive and are the smallest. They can fit tents or a small pop-up trailer. Most can accommodate about 25 feet. The nice thing about these sites is that no one will be behind you (other than bicyclists cruising by).

We stayed in the middle section in a “Premium RV Spot.” But I’m not too sure the difference between premium and standard. We had a concrete slab, not just dirt. And the site could accommodate our 30-foot RV.

The bayfront RV spots are by far the nicest. Besides having a beautiful bay view, many can accommodate 40 or 50-foot rigs. And they have a grassy area in front of the site, allowing you to spread out a bit or even set up one of our favorite beach games. These sites are gorgeous, but they cost about twice as much as the other sites. We paid $522 for a Saturday and Sunday night stay during the summer. The bayfront spots would’ve cost over $1000 for the same dates.

But no matter which you choose, you’re just steps away from the sand and calm bay waters.

Family-Friendly Beach & Water Fun at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort

The resort’s private sandy beach is the heart of the property. Because it sits on the calm waters of the Upper Newport Bay, there are no big waves—making it ideal for families with young kids. You can swim, wade, float, or just relax on the shore.

Be aware that this bay area does get packed. It’s smart to claim a spot early. Or, if you’re willing to fork out more money, there are rental options available as well. You can rent a cabana or a picnic area.

If you want to get active, the Newport Dunes Marina rents:

• Kayaks
• Stand-up paddleboards (SUPs)
• Pedal boats
• Electric Duffy boats

In the summer, the inflatable Newport Dunes Water Park steals the show, with giant floating slides, trampolines, and climbing structures right in the bay. But, surprise, surprise, this also costs extra–$15 per person for 1 hour. Add that on to what you pay to stay there, and you can see how it all adds up so quickly.

Heated Pool & Hot Tub

When you’re ready for a change from the beach, the resort has a heated swimming pool and hot tub, perfect for a relaxing soak after a busy day of exploring Orange County. There is also a small wading pool, which is great for the younger kids.

Dining at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort

Back Bay Bistro, the resort’s on-site restaurant, offers waterfront dining with indoor and outdoor seating. The menu includes fresh seafood, burgers, salads, and brunch favorites. During peak times, you’ll also find snack shacks and rotating food trucks near the beach.

Of course, with Newport Beach just minutes away, you can also explore local favorites like Balboa Island’s famous Balboa Bars or enjoy upscale dining at nearby Fashion Island.

Events & Seasonal Entertainment

Newport Dunes is also known for its lively events calendar. Throughout the year, you’ll find:

• Outdoor movie nights on the beach
• Live music performances
• Holiday light displays along the waterfront
• Special festivals and family activities in summer

Extra Family Fun

Besides the water park and rentals, Newport Dunes offers:

• Playground for younger kids
• Beach volleyball courts
• Bike-friendly pathways that connect to nearby Newport Beach trails
• Open green space for games, picnics, or just soaking in the view
• Bicycle and golf-cart rentals

The Perfect Newport Beach Location

One of the best parts of staying at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is how close you are to everything.

• Balboa Island – We walked there for Balboa Bars and a scenic stroll.
• Newport Beach & Pier – Just a short drive away for ocean views, shopping, and restaurants. We actually walked here after exploring Balboa Island (we took the ferry across).
• Fashion Island – A luxury shopping center with dining, entertainment, and ocean views.
• Crystal Cove State Park – Great for hiking and tide pooling.

You get the peaceful feel of a tucked-away bayfront property while being minutes from top attractions.

Final Thoughts on Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort

Our first stay at Newport Dunes was the nice mix of relaxation and adventure. We enjoyed walking over to Balboa Island for coffee and letting the kids play in the waves at Newport Beach. After lunch, we hung out on the bay at the resort, and the kids did the inflatable obstacle course.

We did truly enjoy the amenities on site and everything the area offered. There was plenty to explore nearby, and we took full advantage. But it’s really hard for me to decide if this campground is worth the cost or not. If you’re interested in going and can get away during the week, the weekday rates are a bit more affordable than the weekends. And while there might not be movie nights or live music, the weekdays are a lot less crowded as well.

We have a ton of experience beach camping in Southern California, and we’re used to paying a fraction of what we paid to camp here. Plus, we usually have much larger campsites. But for people who are frustrated by not being able to reserve beach sites (which often feels impossible), this can be a nice backup option. That is, of course, if you don’t score a cancellation with my favorite camping app.

Will be back? Undecided. My husband says absolutely not, but we’ll see. It was a fun experience, and I don’t regret paying the money to try it once. But it wasn’t an experience that completely wowed me for that price. We spent more time enjoying the area than we really did enjoying the campground.

Whether you’re looking for RV camping in Orange County, a family-friendly resort in Newport Beach, or a unique spot for a long weekend, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort delivers. It’s the kind of place where you can create as much activity or as much downtime as you want, all with gorgeous waterfront views.

Interested in more camping ideas? Check out:

• Things to do on Catalina Island
• Camping in Big Bear, Ca
• Glamping Resorts the Whole Family Will Love
• California Camping Lakes
• Camping at Lake Hemet
• Yucaipa Waterpark & Campground

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