Camping at Doheny: Tips for a Perfect Beach Getaway

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Amazon
• Pinterest

If you’re looking for that perfect mix of easy beach access, laid-back SoCal vibes, and family-friendly camping, Doheny State Beach campground should absolutely be on your radar. It’s one of the most sought-after beach camping spots in Southern California. And for good reason. You’re literally camping right by the ocean, with sunsets, surf, and sand just steps from your site.

Let’s get into everything you need to know before booking your stay at Doheny State Beach campground.

Why Doheny State Beach Campground is So Popular

There’s a reason this campground books up fast (and I mean FAST). The most obvious one is just that beach camping is one of the most popular camping destinations in the summer months. So, snagging a spot at any of the best beach campgrounds feels pretty much impossible at times. But this particular campground checks a lot of boxes, especially for families and beginner campers:

• Beachfront access – You can literally walk from your campsite to the sand in minutes. Some campsites even have the fire ring right in the beach sand. Those sites are my favorite!
• Beginner-friendly setup – No roughing it here—this is camping made easy
• Great for kids – Gentle waves, tide pools, and lots of space to explore
• Close to town – Restaurants, coffee shops, and grocery stores are just a short drive away

It’s one of the most accessible coastal camping experiences in Southern California, which makes it ideal if you want that “beach camping” feel without going completely off-grid.

Campground Layout: What to Expect

The Doheny State Beach campground is divided into two main areas, and choosing the right one can really shape your trip.

Beachfront Sites (Parkside Loop)

These are the prime spots everyone wants.

• Located closest to the sand
• Some of these sites are big enough for large RVs
• You’ll hear the ocean at night (which is kind of the whole point, right?)

If waking up to salty air and a short barefoot walk to the beach sounds like your dream—this is your section. But these sites book up ridiculously fast. You’ll likely have to try several mornings in a row before lucking out with one of these gems.

Inland Sites (South Loop)

Still great, just a little less “wow.”

• Some spaces are very small, better for RVs
• A slightly longer walk to the beach (but it’s not far)
• You are still even with the beach–there are no stairs to deal with at this campground

These are often easier to book and still give you full access to everything the park offers.

Amenities That Make the Doheny State Beach Campground Easy

This isn’t hardcore camping—it’s comfort camping with a view.

Here’s what you’ll find at Doheny State Beach campground:

• Clean restrooms and hot showers ($)
• Fire rings and picnic tables at each site
• Dump station for RVs ($)
• Camp store nearby for basics
• A visitors center
• Paved roads (great for bikes, scooters, and little kids)

If you’re camping with kids or just want a more relaxed experience, these details make a big difference. There are no hook ups at the Doheny beach campground.

Things to Do at Doheny State Beach

You won’t be bored here—even if your plan is just to relax.

1. Beach Days (Obviously)

The waves here are generally mellow, making it a great spot for:

• Beginner surfers
• Paddleboarding
• Swimming (with supervision)

Note: This is a bit rocky of a beach, so you might want to pack water shoes for your kids.

2. Bike Rides Along the Coast

Bring bikes or scooters—the paths around the campground are super rideable and fun. We had fun riding our bikes to the visitors center and peeking around there for a bit.

3. Tide Pool Exploring

At low tide, you can find little sea creatures tucked into rocky areas—always a hit with kids.

4. Sunset Watching

This is one of those places where you’ll actually pause what you’re doing to watch the sunset. It’s that good.

Tips for Booking Doheny State Beach Campground

This is where things get a little competitive. You book sites on ReserveCalifornia. But it’s not easy. Here are some tips that can help:

• Book early – Reservations open 6 months in advance, and prime sites go quickly
• Aim for midweek if possible – Weekends fill up fast
• Check often for cancellations – You can sometimes snag great spots last-minute. Use this free app to help alert you when a cancellation becomes available.
• Read these tips for even more ways to snag a beach site.

If you’re flexible, you’ll have a much better shot at getting one of those coveted beachfront sites.

What to Bring to Doheny State Beach Campground

Even though this campground is easygoing, a little prep goes a long way.

• Layers (coastal weather can change quickly)
• Beach gear (chairs, umbrella, boogie boards)
• Beach games – I love a beach day full of some fun competition
• Water shoes for the rocky beach
• Bikes or scooters
• Firewood (or buy locally)
• Sand-friendly setup (you’ll track it everywhere—just accept it 😄)

Group Campsites at Doheny State Beach Campground

If you’re planning a trip with extended family, multiple families, or even a school or scout group, the group campsite at Doheny State Beach campground is a solid option to consider.

The group site is designed for larger gatherings and typically accommodates up to 40 people, with space for multiple tents and a few vehicles. Unlike the standard campsites, this area is more open and communal—so it’s perfect if you want everyone hanging out together rather than split across separate sites.

While it’s not quite as close to the sand as the prime beachfront spots, you’re still just a short walk from the beach and all the main amenities. You’ll have access to picnic tables, nearby restrooms, and that same easygoing Doheny vibe.

A couple things to know:

• Reservations are required and can be competitive (especially in summer)
• It’s best suited for tent camping rather than RV-heavy groups
• Quiet hours are enforced, so it’s not a “party” site

If you’re trying to coordinate a bigger group camping trip without totally sacrificing convenience, this is one of the easier beach options in Southern California to pull off.

Nearby Spots Worth Checking Out

One of the best parts about staying at Doheny State Beach campground is how close you are to everything.

• Dana Point Harbor – Great for whale watching tours and waterfront dining. Or catch a ferry and spend a day on Catalina Island.
• San Juan Capistrano – A quick drive inland for history and cute shops
• Laguna Beach – Perfect for a day trip with tide pools and art galleries

You get the camping experience and easy access to some of Orange County’s best spots.

Is Doheny State Beach Campground Worth It?

Short answer: yes—but only if you know what you’re signing up for. I’ve camped at Doheny State Beach dozens of times and I enjoy it, but it’s not my favorite campground. If you can score a premium campsite, I think it’s absolutely worth it. Having a campsite right on the beach is so magical, and there aren’t many campgrounds that allow you to do this.

If you’re expecting remote, quiet wilderness… this isn’t it. You’ll hear neighbors, kids playing, maybe even a little road noise. The campsites here tend to be smaller than some of the other campgrounds (especially the inland sites), so if privacy is a must, you might not find that here. And the beach isn’t the best. The waves are pretty small, so it’s not a good surfing spot.

But if you want:

• Easy beach camping with no stairs or steep walks to the beach
• Family-friendly vibes
• Beautiful ocean views without the hassle
• Campfires right one the sand (only on premium sites)

Then the Doheny State Beach campground is one of the best options in Southern California.

For more family camping resources, check out these other popular posts of mine:

• Best Family Camping in Southern California
• Best Fall Camping Spots in SoCal
• Summer Vacation Idea for Families
• California’s Best Beaches
• Top Beach Campgrounds in San Diego
• San Elijo State Beach Campground
• Leo Carrillo State Beach Campground

Note: Affiliate links on this page may earn me commission if used to make purchases.