Doheny State Beach Campground California
Doheny State Beach Overview
Doheny State Beach Campground has 121 standard campsites (no hookups) and is located right on the beach in one of the premier Southern California coastal areas. There are 33 premium beachfront sites and all can accommodate tents, trailers or RVs. The maximum campsite pad length is 35 feet. Each campsite also has a table, fire ring and grate. Group camping is also available (40 people). Accessible campsites are 20, 54, 56, 104, 134 and 156.
Check in time is 2pm and check out time is noon at Doheny State Beach. Generators are allowed between 10:00pm and 8:00am.
Campground amenities include drinking water, flush toilets, hot showers ($) and a dump station. RVs & trailers can fill up their fresh water tanks at the dump station. There’s also an amphitheater, beautiful 5-acre picnic area (with pavilions, tables and BBQs), volleyball court, walking trails and ranger station. The camp host also sells firewood.
Parking / Overflow Parking
A camping reservation will cover the primary vehicle only. A 2nd and 3rd overnight vehicle is permitted at $15.00 per night per vehicle. The 2nd vehicle may park in the campsite, space permitting, but the 3rd vehicle will need to park in the 3rd vehicle, South Day Use lot just south of the campground. Vehicles in the 3rd vehicle parking lot may not exceed 20 feet in length. If there is no room for the second vehicle in the campsite, then it may also park in the 3rd vehicle lot. Trailers will count as an extra vehicle but will not be charged if towed in by the primary vehicle.
Doheny State Beach – Area Recreation
The 62-acre park is at the mouth of San Juan Creek in Dana Point. There’s over a mile of white, sandy beach and some of the warmest water and surfing (north end of beach) in Southern California. Outdoor recreation includes swimming, hiking, biking, beach combing, volleyball, horseshoes, surf fishing and much more. There is also a marina, boat launch, shops and restaurants within a mile of the campground.
San Onofre Bluffs and San Mateo are two other campground options. Both are about 12 miles south on Highway 5.
Make a Reservation for Doheny State Beach
Amenities
- Amphitheater
- BBQ Grills
- Boat Launch/Ramp
- Camp Store
- Campfire Center
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service - Good
- Concession Stand
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Grills
- Group Camping
- Group Pavilion
- Lifeguards
- Marina
- Overflow Parking
- Pay Phone
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Ranger Station
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- RV Hookups
- Showers
- Visitor Center
Activities
- Beach
- Beach Access
- Beach Combing
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Boating
- Boating (non motorized)
- Body Surfing
- Creek
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Horseshoes
- Kayaking
- Ocean
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Playground
- Sailing
- Scuba Diving
- Skin Diving
- Snorkeling
- Sports Field
- Surf Fish
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Volleyball
- Walking Trails
- Water Sports
- Whale Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Doheny State Beach sold out? Get an alert when a campsite becomes available at Doheny State Beach!
Create Campsite Availability AlertBest Campsites
On Beach: 37, 38, 40, 41, 43, 45, 57, 72, 73, 75, 85, 92, 93, 94 Off Beach: 13, 21, 30, 35, 120, 122
Regions
- California Beaches
- California State Beach
- California State Park
- Ocean
- Orange County
- Southern California
- West
Campsite Types
- ADA
- Group
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
# of Campsites:
121
Campsite Vehicle Size:
Up to 35 feet.
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
5
Doheny State Beach Photos & Video
Doheny State Beach Comments & Reviews
Visited Doheny State Beach Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Doheny State Beach?
campsitephotos.com
rvshare.com
In and out in camp sites
Hi Natividad,
All campsites are reservable at Doheny State Beach campground. There are no walk-in campsites. It’s a popular campground and is usually booked throughout the summer months.
What is the cost of RV parking
over nite ?
dottythomas@aol.com
Hi Dotty,
You can go to the Doheny State Beach campground page and click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to check availability, rates and make a reservation.
Is the group site on the beach?
Hi Phil,
If you click on the Doheny State Beach campground page (here) and scroll down – the link to the campground map is on the right. It shows the group camping area location (and it is on the beach).
How many persons will a group site accommodate?
Hi Scotty,
The group campsite at Doheny State Beach can accommodate 40 people.
I know, 38′ feet is over the 35′ restriction, but is 3 extra feet an absolute no?
Hi Andrew,
As long as your rig and all vehicles are within the campsite – it should be fine. However, the Dohney State Beach campground host makes the final call.
Are there firepits on the beach at the campground?
Hi Jo,
The beachfront campsites do have fire pits on the beach in front of their campsites. There are no beach fire pits over in the beach day-use area though.
Is it possoble to make a reservation on the day of arrivig in the campsite?
Hi Kamil,
The only way you can get a campsite (on day of arrival) at Doheny State Beach without having a prior reservation is if there is a site available through a cancelation (or no show). If a site is available the day you arrive, the ranger will assign it to you for the number of days it is available. Doheny State Beach campground is very popular so usually there are several people waiting in line (starting at about 7am) to try and get any sites that are released because of cancelations/no show.
My husband and I are 1 of 2 families headed your way (Doheney State Beach Campground) Mon 5/27. If we are near the park prior to 2:00, where is there space to park and wait until we can in to the park and to our site?
Hi Pam,
After turning off of Highway One onto Dana Point Harbor Drive (heading west) – continue on past the Doheny State Beach park entrance and in about 1/2 mile you’ll come to the marina area where there are large parking lots, shops, etc. You can park there if you find a space. Doheny State Beach also has a large day-use area (with a very large parking lot), but not sure if the Ranger will let you enter w/o paying day-use fee. Worth a shot though.
We absolutely love camping at Doheny! Everything about it is perfect. Beach spots are of course the best but if you don’t have one, the park is small enough that even a site on the back row is just a few steps to the beach. Camp hosts are always friendly and helpful. The people in the visitors center are friendly and helpful too as well are the rangers in the entrance kiosk. Bathrooms are always clean. The only problem I have is that because it’s the only (I think) campsite of its kind, on the beach it’s hard to get a spot especially when u don’t plan ahead. But that’s not your fault it’s mine. Look fwd to being a better planner for next summer and booking a spot as many times as I can afford. We live in Covina but Doheny is the only beach we go to now…… just for a day at the beach.
Hi! What time is check-out and check-in? Thanks!
Hi Brooke,
Check in time is 2pm and check out time is noon at Doheny State Beach.
Why are no reservations available for the South Loop after January 1, 2020?
Hi Brian,
Sometimes campgrounds will close loops during the off-season. Not sure if this is the case with Doheny State Beach, but you could try calling ReserveCalifornia to confirm: 1-800-444-7275
Hi,
Can someone tell me why there are some sites at the campground that don’t allow campfires even though there is a fire pit at the site?
Hi Erica,
We’re not aware that fires are not allowed at some campsite fire pits. Perhaps someone here can help to confirm / answer your question.
How is the cell service at Doheny SB? Is it good enough to work on the internet?
Hi Linda,
Yes, Doheny State Beach campground has very good cell service, although it does not have WiFi. You’d need to set up a hot-spot from your phone/provider.
Does the camp host always have firewood ? How much does it cost ?
Hi Dave,
Rarely does the camp host run out of firewood at Doheny State Beach, but it does happen occasionally. There are also a few convenience/grocery stores with a few miles that sell firewood.
Does spot 66 have electric hook ups
Hi Richard,
Doheny State Beach campsite #66 does not have electric hookups.
We have site 116 reserved. Two questions. Does a 19 ft trailer, truck, car and tent fit on that site AND may be burn fires in our campring at night? The website says no fires.
Thanks, Ronaldo
Hi Ron,
Doheny State Beach campsite #116 will fit a 19 foot trailer, truck, car and tent. The site can accommodate a maximum of 3 vehicles and 8 people. The pad length is 34 feet. I believe campfires are allowed. I have not heard of any restrictions.
We have site #23. Will it fit a 19ft camper van and a 19ft airstream trailer? We will have to park our extra car in the lot. I can’t tell if it’s a split site or just 2 small parking spots.
Hi Sara,
Yes – Doheny State Beach has two side-by-side parking spaces and the parking area is big enough to fit both your 19ft camper van and 19 ft Airstream.
Hi Sara,
Yes – Doheny State Beach campsite #23 has two side-by-side parking spaces and the parking area is big enough to fit both your 19ft camper van and 19 ft Airstream.
We have spot #51 booked. Can we fit 2 cars on the site and/or 2 tents? And is the beach rocky or sandy? We have a little one that I’m worried about their feet
Hello Tracy!
If you view the Doheny State Beach campsite photos – you’ll see Campsite #51 is a mighty fine beachfront campsite and does have room for two vehicles. Also, per the picture (included here) there’s lots of sand (no rocks) at Doheny State Beach. Mind the surf break though – it can be nasty right in front of the campground. Have fun!
On the reservation site it looks like all sites are completely booked for the next six months, not a single night is available?
Hi Melody,
I checked Doheny State Beach campground out too for availability and ReserveCalifornia.com site shows all sites booked solid for six months. That seems a bit odd – especially mid-week over the winter. ReserveCalifornia is known for having glitches though. Another option is to try our Campsite Assist tool. It will alert you (one time fee) when a campsite becomes available on the dates you want to camp. Campsite Assist will send you a text and email alert, with a link to try and reserve the campsite.
will a 27 foot trailer fit in 111?
Hi Paul,
The pad length for Doheny State Beach campsite is listed as 17 feet, but I believe that is for the parking spot on the right. You should have a few more feet for the spot on the left, then an overhang beyond the curb of a few feet. It’ll be close.
I’m homeless cause of Covid. Can I sleep in my car there
Hi Andrew,
Sorry to hear about your situation. The campground at Doheny State Beach does allow you to sleep in your car if you have a campsite reservation.
Where can you see which sites have hookups?
Hi Brooke,
There are no campsites with hookups at Doheny State Beach.
Will a 29 ft trailer fit in Site 71. The site behind it looks close. Thanks!
Hi Greg,
The pad length for campsite #71 at Doheny State Beach is 20 feet, so a 29 foot trailer won’t fit.
I have a reservation for Sunday but would like to get on standby for Saturday. Are they doing that noon lotto drawing or do you have to be there early in the morning to grab a spot?
Hi Jason,
Unfortunately they no longer do either the noon lotto drawing or early morning attempt to get an available campsite for one night. You can keep checking ReserveCalifornia.com for Saturday availability. I’d also recommend our Campsite Assist tool – which would (for a fee) alert you if a campsite becomes available so you can try and reserve; but since it is so close to your arrival date the chances are slim.
We reserved spot 89 and have a trailer 29 ft total, will this spot fit our trailer and truck?
Hi Raven,
Yes your 29′ trailer will fit. The pad length for campsite #89 is 34 feet. The site can accommodate up to 2 vehicles and 8 people. Have fun – that’s a nice campsite!
How long is site 35?
Hi Jim,
Pad length is 20 feet and can accommodate up to 3 vehicles and 8 people.
Do you know the size of the picnic table? Would like to purchase a fitted table cloths.
Hi Michelle,
Sorry, I do not know the size of the picnic table. Perhaps someone else knows and can comment here.
Trying to figure out if my 35’ fifth wheel will fit in site 5. 35’ is my total over all length and 27’ from the front to my back tires. If not we’ll be packing the tents.
Hi Tyler,
The parking pad length for campsite #5 is listed as 30 feet. There is a bit of overhang/room off the back but unfortunately I’m pretty sure that concrete picnic table is unmovable. If you could move the table, you could back your RV all the way back and make it work.
Thank you so much it’s so hard to tell from the picture. I wish I could move it but I’ll be coming in solo and those tables are tanks any chance you know what the length is to the table?
Hi Tyler,
Not sure on table measurements, but I’d guess about 7 feet long.
Hi, what is the pad length on spot #108?
Hi Evan,
The parking pad length for campsite #108 is 17 feet.
Hi what is the pad length on #81 and #85? It seems to accommodate a longer rig with the overhang but I can’t tell from the pics how close the table and/or fire pit is.
Hi Danny,
Both campsites #81 and #85 are listed as having a parking pad length of 34 feet and both have about 5′ feet of overhang off the back before you reach the table/fire ring. You can also have up to 3 vehicles and 8 people per site.
We have site #097 in October. What is the length and width of the site? Thank you.
I tried looking at various places for lot dimensions and had no luck, sorry for the bother.
Hi Christopher,
No bother at all!
Campsite #97 has a pad length of 27 feet and you have a little room (overhang) out the back – maybe another foot or two. Not sure about the width, but you can park two vehicles side-by-side, so it’s probably about 14-15 feet wide.
Hope this helps!
We’re in ADA spot 117, we have a 29’ trailer, 1 tow vehicle & 1 additional truck. Will we fit?
Thank you!
Hi Darin,
The site lists that you can have up to 3 vehicles and 8 people in that site. This is a “split-length pad”. The longer pad length is 34 feet for the primary parking area and the secondary parking area is 20 fee long.
Not sure if all of your 3 vehicles will fit, but you may be able to park the towing vehicle at an angle.
This is also an ADA site: Visitors reserving accessible campsites must possess a DMV Disabled Placard or license plates issued by DMV (or a similar agency of another state). A Disabled Veterans license plate will also be accepted when reserving or occupying an accessible campsite. At the time of check-in, visitors must show the DMV placard. The disabled visitor must be an occupant of the site for the entire reservation period.
No dogs allowed at the campground?
Hi Moma,
Dogs are allowed (on leash) in Doheny State Beach campground.
On ReserveCA space 64 is listed as a 17′ site with a 17′ pad length. From looking at Google maps and the ReserveCA reservation site campground map it appears to be the same length as the adjacent sites (62 and 66) which is 34′. It looks like ReserveCA has mistakenly listed it as 17′. I have a 27′ trailer and would like to know if this will actually fit. I’ve been attempting to reach someone at the campground (949-496-6171) for about a month but only hear a “full voicemail” message. Any suggestions?
Hi Jim,
You’re correct in that ReserveCA has mistakenly listed the site has having a 17 foot pad. That is most likely the length of just the shorter pad (on left). The longer pad (on right) is closer to 27 feet and you’ll have some over hang off the back of another few feet (beyond the curb). Our photos are current (March 2021). Your 27′ trailer will fit fine (parking your tow vehicle in shorter pad). Have fun!
Great, thanks for the prompt response! I went ahead and booked it yesterday but wanted your inside info!
You’re welcome – anytime!
And that’s a nice campsite.
What does it mean when it says split pad. The Site length is 35′ and the pad length is 19′. Will a 35′ RV fit on a site that is listed as “split”?
“Beachfront Site This is a “Split-Length Pad.” Primary length is listed at the top of AMENITIES under Pad Length, while secondary length is listed under Site Length(Camp Space/Unit Max Length). 2 large tents”
Hi Michelle,
Several campsites at Doheny State Beach have a shorter and longer parking pad. The shorter one is 19′ and the longer one is around 35′. Most sites also have a bit of overhang space out the back. What campsite do you have reserved?
I have a 35 ft 5th wheel will our trailer fit on any of the beach front spots? If not which sites would? Thanks
Hi Darlene,
There are several beachfront campsites at Doheny State Beach that have 35′ parking pads (with a little overhang out the back). These also have a 2nd parking pad (19′) for your towing vehicle. I recommend clicking on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button. This will direct you to the reservation website where you can check out the size of the campsites.
I have site 34 reserved. Would 2 medium sized tents (6 person tents) fit on this site together?
Hi Larissa,
Yes, campsite #34 has room for two medium sized tents. You have some nice open space over to the right. Nice campsite – have fun!
Do you allow generators and have hours of operation for them?
Hi Kevin,
Doheny State Beach Campground generator use is allowed from 10pm to 8am.
I booked site #110. Will a pop out trailer that is 18 feet closed and each side pops out 5 feet fit on that site?
Hi Marissa,
The parking pad length is 18 feet (and you have a feet of overhang off the back. The pad width is about 20 feet so with your pop out extended it’s going to be tight to fit the trailer and towing vehicle. I think you can make it work.
HI There, we booked site #22 for a few days in april. We were planning to borrow our friend’s mercedes camper van or rent a small motor home. I see the pad length on this site is only 19 feet. Can we have a motor home or camping van on this site that is larger than that? Probably somewhere between 20 and 25 feet? We would not have any other vehicles or tents on the site.
Hi Jennifer,
You have some overhang out the back (beyond the curb), so a slightly larger camper van or RV will fit. But, the final call comes from the ranger at the check-in kiosk. Sometimes they are lenient, and not-so-much other times.
Thanks for the info. Is there a number I can call to confirm the length camping van that we can have on the lot? I certainly wouldn’t want to be turned away.
Not sure if they will pick up, but you can try calling 949 496-6171 (Doheny State Beach)
I understand there are no hook-ups for RVs but is there potable water available on-site to fill a camper’s freshwater tanks?
Hi Dylan,
Yes – RVs & trailers can fill up their fresh water tanks at the Doheny State Beach dump station.
Greetings. I have spot #78 and it looks like it has zero space or privacy with #77. I like solitude. Is it as close as it appears in photos? Thank you.
HI Wolf,
Unfortunately most of the Doheny State Beach campsites are right next to each other and don’t have much of privacy – including #77 and #78.
Thank you for quick response and all the wonderful info you post. I decided to cancel #78. I need solitude.
Hi there
Would a 25′ trailer fit in site #30?
I don’t see the specs on the Reserve CA site.
Hi Britton,
Doheny State Beach campsite #25 can have up to 3 vehicles and 8 people. The parking pad length is listed as 18 feet, but that’s for the shorter spur. You’re right – the longer parking spur doesn’t have specs, but if shorter spur is 18 feet long, then the longer one is roughly 28 feet (with some overhang out the back). So – I’d say your 25′ trailer will fit in that campsite.
How long max trailer can we fit in site 34? And site 4 says tent only, but can we still have an RV in that site and what is the max length? Thank you
Also, can site 4 fit two med/large tents? It is so hard to tell from the pictures. Thanks!
Hello, It looks like Reserve California may have some of the pad lengths incorrect. We have site 57 reserved for this October. We drove to the park prior to making the reservation just to check it out. They have the pad length listed as 19′. I’m assuming this is for the smaller pad next to the R.V. pad? The R.V. pad looks closer to 30 + feet. Would you agree?
Thanks.
Hi Darren,
Yes – you are correct. Not sure why ReserveCalifornia doesn’t list the RV pad length, but site #57 has an RV pad length of about 30 feet (as does other campsites with the double parking (one smaller – for a towed or towing vehicle; and a larger spur for an RV or trailer).
Thanks for the info! Looking forward to camping there!
You are welcome and have fun!
Hello 👋
Are we able to bring our own fire pit and is smoking cigars allowed at our campsite?
Thank you 😊
Hi Deanna,
Yes to both – you can bring your own fire pit and you can smoke cigars in your campsite.
Hi! We have site 32 reserve this coming June and we have two vans. One is about close to 19 feet and the other is 21 feet. Would both fit? Just want to make sure we can fit on both spaces. Thanks so much!
Hi Roen,
The short parking slot is 19 feet long and the other one is about 27 feet long so you’ll fit both vans fine.
Thank you so much! Appreciate your help. 🙂
You’re welcome and have fun at he beach!
I reserved campsite #5 with hopes to park two vehicles for rooftop camping and one small tent. Is tent camping allowed at site #5?
Hi Liz,
You can have up to 2 vehicles and 8 people in campsite #5, and the parking pad/spur is 30 feet long. You can also tent camp – rooftop and/or ground. Have fun!
Hello, I have a 40ft 5th wheel trailer. I did notice there is a 35ft limit at the park but my question is: is it enforced and would it possible to park the trailer and put my truck somewhere else? I would love to know before trying for a reservation, thanks!
Hi Kay,
I doubt they will allow you to park your 40ft trailer at any of the campsites at Doheny State Beach. You will initially check in at the Ranger Station/Kiosk, and they usually measure if they think it is too big. Since your trailer is 5 feet longer than the minimum, you probably won’t get in.
As for parking – a camping reservation will cover the primary vehicle only. A 2nd and 3rd overnight vehicle is permitted at $15.00 per night per vehicle. The 2nd vehicle may park in the campsite, space permitting, but the 3rd vehicle will need to park in the 3rd vehicle, South Day Use lot just south of the campground. Vehicles in the 3rd vehicle parking lot may not exceed 20 feet in length. If there is no room for the second vehicle in the campsite, then it may also park in the 3rd vehicle lot. Trailers will count as an extra vehicle but will not be charged if towed in by the primary vehicle.
Thanks for reply & info! Just to double check, two sites (#77 & 75) are listed as having a pad length of 39ft on the official Reserve California website. Is this an incorrect dimension? Thanks again!
You’re welcome Kay!
As to your latest question – unfortunately we do not have anyone on site at Doheny State Beach campground so I can’t confirm the exact measurements for site #75 and #79 . . . to confirm if 39 feet is accurate.
Hi! For some reason, the Reserve California website no longer lists site lengths anymore (only pad lengths in split pads). Any idea where we might be able to find that information now? Thanks in advance! Specifically need to know for 62, 63, 65, 66, 67, 69, 71
Hi Amanda,
Unfortunately we don’t have the specific pad length for those campsites. The maximum pad length (for all sites) is 35 feet, and that probably is a good guess for the double pad sites. We’re fairly close so one of these days I’ll get down there and take some measurements!