Deer Canyon Campground

The primitive, hike-in Deer Canyon Campground is a backcountry campground in Crystal Cove State Park, accessible only via a 3-mile uphill hike from the El Moro parking lot. The reward for this trek is a peaceful, secluded campground surrounded by native plants on a canyon ridge with views of the stars and the ocean. It’s hard to find a setting this natural to pitch your tent anywhere else in Orange County. The campground has a vault toilet and picnic tables, but campers must hike in all of their own water and pack out all trash. No pets or campfires are allowed.

Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation

When to Go

Deer Canyon Campground is open year-round, but because of the challenging hike in, you’ll want to monitor the weather and avoid summer heat waves or winter rainstorms when planning a camping trip. Spring is a good time for wildflowers, while winter campers should bring adequate cold-weather gear for nighttime temperatures in the 40s.