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Doheny Campground

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Doheny State Beach Campground is located at the southern part of this state beach.

The campground has 122 campsites, with campsites 37-94 being the most popular. The closer you can get to the front of this campground the better, as that will ensure you are as close as can be to prime beachfront real estate and further away from the dull roar of Amtrak trains in the back. The campsites here have access to showers, restrooms, picnic tables, fire pits and last but not least...the beach! Doheny is a popular spot though, so beware that it can get crowded and be sure to claim your spot early.

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94%

48 ratings · 7 reviews

Nick C.

October 2, 2018

Hi Hipcamers, we stayed here over the last winter holiday and I just booked again for this year as we have family in Dana Point. I have mixed feelings on this place and am surprised by the 96% rating to be honest. The biggest of all drawbacks is the constant sound of generators. ALL DAY ... and multiple sites, almost every other RV or trailer runs a generator. I don't need to rant on about them here, but seriously if you want to watch TV, stay at home! No hookups for water or sewage either. Very basic camping. Beachfront is 10/10 unreal, the further back, not so nice.. I'd never stay here as a "destination" , just for traveling through.

Jack R.

September 10, 2017

Reserve early and enjoy truly camping on the sand. The shore break here is often brutal just in front of the campsites - like, so rough even adults would not enjoy it. But a short walk north takes you to a much calmer section of coastline. We rented a 4-person pedal-powered surrey and cruised around for a couple of hours one afternoon. We generally like to "get away" a bit more, but for beach camping these days, this is hard to beat.

Brie L.recommends

September 6, 2017

This campsite is right on the beach. Beautiful location, easy access to the dana point harbor. Would recommend bringing bikes.

Jordan D.recommends

August 30, 2017

Bring your Surfboards!

Susan S.recommends

July 31, 2017

If you can score a spot on the beachfront, you'll the most amazing view and a campfire right on the sand!

Brian R.recommends

April 10, 2017

Toughest campground in the state to get into. Last minute cancels sometimes, but tight spots to get into for anything over 22'.

Eric E.

July 25, 2016

The campsites view tends to be blocked by sand hills. The daily camp area is open from 6am to 10pm. You can back your rear wheels to the sand. In high tide, the sea come within 50 feet of your coach. Outstanding!

Your guide to camping in Doheny Campground

Overview

Biking

Although most of the trails lead bikers out of the park, the San Juan Creek trail is a truly enjoyable trail taking bikers on a leisurely ride alongside a winding creek. The trail is suited for all levels of bikers, as it is on an easy, level, paved surface. The best part about riding here is the smell of the ocean and the thrill of pedaling as hard as you can into a flock of seagulls (don’t worry, they’ll move...eventually).

Boating

Right next to Doheny State Beach is Dana Point Harbor which serves as a great place for boats big and small to launch themselves into ocean waters. Once you find a guest slip, you will be rewarded with scenic harbor views and lots of open water to dip into. Call the guest slip (link above) if you are interested in finding out more information and reserve an appointment!

Fishing

Doheny state beach is a popular spot for anglers, and you can often catch a row of eager fisherman lined up on the shore for a shot at surf fishing . In addition to fishing on land, lots of visitors to the park like to get further away from the shore and fish from their kayak. Depending on where you cast your reel from, this park can supply anything from perch and croaker to leopard sharks and rays.

Surfing

With consistent summer surf and a tendency towards warmer waters, Doheny state beach is a great place to catch a wave. Surfing is restricted to the northern end of the beach, and the section known as the Boneyard makes a great, gentle place for newcomers to test out the waters. As a staple in California surf culture since the 50s and 60s, there are even references to Doheny surf in classic hits such as the Beach Boys “Surfin’ USA” and in the popular film, “Endless Summer”. Doheny beach is an all time classic and perfect place to ride the waters of sunny Californ-i-a.

Swimming

Doheny beach is a warm, gentle place for family-style swimming or boogie boarding escapades. The best (and safest) spot for swimming here is at the north day use location. At this northern stretch of shore, some of the harbor tames the waves and makes for a worry-free swimming spot. Swimming at Doheny is doubly as awesome due to the white sands that greet you when you make your way out of the water and the warmer waters that southern California gives as a gift.