Palm-studded coastline and surfable waves make Huntington Beach a draw for anyone who ever paddled a surfboard. Its nickname is “Surf City,” a fitting title for a town that hosts the U.S. Open of Surfing each year. The best of the best come here in search of waves, fortune and fame. Huntington State Beach fronts the town and is the perfect spot for picnics, sunbathing and water sports. Though overnight camping at Huntington State Beach is not allowed, other options are available for those wanting to spend the night under the stars.
City of Huntington Beach –- Sunset Vista RV Park
- The City of Huntington Beach operates its own beachfront RV campground, the Sunset Vista RV Park. The seasonal park is open from October through May and reservations may be made through the City of Huntington Beach Camping Reservations website. The park is located south of the pier and uses space at the Huntington City Beach parking lot. Sites have water and electric hookups, and most can handle RVs up to 45 feet. The exception is the beachfront row, where the RV length is limited to 30 feet. Restrooms, outdoor showers and an RV dump station are available. Leashed dogs are welcome but are not allowed on the sand.
Huntington Beach Area Privately Owned RV Campgrounds
- At less than 2 miles from Huntington Beach State Park, the Huntington by the Sea RV Park is another viable option for RVs up to 45 feet. Located on the land side of the Pacific Coast Highway, this family-oriented park has full hookups, resort-style amenities and is open year-round. Another option is Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina, 8 miles south of Huntington Beach. This park is adjacent to the Back Bay Nature Preserve. It has its own mile-long stretch of sand with an adjacent water park, and a safe swimming area for the kids. Rent a pedal boat or a sailboat and get out on the water in this calm, protected area. All sites have full hookups. Both campgrounds allow pets but have breed restrictions.
Crystal Cove State Park – Laguna Beach
- Only 11 miles south of Huntington Beach is Crystal Cove State Park. Its Moro Campground is perched on bluffs across from the beach, and has RV and tent campsites. RV sites have water and electric hookups, and can handle rigs up to 35 feet. Hiking trails follow the bluffs and lead down to a beach access ramp that gets you safely onto the sand. Pets are welcome, but they must be leashed and kept in your RV at night. No animals except service dogs are allowed on the sand. Crystal Cove State Park allows gas barbeques on the beach, so it’s possible to enjoy a picnic on the sand. Crystal Cove is quite photogenic and has been used as a backdrop in a number of Hollywood productions, including “Treasure Island” from 1918 and “Beaches,” filmed in 1988. Camping reservations are available via Reserve America.
Doheny State Beach – Dana Point
- Less than 30 miles south of Huntington Beach is Doheny State Beach -- and a campground that extends to the sand. Some of the RV sites, which can handle rigs up to 35 feet, have oceanfront views and back up to the beach. San Juan Creek runs through the northern end of the campground, separating the day-use area from the overnight section. Showers, restrooms and an RV dump station are on-site. Leashed dogs are welcome, but not on the sand. Doheny State Beach is known for its tide pools, found on the northern end of the beach. At low tide, you can find a number of marine creatures living in their temporary homes while waiting for the sea to rush in again. Look but don’t touch -- this is a protected marine area.
