Lake Camping Near Dana Point, California, US: 12 Best Lake Campsites 2025

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Dana Point, California? If you're a fan of lakes, we've got you covered. With over 240 available options in the area, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Check out some of our top campsites like DESERT DAISY - Joshua Tree rural (295 reviews), Owlbee Farm (175 reviews), and Diana's Descanso Camp (138 reviews). With popular amenities like campfires, showers, and toilets, and activities such as biking, horseback riding, and fishing, you're sure to have an amazing camping experience. The average price per night is $40, with options as low as $17. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

92% (598)

Top-rated campgrounds

Looking to experience the great outdoors near Dana Point, California? If you're a fan of lakes, we've got you covered. With over 240 available options in the area, you'll find the perfect campsite to suit your needs. Check out some of our top campsites like DESERT DAISY - Joshua Tree rural (295 reviews), Owlbee Farm (175 reviews), and Diana's Descanso Camp (138 reviews). With popular amenities like campfires, showers, and toilets, and activities such as biking, horseback riding, and fishing, you're sure to have an amazing camping experience. The average price per night is $40, with options as low as $17. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable camping adventure!

92% (598)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Lakeshore Retreat

95%

(162)

26mi from Dana Point · 1 site · Tent, RV · Lake Elsinore, CA

Enjoy a private lakefront camping area on Lake Elsinore. You will never get tired of the beautiful sunsets, night sky, or all the water-sports on the lake. Historic downtown is just minutes away where you will find restaurants, and stores all within walking distance. Perfect place for a basecamp for nearby hiking, biking, off-roading. Amenities include private dock, potable water, deluxe porta-potty, fire ring, 2 picnic tables(under a 10' x 10' canopy with water mister), and some shady trees🌴

2. Villa Macala

100%

(367)

46mi from Dana Point · 7 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Hemet, CA

Villa Macala is a 20-acre oasis of detailed landscape, orchards and Southern CA native planting while complimenting the natural rocks and gorgeous views. Enjoy the many hiking trails and rest in the peace, quiet and beauty. Overlooking the Hemet Valley with gorgeous panoramic views of the San Jacinto Mountains, Villa Macala is reminiscent of an Italian Villa. The property landscape includes Olive Orchards throughout, a growing vineyard, fig trees, pomegranate trees. Villa Macala is 15 minutes from Diamond Valley Lake where you can enjoy a wildflower trail, fishing or mountain bike trails, museum and water park. It is 20-30 minutes to Pachea Trail and Simpson Park where you can enjoy more great hiking and mountain bike trails. It is also a 30-minute drive to Temecula Wine Country. We have 2 full outdoor bathrooms, one was most recently added at our Elderberry Camp Site (site 1), and is also close to site 4 our Oaks Campsite as well. (Please note our 2nd bathroom is a good walk uphill from the campsites). Our larger bathroom campers can use with a shower and small fridge to store your food. We also have a playground with swing set for kids to enjoy. PLEASE NOTE: Bookings must be made at least 48 hours in advance. FIRES: No fires are to be lit by the campers without verbal consent from property owner and instruction. SEE property owner/camp host upon arrival about what you may use on the property. He will provide instructions. TASTINGS: Macala Orchards Olive Oil, Various Jellies and Jams Pomegranate Juice all made from what we grow are available for tasting upon request. Please let us know prior to arrival if you are interested in a scheduled tasting during your stay! We can provide a tasting if we have the proper staff during your visit. Our products are available for purchase, with or without a tasting. We recommend you bring cash if you are interested. We also take Venmo!

3. Champagne Lakes RV Resort

35mi from Dana Point · 2 sites · RVs · Escondido, CA

Quaint Comfort. Champagne Lakes 760.749.7572 is the most secluded and spacious RV Park in north San Diego County. Choose from a rustic tree covered site near the lake or a modern site with a large concrete pad that provides easy access and maximum flexibility for today's largest slide-out equipped rigs. Sites are ready with every modern amenity including septic, fresh water, cable television, 50 amp, 30 amp and/or 20 amp electrical service, and internet service is available (fees apply). Natural Beauty. Champagne Lakes RV Resort is nestled in a valley and features huge trees, flowering plants and lots of green lush ground cover. The resort is 50 acres of nature and wildlife preserve, with 3 lakes that are fed by the local mountain streams. Wild ducks and geese have made these lakes their home for over 40 years.

4. Guardian Ranch

48mi from Dana Point · 2 sites · Lodging · Escondido, CA

Escape to Guardian Ranch, a stunning 40-acre private estate in Escondido overlooking serene Lake Wohlford. This unparalleled sanctuary offers unique Airbnb lodging perfect for large groups, family reunions, or a tranquil luxury escape. What makes us the ultimate Southern California getaway? Our uniqueness lies in our scale and amenities. Choose from seven distinct vacation rental properties, including the spacious Casa Grande, charming cottages, and unique tiny homes with canyon views. We accommodate every traveler — from couples to large parties. Guests can expect a five-star stay with: • Private Pool Access: Sparkling pool amenity • Estate-Sized Group Stays: Accommodations for large parties On-Site Activities: Pickleball courts, scenic hiking trails, indoor games, and fire pit gatherings • Event Hosting: Ideal for intimate weddings, corporate retreats, and large family gatherings (capacity up to 200) • Stunning Views: Rolling hills, lush meadows, and breathtaking night skies for a true nature retreat Book your San Diego vacation rental or luxury event venue today for an unforgettable experience.

5. Bierbaum Pepper Farm w/Goats!

98%

(536)

45mi from Dana Point · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Hemet, CA

We are a small homestead/farm just outside Temecula Valley Wine Country in California. Primarily we raise our mini dairy goats and host BYO Tent or RV camping.In October of 2016 we began our journey to create our small farm/homestead. With absolutely no experience and coming from a tiny condo in the city we decided to leave that life behind and buy 11 acres in the middle of no where!We weren't sure what to do with 11 acres. We don't come from a farming family but we had the drive to learn. With the help of YouTube, books, blogs, vlogs and friendly neighbors we began to teach ourselves how to run a small farm, inching into the lifestyle a little at a time.We started off with 15 chickens, many failed gardens and then fell in love with Nigerian Dwarf Goats!We found Hipcamp over a year later and in April 2018 opened up our home to strangers wanting to camp on private property.Since we are in the middle of Temecula Wine Country we figure that our farm is the perfect family friendly environment to relax in nature but still be close to some great attractions. Play with baby goats, chickens and rabbits. Explore the property and star gaze at night without light pollution from the city!This was an empty lot that was first purchased in 2014. We are the second owners of the property and want to be as self sustaining as possible. We are on a well and have converted to solar power. We will be building up the camp sites as well, gradually adding more amenities as we go to create a unique experience for our guests.More about me:I had a great and successful career at a very large CPA firm in San Diego but with city living comes pressure and stress. Due to deadlines and even more stress created by the partners of the firm, I ignored what my body was telling me. I put off going to the doctor for months telling myself I didn't have time and, after this next deadline I'll get a check up.I knew that I needed to change my lifestyle but I wasn't doing it fast enough. We closed escrow on the property in October of 2016 and that November I was in the ER. I almost died. Spent my birthday and Thanksgiving in the hospital.Soon after that I quit my job at the CPA firm and started working from home. Still suffering from complications, that summer in June/July I ended up in the ER again. Even closer to death this time. Since then I've turned around my health. Focused on life on the farm. Raising my animals, my garden and creating a unique experience with the campers. I enjoy sharing this life and my home with like-minded people who want to escape the city and feel a little closer to nature.

Public campgrounds near Dana Point

Upper San Juan Campground

19mi from Dana Point · 18 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

100%

(1)

Falcon Group Campground

20mi from Dana Point · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

91%

(11)

Blue Jay Campground

20mi from Dana Point · 50 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

100%

(3)

El Cariso Campground

22mi from Dana Point · 24 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

100%

(4)

Wildomar Campground

23mi from Dana Point · 11 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

73%

(13)

Lake Perris Campground

42mi from Dana Point · 409 sites · Tents, RVs · in Lake Perris State Recreation Area

75%

(4)

Dripping Springs Campground

43mi from Dana Point · 26 sites · Tents, RVs · in Cleveland National Forest

Stories from the community

A

Ariel

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Lakeshore Retreat

Nice property near the lake clean porta potty. Ed is very responsive and a good host.

M

Michael

3 weeks ago

20 ft Class B

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Great spot lake front. The view is fantastic. Like other reviews, it is close to the road. The lights on pergola was a nice touch. I would stay again.

S

Saud

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

The Place is absolutely gorgeous. Very clean and private with great parking spots for non 4X4 vehicles. Port potty was clean. You can park your vehicle on the shore although I wouldn’t advise it for non 4X4 vehicles. The only con I would say is that it’s so close to the street that you can hear the cars go by but it was okay. There is everything you need in 5 minute drive radius, so don’t worry if you forget anything. The host is super friendly and responsive. Definitely coming back again.

T

Tanya

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Beautiful sunrises & sunsets! Enjoyed watching the birds around the lake.

T

Trudell

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Lakeshore Retreat

Fun spot, close to the road but nicely tucked away and thoughtfully laid out. Some road noise but nothing crazy. Porta potty was clean and the lighted canopy with misters was a nice touch. Loved the private dock. Close to shopping, too. Thanks, Ed!

S

Sabrina

September 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

The view of this lake was beautiful. My kids enjoyed seeing all the birds and ducks around and in the water. Nothing negative to say about it. My family and I enjoyed this spot a lot. We will definitely be coming back to camp here again.

M

Miguel

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

We have a lots of fun kids love it, wishing to come back soon!!!

A

Annie

August 2025

21 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Amazing! Absolutely loved our stay! Beautiful views and we felt safe. The traffic and people noise from the property across the the street was a bit loud late into the night but not noticeable until trying to fall asleep, all the other great stuff out weighed that by a mile! The private dock was a bonus treat, the cleanest port-a-potty I’ve ever been in, and super grateful for the ease in communication with Ed when I had a question about locking up before leaving. We will be back!!

C

Cheyenne

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Lakeshore Retreat

It was a nice little spot. We loved the fact that the porta potty was always so clean. The deck out over the water was great as well for my kiddos and fishing. Aside from the noise from the passing cars constantly, it was a perfect spot for a lakeside camp trip.

A

Arturo

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Ed has a wonderful place here my family and I loved it I cant wait to come back

G

Gloria

August 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Lakeshore Retreat

We absolutely loved staying here a couple days! The weather was great and the fish were biting. Would definitely stay here again.

S

Samona

July 2025

Tent

2 nights at Lakeshore Retreat

The site was perfect! Be prepared to fight off mosquitos!!!

A

Ashley

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Ed’s site was great, it was spacious enough for our big family, our tents, gear and cars. The trees provide a good amount of shade as well. We all had an amazing time out on the lake, around the bonfire and stargazing. It definitely became a family favorite.

p

peter

July 2025

Tent

With kids

1 night at Lakeshore Retreat

The Lakeshore retreat was an amazing property right on the lake. Easy in and out. Very clean and private area right on the lake. Overall great experience

C

Carlos

June 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Very underrated lakeshore campsite! Has everything you need for several days of camping with a private dock to fish from and hold your jetski or kayak overnight. Highly recommend. Very level ground and although the lake water isn’t the cleanest it was a great experience.

Ciara

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Ed very communicative :) this booking was a wonderful mini getaway, the dock was a special addition! Also, you have to check out Jacks BBQ just down the street!

T

Tamako

June 2025

Tent

1 night at Lakeshore Retreat

It was a lovely camping location with great views! The toilet is temporary kind but very cleaned and smells nice.

A

Alwaine

June 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Lakeshore Retreat

Love this campsite & would recommend to friends. We had a good time fishing and swimming, Unfortunately on our recent visit the porta potty was not well maintained. The seat was broken, it ran out of water to flush had manually flush, plus it was full.. I will most likely visit again but will check with host about the porta potty maintenance before hand.

B

Bianka

June 2025

Tent

With pets

1 night at Lakeshore Retreat

Beautiful area for tent camping! There’s a bathroom, water spigot, and tables — everything you need for a comfortable stay!! The views are gorgeous and even though the street is nearby, you forget about it quickly because of how pretty the area is.

Luis

May 2025

19 ft pop-up camper

With pets

1 night at Lakeshore Retreat

We loved this spot a lot, great for short stays or fishing trips, I wouldn't recommend for long stays with little ones, it could get really loud because the street next to it plus neighbors across front have noisy dogs, also the porta potty waste really dirty and some visible trash around the property during our stay probably from long weekend previously guests, anyway it was a good trip.