Description
A great choice for a classic SoCal beach camping getaway, Crystal Cove State Park’s Moro Campground has 57 tent and RV sites on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Here, the smell of coastal sage scrub mixes with sea salt, and a convenient walking path tunnels under the Pacific Coast Highway, linking the campground to the beach. All Moro campsites are pet-friendly and come with picnic tables, while select sites include water and electric hookups. The campground has wifi, restrooms, coin showers, and a dump station. Moro Canyon lies to the east for hiking with panoramic views, while the ocean sits immediately west for water fun. There's also a ton of parking, which is ever so convenient, and this huge campground is split into three loops with about 20 sites each: Coyote Run, Sage Loop, and Dolphin Circle.
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
Moro Campground’s mild coastal climate makes for awesome summer camping, when highs in the low 80s can be much more comfortable than sweltering inland temperatures. Spring and fall camping is good too, albeit with colder nights. Spring visitors may see wildflowers blooming in the canyon, while winter camping makes for an especially peaceful time on this coast, with lows in the 40s and highs in the upper 60s.
Activities
Offered near the campground.
Biking
With many multi-use fire roads and trails open to cyclists, Crystal Cove State Park is one of the most popular mountain biking ...Read more
Boating
Fishing boats and kayaks are welcome at Crystal Cove. Motor boats—not so much.
Fishing
You can do some surf fishing at the beach and around the Laguna Beach area, but you can't take your catch home with you! Bring ...Read more
Hiking
The hiking trails of Crystal Cove State Park span 18 miles through woodland and chaparral in and beyond Moro Canyon. These trai...Read more
Horseback riding
Crystal Cove State Park has equestrian-friendly backcountry trails in Moro Canyon, but horses are not allowed on the beach.
Paddling
Crystal Cove is a kayaking hotspot. Launch your kayak between Moro Cove and Muddy Creek, or from the south at the Historic Dist...Read more
Surfing
Crystal Cove's surf break is popular with locals thanks to rolling waves. Beginning surfers may want to head south to Laguna Be...Read more
Swimming
Swimming, surfing, and kayaking take place in separate sections of the 3.2-mile beach, so make sure you're in the right spot, t...Read more
Wildlife watching
A variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, and marine animals can be spotted at Crystal Cove, including coyotes, rattlesnakes, road...Read more
Terrain
Natural features you'll find at Moro Campground.
Beach
A short walking path connects Moro Campground to Crystal Cove State Park's 3.2 miles of beach. Sunbathing, swimming, and sunset...Read more
10 Reviews
No fires allowed. Bring a camp stove with you!
All pretty self explanatory
Spent a last minute September weekend here and it was just what we needed. Quiet, peaceful, with a beautiful view. The facilities were well maintained, with hot showers and separate bathrooms. I can't wait to go back!
This was our first tent camping experience as a family. We went for one night in August 2017. It was so beautiful and the view of the ocean from our tent was magical. The facilities were clean and close by. We enjoyed walking along the bluff trail in the evening, and going to the beach during the day. The only negative was that around 11pm, a group pulled into the site next to us and proceeded to celebrate a birthday until 3-4am. We asked them to lower their voices, but I think the sites are so close that it still made it difficult for me to sleep. Next time, if this were to happen, I'd seek out the camp host to help enforce quiet hours.
I really loved camping here! Not only are there amazing views of the ocean, but you have a nice walk down to the beach and there are also great hiking and biking trails for miles around the campground. I would highly recommend staying here, but just make sure you get a camp spot in Dolphin Circle (in the 50s) so that you have a better view of the ocean!
This was a great campground. The stadium layout provide amazing views for each spacious site. The overgrown shrubs gave each site a private feel. Bathrooms were well maintained and the camp hosts were very helpful.
Pros: Beautiful, quiet and a close walk to what felt like a private beach.
Cons: we had plans to ride our bikes since we were car camping but the PCH made access via bike very difficult and not safe while pulling our Burley. There were also lots of ants.
A little hideaway from busy Pacific Coast Highway, so many trails that you can explore in the hills or go to the beach and hang out.
Not many people know about the cute vintage crystal cove beach cottages or the restaurant/bar (The beachcomber) that is hidden below PCH on the sand, but it is definitely worth the sunset views!
The cleanest campground I've ever been to. Easy access for RVs. Large sites with privacy. Tiered design means that every site has an ocean view. About a 10 minute walk to the beach.
Great views of the ocean. You are close to other campers but there are large bushes in between the sites that will hide you from view. Didn't ever feel crowded. Bathrooms were clean and close to all the sites. Short walk to the beach and great spot to view the sunset! Will definitely come back!
- Park
- Crystal Cove State Park
- State
- California
- Country
- United States
- Phone Number
- (949) 494-3539
- Directions
- View on Google Maps
- Official Website
- View Website
- Coordinates
- 33.564° N, 117.821° W
- Unknown price
- RV / Trailer: 27 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)
- Unknown price
- Tent / RV / Trailer: 30 Sites (Up to 8 people per site)
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