Doheny State Beach
34381 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629
Overview
Doheny State Beach is California’s first state beach, located in Dana Point, where HWY 1 and I-5 meet. It features over a mile of pristine sand and attracts thousands of surfers and day-use visitors each year.
The Doheny Campground is open year-round and offers 118 campsite locations for RVs, Trailers, and other vehicles up to 35 feet in length, as well as tent camping. All campsites have a maximum capacity of 8 people, except there is **1 group site **available that support up to 40 people.
The campground does not offer any hookup capabilities, only a waste dump for RVs - so plan your trip accordingly! Pets are allowed on a 6’ leash.
Best Campsites at Doheny State Beach
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Doheny State Beach Campground.
Sites #35-43: Ocean View + Corner Lots
- Ocean Views
- Corner Lots
- Good for tent or RV/trailers
- Close to beach access
- Downside far from showers
Sites 58 and 61: Pull Through Spots and Close to Ocean
- Pull-through spots
- Close to beach access
- Slight ocean view
Sites 45, 59, 60, 73, 75, 89, 90: Ocean View + Extra Privacy
- Ocean View
- Well separated from neighboring campsites
- 73 & 75 are closest to the showers
Unique Experiences
- Visit the nearby Tide Pool and Aquarium to explore wildlife in the area - perfect for kids!
- Explore the surrounding area in style with a rental bike or cart at Wheel Fun Rentals
- Grab some friends and join in on some beach volleyball, kayaking, or paddleboarding!
- Pick up surfing with surf lessons by Girl in the Curl surf shop! Doheny State Beach has perfect waves to learn the sport, and are offered year-round.
- Catch a Campfire Program and have the kids experience the Junior Ranger Programs, available all Summer!
- Explore the restaurants, shops, and more at Dana Point Harbor - you could even catch a whale watching tour!
Doheny State Beach Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
35 FeetMax people per site
8Max people per group site
40Max vehicles per group site
10Max vehicles per site
2Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsDoheny State Beach Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesReservations at Doheny State Beach can be made online at ReserveCalifornia or by phone at the reservation number: 1-800-444-PARK (7275).
The rate for standard inland campsites is $40/night, while beachfront sites are $60/night (many campers say the beachfront sites are well worth it). Keep in mind ReserveCalifornia also charges a non-refundable $7.99 reservation fee.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that wil occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
There is one group campsite at Doheny at a rate of $300/night. The campsite is tent-only, supports up to 40 people, and includes 10 vehicles in the reservation. 2 more vehicles are allowed at the standard $15/night extra rate.
Group campsite reservations should also be made through ReserveCalifornia or by phone: 1-800-444-PARK (7275).
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
To cancel a reservation, call Customer Account Services at 1-800-695-2269. They are open 8a-5p (Pacific Time). Keep in mind you will lose your $7.99 reservation fee.
Doheny State Beach Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$40Beachfront Campsite
$60Group Campsite
$300Extra Vehicle
$15Activities
Exhibits / Guided Tours
Fishing
Swimming
Surfing / Windsurfing
Bike Trails
Photography
Canoeing / Kayaking
Volleyball
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Trash
Campfire Rings
Picnic Tables
Campground Host
Potable Water
Cell Service
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Doheny State Beach
The California State Parks all support relatively similar amenities and camping styles. There are some differences though - most notably being hookup availability because Doheny is a dry campground (no hookups).
South Carlsbad Campground
South Carlsbad Campground separates itself from Doheny SB mainly from its offering of hookup options. They offer electrical hookups up to 30A, and water - but no sewer hookup.
South Carlsbad also features laundry, propane, WiFi (near the office) that Doheny lacks. Lastly, if you’re considering group camping at South Carlsbad, beware that their group campsites are tent-only whereas Doheny allows RVs/Trailers at their group sites. ** **
Leo Carrillo Campground
Leo Carrillo offers up to 50A electrical hookups and water (but no sewer). Their sites are slightly smaller though, only allowing RVs/Trailers up to 31 feet as opposed to 35 feet at Doheny - and they have a maximum of 2 vehicles per site. Recent campers also have reported that cell service can be spotty at this campground.
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpentaria Campground offers full hookups, including sewer, but electric hookups are only up to 30A. They support up to 35’ RVs/Trailers, along with Group, Tent, and ADA sites similar to the other campgrounds here.
Besides sewer hookups, Carpentaria's Group Campsites are much cheaper than the other campgrounds, starting at $180/night! Campers report that propane is available at this campground as well.
El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan is similar to Doheny in that it’s a dry campground - no hookups available. That being said, you will still find hot showers, flush toilets, campfire rings and picnic tables similar to the other beaches. One notable advantage of El Capitan is the lots can support RVs/Trailers up to 42 feet. The campsites are elevated off the water, which provides some breathtaking overlooks of the Pacific Ocean.
