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.
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Doheny State Beach Campground.
Reservations 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:
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).
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.
Pull Through Spots
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 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 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.
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 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.
Campsite availabilities,
hassle-free at your fingertips