- Pine Cliff Resort
- Campgrounds & RV Parks
- California
- Orange County
- Campgrounds & RV Parks in Laguna Beach
- Deer Canyon Campground
Deer Canyon Campground Introduce
Welcome to Deer Canyon Campground, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Crystal Cove State Park, near Laguna Beach, California. If you're seeking a true backcountry camping adventure, far from the crowds and surrounded by nature's beauty, Deer Canyon Campground is the perfect destination. With its challenging trails, breathtaking ocean views, and secluded campsites, you'll have an unforgettable experience in the wilderness.
A Backcountry Camping Experience:
Deer Canyon Campground offers a primitive camping experience, accessible only by a 3-mile hike from the El Moro parking lot. This unique feature ensures a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, allowing you to fully connect with the natural surroundings. The campground features:
- Approximately 5 primitive campsites
- Each site equipped with a picnic table
- A vault toilet for your convenience
- Stunning views of the distant ocean and surrounding hills
Things to Know Before You Go:
As a backcountry campground, Deer Canyon Campground has some important things to keep in mind:
- You must hike in all of your gear, water, and food.
- You must pack out all of your trash.
- No pets are allowed.
- No campfires are allowed.
- Campsites can be reserved 7 months in advance.
Activities and Attractions:
The primary activity at Deer Canyon Campground is hiking and enjoying the scenic beauty of Crystal Cove State Park. However, the park also offers:
- Hiking trails: Explore the extensive network of trails within Crystal Cove State Park, offering stunning views of the coast, canyons, and hills.
- Beach access: Enjoy the beautiful beaches of Crystal Cove State Park, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing.
- Tide pooling: Explore the fascinating tide pools at low tide, discovering a variety of marine life.
Location and Accessibility:
Deer Canyon Campground is located within Crystal Cove State Park, near Laguna Beach, California. The campground is only accessible by a 3-mile hike from the El Moro parking lot.
Why Choose Deer Canyon Campground?
Deer Canyon Campground offers a truly unique and adventurous camping experience. If you're an experienced hiker seeking solitude, stunning views, and a connection with nature, this is the perfect destination. Immerse yourself in the beauty of Crystal Cove State Park and create lasting memories in this hidden gem of Southern California.
Plan Your Backcountry Adventure:
Ready to embark on a challenging and rewarding camping adventure? Plan your trip carefully, pack your gear, and head to Deer Canyon Campground for an unforgettable experience!
Location
Customer Reviews
The hike from the Visitor Center parking lot (via "no dog," "no name," and "Ticketron") is 2.5 miles and strenuous at times. The campground was clean, with two trash cans and a clean vault toilet stocked with TP. No water and no real flat spots. Lots of poison oak. Totally worth it.
The surrounding chaparral is beautiful, but this camp is only about a mile from the road, and the sites are very close to the trail. Even 100 feet away, we could clearly hear other campers. We arrived late, set up, and were woken around 6 or 7 am by at least 100 loud hikers. It doesn't feel safe or secure. The trail should route around it. Don't camp here for more than a day or expect to leave your tent up safely. We booked two days but left after one. The camp has nice picnic tables and is pretty, but the crowds make it less than ideal. Also, we're in the middle of a pandemic, which is another reason to avoid crowds. Maybe it's good for a quick overnight trip with kids?
Nice, accessible place to test backpacking gear locally in Orange County before a bigger trip. 3.5-mile hike up from the beach parking lot. Relatively clean pit toilet, trash cans, most sites have a picnic table, no running water. Downsides: It's right along a trail used by locals (people hiking by and playing loud music in the evening), and there are lots of rats in the bushes. Secure your food! Not much privacy between campsites, and some are on a slope. Checkout is 9 am, which could be a problem if you're a late riser...but the hikers will probably wake you up before that!
Site #2: Trash was everywhere due to overflowing cans. It had to be at least two weeks since they were emptied. Ants were swarming. Hopefully, it's dealt with better in the future, and the ant problem subsides. A very cool in-season backcountry spot if not for the above.
Primitive campsite on a hiking trail. Had a clean pit toilet, a trash can, and bench tables. Too bad there's no running water. In the morning, hikers and bikers will be going by your site if you sleep late.
More
Upper Moro Campground
Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Crystal Cove State Park
California, USA
Moro Campground Entrance
Unnamed Road, 8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Moro Campground
8471 N Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Sonder Woods Cove
2020 S Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA
Stone Villa RV Park
333 W Bay St, Costa Mesa, CA 92627, USA