Doheny State Beach RV & Campground Guide
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Located in Dana Point in Southern California, locals affectionately refer to Doheny State Beach as "DoHo." Doheny Beach was donated to the public in 1931 and was California's first state beach. Today, surfers head to this beach to catch waves throughout the year, and on the weekends, locals flock to the volleyball courts to enjoy a friendly match. Lifeguards patrol the beach year-round, making it the perfect spot for a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean. Stroll along the beach to view the tidepools or play a game of horseshoes. While you're in the area, history buffs can head into the city of San Juan Capistrano, about three miles away, to see the historic San Juan Capistrano Mission.
Nearby Cities:
Dana Point, CA
Laguna Beach, CA
San Clemente, CA
Mission Viejo, CA
Spring 46-68 F
Summer 62-88 F
Fall 54-87 F
Winter 49-69 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Doheny State Beach
Campground Accommodations
Doheny State Beach Campground
Water hookup: No
Electrical hookup: No
Sewer hookup: No
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 35 feet
Other amenities: Restrooms, dump station, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings
Doheny State Beach Campground
Live the beach lifestyle at the Doheny State Beach Campground, which is located right inside the park. The beach is just steps away, so you can drift off to the sounds of the waves and enjoy peaceful morning walks along the water. This campground has 113 campsites, each of which is equipped with a fire ring and a picnic table; for the best views, book one of the 33 waterfront sites. There are no hookups here, but generators are allowed, and you'll find hot showers within the campground. Feel free to bring your pet as long as it's leashed at all times. At the end of the trip, the on-site dump station is a convenient perk. Campsites start at $40 per night.
San Mateo Campground
Located about 15 minutes down the coast from Doheny State Beach, San Mateo Campground is a great option for campers who need a few more perks. This campground, which is located inside the San Onofre State Beach area, offers some RV campsites with electricity and water. You'll also find hot showers, a dump station and convenient flush toilets. This is an inland campground, but the lovely Panhe Nature Trail takes you right down to the water. Sites with hookups start at $60 per night.
Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort
Are you looking for full hookups and a bit of luxury on your camping trip? The closest option is Paradise by the Sea Beach RV Resort, which lies about 30 minutes down the coast from Doheny State Beach. Here, you'll find everything you need for the ultimate relaxing vacation. Take a dip in the pool, warm up in the hot tub or have fun in the game room. Every site offers free Wi-Fi, full hookups and cable TV. Elsewhere in the park, there's a laundry room, restrooms and a handy store. Paradise by the Sea is just a short walk from a lovely beach. Rates start at $50 for a back-in site for motorhomes that are smaller than 32 feet long.
What to Do at
Doheny State Beach
Stop by the Visitor's Center to learn more about the local environment and the options for outdoor recreation at Doheny State Beach. While at the center, kids will love seeing ocean life up close in the aquariums. Biking and hiking trails are available, and many people enjoy surf fishing and windsurfing at this outdoor recreation area. You might also want to check out the park's event schedule before your trip to see if you can join in on a beach clean-up day, a unique campfire program, or even a surf festival.
Inside Doheny State Beach
Most visitors to Doheny State Beach head straight for the long strip of white sand that borders the water. If you're planning to surf or you'd like to watch the surfers, head to the northern end of the beach. Other popular activities include swimming, bodyboarding, surf fishing, volleyball, and sunbathing. Don't miss the on-site visitor center, which is a great place to learn about the local landscape before you head out to spot sea creatures in the tide pools. Looking to get active? A beach rental business on-site offers everything from bikes and boogie boards to multi-person beach vehicles.
Fishing
Try your hand at catching fish such as tuna, shark, halibut, seabass, corbina, croakers, mackerel, calicos, and rockfish. You can enjoy fishing from the shore. Or, head into the nearby Dana Point Harbor to find fishing charters.
Geocaching
There is at least one geocache hidden in the park. This cache is part of the Earthcache program and has an environmental education theme. If you need a hint, it's near San Juan Creek, which flows into the ocean.
Stargazing
Because Doheny State Beach is so close to Dana Point, the night sky may not be as bright as in other, more remote areas of the state. However, you can enjoy an evening of gazing at the heavens from the beach or bring a snack to the picnic area.
Flora and Fauna
Doheny State Beach is an urban park, but it's still teeming with wildlife. Head to the tide pools to view some of the sea animals close up and in their natural habitat, or look to the sky to find owls, sandpipers, gulls, and herons. When it comes to flora, you can spot some wildflowers, including yellow and white daisies, as well as other native plants, such as coastal sage, blue elder, and California bulrush. California's iconic palm trees also dot the area, providing excellent photo opportunities during your visit.
Hiking
A flat, paved walkway, the Doheny Beach Trail, winds through the park and extends for about four miles. This trail is a great spot to enjoy a beachside stroll or walk your pup.
Swimming
The swimming is excellent year-round at Doheny State Beach. Lifeguards are on duty, and the lifeguard towers are fully staffed from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Boating
Kayaking and paddle boarding are allowed at the south end of the beach unless there are any signs indicating otherwise. Head to the nearby Dana Point Harbor to rent a paddleboard or a kayak if you didn't bring your own.
Biking
A multi-use path meanders along the beach throughout the park, offering an easy, flat trail for cyclists to enjoy. In addition, campers like to bring their bikes to ride around the campground loops.
How to Get to
Doheny State Beach
From the I-5 freeway, take the exit for Highway 1, also known as the Pacific Coast Highway. Follow this highway until you see Dana Point Harbor Drive. Turn onto Dana Point Harbor Drive, and the entrance to the park will be on your left.
By Car
Entering Doheny State Beach
Parking costs $15 per day, $195 per year, or $3 per hour, and several parking lots are available on a first-come, first-served basis. There is no fee for entrance if you are walking or cycling into the park.
Doheny State Beach Day-use Parking : $15.0
Doheny State Beach Hourly Parking : $3.0
Come out to Doheny State Beach to enjoy the mild California weather year-round. Even if you're not camping overnight, there are still lots of great amenities, including outdoor showers, shady picnic areas, restrooms, and drinking fountains.
Frequently Asked Questions About Doheny State Beach
Southern California enjoys mild temperatures year-round, and the beach is also open all year. Evenings in the winter can be cooler than you might expect, so bring extra layers to stay comfortable when hanging out around the campfire or stargazing.
You're likely to see lots of seagulls and squirrels at the campground. Other animals you can keep an eye out for include rabbits, sea lions, bullfrogs, and lizards. Birds that have been spotted in the park include the Great Egret, western sandpipers, ospreys, red-tailed hawks, and even Canada Geese.
All of the park's campground sites are suitable for RV camping. Each site has a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby restrooms.
You can make a reservation to camp overnight at Doheny State Beach up to six months in advance through the online reservation system or by telephone. Reservations are strongly recommended, as this state beach is often at capacity. Camping costs vary, but expect to pay around $45 to $60 per night; the beachfront campgrounds are more expensive.
Yes, but there are a few restrictions. Your pets are not allowed on the beach area but can enjoy the campground and the pathways. In addition, You must keep your pets on a leash, and you are expected to clean up after them.
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