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Doheny State Beach RV & Campground Guide

California

Nestled on the Southern California coast between Los Angeles and San Diego, Doheny State Beach is a hub of outdoor activity in the small city of Dana Point. Families play in the shallows and relax on the white sand, and beginning surfers paddle out to the legendary, gentle swells. Just offshore, dolphins leap out of the waves, and the telltale spouts of migrating whales breach the surface. This is a true slice of California paradise, a spot where locals and visitors revel in the laid-back surf culture as they soak up the year-round sunshine. The weather is lovely year-round; it's never too hot or too cold, so you can load up the RV and come for a visit any time.

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Weather
Spring 50-74 F
Summer 62-88 F
Fall 54-87 F
Winter 49-69 F
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RV Resorts & Campsites in Doheny State Beach

Whether you're planning to stay right at Doheny State Beach or in a nearby campground, an RV is a great way to set up a comfortable home away from home. Take a break from the sunshine under your personal awning and sip your morning coffee in warmth and comfort. Don't worry if you don't own an RV; an RV rental is the perfect way to try out your dream model and make your vacation more luxurious.

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.

RV Rentals Near Doheny State Beach

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What to Do at
Doheny State Beach

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.

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How to Get to
Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach is located right off the Pacific Coast Highway. If you're coming from Laguna Beach, hop on Highway 1 and head south. For a faster trip from either the north or south, take Interstate 5 and get off on Highway 1 near Dana Point; the beach is just a few miles away.

By Car

Entering Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach is open every day of the year from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

Doheny State Beach Day-use parking : $3.0

Per hour

Doheny State Beach Full-day parking : $15.0

Doheny State Beach Senior full-day parking : $14.0

Doheny State Beach RVs over 25 feet long full-day parking : $30.0

Doheny State Beach Buses with 10-24 passengers full-day parking : $50.0

Doheny State Beach Buses with 25+ passengers full-day parking : $100.0

If you're planning to take an RV to Doheny State Beach, RVshare wants to hear your impressions! As you're sharing the trip on social media, tag RVshare in your posts so that the site can track your adventures. You can also send an email to [email protected] with your memories and photos. RVshare might even feature some of them in an upcoming blog or social media post.

Frequently Asked Questions About Doheny State Beach

What is the best time of year to visit Doheny State Beach?

Visit in the summer to enjoy the great weather and ideal surfing conditions. Surfing and surf fishing are also popular during the warm season at the north end of the beach.

What is the climate of Doheny State Beach?

Known for its Mediterranean-like climate, Doheny State Beach enjoys warm, dry summers and mild, comfortable winters. Precipitation is very rare in the area but more likely during the colder months.

What kind of wildlife can be found in Doheny State Beach?

Doheny State Beach is home to crabs, sharks, harbor seals, stingrays, and common dolphins. You may also spot snowy egrets, brown pelicans, and great blue herons scavenging on the beaches.

Are there designated RV camping spots in Doheny State Beach?

Doheny State Beach has more than 100 camping sites, with about 16 dedicated strictly for RV use. Be sure to book ahead of your trip as these spots fill up quickly.

Are pets allowed at Doheny State Beach?

Dogs are allowed in the 5-acre lawn area as long as they're leashed. Only service animals are permitted on the state park’s beaches. Always thoroughly clean up after your pet.