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Doheny State Beach, in Dana Point, California, is a gem along the Pacific Coast, offering a mix of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical significance. Doheny is one of California’s most popular state beaches, drawing nearly a million visitors annually. Along with its campground, the beach boasts a five-acre grassy lawn with picnic tables, fire pits, and volleyball courts available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Doheny State Beach, Campground
The campground at Doheny State Beach features 118 sites, including 33 beachfront spots next to the sand. The campground accommodates tents, RVs, and trailers up to 35 feet. There are no hookups; however, potable water and a dump station are provided.
Best Campsites at Doheny SB: Campsites 37 through 94 are the best at Doheny State Beach. All of these have direct access to the beach from the campsite. You are literally on the beach—campsites 27 through 36 back up to San Juan Creek. Tent camping is allowed at Doheny State Beach in the southernmost section of the campground. Pitch your tent on the beach in the designated area and enjoy a fantastic coastal view along the coast as far as San Clemente, California.
Campsites to Avoid if Possible: Doheny State Beach campground is on the south side of San Juan Creek with Pacific Coast Highway and the railroad tracks on one side and the beach on the other. Campsites along the beach are lovely places to stay, but if you get stuck in the back, you will get a lot of traffic noise, plus hear the Amtrak trains passing by.
Doheny State Beach Camping Reservations
Doheny State Beach camping reservations are hard to come by during peak season and offseason, except for holiday weekends, when you have a good chance of getting a beachfront campsite. Reservations can be booked up to six months in advance. Plan early for summer camping trips. Doheny Beach is a top-rated destination. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, with restrooms and coin-operated hot showers nearby. Visit the Reserve California website to secure a camping spot.
Doheny SB History
Doheny State Beach is California’s first state beach, established in 1931 when oil tycoon Edward L. Doheny donated 41 acres of land for public use shortly before his death. The beach was named in his honor in 1963, and its area eventually expanded to 62 acres through acquisitions from entities such as the Santa Fe Railroad and Union Oil Company. In the late 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps constructed campgrounds and picnic facilities at the beach as part of Roosevelt’s New Deal.
The Killer Dana
Until Dana Point Harbor was built in 1971, Doheny Beach was a famous surfing beach. Dana Point was also once home to a unique wave known as the Killer Dana. The break got this name because it came from deep water and broke on the beach’s rocks. Today, the waves are tame, blocked by the Dana Point Harbor rock jetty. One advantage of being near the breakwater is Doheny’s gentle surf. Smaller waves make this an ideal place to learn surfing.
Getting to Doheny SB
Doheny State Beach is just off Dana Harbor Drive, one mile from the I-5 freeway. Parking is all day per vehicle at the state park. If you only want to visit for a few hours, a parking lot off Dana Harbor Drive charges by the hour. State Beach is perfect for a camping trip or a day at the beach. During the summer season, Doheny Beach can be very busy. The offseason can be very relaxing.
Nearby Points of Interest
Doheny’s location in Dana Point opens up a wealth of nearby attractions:
Dana Point Harbor: Just steps away, it’s a hub for whale-watching tours (especially for gray and blue whales), sportfishing charters, dining (try Coffee Importers or Harbor Grill), and shopping. The calm “Baby Beach” here is great for families.
Ocean Institute: A short walk from the harbor, it offers hands-on marine science exhibits and weekend tours of its tall ships.
San Juan Capistrano Mission: Mission San Juan Capistrano is the most renowned of all the California missions, famously known as the “Jewel of the Missions.” The Mission is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over California and beyond who come to explore the historical buildings and picturesque gardens
Salt Creek Beach: A mile north, it’s a scenic spot with stronger surf for more experienced wave riders.
Capistrano Beach Park: Adjacent to Doheny’s southern end, it’s a quieter stretch with volleyball courts and ongoing sand replenishment projects.
Lantern Bay Park: Above the harbor, it features a playground, picnic areas, and panoramic views.
Doheny State Beach blends coastal relaxation with a rich tapestry of activities and history, all framed by its proximity to Dana Point’s vibrant offerings. Whether you pitch a tent, catch a wave, or explore the tide pools, it’s a slice of Southern California that’s hard to beat.
Guide to Southern California Beach Camping
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Hello I’m looking to come for a few days in October. Are all of the beachfront campsites capable to hold a 34 foot RV?
Hello Landa
Looks like the majority of the beachfront campsites can hold a 34 RV. There may be one exception.
I would go ahead and reserve a site soon, especially if you want beachfront. Reservations can be made 7 months in advance.
Have a great trip and thanks for visiting our website.
I’m looking into tent camping at Doheny and called the reservation number as suggested in an above post saying that tent camping is separate from the rest of the campground and to call the 1800 #. I called the number however they said there is no separate tent camp area. It’s all at the main campground and to book any standard site for tent camping. Anyone know if this is untrue?
Hello Kim
There are 16 RV campsites only. The balance of the campsites you can use a tent. There is also a separate group tent site at the far end of the Doheny State Beach Campground. You can see this tent only area in the image in the article above. As long as the campsite is not RV only you can drive in, walk in or bike in and set up a tent.
Hope this clears things up.
Daytrippen
If we make a reservation and have to cancel is there a fee and how far in advance? Also, is there a number to call to make reservations? One last thing, can RV and tent sites be by each other or on the same one site or in the same area on the beach?
At Doheny Beach, the tent camping area is separate from the rest of the campground. Toll-free telephone number 1-800-444-7275 for reservations. Good luck getting through.
I called the 1800# about the separate tent site camping area and they said there was no such area. Tent camping at Doheny is booked with a standard site in the main campground. Anyone know if this is untrue?
would dates July-10-16 to July-18-16 be available bu,t on beach preferably. plus maybe get 2-3 campsites all together? We have a large group that’s looking for this exact thing just finding reservations are difficult and, campsite alongside each other are hard. One last thing are dogs allowed if so are there fees?
Good news is dogs are allowed in the campground, not on the beach. I have seen campers with a dog sitting on the beach in front of their site.
Reservations are difficult to get, 2 -3 sites together all but impossible. Keep checking the reservation link in the above post and you may be able to pick up a canceled reservation. (they happen all the time)
Thanks for visiting DayTrippen.com
Wondering about safety. We are tent camping 4 days in June. I’m assuming we will need to pack up everything in the car if we want to drive around and see more of the area. It’s probably not safe to leave your tent unattended? Is theft a problem there? Would you consider it a safe camping site for 3 women in their 20’s?
Hello Jen
I would say it is defiantly safe to leave your tent at the campsite. Of course do not leave any valuables inside the tent when you are out exploring the area.
Doheny State Park has a park ranger on duty along with a campground host. You can talk with them about any concerns you might have when you arrive at the campground.
Have a great trip and thanks for visiting DayTripping.com
Hi, I have reserved site 74 for two nights but I have read other reviews that the ocean water there is very dirty and the sand is very rough with lots of rocks. I would like your opinion on this if you don’t mind. We are visiting from out of state. Site 74 also looks very small. I would appreciate your feedback. I was thinking on canceling and just going somewhere else for the day. I have 2 small children. Thank you for your feedback.
Hello Beth
All of the Doheny State beach campsites are the same size. The Beach here can be rocky at low tide however there is plenty of sand for kids to play on.
If you are looking for squeaky clean campground and beach check out Moro Canyon Campground.
Hope this helps with your choice
Thanks for visiting Daytrippen.com
Hello, my name is Daniel. I was wondering if you have any available days one 5/22-5/24?
Looks like there are no open sites for 5/22. Weekends fill up fast. There are sites open weekdays before and after that weekend. You might try San Clemente State beach or San Onofre State Beach. Use the blue link at the end of the article to search for campsites.