Deer Canyon Campground
4.6612 reviews8471 North Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA 92651
Deer Canyon Campground
$25.00 - $33.25
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$25.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$25.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Rates for hike-in primitive campsites are $25 per night, plus an $8.25 reservation fee. Additional vehicles incur a $15 daily fee.
About this campground
Perched high above the Pacific coastline, Deer Canyon Campground rewards adventurous souls with an unforgettable wilderness experience. This secluded primitive campground beckons those willing to tackle a challenging 3-mile uphill trek, where each switchback brings you closer to breathtaking panoramic vistas. Here, far from the crowds, you'll discover a backcountry sanctuary where the ocean stretches endlessly before you and surrounding ridges paint dramatic silhouettes against the sky.
Primitive camping is available at Deer Canyon Campground. Sites are hike-in only, requiring a three-mile uphill trek from the parking area. The campground is not accessible by car and does not offer RV, tent, or group camping as typically defined.
Historical SignificanceYour camping adventure unfolds within Crystal Cove State Park, a treasured landscape steeped in California's rich coastal heritage. The park's Historic District, proudly listed on the National Register of Historic Places, tells stories of early 20th-century beach cottage life and the evolution of Southern California's coastline. As you hike to your campsite, you're following paths that connect past and present in this protected cultural landscape.
Weather and SeasonsExperience the gentle rhythm of coastal California weather, where warm golden days melt into refreshingly cool evenings perfect for stargazing. Summer mornings often arrive wrapped in mystical marine fog, creating an ethereal atmosphere as the mist slowly burns away to reveal sparkling ocean views. This temperate paradise offers year-round camping opportunities, with each season painting the landscape in its own unique palette.
ElevationWhile specific elevation details await discovery on your journey, the campground's hilltop location promises an elevated perspective that transforms the typical camping experience into something extraordinary.
Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in a stunning Mediterranean ecosystem where aromatic sage and chaparral blanket the hillsides. The campground nestles within a tapestry of wooded canyons that provide shade and shelter, while expansive ocean vistas remind you of nature's grandeur. This rustic paradise showcases Southern California's quintessential beauty—where golden hills meet azure seas, and every sunset becomes a masterpiece painted across the Pacific horizon.
Geological RegionDiscover camping in one of the world's rare Mediterranean climate zones, where ancient geological forces have sculpted a dramatic landscape of wooded canyons and windswept bluffs. This unique ecosystem, found in only five regions globally, creates perfect conditions for diverse plant communities and offers campers an intimate connection with the rugged beauty of the Pacific coastline. The interplay of ocean, canyon, and ridgeline creates a geological wonderland waiting to be explored.
Campsite details
AccessibilityThe campground is not wheelchair accessible due to the strenuous hike required to reach the sites.
Sites SizeSites accommodate tent sizes and allow up to four people per site.
Sites PrivacySites are described as varying in privacy, with some offering panoramic ocean views while others are less secluded due to frequent day hikers and mountain bikers encroaching on campsites.
Total Campsites32 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose sites on top of the hill for the best panoramic ocean views.
Best CampsitesSites on top of ridges provide panoramic ocean views. Campers suggest arriving early to secure desirable spots.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
02:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Per site occupancy is limited to maximum of 4 people for primitive campsites.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum occupancy per site is 4 people.
Groups
No group camping sites are available.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutSites are positioned on ridges and uneven terrain. Walk-in access only.
Open and Closed SeasonAvailable year-round, but weather conditions may affect accessibility.
Reservation PlatformsReservations available at ReserveCalifornia.com or via phone at (800) 444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilitySites are bookable in advance; individual campsites operate on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Cancellation PolicySpecific cancellation rules not provided in the source material.
Amenities available
Picnic tables
Cell phone service
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Deer Canyon Campground is secluded and offers activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. The area features steep trails and panoramic views of the ocean. The campground is also popular among mountain bikers.
HikingThe hike to the campground is approximately three miles and strenuous, with steep uphill sections. Trails in the surrounding area include ridgeline and multi-use fire roads, offering scenic views.
FishingFishing opportunities are not available at this campground.
SwimmingThere are no designated swimming areas at Deer Canyon Campground.
BikingMountain biking is popular in the area, with trails suitable for experienced riders. Bikes are allowed on designated trails but not after dark.
BoatingNo boating activities are available at Deer Canyon Campground.
Wildlife viewingThe area provides opportunities for observing local wildlife, although specific species are not mentioned.
Beach activitiesBeach-related activities are not accessible as the campground is inland and uphill, away from the coast.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned for the campground.
Winter ActivitiesWinter activities are not described for this campground.
Water SportsNo water sports are mentioned for Deer Canyon Campground.
Campground rules
- Pets are not allowed
- Compressed gas stoves allowed; wood and charcoal fires are prohibited.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsStrenuous trail, lack of water sources, and steep terrain pose hazards for campers. Wildlife such as small flies reported during mid-summer.
Active alertsNone reported.
Weather forecast
64
°F
Aug 20
Wednesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 89%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 5.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest emergency services include Laguna Beach Police Station, Mission Hospital Laguna Beach, and the ranger station within Crystal Cove State Park.
Good to know
Peak season datesNot explicitly stated.
Trash and recyclingNo trash cans are available on-site, and campers must pack out all trash.
Proximity to water featuresApproximately 3 miles inland from the Pacific coastline.
Common complaintsSquatters taking reserved sites, steep or uneven grounds for tents, and lack of ranger presence in monitoring campsite occupancy.
HostNo specific details provided.
Campground Map
8471 North Coast Highway Laguna Beach CA 92651
Driving directionsThe park is located off Pacific Coast Highway between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach. From Corona del Mar, the entrance is at Los Trancos cross street, the first traffic light after Newport Coast Drive. From Laguna Beach, the entrance is at Los Trancos cross street, the first traffic light after Crystal Heights Drive.
Located off Pacific Coast Highway, the campground is accessible via paved roads. However, access to Deer Canyon Campground requires a strenuous 3-mile hike inland, mostly uphill.Nearby places
Corona del Mar (approx. 6 miles), Newport Beach (approx. 8 miles), Laguna Beach (approx. 4 miles).
Nearby supplies
Groceries and camping supplies can be found in nearby Laguna Beach (approximately 4 miles away).
Camper Reviews
4.7
12 reviews
Deer Canyon Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews of Deer Canyon Campground highlight its strenuous access hike, beautiful views, and clean facilities. However, campers frequently mention issues such as overcrowding, squatters occupying reserved sites, and lack of privacy due to day hikers and mountain bikers.
Review Summaries
Based on 12 reviews
What Campers Love
Positive aspects mentioned in reviews include clean pit toilets, panoramic ocean views, and the secluded nature of the campground after nightfall. Many campers appreciate the opportunity to engage in...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Common complaints include squatters occupying reserved sites, lack of ranger oversight, steep and uneven campsite terrain, and frequent interruptions from day hikers and bikers.
Based on 12 reviewsPro Tips & Recommendations
Campers recommend arriving early to select the best campsite, packing light due to the strenuous hike, and being prepared for limited privacy during the day. Using a backpack rather than carrying...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Seasonal trends include a higher prevalence of small flies in mid-July, which diminish when fog rolls in. Reviews also suggest that the trails and campsites can be crowded during peak camping seasons.
Based on 12 reviewsCamper Quotes
"Hiked up to Lower Moro last Saturday with a 40lb pack. Took the cut across trail, recommended by the rangers, and glad I did." - John Blakely
"Totally worth the hike. You should backpack in and camp...
Based on 12 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site #1 is noted for its panoramic ocean views atop a hill. However, campers report overcrowding and difficulty in finding suitable tent spots due to steep and uneven terrain.
Based on 12 reviewsAccessibility Features
The campground is not accessible for individuals with disabilities due to the strenuous hike required to reach the sites.
Based on 12 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are not allowed at Deer Canyon Campground.
Based on 12 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025