The coolest feature of the Crystal Cove State Beach Moro Campground in swanky Orange County is the variety of options for “roughing it.” In the main campground, there are 28 designated RV and trailer sites and 30 tent camping sites (no water or electrical hookups). Site occupancy is limited to eight people, and there are clean restrooms and token-operated showers available.
If you’re looking to get lost in woodsy nature, you can hike (a strenuous) three to four miles from the Moro Campground parking lot to one of 32 backcountry sites (obtain a permit at the ranger kiosk first) in the 2,400 acres of undeveloped land in Moro Canyon. While there are pit toilets and picnic tables at these primitive sites, you’ll need to pack out everything you carried in.
On the other end of the accommodations spectrum, there are cottages available for rent in the park’s Historic District, ranging from studios to two-bedroom houses to hostel-style dorms. Dogs are allowed in the campground (on a leash) but not permitted on the beach or in the backcountry. Another fun benefit of this site is the year-round calendar of interpretive programs led by park staff. Go exploring in the tidepools or
bird-watching, or make your own jewelry using found sea glass.
