Campground: Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Reviewed By: Robin and Jeremy
Location: Newport Beach, CA
Campfire Critiques has no affiliation with this campground.
If you’re RVing along the Southern California coast and want to park somewhere upscale, scenic, and close to all the action, Newport Dunes Waterfront RV Resort in Newport Beach might already be on your radar. We recently stayed there and are here to give you the full scoop.
Amenities
Newport Dunes feels more like a luxury resort than a typical RV park. You’ll find heated pools, a jacuzzi, a fitness center, a well-stocked market, laundry facilities, and even an on-site restaurant, Moe B’s. A standout feature is the private beach and calm lagoon, perfect for paddleboarding, kayaking, or just relaxing in the sun. They also offer cabana and golf cart rentals, and during peak seasons, you can enjoy movies on the beach, concerts, and holiday events. The only downside is that many of these extras come with additional costs, so be prepared for fees on top of your already expensive site. Speaking of cost, this resort is definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum—especially if you want a waterfront site.
Access
The resort is located just off the 55 freeway and close to major freeways, making arrival and departure easy. The interior roads are wide and well-maintained, with most sites being back-in featuring full hookups. The only time things get a bit tight is during check-in when traffic can back up, especially in the late afternoon, so it’s best to arrive early if you can. The roads in the park have a one-way traffic flow, so if you are in the last row, all exiting traffic will go by your campsite.
The private beach allows you to bring your own paddleboards, kayaks, and floating devices without having to pay a fee. There is a marina where you can rent boats and kayaks if you don’t have your own. We don’t have a boat, so I am not sure if you can launch a boat from a different location in the park, but you can’t do this directly from the campground itself.
Atmosphere
The overall atmosphere is clean, upscale, and family-friendly; however, I think this would be a great place for a girls’ weekend. Whether you’re a snowbird, couple, or traveling with kids, the vibe is relaxed. Quiet hours are respected, and even on busy weekends, things calm down nicely at night. Be aware that during the day, the beach is crowded and hopping during peak season. The landscaping is minimal, with palm trees, grassy areas in some sites, hibiscus flowers in bloom, and a beachy feel throughout. During weekends and holidays, the park can get crowded and lively. If solitude is what you’re after, a midweek stay might be a better fit.
Environment
Situated right on a peaceful lagoon, it offers a calm waterfront experience perfect for families who prefer safety and tranquility over ocean waves. The sunsets are stunning, and the marina and nearby walking trails add to the experience. One minor drawback is that some sites have limited shade, and privacy is minimal in certain areas—so you’ll likely rely on your awning or umbrellas for comfort. Most sites have a chainlink fence on the sides to give the sites a border.
The park is dog-friendly. There is a walking/bike bath around the beach with a pedestrian foot path taking you over the water. Dogs are allowed on this path, but not on the beach.
Surrounding Area
Newport Beach is packed with things to do. You’re just minutes from Balboa Island, Fashion Island for shopping, and some of the best restaurants in Orange County. There’s easy access to scenic spots like the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve, as well as famous destinations like Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and even Disneyland. The only real downside is traffic—Newport Beach can get congested, especially on weekends and during local events, so plan accordingly.
Some restaurant recommendations to try while you are in the area might be Sapori Ristorante with exceptional-rated Italian food located just 0.8 miles from the resort. It is delicious with consistently high reviews (4.8 stars). It’s a standout for pasta lovers and date nights. Or fun for the whole family might be a trip to Ruby’s Diner on the Balboa Pier, offering classic diner food with ocean views.
There are also numerous public golf courses around, as I mentioned a girl’s weekend earlier, this campground would be a great place to relax and get some golfing in with the boys, your spouse, or the family.
Favorite Things
We love staying at Newport Dunes because it truly has everything you need in one place—beautiful waterfront views, full hookups, a private beach, water activities, a pool and hot tub, a market, and even an on-site restaurant. It’s the kind of place where you can park your RV and relax without ever needing to leave the resort. But if you do decide to venture out, it makes the perfect home base for exploring all that Orange County has to offer. From world-class shopping at Fashion Island to family fun at Disneyland (19 miles and about an hours drive with traffic) and nearby beaches, everything is just a short drive away. Whether you’re staying put or heading out, Newport Dunes offers the best of both worlds.
If I Could Change One Thing…
If we could change one thing about Newport Dunes, it would be to have larger RV sites with a bit more privacy. While the resort is beautifully maintained and packed with amenities, the sites can feel close together—especially during peak times. A little more space between rigs or some added landscaping for separation would go a long way in making the experience feel more relaxing and exclusive. With such a prime location and upscale feel, having roomier, more private sites would take this already great resort to the next level.
Overall, we’d rate Newport Dunes Waterfront RV Resort a solid 4.6 out of 5. If you’re looking for comfort, luxury, and an unbeatable location, this is a fantastic place to stay. It’s not the most budget-friendly option, and it doesn’t offer a back-to-nature camping vibe—but if resort-style RVing is your thing, Newport Dunes delivers. We’ll definitely return.
More sSouthern California Campgrounds
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