Crystal Cove Sp Beach Cottages Campground

Open — The campground is currently open year-round for reservations. All cottages are fully booked through December 28, 2025, reflecting high demand during the holiday season. Reservations can be made up to six months in advance through ReserveCalifornia.com. Dorm-style Cottages 29, 38, and 39 operate on a 30-day rolling calendar with a maximum seven-night annual limit per person. Phase III restoration construction is in progress on North Beach cottages, limited to weekdays 8:00 AM-4:30 PM with no weekend or holiday work.

About

Crystal Cove State Park Beach Cottages represents one of the last remaining examples of early 20th century Southern California coastal development. Located within the federally-listed Crystal Cove Historic District, these 46 vintage cottages were originally built as a rustic seaside colony between 1920 and 1940 along Los Trancos Creek. Today, 24 cottages are available for public overnight rental, including 14 individual cottages and 10 dorm-style cottages with private locking bedrooms. Each cottage has been meticulously restored to preserve its architectural charm and historical authenticity, furnished to recreate the beach culture of 1935-1955. Accommodations range from cozy beachfront studios to spacious two-bedroom houses that sleep up to nine guests. Individual cottages feature private bathrooms with showers, while dorm-style cottages offer shared common areas. All units include vintage-style refrigerators and microwaves, with ADA-accessible cottages also equipped with electric cooktops. Linens, towels, and basic amenities are provided, though the cottages intentionally lack TVs and have limited WiFi to encourage guests to unplug and embrace the natural surroundings. The Historic District sits directly on Crystal Cove's spectacular coastline, offering immediate beach access, tidepools, and stunning Pacific Ocean views. Located between Newport Beach and Laguna Beach off Pacific Coast Highway, the area combines pristine natural beauty with convenient access to Southern California attractions. The onsite Beachcomber Café serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with oceanfront dining. Behind the cottages, 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness provide hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Phase III restoration is currently underway to rehabilitate 22 additional North Beach cottages, with construction limited to weekdays. The Crystal Cove Conservancy manages these historic properties in partnership with California State Parks, keeping rental rates affordable to provide this unique California coastal experience to as many visitors as possible. Reservations open six months in advance and book quickly, especially for summer and holiday periods.

Directions

From Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), take the Los Trancos entrance at the major traffic light between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach. When driving southbound from Newport Beach, it's the first light south of Newport Coast Drive. From Laguna Beach heading north, it's the first light after Crystal Heights Drive. Park in the Los Trancos lot across PCH, then use the pedestrian tunnel under the highway to access the Historic District cottages.

Nearby Campgrounds