CLIPBOARD : ORANGE COUNTY OVERNIGHT CAMPSITES

Orange Countians have the opportunity to enjoy many outdoor activities--bicycling, surfing, fishing and boating, to name but a few. And as summer approaches, camping takes the spotlight.

There are five park and beach sites in the county where people can sleep under the stars.

For the “mountain” camping experience, three regional parks have overnight public camping facilities. There is a $10-per-night fee at each, and campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park, although it is huge (occupying 7,600 acres), has only 42 campsites, in keeping with its emphasis on wilderness. The park, about four miles north of San Juan Capistrano on Ortega Highway, has more than 30 miles of trails and is a favorite for mountain bikers and horseback riders. Camping is restricted to those 18 years and older.

O’Neill Regional Park, in an unincorporated area east of Mission Viejo, has 150 campsites in its 1,298 acres in Trabuco and Live Oak canyons. The park has several riparian nature trails and is in the shadows of Santiago and Modjeska peaks.

Featherly Regional Park has 129 campsites in its 700 acres along the Santa Ana River in Santa Ana Canyon. Much of the park is undeveloped, but there is a mile-long hiking trail and another nature trail for campers to explore.

For a beach camping experience, there are two sites. Doheny State Beach, at Dana Point Harbor Drive and Coast Highway in Dana Point, is one of the most popular spots on the California coast. There are 115 campsites spread over 62 acres, and reservations can be made up to 56 days in advance. There is an overnight camping fee of $21 per vehicle for beachfront campsites and $16 for inland sites.

San Clemente State Beach, off Avenida Calafia in San Clemente, west of Interstate 5, has 160 campsites. There is a fee of $16 per campsite. There is also a group campground for up to 50 people that can be reserved.

The phone number to call to make reservations at either Doheny or San Clemente state beaches is (800) 444-7275.

Other beach sites offer en-route camping--places where you can park your recreational vehicle overnight. These include Bolsa Chica and Huntington Beach state beaches and Huntington Beach City Beach.

Also, Newport Dunes Aquatic Park provides facilities for tent camping on the beach for organized groups only. Call (714) 729-3863 for more information and reservations.

Orange County Overnight Campsites

1. Bolsa Chica State Beach 2. Huntington Beach City Beach 3. Huntington Beach State Beach 4. Newport Dunes Aquatics Park 5. Doheny State Beach 6. San Clemente State Beach 7. Featherly Regional Park 8. O’Neill Regional Park 9. Ronald W. Caspers Wilderness Park