We camped in the Ortega Flats section for three days in late February during one of the rainiest periods in years. The park roads, facilities, and all trails were completely closed (less this single campground) due to flooding. Electric site, no water/restrooms/showers for the foreseeable future. About 100 yards from the busy highway so traffic noise is constant but not overbearing. It looks like a great park and we were sad about not having the opportunity to enjoy it. The rangers are all very friendly and helpful. If we return we would favor dry camping in the Live Oak campground over Ortega Flats.
Gary M
Posted Mar 04, 2023; Upper Midwest
Really love this park! O芒鈧劉Neil Regional Park recommended staying here when were we evacuated from the rain storms. It was 芒鈧揾igher ground芒鈧 than our last campsite. Though it did rain a lot while we were here I was able to get in lots of great walks and hikes everyday. The view from the nature center was fantastic! The creek did flood for 24hours which I was told hasn芒鈧劉t happened in at least 10 years. We took it in stride, we felt very safe. There was a ranger that stayed on our side of the creek for the campers that were going to wait it out.
Rangers were super helpful and excellent source of information to enjoy the great beauty of this park.
My one minus was the bathroom showers aren芒鈧劉t great.
We definitely plan to visit again.
Stayed Jan 14th-21st
DutchKillsCouple
Posted Feb 16, 2019; Long Beach, CA
I can't believe this treasure is only half an hour from home. Great price for electric hookups, plenty of space between sites! They also have free programs every Saturday night with a ranger, it was a blast! The Cacti fields are beautiful to wake up to, and there is are loads of accessible hiking trails for all levels. I was bummed about the no dog policy until around the fire, the Ranger recited a cool poem he wrote five years ago about why all the animals were leaving. Too many preditors in this small area where animals are being more and more confined because of southern ca development almost chased out all the prey animals, so the natural preditors were leaving, too.
So glad they figured it out! This place is teaming with cool wildlife, and the best campground playground I've seen so far in our travels.
OfSunshine
Posted Oct 05, 2014; Lake Forest, Ca
Love the trees!
Trip date - 12-6/8-2014
This was our family's first time camping at Casper's. We absolutely loved the campgrounds. There are lots of mature oak trees; our site was under two nice big oaks that gave just a peak at the stars. It would be a great place to camp in the summer, lots of shade.
Pros ?
Lots of room and hills around the site's for decent privacy.
Good fire pits with heavy grates on one end.
Clean! I did not see one piece of trash in the whole campground.
Restrooms were clean but a needed some repairs.
The sites near the restroom have some nice views.
Cons ?
Lots of cacti (not a bad thing but some are right off the trails or between sites. Watch any young kids or when you walking to the restroom at night)
Overall this place is great. Easy access and some nice trials to hike. We have plans to go back in a few months.
EvilFish
Posted Jan 06, 2014; Orange County Ca