Campgrounds to Reopen

Campgrounds at O’Neill Regional Park, closed almost a year for renovation, will reopen in time for the Fourth of July weekend, county officials say.

The $1.5-million project constitutes a major overhaul of the 45-year-old park, set in picturesque Trabuco Canyon. Campsites and day-use areas have not only been reconditioned, but the park’s layout has been significantly altered.

Camping has been moved from along Trabuco Canyon Road. Two former campgrounds (Featherly and Mesa) have become day-use areas. Four new RV group campsites have been installed.

The project was undertaken when officials determined that decades of use had created a “negative impact” on the park’s natural resources, particularly compaction of the soil from parking and other activities under some of the oak canopies.

Now the 2,300-acre park has 31 RV sites, 59 tent and camper sites, two equestrian sites and 24 youth group sites. Restrooms and other facilities have been reconditioned in the campgrounds, and a new playground and other amenities have been added to the day-use areas.

For information on camping or other use of the park, call (714) 858-9365.