Newport Dunes Resort Glamping With Kids: 2026 Guide

Growing up in Southern California, I’ve always been a beach lover, and luckily, my kids inherited the same obsession. We never pass up a chance to be by the ocean. Around here, sandy toes and salty hair are basically part of the family dress code.

One of our favorite local escapes is Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina, tucked along the calm waters of the Back Bay. While Newport Beach attracts visitors from all over the world, this hidden gem gives families a relaxed way to enjoy the coast without the crashing waves or crowded shoreline.

What makes it extra special is the variety of ways you can stay. Families can glamp in cozy waterfront cottages, park an RV in one of the scenic waterfront sites, or roll in for a beachside camping experience right on the bay. The protected swimming lagoon is perfect for kids, there are wide sandy areas to play, and you’re just minutes from great restaurants, attractions, and everything that makes Newport Beach such a classic Southern California destination.

Whether you're planning a family glamping getaway or you’re an RV traveler cruising through Southern California looking for a waterfront stop, Newport Dunes offers the perfect mix of beach relaxation, family fun, and easy coastal adventure.

See Our RV Experiences at Newport Dunes Resort:

Glamping Cottages:

Large Beachfront & Non-Beachfront Glamping Cottages at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina:

If you want the glamping experience at Newport Dunes without towing your RV, the large and non-beachfront cottages are a great option for families. They still give you that cozy beach-cabin feel with plenty of space for parents and kids, while keeping you just a short walk from the sand, lagoon, and resort activities.

These cottages are designed to comfortably sleep families and include everything you need for a relaxed stay at the resort.

Features include:

• Kitchen and dining area (note: not all cottages include a stove or oven)
• Queen-size bed with plush linens
• Sofa bed with linens
• 12' x 12' sleeping loft for kids (low 48" ceiling)
• TV with basic cable and complimentary WiFi
• Bathroom with shower, towels, and toiletries
• Private outdoor space with picnic table and patio bistro set
• One complimentary parking space

Maximum occupancy: 6 guests

For families visiting Newport Dunes Resort, these cottages offer a comfortable glamping-style stay with enough room for everyone to spread out after a long day of beach play, kayaking, or exploring Newport Beach. The sleeping loft is especially fun for kids; it quickly becomes their own little vacation hideaway.

Studio Glamping Cottages at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina:

The studio cottages are the most budget-friendly way to enjoy a glamping-style stay at Newport Dunes. Think of them as camping cottages; a simple, cozy place to sleep after a full day of beach time, paddleboarding, or exploring Newport Beach.

They’re especially popular with families, weekend travelers, and RVers who want a comfortable roof over their heads while still keeping that relaxed camping vibe.

Studio cottage features include:

• Kitchenette with microwave, mini-fridge, and small sink
• Twin-size bunk beds (bring your own bedding and pillows)
• Full-size sofa sleeper (bring your own bedding and pillows)
• Small dining area
• TV with basic cable and complimentary WiFi
• Bathroom with shower (bring your own towels)
• Outdoor picnic table and patio bistro set
• One complimentary parking space

Maximum occupancy: 4 guests

Important: These are considered camping cottages, so bedding, pillows, towels, and a coffee maker are not provided. Be sure to pack your own essentials.

For families passing through Southern California or planning a quick coastal getaway, the studio cottages at Newport Dunes Marina and waterfront resort are a simple, affordable way to stay right on the bay while still enjoying all the amenities and activities the resort has to offer.

Newport Dunes RV Park:

Beachfront RV Sites at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina

Just because you love palm trees and sandy beaches doesn’t mean glamping isn’t your style. In fact, pulling up your RV right by the water might be one of the best forms of glamping there is. At Newport Dunes, you can park your rig just steps from the sand and wake up to views of the calm bay, swaying palms, and coastal wildlife.

The beachfront RV sites are some of the most sought-after spots at the resort. Spacious sites and easy beach access make them a favorite for RV travelers cruising through Southern California or families planning a relaxing waterfront stay. Many of these premium sites include grassy courtyards and incredible views across the bay.

The largest sites range from 1,250 sq ft beachfront spaces to 1,575 sq ft supersites, offering plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the coastal setting.

Waterfront Sites include:

• 25 ft x 50 ft sites
• Full hook-ups
• Picnic table
• Concrete pads available in Premium and Deluxe sections
• Designed for RVs and trailers

Other RV Site Options include:

Select Sites

• 25 ft x 40 ft sites
• Full hook-ups
• Picnic table
• Concrete pads available in Premium and Deluxe sections
• For RVs and trailers

Preferred & Large Sites

• 25 ft x 40 ft sites
• Full hook-ups
• Picnic table
• Full dirt sites (no concrete pads)
• For RVs and trailers

Small Sites

• 22 ft x 25 ft sites
• Full hook-ups
• Picnic table
• Back-in dirt sites

In addition to RV sites, RV, trailer, and tent camping options are available throughout the resort, making Newport Dunes Marina and Waterfront Resort a flexible stop for travelers exploring the Southern California coast. Whether you're staying one night on a road trip or settling in for a beach vacation, these waterfront sites make it easy to enjoy the laid-back coastal lifestyle.

Moe B's Munchies Beach Bar & Grill:

When you need a break from the beach, head over to Moe B's Munchies, the casual beachfront eatery right inside Newport Dunes. It’s the perfect place to refuel after swimming, kayaking, or a long afternoon building sandcastles.

The menu is full of easy, crowd-pleasing favorites made fresh to order. You’ll find juicy burgers, stacked sandwiches, bacon-wrapped hot dogs, and giant 14-inch pizzas, all made with high-quality ingredients. One thing you definitely shouldn’t skip? The signature seasoned baked fries—they’re technically shareable, but no judgment if you keep them all to yourself.

For the grown-ups, the beachfront bar serves hand-shaken margaritas, cocktails, and refreshing drinks, perfect for sipping while enjoying the relaxed bayfront setting. Grab a seat in the shaded promenade seating area and soak up the laid-back coastal vibe.

And if you feel like venturing out, remember that Newport Dunes sits in the heart of Newport Beach, which means fantastic dining is just minutes away. From classic seafood spots to waterfront restaurants, you’ll have plenty of options nearby, including local favorites like The Crab Cooker and the beautiful dining spots along Newport Coast.

Family experiences at Newport Dunes Resort are all about making lasting memories at one of Newport Beach’s most unique family entertainment destinations. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend getaway or a longer coastal escape, the resort is packed with activities for all ages.

Public Beach & Playground:

Spend the day soaking up the sun at the public beach of Newport Dunes Resort, where calm Back Bay waters mean no waves to worry about, perfect for little swimmers and toddlers. For extra comfort, you can rent a beach cabana and relax while the kids splash, build sandcastles, or just enjoy the gentle bay breeze.

The playground adds even more fun for young adventurers. Kids can climb, slide, and swing while parents keep an eye on them from the nearby sand or cabana. It’s the perfect combination of relaxation for adults and playtime for kids, all within steps of the water.

Whether you’re planning a full day at the beach or a short afternoon escape, the public beach and playground at Newport Dunes Marina and Waterfront Resort make it easy for families to enjoy safe, stress-free fun right on the bay.

Resort Guest Pool:

Take a break from the sand and enjoy some splash-filled fun at the guest pool at Newport Dunes Resort. Perfect for families, the pool area also features wading pools for little ones and hot tubs for adults, making it a relaxing spot for everyone.

Whether your kids are practicing their swim skills, enjoying pool games, or just cooling off on a warm Southern California day, the pool area offers a safe, family-friendly environment with plenty of space to lounge and watch the action.

It’s the ideal complement to the beach and playground, giving families multiple ways to enjoy water activities at Newport Dunes Marina and Waterfront Resort without ever leaving the resort.

Water Sports Rentals:

For families craving adventure on the water, Newport Dunes Resort offers an array of fun-filled water sports and activities right on the bay. Rent a Duffy boat, kayak, paddleboard, or pedal boat and explore the calm Back Bay waters at your own pace.

The resort also features an inflatable aquatic park that’s perfect for kids to jump, climb, and splash safely while parents relax nearby. For families who love a little friendly competition, the beach volleyball court offers hours of active fun on the sand.

Whether you’re paddling along the bay, trying out a new water sport, or enjoying the inflatables, Newport Dunes Marina and Waterfront Resort makes it easy for families to get out on the water and make unforgettable memories.

Bike and Pedestrian Trails:

Explore the beautiful Back Bay with the bike and pedestrian trails at Newport Dunes Resort. These scenic paths are perfect for families who love to stay active while taking in the coastal views, wildlife, and fresh ocean air.

Whether you’re cruising along on bikes, strolling with little ones, or jogging with a stroller, the trails offer a safe and relaxing way to enjoy the natural beauty of Newport Beach. Stop along the way for a photo, enjoy the bayfront breeze, or make it part of your day of beach and water fun.

The bike and pedestrian trails at Newport Dunes Marina and Waterfront Resort make it easy for families to combine exercise, adventure, and coastal exploration, all within steps of your glamping cottage, RV site, or beachfront escape.

Outdoor Movie Nights:

Nothing says summer like Movies on the Beach at Newport Dunes! Enjoy a magical evening under the stars with complimentary screenings of family-friendly films, all set against the backdrop of the calm Back Bay.

Bring your chairs and blankets, settle in on the sand, and watch the big screen while the gentle bay breeze keeps you cool. It’s a perfect way to unwind after a day of water activities, beach fun, or exploring Newport Beach with the family.

These special nights take place Friday and Saturday evenings at dusk during the summer, offering a relaxed, memorable experience that both kids and adults will love. Movies on the Beach at Newport Dunes Marina and Waterfront Resort turn a simple evening into a family tradition you won’t want to miss.

Seasonal Activities & Events:

At Newport Dunes Resort, there’s always something special happening for families and visitors throughout the year. The resort hosts a variety of seasonal events, holiday celebrations, and festivals that turn a regular visit into an unforgettable experience.

Celebrate with themed holiday events, enjoy live music at seasonal music festivals, or admire classic vehicles at the vintage RV shows. These activities are perfect for families, friends, and RV travelers passing through Southern California who want to experience the local vibe and create lasting memories.

From summer movies on the beach to St. Patrick’s Day festivities, there’s always a fun reason to plan a visit. Newport Dunes Marina and Waterfront Resort combines natural beauty with a calendar full of activities, making it a top destination for family-friendly entertainment in Newport Beach.

If you’re visiting Newport Beach with the kids, I highly recommend staying at Newport Dunes Resort. It has everything you need for a relaxing beach weekend, calm waters with no waves to worry about, easy access to the beach, playground, pool, and water sports, plus all the amenities conveniently located so families can enjoy stress-free fun.

While the dunes are open to the public, pool access and some amenities are reserved for resort guests, which makes it extra safe and easy to keep track of the kids. Entry fees help keep the beach area calm and family-friendly, unlike the busy public beaches. We love staying here multiple times a year—it’s truly one of our favorite Southern California escapes.

For more ideas on family-friendly adventures across the Golden State, check out our Orange County and California Family Travel Guides to discover beaches, parks, cabins, and kid-approved activities throughout the state.