Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort and Marina

I want to punch myself in the face when backing into this tiny closet of a «lot». Parking is a joke, WAY too many people and very expensive for what you get. What a shitty «camping» experience. I’d never go back and advise the same!

We booked Newport Dunes Resort as our wedding venue because we absolutely love camping here. Once we met with the coordinator, Selina Grande, it was a «no brainer.» Now that our day has come and gone, we both agree that we couldn’t have picked a better place!

The line to rent life jackets and paddle boards took SO long. They should really consider updating their system. At least have the forms available online so people can fill them out in advance. The walk there was super far too!
The sand was oily and disgusting. My friend slipped on grease and got very dirty. If I didn’t go through so much trouble to get there, I would have turned around immediately.
Review from the attending child: When I got there we walked across the sand/​mud and I was barefoot and my feet were getting cut by seashells! Also the when you jumped in the water sometimes water gets in your mouth and when that happened to me the water burned my throat. Plus, the water looked like it was filled with pee. My sister asked if I peed in the bay 3 times. They say they clean the water but I don’t believe them at all.
But it was super fun! I liked trampoline in the end of the trip. It was ok…

My wife and I booked our anniversary party at the Dunes this past weekend and had the best experience! We worked with Lori Baumann to put the event together and she exceeded our expectations in every way.
We did our event on Pavilion E which overlooked the water. The scenery was great and all our guests were so impressed with the site and venue. They had no idea what a little gem there was there!
Also, her staff picked up our guests and drove them over to our party and the restrooms on the golf carts all night! They were so attentive and made sure everything went smoothly. My wife and I truly got to enjoy our party and our guests because they took such good care of us.
I definitely recommend booking your event at the Dunes and make sure you work with Lori, she will make it an event to remember!

Possibly the best location for an RV Park in Southern California! Best things to do: Bodyboard at The Wedge. Surf in HB or Newport. Visit Laguna. Tide Pooling in Crystal Cove. Bike from Malibu to Newport. Staff is friendly and the park is located on the beautiful back bay.

We were SO looking forward to staying here in one of the camping cabins. Had reservations for Mother’s Day weekend 2016. When I discovered there would be a big event this weekend, which I had specifically asked about when booking and been told nothing was planned, I called to change the reservation. I was told a $ 25 cancellation fee would apply but if I changed my reservation then no cancellation fee. Called back to change the date and after waiting on hold for 20 mins (as I’ve had to each of the 5 times I’ve now called this place), I was told they had no record of my reservation for this weekend, but did still have my original reservation on the books, which was changed two months ago. Strange, but okay, I needed to change it anyhow, glad I called otherwise we would have shown up to no reservation /​availability this weekend. Tried to change the reservation to the same date next year and now the rate is $ 30 more a night than what I was originally quoted and what is on the website. Was told «well we can change it whenever we want». Finally gave up with the haggling and decided this place is not worth any more effort or time to be able to pay them my money. I’m now sacked with a $ 25 cancellation fee (after unsuccessfully asking for it to be waived due to all of THEIR misinformation) on top of several hours of my time dealing with extraordinarily sub par customer service on top of a computer that’s «going really slow today» EVERY time I’ve called for info. Time to upgrade your systems, to accept online cabin reservations, to provide confirmation emails, and hire knowledgeable /​friendly customer representatives that are empowered to help customers.

It is trashy for the rates they charge this place should be a whole lot nicer. Pulling in to our spot, the pad had human feces and toilet paper on it as well as dried canine feces. The people next to us threw paper plates and paper bowls in the area between us. Our picnic table was filthy. And the area needs to be swept or blown off… The wifi is horrible. Will not hold a connection. In addition they are not accommodatIng at all. We had a family emergency and called to change our teservstion from 3 days to 2 with 48 hour notice. Since you pay upfront, there are no refunds! All in all it is a pricey stopover… and not very nice with the exception of it being on the bay and near the ocean. Walking distance to Balboa Island.

This was one of my favorite places but recently not so good! Just a tonight you could get better customer service staying at the Hyatt next door and spend the same amount of money that you spend to camp.
I went to ask for a late Check out one day before my departure asking if I could leave at 1 I was told that shouldn’t be an issue as the next scheduled party is checking in at 2. So this morning I go to confirm and before I could even give my site number I was shutdown by a male manager. I said I want to leave at 1:00 so what’s the problem if the next guest Checks in at 2:00 he said well they may come earlier? So maybe they come early but technically they can’t check in until 2? Well if they come earlier… How come when I show up earlier I have to wait until 2?
Also made reservations and had to wait on hold with 20 minute increments finally after the sixth call she wants me to call her back later with my credit card info as her system is down? I call back and no one knows who I am or what I’m talking about. At this point we aren’t able to stay the full week for Easter here as we always do but now we can only come in for two nights! How accommodating for my family right so annoying!
As I mentioned we have spent many weeks, weekends, here for the past four years maybe we should drive up to Malibu and seek other RV resorts. My money isn’t welcomed here!

Called to try to reserve a beach cottage in April, it would be nice to have a 2 NIGHT MINIMUM REQUIREMENT listed somewhere on your site instead of wasting my time being put on hold for half an hour! It’s a little ridiculous how they can’t do online reservations, it would be more convenient, instead of being place on hold for half an hour to an hour at a time, I called 3 times today! If you don’t mind being placed on hold for at least 30 minutes to find out the prices and if your date is available, by all means, waste your day. They quoted me $ 265/​night FYI.

My husband and bought VIP tickets to attend the New Year’s Eve celebration 2016. We ordered bottle service thru the coordinator, Allie McDowell, in order to secure seating. We have been to see Jimmy Hopper multiple times at various venues, and have always enjoyed his shows. This negative review is not a reflection of him or his band. The review is based solely on the venue, and the disorganized staff, running the event.
First of all. Upon arrival, we noticed a large ‘tent’ in the middle of the parking lot. I was really hoping that was not going to be our event, I was expecting it to be in the restaurant. Unfortunately, the tent was where the event was being held. I was dressed up in a little black dress and no jacket. Expecting to be inside. It was a 42° night out. And the temperature was not much different inside the TENT.
So we walked in, and no one was there to show us our bottle service seats. All the seats were taken. Nowhere to sit. I finally found someone who worked there, and they took my name and were going to ‘try’ and bring some seats in for us? So, as we stand shivering, and waiting, we realize no one is actually helping us at all. We stood for quite a while before my husband was fed up and wanted to leave… At this point, I was feeling the same way. That was our entire experience. I emailed the coordinator, Allie McDowell, and she responded, saying she was sorry, but no refunds. That was the gist of her message. Very unprofessional and disappointing, to say the least. What a waste of money and our time. We be looking forward to seeing Jimmy Hopper in the future, but we will never set foot at this venue again. Very unprofessional and all around bad business.
I am pleased to report The management at Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort read my review of our NYE experience and management has reached out to me. They are planning to refund our tickets for the event. Along with giving us a full refund, they have also extended an invite with a gift certificate to join their bistro for a Sunday brunch.

My father in law houses his boat here. It’s ALWAYS clean and quiet, well-​kept. All throughout the day, people walk around here, take their dogs on walks, stroll around. Very pleasant scenery surrounded by the Newport bay and gorgeous beach-​front mansions.

As a former tenant at the resort, I had pulled my boat out of my boat parking spot and pulled forward to get my boat ready for backing into the launch ramp
Suddenly a valet person moved my boat backwards without authorization or without saying anything
while I was on the upper deck of my boat his actions made me straight to the ground, both the valet company and the Newport dunes is not taking responsibility for their actions. They are being avoidant and scandalous there. Will never be back since then I have vacated the premises and am seeking legal action for hiring fly by night valet company.
The restaurant manager and the Newport dunes head of security will not return calls everyone is hiding behind voicemails systems.
I highly recommend if you enter the dunes enter at your own Risk!

Review for the Camp James area of Newport Dunes. We had our annual company picnic at Camp James and we had a blast. The area was huge and the water sports were great. There was an area for miniature golf, pool tables, life size Jenga, and an area set up video games. My company ordered live entertainment for the stage which included Polynesian dancers and a fire show. Hawaiian food and BBQ. They also provided frozen treats, including shaved ice and frozen Popsicles. Two fountain machines are also located on site with a variety of drink selections. We setup a tent on the sand next to the waterfront. We had access to kayaks and paddle boards. Everyone had to wear a life vest before using any of the water sport items. They had a life guard on watch and assistants to help. We also had access to beach cruiser rentals to ride around the area. We had so much here. I think it’s a great spot for a company picnic.
Only problem was parking. We parked in the dirt lot next the dunes which is also for boat parking too. It was little tight getting in and out of that lot not to mention all the sand you kick up.

This review is for the grounds and meeting facilities.
Last Monday, the OneLegacy leadership development committee arranged for our quarterly meeting to occur at this location. It was FANTASTIC!
We met in a room that overlooked the water and had a sign lawn where we could take team photos, play games, and enjoy the BBQ from Britt’s BBQ (The caterer we hired) at lunch. We were able to have the whole area to ourselves while we worked to establish OL values, leadership skills, and learned some stress-​management and wellness tips to take back to our teams.
The room easily fit our 40-​ish team leaders with room for interactive activists at round tables.
They have a local convenience store right next to room with yummy coffee and office supplies (and a ton of other things you might need if camping there). This bailed me out when I forgot markers for my poster board!
My only complaint would be that they only had one restroom for women and one for men. That slowed is down a bit at breaks.
We were able to map out this 1-​mile route around the water to walk outside as leadership team and as an homage to our annual OneLegacy Donate Life Run Walk.
With my Colleagues expertise in event planning, this day was a success!
After the meeting was complete, some of our colleagues brought their boats and we launched out toward the ocean for some R&R including fresh yellow tail caught by 2 of our staff members, Patrick and Hector. What an amazing end to our training day!
Thank you Newport Dunes! My eyes have seen the light, and I will be back for more R&R!

Been coming here about twice a year for over 14 years. In the beginning the prices were reasonable and the staff was great. As time went by, the staff got worse and the prices went up.
With prices over a 120 a night for rv camping, you would think the resort would be first class. Or last visit here was the worst. Guest park all over the place, blocking RVs and other vehicles. Security is a joke. Customer service does not exist. The restrooms used to be to notch and clean, now they smell, and half the time the showers aren’t working.
With the way the park is running these days, they should drop the prices to be closer to the service and atmosphere. I always think you get what you pay for, but here, is like paying for a diamond and getting broken glass.
Shame on Newport Dunes.

Too overcrowded and overpriced! So many cars lining the streets that it’s impossible to back in an RV without waiting for people to move them.
Not very clean– sites were left untouched between groups. (People left paper cups and wads of paper towels at the site next to us that were still there when next group arrived a day later). Laundry room was disgusting with no one checking or cleaning.
Pool was crowded but the main complaint is that the jacuzzi was FULL of little kids despite the sign posted above it with an age limit of 12 and the «lifeguard» turning a blind eye.
Location in Newport is excellent.
Buffet brunch at on-​site restaurant was delicious but expensive.
We will return because of the location and deal with the negatives.

1 star off because the water is slightly more unsanitary than the regular beach water, there are jellyfish and stingrays in this bay as well so heads up.
There are 3 water spots at this resort, one is where the whale is, the second is the inflatables (it’s like $ 25 per jacket), you cannot get on the inflatables without a jacket, no exceptions, so adults must have them too. Just for liability reasons which are understandable. Plus who knows how deep it actually is down there.
Then there is the regular pool that is just a walk across towards the opposite side of the bay. Sand is not like beach sand, has many many shells in it! Public restrooms are clean so that rounded up my 4 stars!

Took the kids here for some water fun as we see it all the time driving by. When we got all set up on the dirt we found out that there is an extra $ 25 charge to climb on the inflatables for 2 hours. The only thing my kids could enjoy was the water and the whale which is tied up quite far out.
The kids swam way out and were climbing on whale but swimming back after the exertion the smallest child began to struggle. As I ran out to assist I yelled for the lifeguard and he was texting and gave me the just a second finger signal and never looked up. I swam all the way out and back with my kid and he never once looked up from his phone.
I wouldn’t recommend this place. Enjoy the free beach play at the real beach or the other mothers beaches available across OC. And do not count on their «lifeguards» to create a safe environment for your family.

I’ve been here for various occasions: randomly biking, volunteering at the Asian Pacific Islander Festival, or the Newport Film Festival. It’s quite a hidden and peaceful setting. The bridge is great to observe the multiple boats or you can walk around the beach. There’s a lot of things you can do here such as paddle-​boarding, mobile-​camping, or nature learing. In regards to parking, you can either park in the lot, street, or drive around the corner for residence parking.
TL;DR Tips:
* Check out their events they co-​host (beer, API, Newport Film Festival). I can feel like it’s a nice hidden gem.

Went here last weekend for the Pacific Festival. The area looks nice at first glance. You can walk by the Marina and even swim, paddle, float in water next to the Marina. But the beach is dirt– not sand. And the dirt’s very light so if you’re sitting on your towel and people walk by you’re going to get a lot of dirt coming your way.
It was nice to be near the water for the festival. I just felt it’s odd to call it Newport Dunes when there are no dunes and no sand.