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O’Neill Regional Park

O’Neill Regional Park is 4,000 acres in size and is located in the Trabuco and Live Oak Canyons east of the city of Irvine. There are day use areas as well as overnight camping options. Park features include picnic areas with barbecues as well as hiking trails, horseshoe pits, two large community turf areas and a children’s playground. 

O’Neill Regional Park sits at 1,000 feet above sea level nestled in the hills with native shrubbery and chaparral, oak woodlands, and grassy meadows. Winter temperatures are mild, while summers are warm and dry.

O'Neill Regional Park

There are two creeks within O’Neill Regional Park — Trabuco Creek and Hickey Creek. They are typically dry during warmer months, and flowing in winter and early spring. Fishing and wading/swimming is not allowed in the creeks.

Keep an eye out for wildlife! You may catch a glimpse of mule deer if you visit in the spring.

O’Neill Regional Park Details 

Address: 30892 Trabuco Canyon Road, Trabuco Canyon, CA 92678
Phone: 949-923-2260
Website: https://www.ocparks.com/oneill
Park Hours: Sun – Sat: 7:00 AM – Sunset
Parking: $3 per vehicle entry Monday – Friday; $5 Saturday – Sunday
Dogs permitted on-leash on all paved trails and in campgrounds only

What’s At O’Neill Regional Park

Trails

There are 23 miles of hiking trails within O’Neill Regional Park that are open to hikers, bicycles and horseback riding. Popular trails include the 4-mile round-trip hike to Vista Trail which is a loop that brings you up to a scenic overlook with 360 degree views of Orange County with an elevation of 1,492 feet at the peak and back around the park. Or the 3 mile Live Oak Trail which is a moderate bike trail option. 

For a more in-depth, educational adventure, schedule a guided hike with a park ranger.

For all park trails see the O’Neill Regional Park Map

Camping 

Located within the park is the popular Arroyo campground. It has 78 campsites that vary in size and can accommodate both RVs or tent camping. Each site can hold up to eight people. Reservations for camp sites can be made online, by phone, or in person. There are no hook-ups in the camp sites, but each site has fire rings, elevated grills for BBQing, a designated parking spot, and a picnic table.

There are eight large group campsites for parties of 17 or more and five equestrian campsites, each with horse corrals, barbecues, and fire pits. Reservations for groups of 17 or more can be made by calling the park office at (949) 923-2260.

Camping at O’Neill Regional Park books quickly. Advanced reservations are recommended.

See the O’Neill Regional Park Campground Map

Online Camping & Shelter Reservations

  • Camping is open year-round
  • Check-Out 12PM; Check-In 2PM
  • Camping fees are $20 per night
  • Restrooms with flush toilets
  • Hot Showers
  • Trailer Sanitary Station
  • Community water
  • Access to hiking trails
  • Camping limited to 14 nights

Interpretive Center 

The Interpretive Center in O’Neill Regional Park has interactive exhibits for the entire family. You can learn about the local bobcats, mountain lions, local plants and birds, rattlesnakes and more. 

There are books and hands on activities for kids to explore and park rangers to provide information about available activities and events withing the park.

Playground 

There is one play area within the park and it is nestled within the shady trees near the interpretive center. There is a small zip track, bench swings, and slides. The tot trail is short in length and fun for smaller hikers. 

In addition to the play area, there are two community turf areas for public use for sports, relaxing, games, etc.

Picnic Areas

There are four picnic areas within the day use area – one group area with picnic tables and three shelters with picnic tables. The picnic areas are available on a first-come first serve basis and vary in size. Additional picnic tables and bbqs are available throughout the park.

All O’Neill Regional Park Amenities

  • Amphitheater
  • Trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use
  • Camping – Tent & RV
  • Conference rooms
  • Dump station
  • Horseshoe pits
  • Interpretive Center with Programs
  • Picnic/Group areas
  • Playground
  • Scenic Overlook
  • Restrooms and showers

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Kaitlin Musser
Kaitlin is a former ballerina who now travels around the country in an 18-foot converted school bus. Her and her tall-one husband have welcomed 34 sweet children into their home the past eleven years. Although they wouldn’t be a forever home for all of them they were able to adopt their daughter buckets and are legal guardians of their son monkey.