Newport Dunes Waterfront Resrt   

1131 Back Bay Dr
Newport Beach, CA 92660
949-729-3863
www.newportdunes.com

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Experience the full spectrum of Newport outdoor recreation at this luxury RV park in the heart of Upper Newport Bay. With 406 RV sites and several cottages, it offers camping on a grand scale. There's a pool and spa for guests, as well as a "waveless" beach that's open to anyone. Guests and non-guests alike can rent everything from inline skates to sailboats. The 100-acre property shares a border with the Back Bay Ecological Reserve, so when you've had enough hustle and bustle, you can simply walk up Back Bay Road and enter the serene, peaceful marshland and bird sanctuary. Amenities: The Dunes has a sundry store where you can buy anything from camera film to newspapers to snacks. It rents inline skates, bikes, scooters and other athletic gear. There are outdoor showers on the beach and restrooms on the grounds. Added Attractions: The Dunes hosts an aquatic attractions area that's sure to keep the kids busy. It contains a large inflatable "iceberg" with three different climbing walls, a giant enclosed trampoline, and a "Water Totter" that seats six people. The resort's busy calendar of events includes summertime movies, Fourth of July fireworks, concerts and more. Bikes and scooters are available for rental -- stick with a bike if you plan to circumnavigate the Back Bay estuary. You can also tour the reserve with a guide or on your own. Stop by Muth Interpretive Center for information on the 200 species of birds that live in the wetlands. Water Sports: The resort rents out sailboats, paddleboats, small electric craft, fishing boats and kayaks. It boasts a 450-slip marina and the only launch ramp in the area. The ramp is right next to Back Bay Cafe. You also can rent out boogie boards, though there aren't many waves to be caught. Upper Newport Bay is a great place to fish or kayak. Admission and Parking: It's usually $8 to park and enter the Newport Dunes property (though price always is subject to change). This gives access to the beach, market facilities, etc. Equipment rental is additional, and open to anyone. Free admission to Newport Bay. Where to Eat: The resort's Back Bay Cafe serves reasonably priced California cuisine. The spacious alfresco dining area over looks the water and the launch ramp, affording lovely views and highly entertaining people-watching. The restaurant is open for lunch year-round, and dinner in the winter only. Lifeguard on Duty: There is no lifeguard on duty on the beach. Fido Friendly: Dogs are allowed at the Dunes, but they must be on leash and attended at all times. They are not allowed on the beach; a dog run is provided. Please clean up after your pup --plastic bags are available throughout the resort. No Rottweilers or pitbulls. Back Bay is dog-friendly. Insider Info: If your laptop has wireless Internet capacity, you can bring it to the Wi-Fi Hot Spot, log in, and check your email literally from the beach. Purchase time in any increment from 15-minutes up to monthly. If you get to Movies on the Beach early, there's a barbecue under the stars (approximately $7.95 for adults, $4.50 for children ages 3-10). Bring your own main course and cook it on the giant grill. Everything else is provided. -- Lena Katz