Best Campgrounds near Beverly Hills, CA
Despite its urban reputation, the area surrounding Beverly Hills, California provides surprising camping diversity within a reasonable drive. Campers seeking oceanfront experiences can find established options at Dockweiler Beach RV Park in Playa Del Rey, where full hookups and beach access compensate for the proximity to LAX flight paths. Heading northwest along the coast, Malibu Beach RV Park and Leo Carrillo State Park offer Pacific Ocean views and beach access with varying levels of amenities. For those preferring canyon settings, Malibu Creek State Park in Calabasas provides year-round camping with hiking trails and natural swimming holes about 25 miles from Beverly Hills. More rustic options exist at Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park, offering a rare hike-in experience just 12 miles from the city center.
Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends when sites book months in advance. The California State Parks reservation system handles many coastal campgrounds, while Angeles National Forest sites often require Adventure Passes for parking. Urban proximity creates unique considerations, as noted by one camper at Dockweiler: "The most fantastic thing about this RV spot is the location - directly facing a large, beautiful, clean beach with built-in fire rings. The downsides are that it is basically parking lot camping and you are directly under the LAX flight path." Fire restrictions vary seasonally and are strictly enforced, especially during dry summer and fall months when wildfire danger peaks. Cell service is generally reliable at coastal sites but becomes spotty in canyon areas and Angeles National Forest locations.
The contrast between developed and primitive camping experiences defines the region. Coastal campgrounds typically offer more amenities but come with higher noise levels and less privacy. As one visitor to Malibu Beach RV Park noted, "Once night falls all you can hear is the sound of waves crashing on the shore. It's not primitive or in the sticks by any means, but if you're wanting to experience the Malibu-LA area without necessarily staying downtown, this is a wonderful option." Trail camps in Angeles National Forest provide more solitude but require preparation for minimal facilities. Weekday camping generally offers a quieter experience than weekends, when proximity to Los Angeles brings higher visitation. Wildlife encounters are limited in most areas, though proper food storage remains important, particularly at more remote forest sites.
