Best Campgrounds near Burbank, CA
Campgrounds around Burbank, California range from urban RV parks to wilderness sites in the Angeles National Forest. Developed facilities like Hollywood RV Park provide convenient access to city attractions, while Malibu Creek State Park Campground offers tent and RV sites about 30 minutes west of Burbank. Angeles Crest Overlook provides dispersed camping options along mountain roads with views of Los Angeles. Several trails in the San Gabriel Mountains lead to primitive campsites like Millard Trail Campground and Gould Mesa Trail Campground, which accommodate tent campers within hiking distance of the city.
Most campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest operate seasonally, with Chilao Campground typically open from April through mid-November. "This is a nice hike-in campground with about ten sites available and a privy. Lots of hikers up here on the weekend (and weekdays too). There's no running water but the creek is usually running so bring something to treat the water," notes one visitor to Gould Mesa Trail Campground. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer months, and overnight parking for dispersed camping requires careful attention to local regulations. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage at locations closer to urban areas and limited or no service in canyon areas.
The dispersed camping area at Angeles Crest Overlook attracts visitors seeking city views, though several reviews mention nighttime activity and noise. A visitor reported, "It is not a real campground, just a parking area of a view point. So the view was great... There were also tire tracks on the ground that suggested some young people come here to test their driving skills." Trail camps like Gould Mesa offer more solitude but require hiking in with supplies. These primitive sites provide access to hiking trails and seasonal streams but have minimal facilities. Established campgrounds like Malibu Creek State Park provide more amenities including showers, drinking water, and designated fire rings. RV parks near Hollywood cater to urban explorers who want full hookups while maintaining proximity to attractions.
