Camping options near Cerritos, California span beyond the city limits, primarily within a 30-minute drive radius. The area maintains mild temperatures year-round, with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows rarely dropping below 45°F. Coastal campgrounds experience morning fog patterns from May through July, often clearing by mid-afternoon.
What to do
Beach activities at Bolsa Chica State Beach: Located 13 miles southwest of Cerritos, visitors can enjoy kayaking, swimming, and cycling on the extensive boardwalk. "Had so much fun here today kayaking! It's a great place to enjoy the beach," noted one visitor at Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground. The boardwalk provides miles of paved paths for walking and biking. "The boardwalk was endless and great to walk the dog and go for a run! Restaurants all around to have dinner at!" shared another camper.
Hiking near Crystal Cove: The park features multiple trail networks with ocean views and varying difficulty levels. "No Name Ridge!! Amazing for EPIC SUNSETS!" mentions a reviewer about the trails at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park. The park connects to Laguna Coast Wilderness Park through a pedestrian gate, expanding hiking options. One camper advises, "The hiking trails essentially have zero shade so it gets really hot. Bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen so you don't roast."
Water recreation at Bonelli Bluffs: This inland option 22 miles northeast of Cerritos offers diverse lake activities. A visitor explains, "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more." The park features designated zones for different water activities, allowing families to choose suitable recreation areas.
What campers like
Urban convenience at Golden Shore: Located in downtown Long Beach, this park combines urban amenities with coastal access. "Very well maintained campground. The spots are groomed and clean when you come in. Great Long Beach location, a nice bike ride along the beach to Naples and the Queen Mary," explains a camper at Golden Shore RV Resort. The gated facility includes pool and hot tub access. "Security is very good and felt very safe, especially considering the location," notes another reviewer.
Citrus trees at Orangeland: This unique feature allows guests to pick fresh fruit during their stay. "Super friendly staff, super clean, 2 dog parks, offers really good wifi & cable. Can pick the oranges out of the tree," shares a visitor at Orangeland RV Park. Many campers appreciate the family-friendly amenities including "a covered play area, helpful staff, heated pool as well as a hot tub. The grounds are very well kept and grocery stores within 10 min."
Ocean proximity at Waterfront RV Park: Campers value the short walk to beach access. "In all, you are about a 2 minute walk to the sand, and 4 minutes to the oceanfront," explains one reviewer about Waterfront RV Park. The park provides hot tub and pool facilities for post-beach relaxation. "We also liked having the hot tub/pool at the end of the day. Our girls loved swimming and soaking."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Many waterfront campgrounds experience traffic or airport noise. At Dockweiler Beach, "Airplanes landing were noticeable, but the sound just faded into the background after a while." Similarly, at Bolsa Chica, campers mention "Right on PCH, highway noise" as a downside of the beachfront location.
Site spacing varies significantly: Some parks offer minimal separation between sites while others provide more privacy. At Newport Dunes RV Resort, a camper notes, "I hope you like cozy. Neighbor in campsite next to us yapped his belligerent drunken mouth all weekend." In contrast, Moro Campground features "roomy camping spots and amazing views."
Reservation timelines: Most parks require advance booking, with beach locations filling 6-8 months ahead for summer weekends. Crystal Cove campground "fills up fast so book early!" while military campgrounds like Seabreeze at Seal Beach require proper identification: "everyone has to have an ID card to get on the base or be pre approved by base security."
Tips for camping with families
Playground and pool access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. Orangeland RV Park provides "a covered play area, helpful staff, heated pool as well as a hot tub," making it suitable for families with young children. The facility also maintains two dog parks for families traveling with pets.
Beach safety considerations: Coastal sites require additional supervision. At Crystal Cove, "You can get to the beach if you're down to wade through 2-3 feet of still water that puddles under the highway underpass. It's a little inconvenient if you're with children or carrying a lot of beach equipment." Parents should factor in these access challenges when planning beach days.
Wildlife awareness: Several parks contain natural areas with potential wildlife encounters. At Bonelli Bluffs, one camper enjoyed wildlife viewing: "I brought my horses one time and it was amazing the best time of my life. The views are incredible." Meanwhile, Crystal Cove reminds visitors to "Be careful of rattlesnakes" when hiking the surrounding trails.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Many parks have dramatically different site qualities within the same facility. At Moro Campground, "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in. The maximum length is 38." Similarly, at Waterfront RV Park, one experienced camper recommends specific sites: "If I were again to come, I would stay in a site in the 84-89 numbers, and the sites 26-36 are HUGE."
Hookup variations: Electric amperage, water pressure, and sewer connections differ between parks and sites. Newport Dunes offers both 30-amp and 50-amp electrical hookups, while Anaheim Harbor provides "full hook ups" at standard sites despite their limited space.
Length restrictions: Many parks impose strict limits on RV dimensions. Crystal Cove permits units up to 38 feet, while Waterfront RV Park accommodates smaller rigs with separate areas for travel trailers. Always confirm your RV dimensions match site specifications before booking.
