Near Cerritos, California, RV campers and tent enthusiasts find options within 30 miles of the city center. The area sits at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,200 feet, creating varied camping experiences. Winter temperatures rarely drop below 45°F, making year-round camping viable with minimal seasonal preparation.
What to do
Beach activities: 20 minutes from shore. At Dockweiler Beach RV Park, visitors enjoy direct ocean access from their camping spots. "The park is right next to the beach, walk 1 minute and you're there. There's also a bike path that goes for miles both north or south - great for an early workout," notes one camper.
Hiking trails: Various difficulties available. The trail system at Crystal Cove State Park offers routes for all skill levels. "The best trail here stretches across the two parks -- No Name Ridge!! Amazing for EPIC SUNSETS!" A visitor highlights that the "sunset was absolutely beautiful and in the morning we were high up above the marine layer which was really cool to see."
Water recreation: Rental options onsite. Paddleboard and kayak activities are popular at several locations. A visitor to Seabreeze At Seal Beach mentioned it's "the best place to kayak," while Newport Dunes offers its signature inflatable water obstacle course.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Daily maintenance. Campers repeatedly mention the cleanliness at Bonelli Bluffs. "Beautiful grass wilderness area" and "nicely kept property" appear in reviews. The campground includes "full hookups and sewer" for RVs, plus a pool for cooling off during summer months.
Convenient location: Within 5 miles of shopping. Many campgrounds provide easy access to supplies. "Close to shopping and stores" is mentioned by reviewers at Newport Dunes, while Anaheim Harbor RV Park offers proximity to "Disneyland being a family destination" with walking distance access.
Waterfront sites: Premium options. Several campgrounds feature water views or direct access. "Beautiful sunset! We stayed February 5th and 6th at site #23 but it looked like most of the sites had great views of the Pacific," notes a visitor to Crystal Cove State Park. The tiered campsite design ensures "no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean."
What you should know
Reservation demands: Book 6+ months ahead. Popular glamping sites near Cerritos fill quickly, especially during summer. Crystal Cove State Park "fills up fast so book early," according to experienced campers. Weekend availability is particularly limited from May through September.
Cost variations: $40-180 per night. Prices depend on location, amenities, and season. "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV," notes a camper at Bonelli Bluffs. Tent sites typically cost less than RV spots with hookups.
Noise considerations: Location-specific. Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby attractions or transportation. At Millard Trail Campground, "you can't really be isolated or have privacy even though it is a campground. People come here to hike into the trails to the waterfall." Dockweiler campers mention "you will hear each and every of the planes taking off from LAX, but at one point you don't hear them anymore."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule morning outings. Families should consider weather patterns when planning activities. "We stayed in spot 2118 and it had a nice view of the bay," shared a Newport Dunes visitor. Morning temperatures are typically 10-15 degrees cooler than afternoons.
Kid-friendly amenities: Check availability. Some campgrounds offer specific family facilities. At Canyon RV Park, visitors enjoy "a pool, flushable toilets and hot showers are available to all campers for free." Another visitor mentioned they "even have fun events on many of the weekends."
Safety considerations: Wildlife awareness. Families should understand local wildlife precautions. "It's important to keep all of your food and anything with any kind of smell in the bear boxes," advises a Millard Trail camper. Most campgrounds provide secure food storage options when needed.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Verify before booking. RVers should confirm their vehicle fits allocated spaces. At Anaheim Harbor RV Park, one reviewer warns "their site measurements are for your camping unit ONLY. If you have a tow vehicle or are towing a vehicle you must pay per night for a parking spot." Length restrictions often include hitches.
Hookup availability: Full-service common. Most RV parks near Cerritos offer complete hookups. "Sites include fire pits, picnic tables, and food storage box," notes a China Camp visitor, while others highlight the importance of extra-length sewage hoses at some locations.
Parking logistics: Consider site layout. RV campers should plan for parking configurations. "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," advises a Crystal Cove visitor, noting the maximum length is 38 feet.
