150 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds within 30 miles of Culver City, California range from beachfront RV parks to mountain trail camps, covering options for tent campers, RV travelers, and those seeking hike-in wilderness sites. Dockweiler Beach RV Park in Playa Del Rey provides direct beach access with full hookups, while Malibu Creek State Park Campground offers a more natural setting with tent and RV sites in canyon terrain. Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park provides a hike-in wilderness experience just minutes from the city. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground combines canyon camping with beach access, creating a dual landscape experience popular with families seeking coastal recreation without leaving Los Angeles County.
Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds in the region, particularly during summer weekends when sites fill months in advance. Urban noise affects many locations, with aircraft noise at Dockweiler and highway sounds at several other campgrounds being common complaints. As one camper noted, "The downsides are that it is basically parking lot camping and you are directly under the LAX flight path which means large and noisy planes overhead all day long. For us, the pros outweighed the cons." Fire restrictions vary seasonally, with complete bans common during dry periods. Cell service is generally reliable at RV parks but spotty in canyon locations like Leo Carrillo, where "service is virtually non-existent in the canyon, but you can get signal up at the beach if needed."
Beach camping locations receive consistently high ratings despite their proximity to urban areas. Campers particularly value the combination of natural settings with urban convenience. At Malibu Beach RV Park, visitors appreciate that "once night falls all you can hear is the sound of waves crashing on the shore." Trail camps like Millard Trail Campground offer more seclusion but require gear hauling, as "parking is about 150 yards away, down a hill, so be prepared to haul your gear." Weekend crowding is a common theme across all sites, with many reviewers suggesting weekday visits for a quieter experience. The contrast between urban proximity and natural escape defines camping near Culver City, with sites balancing accessibility against the inevitable urban impacts.
"The most fantastic thing about this RV spot is the location - directly facing a large, beautiful, clean beach with built in fire rings, a very long bike bath and bike rental kiosk."
"One of the only in Southern California/Los Angeles area where you can have a fire on the beach."
from $65 - $80 / night
Check Availability"It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."
"The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."
from $45 - $225 / night
Check Availability"I absolutely love this campground, it’s perfectly situated in between the Malibu pier area (to your left) Dume, Zuma, and more beaches (to the right), + a lovely small beach across the street… oh let’s"
"This is a great little campground just north of Malibu, California, and right off of the 101. So yes, the freeway is RIGHT. THERE."
from $80 - $300 / night
Check Availability"Every “road” in the park is themed with California or Hollywood themed decorations and murals. We were parked right next to a Mister Roger’s mural across from the laundry/bathrooms."
"Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️"
"However, you do get some road noise if you stay on the road side"
"This park is close to the action in Long Beach. Easily walkable or there are always E bikes and scooters to rent right outside the gate. Also, really appreciated that this RV park was gated."
from $80 - $85 / night
Check Availability"If you want a longer hike you can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction."
"Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city."
from $7 / night
Check Availability"It was a quick drive up the coast and onto this hidden gem. You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you. Perfect place for families or even RVs."
"Nice big spots, close to the beach. Very quite. Needs to reserve at California State parks website. Dump station and water fill up on your way out not on the campsite, but thats no issue for us."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"Worked for that plus a 7/11 in walking distance was helpful!"
"We stayed here to be close to the Hollywood Bowl for a concert. Rafael was a friendly host and very helpful and made sure we were set up well."
from $100 - $140 / night
Check Availability"There are almost always other RVs/campers so you a rarely alone:) there are fire pits on the beach (California is otherwise very strict about fires) that are free to use."
"When you can’t do a 2h hike before setting camp, but you also don’t want to camp close to your car, Millard campground is perfect. The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view."
"Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars."
TravelerI went there to see, before making a reservation. I found the trailer park—maybe 100 old mobile homes—but I never found an RV park. I didn’t see anything to see. The “pool” was empty. The office was locked, and it wasn’t lunch. Just kinda not happening. I left a message to call me with the answering service, but I never got a call back.
TravelerI was lucky to find this place. It’s well run, comfortable, friendly. Nice spots.
TravelerWell maintained, nice folks, pleasant to talk with. I stayed there 2 months, and enjoyed it.
TravelerThey speak so highly of Dockweiler RV Park, but they forget to say that it has no WiFi, and poor cell phone reception as well. I reserved a space, they made me pay in advance for the whole 3 weeks. They helped me park the camper… avd they never said anything about no wifi. I feel the rv site has been misrepresented. “Oh, well, wifi works in the office, but not even 5 spaces away”. I live alone in my RV. No wifi means I’m sitting here alone in a dead RV. Lonely. Everyone has wifi, yet they don’t mention they don’t , nor even cell phone reception, usually. I get only 1 bar
GuideStopped here on a Friday night after spending the day in Simi Valley. It was a ghost town, with only one other campsite occupied that showed no movement or activity at all. The train isn’t running in the overnight hours, so that’s a plus, but the vibe at the lower campsite is making it tough to sleep nonetheless. Two stars for a clean bathroom.
TravelerWell maintained small campground. Fact that you are downtown Long Beach with lots of food and attractions close is a major selling point. But campground itself has pool, hottub and small store on site. Campers/RV are pretty close parked but each spot comes with table and some lounging space.
TravelerI found the staff to be off putting, unpleasant, even contrary.
ScoutOnline Review
Rating: 1/5 Stars
Title: Horrible Experience — Zero Empathy and Harassment of Disabled Guests
If you are a traveler with disabilities, a service animal, or simply expect basic human decency, stay far away from Waterfront RV Park.
My stay here was a nightmare. I was placed in a cramped corner spot with barely enough room to maneuver. Because of my medical condition, I rely on a service dog. I had to park slightly over a painted line—by a mere 8 inches—just to have enough physical space to load my service animal safely. My vehicle blocked no one, yet night after night, park security targeted and harassed me over this minor detail, acting rude and aggressive.
When I experienced a severe medical emergency and panic attack, security chose to escalate the situation, berating me while I was injured and confused instead of offering help. Management showed zero empathy or willingness to listen. After learning my truck was broken down at a dealership, making it physically impossible to move my RV immediately, they threatened to tow and impound it without giving me reasonable time or process.
This facility lacks basic compassion, professionalism, and respect for its guests. Save yourself the stress and avoid this park.
TravelerGreat rv site site used ele bikes outside to get to beach brilliant!! Would use again
Urban camping options near Culver City range from beachfront locations to canyon sites within 30 miles. Elevations vary from sea level at beach campgrounds to over 1,000 feet in the Santa Monica Mountains, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F at coastal sites and 85-95°F inland. Most campgrounds require advance booking, with reservations often needed 6 months ahead for summer weekends.
Beach activities at Dockweiler Beach RV Park: Located directly on the beach with dedicated fire rings for evening gatherings. "We parked right by the Pacific Ocean, watched planes from LAX fly overhead, and soaked in a stunning sunset. It was the ideal place to settle into our campervan life," notes Prince C. The park sits alongside a bike path extending for miles in both directions.
Hiking at Malibu Creek State Park Campground: Former movie set with multiple trail options ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub—making their way to a running creek," reports Ryan W.
Tide pool exploration at Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground: Located about a 10-minute walk from most campsites. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access, and you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones," according to Alfred.
Sunset views at Malibu Beach RV Park: Situated on bluffs overlooking the Pacific. "We had a great spot overlooking the bay. Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff," says Carl R. The park features a communal area along the cliff edge for evening relaxation.
Urban convenience at Hollywood RV Park: Themed streets with murals and artistic elements throughout. "Every street is themed with murals and art everywhere! The site size depends on where you are in the park. We were lucky and got a middle spot with wonderful shade trees," reports Clean Slate D., who adds, "It's quiet at night. Just the white noise hum of the city and crickets."
Secluded camping at Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park: Hike-in site located one mile from Trippet Ranch parking lot. "It's an easy hike and very quiet. Nice views during the day," notes Andrea A. The campground features running water for toilets and hand washing, which campers find unexpectedly convenient for a trail camp.
Fire restrictions: Most campgrounds have partial or complete fire bans, especially during summer and fall. At Malibu Creek State Park, "the campground was under fire warning all weekend, but faux wood (javalog or duraflame) and charcoal was still allowed. The camphost sold Javalogs," reports Ryan W.
Aircraft noise at Dockweiler Beach RV Park: Constant air traffic from nearby LAX. "We loved this spot next to the beach. We got used to the planes, but they are certainly jarring at first," says Tyler G. The dry camping area tends to be quieter: "We had a dry campsite a bit further from the airport, so the plane noise was much less," notes Prince C.
Cell service varies by location: Signal strength depends on terrain and proximity to urban areas. At Malibu Creek State Park, visitors report "decent cell coverage," while coastal sites generally offer better connectivity than canyon locations.
Car security concerns at trail camps: At Millard Trail Campground, "Make sure to leave your car doors unlocked, and nothing of value inside. You'd rather have someone root through your car and walk away empty handed than have a window broken and items stolen," warns Mathew H.
Bring a wagon for beach gear: Canyon Campground at Leo Carrillo State Park requires a 10-minute walk to reach the beach. "Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff," suggests Alfred.
Choose weekdays for quieter experience: Most campgrounds fill quickly on weekends. "During a holiday weekend the trails were fairly busy with day-use hikers, but even then, it was easy to get away and be on trails alone if you wanted," notes Ryan W. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer animal sightings. At Millard Trail Campground, "There is a stream that runs through the campground which makes it very pretty. About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty," reports jonnysunami, making it suitable for families with children interested in nature.
Size limitations: Many RV parks have restrictions on larger rigs. Hollywood RV Park uses "a cart to park you" because "the spaces are so close together," notes Donna H., who adds that most residents are long-term.
Expect urban parking conditions: Even at premium locations, RV sites tend to be compact. At Malibu Beach RV Park, Tim Z. notes, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!" but space is limited compared to rural campgrounds.
Book utilities according to needs: At Golden Shore RV Resort in Long Beach, "RV Park that is kept very clean. Spots are close together unless you end up with a larger spot," notes Anna, highlighting the importance of requesting specific spaces when available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Culver City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Culver City, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 150 campgrounds and RV parks near Culver City, CA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Culver City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Culver City, CA is Dockweiler Beach RV Park with a 3.7-star rating from 27 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Culver City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Culver City, CA.
What parks are near Culver City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Culver City, CA that allow camping, notably Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Angeles National Forest.
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