Camping spots near El Segundo, California range from coastal RV facilities to inland tent options throughout Los Angeles County. The coastal Mediterranean climate creates moderate temperatures year-round, with average highs of 65-75°F and nighttime lows rarely dropping below 50°F. Many campgrounds feature concrete pads rather than natural terrain due to the urban setting and coastal management requirements.
What to do
Beach recreation access: Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers direct beach access with fire pits 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.
Hiking opportunities: Trails near Musch Trail Camp provide easy access to nature within the city. "Park for $7/night at Trippet Ranch and hike one mile to the campgrounds. It's an easy hike and very quiet. Nice views during the day," explains Andrea A., highlighting the accessibility of backcountry experiences.
Urban exploration: Many campsites serve as bases for visiting LA attractions. Golden Shore RV Resort offers easy access to Long Beach attractions. "We had to find a place as we had illness in our family. So they had a space available for our 42' 5th wheel and the site was wonderful. Cement, lots of room, close to laundry and pool," reports Roxanna L.
What campers like
Bike paths and urban trails: Coastal bike paths connect many campgrounds. "Right off a very nice coastal 20+ mile walking/biking path. Went to a concert last minute at SoFi just 15 min away," shares PJ M. from Dockweiler Beach RV Park.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms and showers rank high in camper satisfaction. "The grounds are kept in excellent condition - very clean and secure. The pool, showers, bathrooms are all spotless," notes Rachel P. about Golden Shore RV Resort.
Movie location exploration: Malibu Creek State Park Campground offers unique filming history to explore. "The state park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more," explains Ryan W.
What you should know
Tight spacing: Many RV parks feature close quarters. "The campground is nice but it is a little pricey to get an RV spot," notes Gavin H. about Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground, adding "This campground has a great location but has absolutely no privacy."
Weather considerations: Seasonal conditions affect comfort levels. "I came here during the summer and it was extremely HOT. Typically during the summer season, I like to find campgrounds that have a lot of lush trees so we can be under the canopies and stay cool," mentions Chanel C. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Reservation requirements: Most sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. "The sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything, and because the campground is close to the city it is popular with groups and families," notes Ryan W., highlighting the importance of advance planning.
Tips for camping with families
Beach-adjacent options: Leo Carrillo State Park Campground offers family-friendly beach access. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access- it's about a 10-minute walk from most sites, and you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones," shares Alfred.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Local parks offer educational wildlife encounters. "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear," reports Ryan W. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Food storage precautions: Urban wildlife requires careful management. "Also spotted a few rats at night, so definitely store your food properly," warns Alfred about Leo Carrillo State Park, highlighting the importance of proper food storage in all area campgrounds.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Hollywood RV Park offers unique positioning for RV travelers. "We were lucky and got a middle spot with wonderful shade trees! It's quiet at night. Just the white noise hum of the city and crickets. Really surprised with how well we've slept here given the location," shares Clean Slate D.
Hookup availability: Water and electrical connections vary widely between facilities. "The RV park has a hookup area and a dry camping area. The hookups are full of large rigs, very close one with another, in a parking lot style. The dry camp provides much more space, but only relatively small RVs," explains Ignasi M. about Dockweiler Beach RV Park.
Transportation considerations: Many campers recommend alternative transportation. "We took an uber. If you stay on the West side of the city it's okay (still 50/60 USD) for a single ride. But if you want to explore any of the nicer beaches like Manhattan Beach I do suggest to take the campervan, park at one of the malls in that area and then take an uber from there," advises Manon S.
