Camping options near Gardena, California are primarily urban in nature, with most facilities located within 15-25 miles of the city center. The coastal climate allows for year-round camping with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 45°F at night, while summer daytime temperatures typically range from 70-85°F. Most camping in this region requires advance planning due to the popularity of coastal sites and limited availability of natural camping areas within this densely developed metropolitan region.
What to do
Beach access and exploration: Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers direct beach access with fire pits available for evening gatherings. A visitor noted, "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 as a Desi-Filipino-Canadian family on a 5000 KM adventure."
Biking along coastal paths: Golden Shore RV Resort provides access to extensive beach bike trails. As one camper shared, "Great Long Beach location, a nice bike ride along the beach to Naples and the Queen Mary. Highly recommended."
Wildlife viewing: At Seabreeze At Seal Beach, visitors can enjoy nearby wetlands with abundant birdwatching opportunities. "Wetlands on the base and birds galore," mentions a reviewer who appreciated this natural feature within the urban setting.
What campers like
Urban proximity with outdoor access: Campers appreciate locations like Malibu Creek State Park Campground for their balance of nature and urban accessibility. A visitor described it as "Three miles from a the grocery and only minutes from north LA, you'll find a basic campground with flush toilets, coin showers, and easily accessible hiking trails."
Pool and amenities: Several RV parks offer swimming pools and additional amenities. One visitor at Golden Shore RV Resort mentioned, "Pool and hot tub are clean. Nice showers. Stores and restaurants super close. We had PF Changs delivered."
Waterfront views: Malibu Beach RV Park provides ocean overlook sites. A camper shared, "Most amazing views of the pacific from the ocean view sites. Friendly staff at check in and wonderful experience, even despite the pouring rain."
What you should know
Military access requirements: Some campgrounds have specific access rules. Seabreeze At Seal Beach is military-only, with a visitor noting, "A well kept secret with one drawback; everyone has to have an ID card to get on the base or be pre approved by base security."
Airport noise considerations: Proximity to airports affects some locations. A Dockweiler camper shared, "We loved this spot next to the beach. We got used to the planes, but they are certainly jarring at first."
Site types and configurations: Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground has specific site arrangements. One camper described it as, "This is essentially a parking lot with power and water. We had a beach front space (B035) with a decent sized palm tree. The only one I really saw. The spaces aren't huge so if you have a big rig or large trailer it will be tight."
Tips for camping with families
Best campground amenities: Bonelli Bluffs offers a variety of family-friendly activities. A camper explained, "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."
Proximity to attractions: Some campgrounds provide convenient access to major attractions. A visitor at Anaheim Harbor RV Park shared, "We walked to and back from Disney. Super easy. It's a mile each way."
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature learning experiences. At Malibu Creek State Park Campground, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Choose RV sites strategically at Dockweiler Beach. "Review of dry campervan section of park only, which seemed considerably more quiet and less chaotic than the big RV area... Best sites are 125-128."
Reservations and timing: Book well in advance for beach locations, especially during summer months. At Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground, a visitor advised checking site dimensions carefully: "Most trailers parked their tow vehicle perpendicular to the space and some barely fit."
Urban RV considerations: For those wanting to explore Los Angeles, Hollywood RV Park offers a unique urban camping experience. A visitor shared, "This seems to be one of the best places to stay with an RV to visit LA, since driving and parking and RV in LA can be challenging and parking an RV in west LA is not allowed."
