Glamping near Gardena, California offers a mix of coastal and inland camping opportunities within 20-45 minutes of the city. Located in the South Bay region with an average elevation of 50 feet, Gardena experiences mild Mediterranean climate with average temperatures ranging from 65-85°F during camping season. Unlike the luxury glamping options in the Santa Monica Mountains, most campgrounds near Gardena provide more practical, family-oriented accommodations with varying levels of amenities.
What to Do
Beach activities: 5 minutes from Dockweiler Beach RV Park. The campground provides direct beach access with fire pits available on the beach. "Great spot where you are never alone. Depending on the season, the lot can be packed. It is accommodating for some different size vehicles and has direct beach access and some amenities such as fire pits on the beach," notes Amanda K.
Biking: Coastal paths extend 20+ miles. Newport Dunes RV Resort offers access to excellent coastal biking opportunities. "There are fantastic running/bike trails along the Back Bay. The campground is clean and right on the beach," reports Karissa J. The trails are well-maintained and suitable for various skill levels.
Kayaking: Multiple launch points. Water activities are particularly popular at military campgrounds. "This one is to die for when it comes to kayaking," mentions one visitor about Seabreeze At Seal Beach. Wetlands on the base provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities during paddling.
Hiking: Trails for all levels. Crystal Cove State Park offers extensive trail systems. "Part of CA State Parks so showers are token operated. Clean and well maintained. Walking distance to Crystal Cove Historic District, which has a couple places to eat right on the beach," explains one camper. Most trails have limited shade, so morning hiking is recommended.
What Campers Like
Ocean views: Tiered campsite layout. Many sites at Moro Campground provide excellent ocean views. "The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean. It is in a developed area of Laguna Beach, so there is not much solitude or quiet enjoyment of nature. However, it's super convenient to have stores like Trader Joe's and restaurants just a few minutes away," shares Elly A.
Proximity to attractions: 1-mile walk to Disneyland. Anaheim Harbor RV Park serves as an affordable base for theme park visits. "We tent camped here for one night before meeting friends at their timeshare for a Disneyland vacation. There are only two tent sites (T1 and T3), the rest are for RVs. The price was super affordable at only $40 per night," says Jessica R.
Clean facilities: Regular maintenance. Campgrounds near Gardena typically maintain high standards of cleanliness. "Bikepacked in for a quick overnighter. Settled on one of the 6 tent sites. Nice campground, active stream in the middle of summer. Waterfall 30 minutes hike upstream," reports Jeff B. about Millard Trail Campground.
Wildlife viewing: Bird watching opportunities. Several campgrounds offer good wildlife observation. "Wetlands on the base and birds galore," notes Geri J. about Seabreeze at Seal Beach.
What You Should Know
Noise factors: Airport proximity. Dockweiler Beach RV Park sits under LAX flight paths. "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. You will hear each and every of the planes taking off from LAX, but at one point you don't hear them anymore," explains Ignasi M.
Security concerns: Car break-ins at some locations. Millard Trail Campground requires extra precautions. "WARNING: 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. I've had my car broken into once, and have seen broken glass in the parking lot every time I've stayed here," warns Mathew H.
Military access requirements: ID verification. Some of the best glamping options near Gardena require military credentials. "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," explains William M. about Seabreeze at Seal Beach.
Reservation windows: 6 months advance booking recommended. Popular coastal sites fill quickly, especially during summer. "This campground fills up fast so book early!" advises Elly A.
Tips for Camping with Families
Water activities: Inflatable obstacles available. Bonelli Bluffs offers diverse water recreation options. "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," shares Jessica P.
Entertainment options: Movies on the beach. Family-friendly activities are scheduled regularly at Newport Dunes. "We stay here every year. They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach," says Karissa J.
Seasonal considerations: Heat management. Inland campgrounds can become extremely hot in summer months. "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," advises Chanel C. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Campsite selection: Choose based on amenities. Site types vary significantly in comfort level. "The staff are helpful and nice, be aware that office hours are 9a-5p. Laundry closes at 9pm. Pool needs a separate key (they gave us one on arrival) get a deluxe site if you can. The standard sites are essentially a large parking spot in a paved parking lot," recommends Jennifer H.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: Verify total length requirements. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground has specific size constraints. "Recent fires and winter storms hit this area hard, and they are still cleaning up. But the sites have mostly been repaved and are clean. There aren't sewer or water hook ups, electrical only, but for me that's perfectly fine for a long weekend or short week with 2 kids and 2 adults," shares Steve L.
Parking fees: Factor in additional vehicle costs. Some RV parks charge for tow vehicles. "If you are in anything other than a motorhome you will need to pay for your vehicle to park! The 40ft RV length restriction includes the length of the hitch," warns one reviewer about Anaheim Harbor RV Park.
Site selection: Premium locations worth the upgrade. Position matters at coastal campgrounds. "We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups," shares Aostara K.
Dry camping options: Consider smaller rigs. For beach proximity without hookups, some parks offer alternatives. "The dry camping provides much more space, but only relatively small RVs. Pros: The park is right next to the beach, walk 1 minute and you're there," notes Ignasi M.
