RV parks near Glendale, California provide camping options within a 20-45 minute drive of downtown Los Angeles. The region features camping elevations ranging from sea level to 3,500 feet, creating significant temperature variations between coastal and inland locations. Summer temperatures at inland RV sites like those in Acton can reach 100°F while coastal campgrounds remain 15-20 degrees cooler.
What to do
Hiking and nature trails: Rancho Jurupa RV Park offers extensive walking paths adjacent to wildlife areas. "Beautiful views all around Sunrise, Sunset and Night sky. Sights of all kinds of birds like hawks and herons," notes one camper, highlighting the natural setting despite urban proximity.
Water activities for kids: Rancho Jurupa RV Park includes water features that families appreciate during hot weather. "Second time here and we're enjoying it. It's hot but a fire haze has blocked the sun a bit also the water pad is so fun even for grown ups," mentions a reviewer who found relief from summer heat.
Beach proximity: For ocean access, Malibu Beach RV Park sits directly across from beach access points. "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," writes a camper detailing the location advantages.
What campers like
Urban proximity with nature elements: Hollywood RV Park offers a surprising balance of city access and natural elements. "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! It's quiet at night. Just the white noise hum of the city and crickets," notes a camper impressed by the park's atmosphere.
Security features: Many RV parks near Glendale prioritize security systems. "This place was nice. Great sense of community and great placement of the gates for safety purposes... Ranger is on constant patrol," reports a Rancho Jurupa visitor appreciating the safety measures.
Lake activities: Bonelli Bluffs offers fishing and 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," details a visitor documenting the variety of activities available.
What you should know
Cell service variations: Reception quality differs significantly between campgrounds and even between sites within the same park. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, "No WIFI and reception for Verizon was hit or miss," notes one reviewer, suggesting bringing alternative connectivity options.
Train noise: Some campgrounds have proximity to rail lines that create periodic noise disturbances. "It's very very close to railroad tracks and at night the loud train kept waking us up," warns a Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon visitor about unexpected night disruptions.
Pricing complexities: Anaheim Harbor RV Park implements detailed measurement requirements. "The 40ft RV length restriction includes the length of the hitch... Despite their sites being able to accommodate a 40ft rig their campground is extremely tight and sites may be very difficult to back in if longer than 35ft," cautions a camper about unexpected restrictions.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Recreation facilities vary significantly between parks. "We took Girl Scouts here for group camping. Rocky and sand. The family camping was fine! Girls used Porta Potties... However, there are some great kid friendly activities," mentions a Rancho Jurupa visitor who found the group camping areas less developed than family sites.
Secure belongings: Golden Shore RV Resort maintains security systems, but normal precautions remain important. "We were site261 cottonwood. Only downside was that the ranger said to lock up bikes and be careful leaving out items because a local has been coming in stealing," notes a camper sharing security advice from park staff.
Bathhouse hours: Some facilities restrict bathroom access during overnight hours. "Great place to spend the weekend. Close enough to some good shopping and restaurants! Only downside is they lock the bathrooms from 8pm-730am," reports a Golden Shore RV Resort guest, suggesting families prepare for limited nighttime facilities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Larger rigs should prioritize specific areas within each park. "Take your time on site selections to maximize your experience," advises a regular RV visitor to the Glendale area campgrounds.
Campground access considerations: Some RV parks have challenging entry roads. "Road to resort is windy and narrow but easily manageable with larger RVs," notes a Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon visitor about driving conditions that require careful navigation.
Temporary parking arrangements: Urban RV parks near Glendale often have specialized parking systems. "This isn't a self-park park...the spaces are so close together that they use a cart to park you," explains a Hollywood RV Park guest about the tight spacing that requires staff assistance for parking.
