Camping options around Inglewood, California extend beyond the immediate city boundaries, with most sites located 7-25 miles from the urban center. The Mediterranean climate allows for year-round camping at most locations, with average temperatures ranging from 50°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Urban proximity creates a unique camping environment where convenience services remain accessible while still offering recreational opportunities.
What to do
Tidepooling at beaches: Leo Carrillo State Park Campground offers excellent marine exploration opportunities. "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," notes one visitor to this Malibu campground.
Cycling coastal paths: Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground provides direct access to extensive beachfront cycling. "There is a bike path that goes for miles both north or south - great for an early workout," mentions one camper at Dockweiler Beach RV Park, while another notes the "very long bike bath and bike rental kiosk" available near the camping areas.
Hiking canyon trails: Malibu Creek State Park Campground features diverse hiking options through former movie sets. "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. It was easy to imagine you weren't anywhere close to the city."
What campers like
Urban-adjacent wilderness: The ability to access natural settings while staying close to city amenities is highly valued. "We stayed in site 59 which had a really nice shade tree and great views of a meadow and the cliffs out the back of the site... 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," explains a Malibu Creek State Park visitor.
Walkable beach access: Dockweiler Beach RV Park receives consistent praise for its proximity to shoreline. "We parked right by the Pacific Ocean, watched planes from LAX fly overhead, and soaked in a stunning sunset. The park is right next to the beach, walk 1 minute and you're there," shares a camper about this Playa Del Rey location.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Natural areas near these urban-adjacent campgrounds support surprising biodiversity. "The wildlife is abundant. 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."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Urban proximity means noise can be significant at certain campgrounds. "We loved this spot next to the beach. We got used to the planes, but they are certainly jarring at first," notes a Dockweiler camper, while another at Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground cautions: "How about a motorcycle passing right outside your bedroom window at 12,000 rpm every two minutes all night long? Yeah, that'll do it. Bring earplugs and lots of white noise."
Space limitations: Many sites have limited room, particularly for larger vehicles. A camper at Hollywood RV Park explains: "The spaces are so close together that they use a cart to park you," while at Bolsa Chica a reviewer warns, "The spaces aren't huge so if you have a big rig or large trailer it will be tight. Most trailers parked their tow vehicle perpendicular to the space and some barely fit."
Seasonal booking requirements: Campgrounds near Inglewood fill quickly, especially during summer. Visitors should book well in advance for popular locations, with one camper noting that for Leo Carrillo, "Just book well in advance for summer weekends and maybe bring earplugs if you're a light sleeper."
Tips for camping with families
Easy hiking options: Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park offers accessible backpacking for families. "Musch Camp is an easy one mile hike from from the Trippet Ranch Parking Lot in Topanga State Park. 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."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain quality amenities suitable for family use. "The campground has a hookup area and a dry camping area... Restrooms are clean and have showers," reports a Dockweiler visitor, while at Musch Trail Camp, one camper notes: "Did not expect the bathrooms to be very clean. They have running water to flush the toilets, and to wash your hands."
Wildlife awareness: Families should prepare for potential wildlife encounters. "Squirrels are very aggressive and will eat your food if left unattended," warns a Leo Carrillo camper, while another at Malibu Creek adds: "Also spotted a few rats at night, so definitely store your food properly."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Hollywood RV Park visitors recommend choosing locations strategically. "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," advises a Dockweiler visitor, while another at Malibu Beach RV Park suggests: "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
Urban access considerations: RVers value these campgrounds for their proximity to Los Angeles attractions. "There's such an interesting mix of people staying at this quirky place! Many friendly and helpful. 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," notes a Hollywood RV Park camper.
Utility limitations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. "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. They do have 3 dump stations, too, so that made it nice!" shares a Leo Carrillo State Park visitor.
