Military campgrounds and RV parks dominate the camping landscape near La Palma, California, situated 20 miles southeast of downtown Los Angeles. The area maintains a Mediterranean climate with average temperatures ranging from 57°F in winter to 84°F in summer. While traditional camping options are limited, several locations offer alternatives including yurt camping facilities within a 30-minute drive of La Palma.
What to do
Beach exploration: Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers direct beach access with convenient amenities. "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.
Mountain biking trails: Bonelli Bluffs provides multiple recreational activities beyond typical camping. "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," explains Jessica P.
Wetland wildlife viewing: Seabreeze At Seal Beach military campground offers unique wildlife opportunities. "Wetlands on the base and birds galore," reports Geri J., highlighting an often overlooked natural attraction near La Palma.
What campers like
Ocean proximity: Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park features tiered campsites for optimal views. "The campsites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean," explains Elly A. "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in."
Convenient location: Anaheim Harbor RV Park provides accessibility to major attractions. "Perfect spot to stay in central orange county. Nice amenities. Clean bathrooms. well functioning rv hook ups. Everything worked as planned. Interesting mix of short term and long term guests. Clean and well maintained," shares Scott O.
Nature immersion: Canyon RV Park offers a natural setting despite urban surroundings. "I have been here for a few months and I love it here. It's not only in the middle of a nature preserve but you're also in the middle of a City. You're nearby to all the stores you could ever need but you're also around a lot of wild life," writes Kerry L.
What you should know
Military access requirements: Los Alamitos Army Campground restricts access to military personnel. "Full hookup in both parks, Legacy (gravel for smaller RVs) and Sunset (cement spots with extra spot for a car). Legacy is a no thrills gated gravel parking lot that holds maybe 20 smaller RVs," explains Angela P.
Noise considerations: Canyon RV Park experiences highway noise. "Campground is well-organized, with cabins, RV spots, a youth area, tent spots and a ropes course. A pool, flushable toilets and hot showers are available to all campers for free. The site is bordered by highways on both sides, and they create noise day and night," warns Christina S.
Booking challenges: Specialty accommodations like Crystal Cove Beach Cottages require advance planning. "Truly a hidden gem! We popped in and luckily was able to get the best view in house," shares Kenny T., though such last-minute availability is rare.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Canyon RV Park provides swimming facilities for children. "Stayed for a quick weekend when hubby still had to work. no tent camping, but RV and wood cabins. easy to get in and out of but the 91 freeway is overhead and loud. Nothing stopped us from enjoying ourselves and relaxing," reports Janet S.
Beach activities: Newport Dunes RV Resort offers family-friendly water activities. "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," shares Karissa J.
Tent camping limitations: Be aware that many La Palma area campgrounds restrict tent camping. "Moro Campground has about 60 camp spots and a lot of them are RVs, but it's nice because each row of 10 spots is elevated from the previous row (tiered campsites) so everyone gets a semi view," notes Chanel C.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Bonelli Bluffs has significant variation between sites. "Some spaces monumentally better than others. Occasionally they run a special. There's good hiking and bike riding and fishing. They have a pool," advises Dennis B.
Hookup availability: Dockweiler Beach RV Park has different camping sections with varying amenities. "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.
Yurt camping options: While traditional yurts are limited near La Palma, California, several campgrounds offer alternative glamping accommodations. Military personnel can find yurt-style accommodations at Seabreeze At Seal Beach, which one reviewer described as offering "full hookup in both parks" with "cement spots with extra spot for a car."
