San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach
Nice biking ride to highway 101
Very relaxing place to stay. Good amenities and very friendly staff.
Lakewood, California provides access to several coastal and urban campgrounds offering tent and RV sites, primarily catering to developed camping experiences. Golden Shore RV Resort in nearby Long Beach offers full hookup sites with amenities like showers and trash service, while Seabreeze At Seal Beach provides military-only camping with waterfront proximity. Both locations maintain high ratings on camping platforms, with most sites being established campgrounds rather than primitive or backcountry options. The area features primarily RV-focused facilities, though some locations like Los Alamitos Army Campground accommodate tent camping within designated areas.
Reservations are essential at most developed campgrounds near Lakewood, particularly during summer months when coastal sites fill quickly. "I recently stayed at Sea Breeze at Seal Beach and it must say, it's my favorite RV resort on a military installation. The security is tight, which made me feel safe during my stay," noted one visitor, highlighting the security features common at several locations. Military credentials are required at multiple campgrounds in the area, including Los Alamitos and Seabreeze facilities. Weather remains mild year-round, with many campgrounds operating throughout all seasons. Most developed sites provide electric hookups, water, and sanitary facilities, while some retail stores like Walmart and Home Depot receive mixed reviews regarding overnight parking policies.
Coastal proximity represents a significant draw for campers in the Lakewood area, with several mixed-use campgrounds providing beach access. Visitors frequently mention appreciation for waterfront locations, with one camper noting that Newport Dunes RV Resort offers waterfront sites and boat-in access. While urban camping environments predominate the region, facilities like Bonelli Bluffs in nearby San Dimas provide alternative settings with diverse accommodation types. Security considerations appear frequently in user reviews, suggesting travelers should prioritize safety when selecting overnight locations. Several campgrounds maintain gated entrances and regular security patrols, particularly those on military installations. Reviews indicate that quiet hours and cleanliness standards vary significantly between established campgrounds and retail parking areas, with the latter experiencing more traffic noise and disruption.
$80 - $85 / night
"However, you do get some road noise if you stay on the road side"
"This park is close to the action in Long Beach. Easily walkable or there are always E bikes and scooters to rent right outside the gate. Also, really appreciated that this RV park was gated."
$60 - $70 / night
"Beachfront camping in the heart of southern California. Concrete/asphalt sites with water electric and dump station. Adjacent to PCH so road noise but steps away from great sand beaches."
"Super convenient beach front parking with good restrooms and outdoor showers as well as a beach path perfect for walking, biking, rollerblading, etc."
"Awesome park, clean, level paved pads with a parking space..nice amenities, small NEX nearby. Wildlife reserve adjacent to the park made it nice for walking the dogs, too"
"Very clean, cement slab, walking paths well lit and near to many areas to explore. Wetlands on the base and birds galore."
$55 - $70 / night
"Nice bathrooms and hot showers with laundry on location. Good amount of space between sites. Very short drive or 20ish minute walk to Disneyland. Extremely helpful and kind staff."
"Park is within walking to the Disneyland park. The tent sites are very small with a picnic table and AstroTurf."
$75 - $550 / night
"The grounds are impeccably clean, beautifully maintained, and set in a truly stunning location. Everything feels well cared for and thoughtfully run."
"As we expected, the sites are stacked up next to each other like dominoes with minimal foliage/fencing to separate the sites."
$55 - $80 / night
"The most fantastic thing about this RV spot is the location - directly facing a large, beautiful, clean beach with built in fire rings, a very long bike bath and bike rental kiosk."
"One of the only in Southern California/Los Angeles area where you can have a fire on the beach."
"Booking a site here at Waterfront, provided us a excellent homebase that was close to the water. In all, you are about a 2 minute walk to the sand, and 4 minutes to the oceanfront. "
"Your not on the beach but literally on the other side of pacific coast highway you are there."
$76 - $88 / night
"Our experience at Bonelli Bluffs Campground was mostly positive, but there were a couple of aspects that could be improved."
"The views around the outskirts of B loop are just lovely, the staff has been so friendly and helpful (we’re RV newbies and had a ton of questions) the store was stocked with all of the little things we"
$75 - $90 / night
"Anaheim transit makes on-demand stops her to Disneyland as well as Garden Walk. Very helpful, friendly staff. Many residents mixed with overnight era or vacationers. "
"First time staying here, it will be our place to stay in California."
$23 - $33 / night
"Conveniently located next to the laundry and grill (the salmon is great!)."











Very relaxing place to stay. Good amenities and very friendly staff.
Stayed at Site 90, which might be the best in the whole park. Huge space, tons of shade, and a really cool, large sycamore tree. No power or water at the site, but there was a water spigot nearby. We stayed Monday–Friday and it wasn’t overly crowded during the week. Friendly neighbors, lots of families, and none of the classic“LA” rude or loud campers. The camp store was really convenient, and the staff were very nice and helpful. The beach is about a 5-minute walk—our kids loved the tide pools and caves. Definitely check the low tide times before you go. Very limited Verizon service, which is a plus in our book. Overall, a really good experience. The family and I will be back.
The Views are fantastic sites are rugged but very cool locations, This is mainly a Hike in CG most of the time and better have some serious clearance to get there even when the road is open in summer, BUT very worth it!
Camping at the beach in LA! Large country campground that has sites designed for motorhomes and sites designed for travel trailers and fifth wheels. It asphalt campsites, but you’re at the BEACH! My only complaints are the electrical was not working properly, (I had to connect to 30A instead of 50A), and people don’t pick up after themselves.
first, as a drop in you can‘t stay more then two nights even if they have room!
second, annually pool maintenance in spring break! without information when checking in, and it’s not a cheap one and i chose it for the pool! no information no discount, had to beg to at least get a poolchair, so much gras to chill no chairs!
third the showers are only dripping and i was the only one showering! again, not a cheap place!
and fourth, WIFI does never connect, really for a campground with this price, every cheap one has better WIFI and some people need it as internationals!
Awesome area great service good vibes but I will say that there are to many city people who come to drink and not follow the rules of the campground
Overall the CG is fine everything you need just fine, Location is okay Beach 5 miles away many trails to hike and the Valley shopping and other Typical So cal things are 20 minutes away and L.A. is 35 minutes away (with no traffic). but That locaion is what makes the death of this place.with over 1 million (not exaggerating) having immediate access to this place and it not over all restful experience, and is just too darn PEOPLY!!
ThisThis RV Park is downright dangerous to camp at and is an absolute trash dump. The electrical supplies are not safe to plug into they have reverse polarity and if you plug into them it's going to blow all your appliances your air conditioner and all your Outlets. We sustained thousands of dollars worth of damage to our RV before an electrician told us what the problem was reverse polarity is when the wiring is incorrect and it can cause dangerous surges that can destroy your unit. There are stray animals running around the park everywhere there are old broken down RVs old broken down cars it's full of drug addicts the shower facilities are disgusting this place is nothing like the website you cannot afford to stay here for even one night.
Nice campground with sites on the beach!
The Lakewood area offers camping options within 30 miles, ranging from beachfront RV parks to urban campgrounds with full hookups. Most sites require advance planning, especially during peak summer months when coastal locations quickly reach capacity. The mild Southern California climate allows for year-round camping, though winter nights can drop into the 50s.
Beach activities: Bolsa Chica State Beach provides direct beach access with opportunities for water recreation. "The boardwalk was endless and great to walk the dog and go for a run! Restaurants all around to have dinner at!" notes Gabriela M. The nearby coastline offers miles of paved paths for cycling and walking.
Urban exploration: Golden Shore RV Resort serves as a convenient base for exploring Long Beach attractions. "Great Long Beach location, a nice bike ride along the beach to Naples and the Queen Mary. Highly recommended," shares Theo A. The resort's central location provides access to museums, shopping, and dining within a 15-minute drive.
Water sports: Newport Dunes RV Resort offers multiple water recreation options in a protected bay environment. "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," explains Karissa J. The resort maintains a swimming area with rentals for kayaks and stand-up paddleboards.
Urban convenience: Campers appreciate the central location of sites near attractions and services. At Anaheim Harbor RV Park, Jennifer H. notes, "Stores and restaurants super close. We had PF Changs delivered. Yum! We walked to and back from Disney. Super easy. It's a mile each way."
Pool amenities: Orangeland RV Park receives high marks for its maintained swimming facilities. "Heated pool, spa was hot. Nice little store with everything you need. Staff was very friendly and helpful," reports Bryan S. The park offers year-round swimming options regardless of weather conditions.
Security features: Military campgrounds provide enhanced security measures. Angela P. describes Los Alamitos Army Campground as having "Full hookup in both parks, Legacy (gravel for smaller RVs) and Sunset (cement spots with extra spot for a car)... For my very first RV experience, this was pretty awesome!"
Site spacing varies significantly: Many RV parks feature closely positioned sites. Morgan F. describes Bolsa Chica State Beach as a "Glorified parking lot" with "absolutely no privacy," while Michele H. adds, "The 4 stars is primarily for location. This is essentially a parking lot with power and water."
Airport noise: Dockweiler Beach RV Park sits under LAX flight paths. "Very very loud street noise. Great location. I mean what can I say to diminish a beach spot for 60 bucks? How about a motorcycle passing right outside your bedroom window at 12,000 rpm every two minutes all night long?" mentions Rob N. Consider noise-canceling options when booking here.
Military ID requirements: Multiple campgrounds require military credentials. William M. notes about Seal Beach, "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."
Family activities: Bonelli Bluffs provides diverse 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," lists Jessica P.
Transportation options: When staying near theme parks, investigate shuttle services. Amanda G. shares that at Orangeland RV Park, there's an "Easy 15 min drive to Disney plus the ART bus picks up straight from the campground."
Entertainment amenities: Many campgrounds program activities specifically for children. At Newport Dunes, Karissa J. mentions 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."
Site selection: Choose sites carefully based on your specific needs. At Waterfront RV Park, Zach R. advises, "If I were again to come, I would stay in a site in the 84-89 numbers, and the sites 26-36 are HUGE. We stayed in site number 43 in our 29 foot Class A. It was just fine."
Urban noise considerations: RVers should prepare for urban camping realities. Rob N. recommends at Bolsa Chica State Beach to "Bring earplugs and lots of white noise. You'll still feel the rumble but maybe you can dream it's just an earthquake."
Laundry facilities: Several campgrounds maintain on-site laundry. "RV Park very close to downtown Long Beach. Nice restroom and laundry facilities. Pool and hot tub are clean," reports Kim M. about Golden Shore RV Resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What RV camping options are available in Lakewood?
While Lakewood doesn't have RV parks within city limits, several excellent options are available nearby. Golden Shore RV Resort near Long Beach offers reservable sites with water, toilets, and is big-rig friendly. Bonelli Bluffs provides spacious RV accommodations with full hookups, though it lacks some amenities for children. For beachside RV camping, Doheny State Beach Campground offers sites right on the beach, with the outside sites along the campground edge being more spacious than the tight middle sites. Most are within a 30-minute drive from Lakewood.
Where are the best camping sites in Lakewood, California?
While Lakewood itself doesn't have campgrounds, excellent options are nearby. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground offers beachfront camping with concrete/asphalt sites, water, electric hookups, and a dump station. It's steps away from sandy beaches and provides easy access to Long Beach. Another top choice is Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground, a hidden gem a quick drive up the coast with access to a private beach and gorgeous California hill views. Both locations are perfect for families and situated within a short drive from Lakewood, making them convenient options for residents or visitors.
Are there dog-friendly campgrounds in Lakewood?
Though Lakewood itself doesn't have campgrounds, there are dog-friendly options nearby. O'Neill Regional Park welcomes pets on leashes and offers clean facilities including free showers. It's great for hiking and biking with your four-legged friend. San Clemente State Beach Campground also allows dogs on leash in the campground area (though not on the beach itself). This campground provides ample space and ocean views from most sites. Remember to keep pets leashed at all times, clean up after them, and check for specific pet restrictions or designated dog areas when making reservations.
Keep Exploring