Best Campgrounds near Lakewood, CA

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Lakewood, California (158)

    1. Golden Shore RV Resort

    14 Reviews
    Signal Hill, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (562) 435-4646

    $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."

    2. Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    19 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 846-3460

    $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."

    3. Seabreeze At Seal Beach

    9 Reviews
    Seal Beach, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (562) 626-7504

    "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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    4. Anaheim Harbor RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Anaheim, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 535-6495

    $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."

    5. Waterfront RV Park

    12 Reviews
    Huntington Beach, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 536-8316

    "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."

    6. Newport Dunes RV Resort

    26 Reviews
    Newport Beach, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 765-7661

    $75 - $550 / night

    "As we expected, the sites are stacked up next to each other like dominoes with minimal foliage/fencing to separate the sites."

    "There's a nice bike trail that circles around the bay, which is great for kids. Also, lots of amenities for families, including playgrounds, water toys, movie nights and fire pits."

    7. Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    23 Reviews
    El Segundo, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 322-4951

    $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."

    CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

    8. Orangeland RV Park

    10 Reviews
    Anaheim, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (714) 633-0414

    $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."

    9. Bonelli Bluffs

    40 Reviews
    South El Monte, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (909) 599-8355

    $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"

    10. Los Alamitos Army Campground

    2 Reviews
    Los Alamitos, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (562) 795-2128

    $23 - $33 / night

    "Conveniently located next to the laundry and grill (the salmon is great!)."

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Recent Reviews near Lakewood, CA

1164 Reviews of 158 Lakewood Campgrounds


  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 1, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    2 stars even though we had a good time

    We were here in november for 3 nights. Expensive for a narrow pad / parking lot. The far bathroom was without toilet paper, the near one dirty since early morning until same time next day. Public beach building had the best toilet available...

    Beach is close but in winter no view due to sand wall. Slightly smelly ocean, not sure what it is ...

    A lot of load airplanes (every minute or so) - which we were of course expecting but are detracting from the beach vibe. Bright lights that are on all night.

    Anyway, as far as I know still one of the best places to camp close to LA/Hollywood as there ain't so many, but it is far from great

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Angeles National Forest Meadow Group Campground

    Suitable for large groups

    So much space! One of the few campgrounds still reservable within the Angeles National Forest, now that only group sites are reservable.

    Although it’s a beautiful area and the sites are spacious, the sites could be more maintained. The main vault toilets were closed so we had to walk 3 minutes each way to some further away. Potable hasn’t been available at Meadows for this season at least, but we heard you may be able to get water at the nearby Chilao campground. We just brought our own water for the weekend.

    Make sure to call for the gate lock code during weekday business hours, there is no service once you’re in the forest.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Sturtevant Camp

    amazing camp, amazing organization

    We ended up unexpectedly staying at Sturtevant Camp because we left a scary experience at Spruce grove trailhead nearby. And wow, what an amazing experience we had here! We walked up to the campgrounds after it was already dark, and the camp host came outside of his cabin within a minute. He saw our headlamps and greeted us by asking if everything was okay. We asked if we could set up our tent near the cabins, and he offered to let us stay in one of the cabins that happened to be open that weekend. Some of the most amazing hospitality I've encounted while camping, really restored my faith in humanity. We made a donation after we got home as a thank you.

    The facilities have running water and electricity. The camp host preps coffee and hot water in the morning so that other hikers coming through can stop for a warm beverage. What an amazing place!

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Spruce Grove Trail Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

    scary experience

    I took my friend backpacking on a Friday in August with the goal of camping at Spruce Grove camp that night. I read other reviews talking about how busy the campground can be over the weekend, so I was hoping we would still get a spot if we arrived Friday instead of Saturday. My friend and I were less than a mile away from the camp sites when it got dark and a guy started following us on the trail. It was unsettling, and we hoped it would be fine once we got to Spruce Grove. Unfortunately, upon arriving to the camp, it was completely empty. The guy started explaining that he didn't have a tent and his story didn't make sense (ex: said he walked up from Pasadena, instead of parking at the trailhead). Anyways, I know this guy isn't a permanent part of the campground, BUT it made me realize that backcountry camping in the Angeles National Forest is different than other backpacking I've done, because it's so close to an urban area. I've camped in many other parts of the ANF, but never the backcountry sites. I also want people to know that the campground is empty sometimes, so if you're going, I would only do it with a larger party.

    The story ends by us taking safe haven at Sturtevant Camp a little further up the trail

  • rich I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    San Clemente State Beach Campground

    Beach Camping on the bluff

    Great place for beach camping, but the hike down to the beach is steep. Beach used to be sandy, but over the years the tide has taken the sand away and left smaller stones so wear Tevas.

  • rich I.The Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 29, 2025

    O'Neill Regional Park

    Family Camp at ONeill Regional Count Park (soCal)

    Great regional county park for camping. We did a pre-Thanksgiving family campout. However, Nov was cold at night! The next day was our adventure day where we trekked up the wash and climbed the trail to Mesa day use area. Trail is steep for kids under 5, but doable. Check your site and location of bathrooms. Some sites are far from them.

  • M
    Nov. 29, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Great location and overall environment, but....

    Nice area, great location. Visited King Gillette Ranch and did some there and in general area near coast. The park itself has large open areas. We might have visited the M.A.S.H. set but the bridge to it was removed for the season. I did recognize the mountain formation from the show :)    Hardly any other campers there during our 3 night stay. Seemed safe and staff were friendly and assisted with shower tokens. There is a dump station that costs extra--bit of a disappointment (see pic below). Would likely stay here again despite some drawbacks because of nice landscape and locale. Just felt like we couldn't give it a 4. 

    Downsides: Campsite office's internet was out so token machines for showers not working. Bathroom were not great and showers were threadbare. One shower's  shower head was missing (replaced later), no hooks or shelves, so nowhere to really hang anything so as to keep belongings off floor (I did use door hinges & door handle). They are free with cold water only, OR, you can buy tokens, 2 for a dollar at 2 min. apiece. Advice was to put token in and water would get hot in about 30 to 45 seconds (true) and to my pleasant surprise, hot water did come out for 2 min. (so, hotwater for 2 min. AFTER the initial time it took to get hot). But, neither token machine worked. However, the park ranger (after driving back down to entrance) did give us 6 tokens, gratis & we appreciated that. There was however a cleaning crew there each morning (early) while we were there and it appeared they literally sprayed down the bathrooms and showers with disinfectant. 

    The location itself was great. Short drive down to Malibu, and we parked ocean-side one evening and ate dinner at sunset in camper. To our surprise the nearby Ralph's grocery store (Kroger) was reasonably priced (not much different than our neighborhood Kroger [not in Calif.]; did not expect that in Malibu).

    Perhaps affecting our experience is that it was cold and rainy while there so made threadbare showers a shivering experience.


Guide to Lakewood

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.

What to do

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.

What campers like

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!"

What you should know

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."

Tips for camping with families

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."

Tips from RVers

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.