Best Campgrounds near Long Beach, CA

Camping near Long Beach, California, offers a mix of beautiful beaches and scenic parks. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to enjoy the great outdoors.

What to do:

• Beach Access: Many campgrounds are just a short walk from the beach. For example, at Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park, campers can enjoy beachfront camping. One reviewer mentioned, "Really a special spot. Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in Southern California."
• Hiking and Biking: Trails are abundant in the area. At Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park, one camper noted, "Great location. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."
• Wildlife Watching: Campers at Dogwood can enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife. A visitor shared, "The campground is located in some lush pines... well maintained and a pretty area."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Bonelli Bluffs are praised for their cleanliness. One review stated, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
• Spacious Sites: Many campers appreciate the roomy sites. At San Mateo Campground — San Onofre State Beach, a visitor remarked, "The campground is setup as a bunch of loops with a large common area between the rear of every campsite."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of campground hosts. A reviewer at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground said, "The hosts drive through constantly to make sure things are in order."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Thornhill Broome Beach, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site."
• Noise Levels: Campgrounds near busy roads can be noisy. At Doheny State Beach Campground, one visitor mentioned, "There is a ton of road noise coming off of the highway even late at night."
• Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds fill up quickly on weekends. A reviewer at San Mateo Campground said, "Crowded on weekend, much less during the week."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for sites with amenities for kids. At Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground, a camper noted, "Nice short walk to the beach where dogs are welcome."
• Plan for Activities: Bring bikes or plan hikes to keep kids entertained. A family at Dogwood enjoyed the "great mountain bike or hiking trail about 5-6mi loop."
• Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can make family outings easier. One camper at San Clemente State Beach Campground mentioned, "Nice place close to many convenient places ie grocery liquor bix box sporting goods bars restaurants."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Sycamore Canyon Campground said, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
• Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: Some campgrounds have spotty reception. A visitor at Point Mugu State Park noted, "No T-Mobile wifi... I used my WeBoost and got two bars."
• Plan for Dumping: Know where the nearest dump station is located. A camper at Lake Perris State Recreational Area Campground mentioned, "Dump site was closed this weekend... but with our day pass we were able to use the dump site at San Clemente State Beach."

Camping around Long Beach, CA, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to hiking enthusiasts. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!