Glamping in Long Beach, California provides convenient access to waterfront recreation while staying within 10 miles of urban amenities. The Mediterranean climate averages 72°F year-round with less than 15 inches of annual rainfall, creating ideal camping conditions throughout most seasons. Most premium glamping sites require reservations 3-6 months in advance due to high demand from both locals and tourists.
What to do
Beach activities: Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers direct access to a long coastal bike path where many visitors enjoy morning exercise. "We had a dry campsite a bit further from the airport, so the plane noise was much less," reports one camper, who appreciated being able to "walk 1 minute and you're there" at the beach.
Hiking trails: Malibu Creek State Park provides multiple trail options within a day trip from Long Beach. "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," noted a visitor who enjoyed wildlife spotting opportunities.
Kayaking: Seabreeze at Seal Beach military campground offers protected waters ideal for paddling. "This one is to die for when it comes to kayaking," according to one reviewer. The adjacent wildlife reserve creates opportunities to observe native birds and marine life while exploring the calm harbor waters.
What campers like
Privacy options: Los Alamitos Army Campground provides two distinct camping areas to suit different preferences. "Legacy is a no thrills gated gravel parking lot that holds maybe 20 smaller RVs... Sunset is on the other side of the base down a bumpy gravel road that leads to a hidden yet well kept RV Park butted up to a civilian baseball field," explains an experienced camper.
Location convenience: Anaheim Harbor RV Park positions visitors near major attractions while providing quiet campsites. One reviewer explained the practical layout: "The standard sites are essentially a large parking spot in a paved parking lot. The deluxe feel more like an RV site with a picnic table and grass. And for only a few bucks more." The location allows campers to easily access area attractions.
Beach proximity: Crystal Cove Beach Cottages offer unique accommodations that blend camping and cottages. "Sound of rhythmic waves, sand, smell of salt in the air... Crystal Cove Beach Cottages... Home away from home," shared one visitor who appreciated the atmospheric oceanfront setting without typical campground logistics.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Moro Campground at Crystal Cove books up quickly, especially for prime ocean-view sites. Sites are organized in tiers, each with different amenities and pricing. "The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean," explains a regular visitor who recommends booking early.
Military requirements: Several campgrounds near Long Beach require military credentials. "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," notes a reviewer about Seabreeze at Seal Beach.
Noise considerations: Airport proximity impacts some camping areas. At Dockweiler Beach, "You will hear each and every of the planes taking off from LAX, but at one point you don't hear them anymore. It was not really annoying, but that flight at 5a was..." remarks a camper who otherwise enjoyed the oceanfront location.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Bonelli Bluffs provides multiple recreation options for children. "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," reports a visitor who brought various outdoor gear.
Tent options near attractions: Limited but valuable tent camping exists near theme parks. One visitor to Anaheim Harbor RV Park shared: "I tent camped here for one night before meeting friends at their timeshare for a Disneyland vacation. There are only two tent sites (T1 and T3), the rest are for RVs... We didn't have any neighbors though. Although the site is small and not private, it was still a great little spot."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with specific youth programming. Newport Dunes RV Resort offers scheduled activities that engage children throughout their stay. "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," says a repeat visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Newport Dunes RV Resort has variable site spacing and views. "We stayed in spot 2118 and it had a nice view of the bay. Be fully aware that these spaces can be very tight," advises a reviewer who recommends requesting specific sites when booking.
RV length restrictions: Many Long Beach area campgrounds have strict length limits. At Moro Campground, one RVer notes, "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. The maximum length is 38."
Parking arrangements: Some campgrounds charge separately for tow vehicles. Verify whether your site includes parking for both your RV and vehicle to avoid unexpected fees. "Our total length is less than 40 ft. They neglected to tell us this information when we booked our site," cautioned an RVer at one area park regarding separate vehicle fees.
