Camping options near Los Alamitos, California focus primarily on RV accommodations with limited tent camping availability in this coastal urban area. The region maintains mild temperatures year-round, averaging 65-75°F during summer and 50-60°F in winter with minimal rainfall. Most campsites in the vicinity are within 10-15 miles of Los Alamitos, situated on concrete or asphalt surfaces rather than natural terrain due to the metropolitan setting.
What to do
Kayaking at Bolsa Chica: Water activities are popular at Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground, where one visitor noted, "Had so much fun here today kayaking! It's a great place to enjoy the beach."
Hiking trails: Access miles of walking paths at Seabreeze at Seal Beach, where a camper mentioned, "Wetlands on the base and birds galore." Bird watching opportunities are abundant along these protected wetland areas.
Biking along beach paths: Golden Shore RV Resort provides easy access to coastal cycling routes. A camper shared, "Great Long Beach location, a nice bike ride along the beach to Naples and the Queen Mary. Highly recommended."
Swimming in heated pools: Many campgrounds maintain year-round pool facilities. At Orangeland RV Park, visitors enjoy "A covered play area, helpful staff, heated pool as well as a hot tub. The grounds are very well kept."
What campers like
Beach proximity: Waterfront RV Park positions campers near the ocean. A visitor explained, "You're not on the beach but literally on the other side of pacific coast highway you are there... close to the beach."
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in this urban area maintain high standards. At Newport Dunes RV Resort, a camper noted, "This place is super clean and super accommodating. They have cottages for rent if needed and you can have up to 1 tent on an RV spot."
Gated security: Many campgrounds provide security measures. One Golden Shore RV Resort visitor appreciated that "this RV park was gated. Felt safe and secure the whole time I was here, would definitely stay again."
Citrus trees: Unique to certain campgrounds are fruit-picking opportunities. At Orangeland RV Park, guests can "pick all the oranges you want!" making for a distinctive camping experience.
What you should know
Military-only access: Several campgrounds near Los Alamitos restrict entry to military personnel. Los Alamitos Army Campground offers "Full hookup in both parks, Legacy (gravel for smaller RVs) and Sunset (cement spots with extra spot for a car)."
Highway noise: Traffic sound impacts many coastal campgrounds. At Bolsa Chica, a camper warned, "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?"
Tight spacing: Sites often have minimal separation. At Newport Dunes, a camper mentioned, "I hope you like cozy. Neighbor in campsite next to us yapped his belligerent drunken mouth all weekend."
Reservation timelines: Most popular campgrounds book up 3-6 months in advance during peak summer periods. Weekends fill particularly fast, with many campers reporting the need to book immediately when reservation windows open.
Tips for camping with families
Theme park transportation: Anaheim Harbor RV Park provides convenient Disneyland access. A visitor explained, "Easy 15 min drive to Disney plus the ART bus picks up straight from the campground."
Beach equipment rentals: Several beachfront campgrounds offer water equipment. At Newport Dunes, "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."
Kid-friendly activities: Schedule around organized events at family-oriented campgrounds. A Newport Dunes camper shared that they "have activities for the kids like arts and crafts... or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach."
Public transportation options: Some locations connect to wider transportation networks. At Orangeland RV Park, "On-demand public transport for $6/person for all-day access" makes traveling with kids easier.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose locations carefully at mixed-use campgrounds. At Bonelli Bluffs, a visitor advised, "Get a deluxe site if you can. 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."
Parking fees: Be aware of additional vehicle charges at many parks. One camper at Anaheim Harbor warned, "If your travel trailer is 21ft you MUST pay for a parking spot even if your total length is less than 40 ft."
Space constraints: Many RV sites have tight clearances. At Crystal Cove State Park's Moro Campground, "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."
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of connections. At Bolsa Chica State Beach, "Water and electric only but they do have a dump station" is the standard arrangement, while other parks may offer full hookups.
