Best Camping near Los Angeles, CA
Camping near Los Angeles, California
Camping near Los Angeles offers a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience. Whether you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life or simply want to enjoy the great outdoors, the campgrounds around Los Angeles provide a variety of experiences. From beachside RV parks to serene state parks, there's something for everyone.
With stunning views, well-maintained facilities, and a range of activities, these campgrounds are perfect for both seasoned campers and those new to the experience. However, it's important to know what to expect, what others have enjoyed, and what might be a bit challenging. This guide will help you make the most of your camping trip near Los Angeles.
What to do
Camping near Los Angeles offers a plethora of activities to keep you entertained. Whether you enjoy hiking, beach activities, or simply relaxing in nature, there's something for everyone.
For those who love hiking, Malibu Creek State Park Campground is a great choice. Jani S. mentions, "Nice, small campground with hiking trails easily accessible. It was green and lush in the campground and the hillsides after a lot of rain." Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers a unique experience with its proximity to the beach and bike paths. Ignasi M. shares, "The park is right next to the beach, walk 1 minute and you're there. There's also a bike path that goes for miles both north or south - great for an early workout."
If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, Malibu Beach RV Park provides stunning ocean views and a well-stocked general store. Tim Z. says, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff! General store is well stocked and there’s a park to lounge or play games on the cliffs edge!"
What campers like
Campers have shared many positive experiences about camping near Los Angeles. The beautiful scenery, well-maintained facilities, and convenient locations are often highlighted.
At Malibu Creek State Park Campground, Kent M. appreciates the cleanliness and maintenance, stating, "Clean and well maintained. There are many trails to explore." Similarly, Andrea A. notes, "This campground is clean and quiet and the gate is open late (until 10:00pm) so you can check in late if need be."
The views at Malibu Beach RV Park are a major draw. Michael M. shares, "Malibu RV Resort has the best views for the price, hands down." Luc M. adds, "The park was beautiful and so was the location. The park was clean and comfortably, and so were the toilets and showers."
What you should know
While camping near Los Angeles has many perks, there are a few things you should be aware of to ensure a smooth experience.
Noise can be an issue at some campgrounds. For instance, Dockweiler Beach RV Park is close to LAX, which means you'll hear planes frequently. Berton M. mentions, "With LAX less than .5 miles away, you get the pleasure of plane spotting 24/7."
Cost is another factor to consider. Andrea A. points out that Malibu Creek State Park Campground is "a little expensive ($45/night plus online booking fee), but it’s very clean and well maintained." Similarly, Christian D. notes that Malibu Beach RV Park is "pricey but good."
Lastly, some campgrounds have specific rules and restrictions. Mollie L. had a negative experience at Malibu Beach RV Park due to discrimination against her service dog, stating, "They refused us entry because they didn’t approve of her breed."
Tips for camping with families
Camping with family can be a wonderful experience, but it's important to choose the right campground and be prepared.
Malibu Creek State Park Campground is a good option for families due to its spacious sites and accessible hiking trails. Jani S. recommends sites 59, 61, and 63 for the best views, saying, "The sites with the best views are 59, 61 and 63."
For beach-loving families, Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers easy access to the beach and a bike path. Ignasi M. highlights the convenience, "The park is right next to the beach, walk 1 minute and you're there."
If you're looking for a campground with amenities, Malibu Beach RV Park has a well-stocked general store and a park area for games. Tim Z. shares, "General store is well stocked and there’s a park to lounge or play games on the cliffs edge!"
Tips from RVers
RVers have specific needs and preferences, and the campgrounds near Los Angeles cater to many of them.
Golden Shore RV Resort is praised for its spacious sites and convenient location. Roxanna L. shares, "They had a space available for our 42’ 5th wheel and the site was wonderful. Cement, lots of room, close to laundry and pool."
However, some RVers have noted challenges. Douglas T. mentions that Golden Shore RV Resort can be sandy and muddy during rain, stating, "The site had holes filled with water and trying to walk anywhere around our site was standing water which was like quick sand."
For those who prefer a beachside experience, Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers both hookup and dry camping areas. Ignasi M. notes, "The RV park has a hookup area and a dry camping area. The hookups are full of large rigs, very close one with another, in a parking lot style. The dry camp provides much more space, but only relatively small RVs."
Camping near Los Angeles offers a diverse range of experiences, from beachside relaxation to hiking adventures. By knowing what to expect and hearing from fellow campers, you can make the most of your trip and create lasting memories.
