The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Los Angeles, CA

982 Reviews

Several good camping spots surround Los Angeles within a short drive of the city. Malibu Creek State Park Campground draws many campers who like to hike, and you can see locations where movies and TV shows were filmed nearby. Leo Carrillo State Park sits right by the ocean, giving you that classic California beach camping experience. You can also try Sycamore Canyon Campground in Point Mugu State Park, which gets especially pretty when fall colors appear. The campgrounds around LA have different facilities - most have bathrooms and picnic tables, but not all have water hookups or dump stations, so check before you go. Spring and fall work best for camping here since the weather stays comfortable. Summer gets hot, so bring extra water and look for shady sites. Winter can be chilly, particularly at higher elevations, so pack some warm clothes. Most campgrounds are easy to reach in a regular car, though some spots might need higher clearance vehicles after it rains. Make reservations ahead of time, especially on weekends and during busy seasons. Fire bans often happen during dry spells, so always check current rules. Take all your trash with you when you leave to keep these places nice for everyone else.

Map showing campgrounds near Los Angeles, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Los Angeles, California (145)

    1. Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    15 Reviews
    El Segundo, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 322-4951

    $55 - $80 / night

    "One of the only in Southern California/Los Angeles area where you can have a fire on the beach."

    "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."

    2. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 880-0367

    $45 - $225 / night

    "What I love the best about this place is that it's local to me as I live in Los Angeles."

    "It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."

    3. Malibu Beach RV Park

    28 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 622-6052

    $80 - $300 / night

    "I absolutely love this campground, it’s perfectly situated in between the Malibu pier area (to your left) Dume, Zuma, and more beaches (to the right), + a lovely small beach across the street… oh let’s"

    "This is a great little campground just north of Malibu, California, and right off of the 101. So yes, the freeway is RIGHT. THERE."

    4. Hollywood RV Park

    15 Reviews
    San Fernando, CA
    14 miles
    Website

    "This location is conveniently situated near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the city’s many attractions."

    "Nice campground a little bit outside of Hollywood but with a very helpful camp host"

    5. Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park

    5 Reviews
    Topanga, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 455-2465

    $7 / night

    "If you want a longer hike you can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction."

    "Although it’s not the most scenic campground itself, the state park has plenty of beauty to offer on its hiking trails. Not a single other party at the campsite on a Tuesday in September."

    6. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Calme et nature au rdv à quelques pas de los Angeles. Ambiance très familiale !"

    "It was a quick drive up the coast and onto this hidden gem. You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you. Perfect place for families or even RVs."

    7. Golden Shore RV Resort

    13 Reviews
    Signal Hill, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (562) 435-4646

    $80 - $85 / night

    "However, you do get some road noise if you stay on the road side"

    "Clean, comfortable sites near Long Beach Marina and downtown. Good biking, walking lanes. Pool & jacuzzi are nice."

    8. Rafael’s RV park

    3 Reviews
    Universal City, CA
    11 miles
    +1 (213) 321-5522

    $100 - $140 / night

    "We stayed here to be close to the Hollywood Bowl for a concert. Rafael was a friendly host and very helpful and made sure we were set up well."

    9. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    20 miles
    Website

    "When you can’t do a 2h hike before setting camp, but you also don’t want to camp close to your car, Millard campground is perfect. The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view."

    "Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars."

    10. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA

    7 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    20 miles

    "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."

    "This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 145 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Los Angeles, CA

318 Photos of 145 Los Angeles Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Los Angeles, CA

982 Reviews of 145 Los Angeles Campgrounds

Guide to Los Angeles

Camping near Los Angeles offers a fantastic escape from the city hustle, with beautiful landscapes and a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a mountain getaway, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Beach Camping: Enjoy the sun and surf at Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park. Campers love the beachfront spots, with one reviewer saying, "Really a special spot. Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in Southern California."
  • Hiking: Explore trails at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Nice, small campground with hiking trails easily accessible," making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Bonelli Bluffs for a day on the water. A camper noted, "The park clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly," perfect for a family outing.

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Malibu Beach RV Park. One guest said, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness at Bonelli Bluffs. A reviewer stated, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen," which is a big plus for families.
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness at Buckhorn Campground. One visitor shared, "Although hot during the day, it was the getaway we needed," highlighting the campground's serene environment.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: At Thornhill Broome Beach, there are no water hookups or dump stations. A camper mentioned, "Loved the quietness of this campsite. No water, no dump station," so be prepared to bring your own supplies.
  • Crowded Weekends: Many campgrounds, like Bonelli Bluffs, can get busy on weekends. One reviewer noted, "Crowded on weekend, much less during the week," so consider visiting during the week for a quieter experience.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Chilao Campground. A camper shared, "We have been encountered by a bear once at night," so keep food secured and be cautious.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with nearby beaches or lakes, like Thornhill Broome Beach. One family enjoyed, "Cooked on the beach and enjoyed throwing rocks into the ocean!"
  • Space for Kids to Play: Choose campgrounds with open areas, such as Malibu Creek State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Nice short walk to the beach where dogs are welcome," which is great for family outings.
  • Plan for Limited Internet: Many campgrounds, like Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park, have spotty cell service. One camper noted, "No wifi or data," so bring games or books to keep the kids entertained.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site, especially at places like Sycamore Canyon Campground. A reviewer said, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Some campgrounds, like Bonelli Bluffs, don’t provide firewood. One camper mentioned, "NO firewood," so stock up before you arrive.
  • Expect Noise on Weekends: If you're camping at popular spots like Malibu Beach RV Park, be ready for noise. A visitor noted, "Do not expect any quiet on the weekends," so plan accordingly.

Camping near Los Angeles offers a mix of adventure and relaxation, with plenty of options to suit every camper's needs. Whether you're in an RV or pitching a tent, there's a perfect spot waiting for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Los Angeles, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Los Angeles, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Los Angeles, CA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Los Angeles, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Los Angeles, CA is Dockweiler Beach RV Park with a 4.1-star rating from 15 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Los Angeles, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Los Angeles, CA.

What parks are near Los Angeles, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Los Angeles, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

Keep Exploring