Los Angeles RV camping offers urban and beachfront options across a variety of settings within 50 miles of downtown. Summer temperatures at coastal rv parks remain 10-15 degrees cooler than inland locations, with June through September being peak season. Winter camping near Los Angeles sees fewer crowds and temperatures averaging 65-70°F during daytime hours.
What to do
Beach access from camp: At Newport Dunes RV Resort, the lagoon offers family-friendly swimming and water activities. "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. There are fantastic running/bike trails along the Back Bay," notes one camper. The beach setup includes an inflatable water obstacle course during summer months.
Biking opportunities: Golden Shore RV Resort provides direct access to coastal biking routes. "Great biking, walking lanes. Pool & jacuzzi are nice," mentions a reviewer. The Long Beach location connects to multiple paved trails suitable for casual riders and families.
Wildlife viewing: The wetlands adjacent to Seal Beach camping areas provide bird watching opportunities year-round. "Wetlands on the base and birds galore," reports one camper about Seabreeze At Seal Beach. Morning hours typically offer the best wildlife sightings when temperatures are cooler and animals are more active.
What campers like
Ocean views: Malibu Beach RV Park sites overlook the Pacific from an elevated position. "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!" shares a reviewer. The park features both mountain view and ocean view sites at different price points.
Urban convenience: Many appreciate the accessibility to Los Angeles attractions from Hollywood RV Park. "We avoided staying up at Pyramid Lake. But, dry camping with no solar in 95-100 deg heat wasn't happening. So, we canceled and found this amazing park. Every street is themed with murals and art everywhere!" explains one camper. The strategic location allows visitors to explore city attractions while having a secure base.
Beach camping atmosphere: Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers direct beach access for immediate ocean enjoyment. "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. You can step out of your RV and be right on the beach in minutes," notes a visitor. The park includes both hookup areas and a dry camping section.
What you should know
Airport proximity: Many Los Angeles area RV parks experience aircraft noise. "The park is right next to the departure/arrival runway for Burbank and so if you don't fancy airplanes, you may not appreciate the noise," explains a camper at Hollywood RV Park. Dockweiler Beach sits directly under LAX flight paths with regular overhead traffic throughout day and night.
Reservation timing: Peak season requires booking months in advance for popular locations. "During COVID you need to reserve your time at the pool. Make sure you know that you want to stay here for the full time because there is not a generous refund policy," advises a Golden Shore visitor about their strict cancellation policies.
Transportation considerations: Getting to attractions often requires planning. "Ir takes some planning to visit LA when you ar traveling with an RV. This seems to be one of the best places to stay with an RV to visit LA, since driving and parking and RV in LA can be challenging and parking an RV in west LA is not allowed. We took an uber," explains a camper at Hollywood RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Resort amenities for kids: Newport Dunes RV Resort offers structured activities throughout peak seasons. "Perfect weekend getaway for the family! Loved the store and how close to the beach this place was," reports one family. The resort features scheduled events including outdoor movies projected on the beach during summer weekends.
Budget options: Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park provides more affordable camping near water. "We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups," shares a new RVer family.
Space considerations: Site layouts vary dramatically between parks. "Our site was a little uneven but easily fixed. I loved the views, location, and vibe," notes a Malibu Beach RV Park visitor staying in a smaller rig. Families with children should specifically request sites away from traffic areas when booking.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Bonelli Bluffs has significant differences between site quality. "Some spaces monumentally better than others. Occasionally they run a special. There's good hiking and bike riding and fishing," advises an experienced visitor. Requesting specific site numbers based on reviews often results in better placement.
Space constraints: Many Los Angeles RV parks have tight spacing arrangements. "Parking lot camping" is common at urban locations like Anaheim Harbor RV Park. "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," recommends a camper.
Rail line awareness: Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon experiences train noise that affects sleep quality. "We stayed here 2 nights because it's a Thousand Trails campground and we're TT members. It's in the middle of nowhere in the desert. It's very very close to railroad tracks and at night the loud train kept waking us up," warns a camper. Sites further from the front section experience reduced train noise.
