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Best Campgrounds near Los Angeles, CA

1,009 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Los Angeles, California (149)

    1. Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    20 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

    38 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. Hollywood RV Park

    17 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."

    "Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️"

    4. 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."

    5. Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park

    6 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. Dockweiler

    1 Review
    Marina del Rey, CA
    6 miles

    "There are almost always other RVs/campers so you a rarely alone:) there are fire pits on the beach (California is otherwise very strict about fires) that are free to use."

    8. 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."

    9. 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."

    10. 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Los Angeles, CA

325 Photos of 149 Los Angeles Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Los Angeles, CA

1009 Reviews of 149 Los Angeles Campgrounds

  • B
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tapo Canyon Park

    Favorite spot near LA

    The Camp Hosts here are Very Friendly and welcoming, the campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon.

  • Lee-Ann C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Steckel Park

    Beautiful location

    The camp host came over shortly after we arrived and was very kind and friendly. I appreciate that they enforce quiet hours! The lots were not very private but they were clean and having full hookups was great. The location is pretty, on a creek. And there’s a playground and aviary which our whole family enjoyed. We’ll plan to go back when it’s not so hot!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Great trip/great site!

    This place is great! We stayed on site 59 and it had so much space you can fit a ton of people on the site. We had a beautiful, big tree and a great view in the back of the site. Site 62 had the most beautiful view but no shade, but I want to book it for the cooler months. Showers and bathrooms were pristine!! Can’t wait to go back!

  • Michael R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Malibu Creek State Park

    The campground is well laid out with plenty of shade available in most sites throughout the day. Sites aren’t too close to one another, restrooms are modern and clean and people were pretty quiet at night and in the early mornings. Main demographic was families when I camped here.

  • ROCKSTAR C.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hare School Park

    It’s the sports fields parking lot

    I’ve been here for a couple days and nobody’s mess with us. There’s other people that are staying in another parking lot attached that are homeless in their vehicles mostly cars and vans. I’m in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV. There’s a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them.There’s no public bathrooms, but there are trash cans so clean up after yourself please. It’s not tent friendly. I don’t believe.

  • Lizzette M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Hollywood RV Park

    Gem near the big city

    I came 3 days ago in my class C. Showers and restrooms were clean and supplied. The RV is cute very Hollywood movies vibes. Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️

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

How much does camping cost in Los Angeles area campgrounds?

Camping costs in the Los Angeles area vary significantly based on location and amenities. Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers beachfront RV camping at a premium, typically ranging from $65-85 per night depending on the season. For more budget-friendly options, public campgrounds like Chilao Campground in Angeles National Forest generally charge $12-25 per night. Many state parks in the area charge between $25-45 per night for standard sites. RV resorts with full hookups and additional amenities can range from $50-100+ nightly. Some primitive or backcountry sites may cost as little as $5-15 per night. Many campgrounds also offer day-use fees ranging from $5-12 if you're just visiting for activities rather than overnight stays.

Where are the best campgrounds near Los Angeles?

The Los Angeles area offers diverse camping experiences within easy driving distance. Angeles National Forest Chilao Campground is highly regarded for its proximity to the city while offering a true mountain escape with beautiful surroundings and hiking trails. For those seeking beach camping, Leo Carrillo State Park Campground provides stunning coastal settings with ocean access. Other excellent options include Malibu Creek State Park for its beautiful scenery and hiking, Lake Piru Recreation Area for water activities, and Manker Campground for a more secluded mountain experience. Cooper Canyon Trail Campground is perfect for backpackers wanting a wilderness experience without traveling far from the city.

What amenities are available at Los Angeles camping sites?

Los Angeles area campgrounds offer a range of amenities to suit different camping styles. Lake Piru Recreation Area provides water recreation facilities, boat rentals, flush toilets, and showers, making it ideal for families. RV enthusiasts will find full hookups, Wi-Fi, and laundry facilities at Orangeland RV Park, which also offers a swimming pool and convenience store. Many public campgrounds provide picnic tables, fire rings, potable water, and vault toilets. More developed sites typically include flush toilets, hot showers, and dump stations. Urban campgrounds like Hollywood RV Park offer unique amenities such as cable TV and proximity to attractions. Beach campgrounds provide ocean access, while mountain sites often feature hiking trails and natural attractions.

When is the best season for camping in the Los Angeles area?

The Los Angeles area enjoys camping-friendly weather nearly year-round, with each season offering distinct advantages. Fall (September-November) is widely considered ideal, with pleasant temperatures, reduced crowds, and minimal rainfall. Spring (March-May) brings wildflower blooms and comfortable conditions, particularly in desert areas. Summer (June-August) offers warm, predictable weather, though coastal campgrounds like Malibu Beach RV Park provide relief from inland heat. Cooper Canyon Trail Campground in higher elevations is best visited in summer when mountain access is easiest. Winter camping (December-February) can be enjoyable in lower elevations but may bring rain and cooler temperatures. Beach campgrounds remain popular year-round, with coastal areas experiencing less temperature fluctuation than inland sites.

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