Camping options near Manhattan Beach cluster within a 25-mile radius along the Southern California coast. The urban coastal region has overnight temperatures averaging 55-65°F, even during summer months. Campgrounds in this area frequently enforce 10 PM quiet hours due to their proximity to residential neighborhoods.
What to do
Beach biking accessibility: At Dockweiler Beach RV Park, campers appreciate the paved coastal path. "The bike path is in front of the campground and it will take you all the way to Redondo Beach or Santa Monica," states one visitor. The path extends for over 20 miles along the coastline.
Tide pool exploration: Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground offers beach access with marine life viewing. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access- it's about a 10-minute walk from most sites, and you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there," notes a reviewer. The tide pools are most accessible during morning low tides.
Urban attractions: Manhattan Beach camping serves as a base for city exploration. One visitor to Golden Shore RV Resort mentioned, "Nice camp ground with clean and nice facilities... Easy access to Long Beach and not far from Disneyland so great when kids came in from out of state to visit." Most urban attractions require a 15-30 minute drive from camping areas.
What campers like
Beach proximity: The primary appeal for most campers is direct ocean access. A camper at Malibu Beach RV Park noted, "We had a Mountain View site but you can still enjoy the view on the ocean." Sites with ocean views typically book 3-6 months in advance.
Clean facilities: Despite the urban setting, campgrounds maintain good amenities. A visitor to Golden Shore RV Resort shared, "The pool, showers, bathrooms are all spotless. Highly recommend this RV resort." Most campgrounds provide token-operated hot showers (approximately $1-2 for 5 minutes).
Beach activities: The coastal location provides water-based recreation. "I have been on a 3 month trip and stayed at 22 different campgrounds. Malibu RV Resort has the best views for the price, hands down," writes one camper. Beach access points typically have restrooms and outdoor showers for rinsing off sand.
What you should know
Airport noise: Several campgrounds experience aircraft noise. A Dockweiler Beach visitor reported, "We loved this spot next to the beach. We got used to the planes, but they are certainly jarring at first." The noise is most noticeable between 6 AM and 11 PM, with early morning departures being particularly loud.
Limited shade: The coastal location means minimal tree cover. At Malibu Creek State Park Campground, a camper noted, "I came here during the summer and it was extremely HOT. Typically during the summer season, I like to find campgrounds that have a lot of lush trees... but Malibu Creek State Park is so convenient to LA." Summer temperatures can reach 85-95°F in inland campgrounds.
Parking challenges: Urban campgrounds have space limitations. "The parking is a challenge when the park is busy," mentions a Malibu Beach RV Park visitor. Most campsites limit vehicles to one or two per site, with overflow parking often requiring additional fees ($10-15 daily).
Tips for camping with families
Bring beach equipment: Coastal camping requires extra gear. "Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff," suggests a Canyon Campground visitor. Beach access points are typically 5-15 minutes walking distance from campsites.
Plan for weather changes: Coastal fog and temperature shifts occur frequently. "The campsites are basic with campfire pit and grill, open space for a tent or rv, and picnic table," notes a visitor to Malibu Creek State Park. Morning coastal fog can linger until 11 AM, with temperatures varying by 15-20 degrees throughout the day.
Seek shaded sites: Limited shade makes site selection important. A Malibu Creek camper advised, "We stayed in site 59 which had a really nice shade tree and great views of a meadow and the cliffs out the back of the site." Reservation systems typically allow filtering for partially shaded sites.
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Many coastal campgrounds have tight spaces. At Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park, which allows small RVs, a visitor commented, "Did not expect the bathrooms to be very clean. They have running water to flush the toilets, and to wash your hands." Most campgrounds post maximum RV length restrictions (typically 25-40 feet).
Electricity limitations: Hookup options vary by location. "We had a dry campsite a bit further from the airport, so the plane noise was much less," reports a Dockweiler Beach camper. RV sites with full hookups typically cost $65-90 per night, while dry camping options run $45-60.
Leveling needs: Some sites require adjustment for parking. "The spot was a little uneven but easily fixed," mentioned a visitor at Malibu Beach RV Park. Most campground reviews recommend bringing leveling blocks, especially for oceanfront sites which may have slight slopes for drainage.
