RV campgrounds near Manhattan Beach, California occupy a unique coastal setting between LAX airport and the South Bay communities. Most facilities provide ocean access within 15-45 minutes of Manhattan Beach, with locations stretching from Playa del Rey to Huntington Beach. Year-round camping is available due to Southern California's mild climate that rarely drops below 50°F even in winter months.
What to do
Beach exploration: Across from Dockweiler Beach RV Park, visitors have immediate beach access. "There's a bike path that goes for miles both north or south - great for an early workout," notes one camper. The oceanfront location provides unique plane watching opportunities: "Amazing beach front sites, expected noise from road and airport but you can still hear the ocean."
Water activities at Huntington Beach: Located near Waterfront RV Park, the beach offers swimming, surfing and people-watching. "Your not on the beach but literally on the other side of pacific coast highway you are there," explains a visitor. The park features amenities for after-beach relaxation: "Pool is fine with laundry facility."
Local entertainment: The Hollywood RV Park provides a base for exploring attractions beyond beaches. "The owner is quite a character and told me that they even have an entertainment space where they offer musical performances, plays, etc. by local artists," shares one reviewer. Many campers use this location for LA exploration: "We took an uber. if you stay on the West side of the city it's okay (still 50/60 USD) for a single ride."
What campers like
Waterfront views and access: At Malibu Beach RV Park, the ocean views are consistently praised. "There's not a bad spot to camp here. Even the ones listed as 'no view' have a view!" reports one camper. Another adds, "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!"
Clean facilities: Many campers appreciate the maintained bathrooms and common areas at area RV parks. At Golden Shore RV Resort, reviewers note: "The pool, showers, bathrooms are all spotless. Highly recommend this RV resort." Similarly, at Newport Dunes RV Resort: "The cottage would've been fine if we didn't need a oven, stove and large refrigerator. Beach front cottage was almost twice the price so staying in the back was great."
Security features: Safety measures at campgrounds receive positive mentions. One camper noted about Golden Shore: "Security is very good and felt very safe, especially considering the location." At Seabreeze At Seal Beach, military restrictions create additional security: "A well kept secret with one drawback; everyone has to have an ID card to get on the base or be pre approved by base security."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most RV parks near Manhattan Beach require advance planning. At Anaheim Harbor RV Park, one camper advises: "Get a deluxe site if you can. 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."
Site limitations: Space constraints affect many coastal RV parks. "The sites are very small with a picnic table and AstroTurf. There was only just enough space for my REI Hobitat 6 and VERY close to the neighboring tent site and bathrooms," reports a tent camper at Anaheim Harbor RV Park.
Noise considerations: Airport and traffic noise impact several locations. A Dockweiler camper states: "You will hear each and every if the planes taking off from LAX, but at one point you don't hear them anymore." At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, "a train that ran around 3:30am every morning that was a disturbance."
Tips for camping with families
Water recreation options: Families particularly enjoy Newport Dunes RV Resort for its beach 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," explains a frequent visitor.
Educational wildlife viewing: Several parks offer nature viewing opportunities. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, one camper observed "tons of God's majestic creation to see. From my favorite the Jet black Ravens, rabbits, coyotes, and interesting botany there are plenty of creatures to aww and be thankful for."
Space for kids: When selecting sites, consider space requirements. At Anaheim Harbor RV Park, "My girls LOVED staying here. I'd stay here again in a heartbeat with my kids for a Disneyland vacation." Another family camper noted that despite small sites, the proximity to amenities made it worthwhile: "After setting up camp we had REALLY nice showers, then we spent time in the pool."
Tips from RVers
Parking logistics: Many RV parks in this urban area have tight spaces requiring assistance. At Hollywood RV Park, "This isn't a self-park park...the spaces are so close together that they use a cart to park you." Another camper noted that "Steve the owner is amazing and the team will take your rig on a forklift to your site and fully set you up."
Site selection strategy: Choose sites carefully based on your rig requirements. At Waterfront RV Park, one experienced RVer recommends: "In all, I would say this is fairly quiet but do expect some road noise from the PCH. Friday/Saturday were the worst nights. If I were again to come, I would stay in a site in the 84-89 numbers, and the sites 26-36 are HUGE."
Utility hookups: Full-hookup sites are available but vary by location. Anaheim Harbor RV Park provides "full hook ups. Nice bathrooms. well functioning rv hook ups. Everything worked as planned." For dry camping options, Dockweiler Beach has dedicated areas: "Review of dry campervan section of park only, which seemed considerably more quiet and less chaotic than the big RV area."
