Glamping near Palos Verdes Peninsula offers Pacific coastal access within a 30-mile radius of metropolitan Los Angeles. The region sits at elevations ranging from sea level to 1,480 feet, with Mediterranean climate conditions supporting year-round camping. Most glamping sites remain open throughout winter months with temperatures rarely dropping below 50°F at night, though fog can be common along immediate coastal areas from May through August.
What to do
Beach exploration: Dockweiler Beach RV Park provides direct access to miles of shoreline for beachcombing and swimming. "Review of dry campervan section of park only, which seemed considerably more quiet and less chaotic than the big RV area... Amazing beach front sites, expected noise from road and airport but you can still hear the ocean, super lively/loud beach on weekend, very chill weekdays, right off a very nice coastal 20+? mile walking/biking path," notes PJ M.
Hiking trails: Malibu Creek State Park Campground contains extensive trail networks suitable for day hiking. "The park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more. It was easy to imagine you weren't anywhere close to the city," explains Ryan W.
Kayaking and water activities: The region's protected harbors provide calm waters for paddling, particularly at dawn. "The water in the harbor is super clear. We kayaked around the area and loved it. At night we had deer walking directly through our site as we were eating dinner (seriously on a few feet away)," reports Corey B. about Two Harbors Campground on Catalina Island.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground offers better spacing than other coastal options. "The sites are spacious enough for our two tents and had a good fire pit and picnic table setup. 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," shares Alfred.
Clean facilities: Several glamping sites maintain high standards for restrooms and common areas. "Super clean. Showers, toilets and laundry well taken care off. Everything was great and we enjoyed every minute of our stay we will return next year! If you are military affiliated and are looking for a great RV Park close to the beach/Disney/Universal don't look any further!" writes Nadine T. about Seabreeze at Seal Beach.
Ocean views: Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park provides elevated vantage points. "The sites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean. It is in a developed area of Laguna Beach, so there is not much solitude or quiet enjoyment of nature. However, it's super convenient to have stores like Trader Joe's and restaurants just a few minutes away," notes Elly A.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Many glamping sites near Palos Verdes Peninsula experience noise from urban surroundings. "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. The downsides are that it is basically parking lot camping and you are directly under the LAX flight path which means large and noisy keys overhead all day long," explains Darlene M.
Military access requirements: Seabreeze At Seal Beach offers premium glamping but with restrictions. "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," warns William M.
Reservation requirements: Most glamping sites require advance booking, particularly during summer. "This is a military only RV Park. Very clean, cement slab, walking paths well lit and near to many areas to explore. Wetlands on the base and birds galore," notes Geri J. about Los Alamitos Army Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for educational opportunities: Several parks offer nature programs appropriate for children. "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. If you have a dog with you make sure they don't try join the pack. On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub—making their way to a running creek," shares Ryan W.
Consider pool access: Some glamping sites include swimming pools for family enjoyment. "We spent time in the pool. After that I cooked dinner at our site while my daughters watched television in the adjacent club house. Afterwards they went swimming again," writes Jessica R. about Anaheim Harbor RV Park.
Plan for beach transportation: Most glamping sites require walking to beach access. "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. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones. Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff," advises Alfred.
Tips from RVers
Space considerations: Anaheim Harbor RV Park offers various site configurations. "The staff are helpful and nice, be aware that office hours are 9a-5p. Laundry closes at 9pm. Pool needs a separate key (they gave us one on arrival) get a deluxe site if you can. The standard sites are essentially a large parking spot in a paved parking lot," advises Jennifer H.
Storage requirements: Many glamping sites have wildlife that necessitates proper food storage. "Squirrels are very aggressive and will eat your food if left unattended. Lots of shade trees," warns Tim J. about Leo Carrillo State Park.
Utilities and hookups: RV sites vary in amenity levels across the region. "We had 30/50 amp electrical and water. Dump station is on your way out, with 3 stations in that row. Wi-Fi works fair. Cell towers are in sight just to the north, so no reception issues," reports Patrick J. about Crystal Cove State Park's Moro Campground.
