Camping options near Rancho Palos Verdes, California cluster along the coastline and extend inland to mountain areas, creating diverse experiences within a 30-mile radius. The Mediterranean climate provides mild temperatures year-round, with summer highs rarely exceeding 80°F and winter lows seldom dipping below 45°F. Coastal campgrounds experience morning fog that typically burns off by midday, while inland locations can be 5-10 degrees warmer.
What to do
Tide pool exploration: At Leo Carrillo State Park Campground, visitors access marine ecosystems within walking distance. "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," reports a family who visited in late 2024.
Hiking inland trails: The Malibu Creek State Park Campground offers miles of trails through diverse landscapes. "The state 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," notes a camper. Wildlife sightings are common, with another visitor mentioning, "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear."
Water recreation: Bring kayaks or paddleboards to active marinas. "We kayaked around the area and loved it. At night we had deer walking directly through our site as we were eating dinner," shares a visitor at Two Harbors Campground. The protected waters provide safe recreation areas for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
What campers like
Ocean views: Terraced sites at Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park maximize coastal vistas. "The campsites are terraced, so no matter which site you get you'll have a view of the ocean," explains a repeat visitor. The layout creates a unique experience where nearly all sites benefit from the oceanfront location. Another camper adds, "Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind."
Hybrid experiences: Camping with access to urban amenities. "It's super convenient to have stores like Trader Joe's and restaurants just a few minutes away," notes a Crystal Cove visitor. This blend of natural settings with nearby services creates a practical option for those new to camping or those wanting extended stays without isolation.
Cleanliness and maintenance: Facilities receive regular attention. "The bathrooms are pretty clean, some of the showers run pretty hot but I didn't mind it," reports a camper at Crystal Cove. At Leo Carrillo, another visitor observed, "Bathrooms were well positioned and clean, the camp host super friendly and helpful."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Popular sites book months ahead during peak seasons. Most coastal campgrounds fill immediately when reservation windows open, especially for weekend dates between May and September. "This campground fills up fast so book early," warns a Crystal Cove camper.
Noise considerations: Proximity to urban areas means variable sound levels. At Dockweiler Beach RV Park, planes from LAX create a distinct audio experience. "You will hear each and every of the planes taking off from LAX, but at one point you don't hear them anymore. It was not really annoying, but that flight at 5a was," notes a camper.
Fire restrictions: Rules vary significantly between locations. At Crystal Cove, traditional campfires are prohibited but alternatives exist. "No coal or wood fires. Kind of a bummer since your evening ends early. You can bring propane pits yourself for fires though," explains a regular visitor. Check current fire regulations before planning evening activities.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with natural barriers: Look for vegetation or terrain features. At Malibu Creek State Park, "The sites are basic with campfire pit and grill, open space for a tent or rv, and picnic table. The inner circle of sites abuts the bathrooms and is better for groups."
Pack beach wagons for coastal access: Gear transport becomes challenging with children. "Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff," recommends a family visiting Leo Carrillo State Park.
Select shower-equipped facilities for longer stays: Coin-operated facilities vary in quality. "The bathrooms are well positioned and clean, the camp host super friendly and helpful," reports a family at Leo Carrillo. Another notes, "Showers are token operated. Clean and well maintained."
Tips from RVers
Measure rig length accurately: Include hitches in total calculations. At Newport Dunes RV Resort, spaces accommodate various sizes but require precision. "The roads that lead to the sites is a bit narrow, so if your towable is on the long side, you might have to work a bit to back it in," cautions an RVer who stayed at Moro Campground.
Book premium spaces for slides and awnings: Standard spaces may restrict full setup. "Expect to get to know your neighbors," warns an RVer at Bonelli Bluffs. "Good camp ground if you like being 6 ft away from your neighbors. More of a group or community campground."
Research hookup types and locations before arrival: Not all sites offer full services. "We had 30/50 amp electrical and water. Dump station is on your way out, with 3 stations in that row," explains a Crystal Cove visitor, detailing the specific utility setup important for planning longer stays.
