180 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around San Fernando, California range from developed RV parks to primitive sites in nearby Angeles National Forest. The area includes Valencia Travel Village and Tapo Canyon Park, which offer full hookups for RVs and cabin accommodations within 30 minutes of the city. Angeles Crest Overlook provides dispersed camping with views of Los Angeles, while Antfarm LA offers a unique tent and cabin experience just 15 minutes from San Fernando. Malibu Creek State Park and Castaic Lake State Recreation Area provide additional developed campground options within an hour's drive, featuring tent sites, RV spaces, and some glamping opportunities.
Road access varies significantly across the region's camping areas. Most developed campgrounds near San Fernando have paved roads suitable for all vehicles, while forest service areas may require high-clearance vehicles. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 90°F in the valley, though higher elevation sites in Angeles National Forest offer cooler conditions. Cell service is generally reliable at developed campgrounds but becomes spotty in canyon areas and forest locations. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping at established sites, particularly during summer months. As one visitor noted about Angeles Crest Overlook, "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van... During the week it's more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus."
Campers consistently mention the contrast between urban proximity and natural settings as a defining characteristic of the San Fernando camping experience. Several visitors highlighted the convenience of Malibu Creek State Park, which provides a forest environment despite being less than an hour from the city. The campgrounds at Castaic Lake receive positive reviews for water recreation opportunities, though they can become crowded during summer weekends. For those seeking more solitude, the Angeles National Forest sites offer greater privacy but fewer amenities. A camper described Little Jimmy Trail Campground as "a backcountry hike-in only campground nestled just 2 miles off the Angeles Crest Highway" with "vintage backcountry ovens" and access to the Pacific Crest Trail, representing the more rustic camping experiences available within reach of San Fernando.
"Every “road” in the park is themed with California or Hollywood themed decorations and murals. We were parked right next to a Mister Roger’s mural across from the laundry/bathrooms."
"Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️"
"It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."
"The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."
from $45 - $225 / night
Check Availability"It's a very hot campground close to a road and train. Sites are big. Tons of things to do for adults and children."
"Surrounded my mountains, which is nice. Staff is happy and helpful."
"Gorgeous location right on the lake, the waters clear and there’s a generous amount of trees surrounding for shade."
"Just a 1 min walk down the hill to the lake - a perfect place to have my morning coffee! They allowed pets which is awesome. Super quiet, lots of stars, and a beautiful view. Couldn’t ask for better!"
"This is a very nice campground near everything but still away from it all. No issues parking our 42' 5th wheel here. Clean and quiet despite the peacocks. They can be rather loud when startled."
"This campground happens to be very close to home so we went here to try out our brand new pull behind camper trailer for the very first time.
The campground is small, quiet and very well-kept."
"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."
from $80 - $300 / night
Check Availability"Worked for that plus a 7/11 in walking distance was helpful!"
"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."
from $100 - $140 / night
Check Availability"A little remote and you have to drive to the nearest town(s), but clean grounds and nice site. Very easy to book online. The RV park is pretty large so it's a nice daily walk."
"I didn’t actually stay here as I was looking for a tent camping spot, but I did drive around the facility and it was super clean and looked like a great spot if you’ve got an RV."
"Very peaceful spot for a long weekend. 5 days was a little much unless you have a car to visit around and did I say it was gated too."
from $50 / night
Check Availability"Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."
"This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance."
GuideWe had a great spot near the river. The restrooms were clean and the hookups were great. The camp host was friendly and there were several people at the camp, but it was very quiet. We will be back.
ScoutLove this place so much that our family canceled reservations at two other places to spend a few extra nights. The views are fantastic, the bathroom and showers are so clean, and the delicious seafood restaurant a walk down the hill is just a bonus. Staff were kind and helpful at check-in. It's a great base camp to explore the LA area. We tent camped here 20 years ago and when we came back this time with our RV it was even better than we remembered.
TravelerWell-kept campground with minimal amenities, but the breathtaking views more than make up for it. Very quiet, less than half the sites were occupied during our stay. Only real drawback was it was quite breezy, but it was perfectly manageable with proper planning.
The nearby lodge was a neat addition, and there’s a very cool disc golf course next door.
Site 49 was flat and spacious, with a spectacular view of the sunset.
Scoutdon’t try to reach out to this park via phone with any questions, they won’t answer you. they won’t even answer the phone when their own reservation agents are calling them. gates close strictly at 10 so if you’re camping here make sure to show up by then. showed up at 9:58 after leaving a music festival early to make sure i made it on time, and their staff was immensely rude to me about not making it on time. the morning staff is incredibly nice, apologizing for the problems and giving me advice. the night staff though has a problem and they take it out on their visitors. for how rude they were to me, somehow the campsite across from me showed up at 11pm, so seems like they pick and choose who to give problems. avoid camping here. campsites are very close together and nothing special.
GuideWe have been to this campground quite a few times in the last couple of years and I really love it, personally because it’s really close to home. I also love that it’s first come first serve, which allows us to spontaneously go and enjoy without having to make reservations. I also like the fact that all the campsites have a fire pit and a picnic table, which were very recently replaced so they look very new. They installed metal storage boxes for saving your food overnight, this is super helpful. I love the creek even though the water is freezing cold but it’s truly a favorite. This place is wonderful and even though right now there is no water access until further notice, as long as you know you need to take lots of water for cooking and cleaning up you are good.
ScoutThe place is simple, well maintained and extremely clean. There’s back in sites that accommodate smaller 20ft campers and bigger 30ft campers, with there being some pull through sites that are big enough for RV’s, however no camping with tents allowed. Would recommend against bringing in campers with damage or DIY repairs as they “have to maintain sightly appearance”. Overall great for the price. Extremely clean bathrooms with free showers with a pool and jacuzzi plus a short walk to the beach. Only about a 45 min drive to LA with no traffic. The only bad is the constant noise from the port that doesn’t go away at night.
TravelerBe sure to come early. Great location for families and small groups. Peaceful close to a city within 40min small town with church ect 15 minutes away.
LegendGeneral: Two sections: RV camping and dry camping
Site Quality: If you have a larger RV and/or need hookups, you will be in a parking space with ZERO privacy between spaces (it is literally a parking space!). If you have a small RV or van conversion (smaller than 19 feet), there is dry camping. Concrete driveway; minimal privacy but a direct view of the beach. You must have a bed, dinette, sink, and small water supply to be in these spots. A concrete picnic table is included in each site.
Bath/Shower: Six-digit codes (that change regularly) needed to enter (and a different one for each bathroom). One all-in-one with a sink, toilet, urinal, and diaper changing station. The other has two shower stalls, two toilets, and one sink. The shower in the one closest to the dry camping area left much to be desired. I couldn’t get the ADA-accessible shower to work, and the other one had a push-button flow that took some time to get warm and had to be repeatedly pushed to complete the shower. Hooks and bench are outside the shower stall, compromising privacy. My biggest disappointment, however, was that there were NO electrical outlets. I took a chance and walked to the other end of the campground (by the entrance and full hookup sites) where I discovered the bathroom was much nicer. Not only did it have electrical outlets, but it looked like the showers were much nicer.
Activities/Amenities: You are right on the beach! There is a paved path for walking, running, or bicycling. Laundry was temporarily out of order when we were there.
There are very limited options for camping in this area, and the price was $55/night for dry camping. You are in the direct flight path of LAX, so have earplugs at the ready if the sound of jet planes overhead is not your thing!
ScoutMy golden shore experience was nothing short of amazing the camping ground was clean. The poop ,electricity and water where working just fine there was enough space for our 40 ft RV. The palm trees added a beach atmosphere. The greatest part was the pool and the jacuzzi they where the cherry on top the pool was clean and the jacuzzi where just right! I absolutely loved it 5 stars.
The region surrounding San Fernando, California offers camping options at elevations ranging from sea level to over 4,000 feet. Most accessible camping spots sit between 1,000-2,500 feet where summer temperatures fluctuate dramatically from daytime highs near 100°F to nighttime lows in the 60s. Winter camping remains viable at lower elevations while higher sites in Angeles National Forest close seasonally due to snow.
Archery practice: 5-mile drive from Simi Valley at Tapo Canyon Park, where visitors can access a renowned archery range. "There is archery with lessons for kids on the weekends. Very fun! If you are new to RV camping, it's a good place to practice," notes one reviewer. The range opens to the public on Saturdays from 9 am-1 pm for a $5 fee.
Movie location exploration: 20 minutes west at Malibu Creek State Park, where several famous productions were filmed. The park features remnants of set pieces from MAS*H and other productions. "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."
Water recreation: 30-minute drive north at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area offering swimming, fishing, and boating. "Hardly anyone there when I went in March and felt like I had the place to myself! Just a 1 min walk down the hill to the lake - a perfect place to have my morning coffee!" While swimming is restricted to designated areas, the lake provides excellent fishing opportunities year-round.
Urban proximity with natural settings: Malibu Beach RV Park provides oceanfront camping with easy access to LA attractions. "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!" The park sits directly on Pacific Coast Highway with Malibu Seafood restaurant next door.
Affordable long-term options: Some campgrounds near San Fernando cater to extended stays. "This is a great location to explore LA and greater LA area, 45 min to Hollywood sign. Park is a large TT resort with recently remolded lodge in 2019," notes a camper about Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, which offers membership-based camping with amenities like swimming pools and planned activities.
Mountain views with urban skylines: Several lookout points in Angeles National Forest provide unique camping experiences. "Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. During the week it's more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus," mentions a visitor about the Angeles Crest Overlook, highlighting the weekday advantage for a quieter experience.
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds near San Fernando have unreliable connectivity. "Quite campground. Full hook ups. 15, 30, 50 amp electrical, water, sewer, but no phone or internet. That's the best part. Good place to disconnect and listen to nature," notes a camper at Tapo Canyon Park. Several other campgrounds report similar connectivity issues, especially in canyon areas.
Seasonal challenges: Summer heat impacts camping comfort significantly. "We avoid large cities. Our plan had been staying up at Pyramid Lake. But, dry camping with no solar in 95-100 deg heat wasn't happening," explains a camper who opted for Hollywood RV Park instead. Many campers recommend spring and fall for the best weather conditions.
Wildlife encounters: Coyotes, rattlesnakes, and occasional larger predators frequent camping areas. "It's a spot where you can truly be away. We spent 5 days and didn't really see a soul. I did see my first rattlesnake and heard the coyotes at night," reports a visitor to Antfarm LA, a small rustic campground near San Fernando offering tent and cabin accommodations.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. "The campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon," mentions a family who visited the park. Castaic Lake also offers grassy play areas near the camping sites.
Swimming options: Plan for cooling off during hot months. "This campground is awesome for local socal residents. There are better lakes nearby for summer sports, but this is a great campground with a lake for the whole family for a relaxing weekend," notes a Castaic Lake visitor. Remember that swimming is restricted to designated areas with lifeguards.
Weekend crowd management: Family-friendly sites fill quickly during peak times. "We stayed for one night to Visit L.A. It was clean and the Staff was very nice. We called a night before and got a Site for our RV," explains a camper at Hollywood RV Park, emphasizing the importance of advance planning, especially for weekend camping between May and September.
Site selection strategy: For Valencia Travel Village, experienced campers recommend specific areas. "We stayed all the way in the back of the campground and it was nice and quiet!" The campground offers varying site types, including some with shade trees that provide relief during hot weather.
Urban access considerations: Hollywood RV Park offers a unique solution for LA exploration. "It takes some planning to visit LA when you are traveling with an RV. This seems to be one of the best places to stay with an RV to visit LA, since driving and parking an RV in LA can be challenging and parking an RV in west LA is not allowed. We took an uber."
Utility reliability: Pay attention to seasonal impacts on hookups. "Most of the park's electric and some sewer connections didn't exist or were 'down' for repair," notes a Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon visitor, suggesting checking with the campground about current utility status before arrival, especially after winter storms or during extremely hot periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there family-friendly camping resorts in the San Fernando area?
Bonelli Bluffs offers a family-oriented experience, though reviews note it could use more dedicated children's amenities like playgrounds. For beachside family fun, Canyon Campground at Leo Carrillo State Park is a hidden gem providing access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views—perfect for families. If you're willing to travel slightly further, consider Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground or Valencia Travel Village, which cater well to families with various amenities. When planning a family trip, look for campgrounds with clean facilities, adequate spacing between sites, and natural features that provide entertainment for children.
What tent camping options are available near San Fernando?
Tent campers near San Fernando have several excellent options to choose from. Dennison Park offers tent-friendly sites, though be aware that some locations may be on slopes—check site dimensions when reserving through the Ventura County website. Lake Campground provides large, flat tent sites with a lake within walking distance, though highway noise can be a factor. For a more secluded experience, consider Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles or Millard Trail Campground, which is just a short drive from Pasadena. Most sites operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early, especially on weekends, is recommended.
Where are the best camping sites in San Fernando?
The San Fernando area offers several excellent camping options within easy driving distance. Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area provides spacious sites with plenty of room to spread out, featuring fenced areas with picnic tables and pergolas. For those seeking a mountain retreat, Little Jimmy Trail Campground is a hidden gem accessible via a 2-mile hike from Angeles Crest Highway, offering primitive sites with fire rings and vault toilets. Other notable options include Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake for water views and Millard Trail Campground for a quick escape close to the city. Each location offers unique terrain and amenities to suit different camping preferences.
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