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.
What to do
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.
What campers like
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.
What you should know
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.
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
