RV camping near Santa Clarita, California offers access to both desert landscapes and coastal destinations within driving distance. Located in northern Los Angeles County at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, Santa Clarita experiences hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 90°F and mild winters. The surrounding terrain ranges from chaparral-covered hillsides to oak woodlands, creating diverse camping environments within an hour's drive.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: 5 miles from Acton. Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon provides access to equestrian paths through desert terrain. "This is a good 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 Tyler V.
Water activities: Swimming and boating. Bonelli Bluffs in San Dimas features water recreation options approximately 45 minutes from Santa Clarita. "There is camping, horseback riding, fishing, trails, biking, hiking, picnics, you can use your jet skies in designated areas, swimming on the pool areas, kayaking, Park for kids and plenty more," writes Jessica P.
Cycling coastal paths: Pacific views. Malibu Beach RV Park provides scenic cycling routes along the coast. "Most amazing views of the pacific from the ocean view sites. Friendly staff at check in and wonderful experience, even despite the pouring rain," according to Nicole M.
What campers like
Convenience to Los Angeles attractions: Hollywood RV Park offers proximity to urban activities. "This seems to be one of the best places to stay with an RV to visit LA, since driving and parking and RV in LA can be challenging and parking an RV in west LA is not allowed," explains Manon S.
Clean facilities: Regularly maintained amenities. Golden Shore RV Resort maintains well-kept grounds and restrooms. "The grounds are kept in excellent condition - very clean and secure. The pool, showers, bathrooms are all spotless," states Rachel P.
Shade coverage: Protection from desert heat. "Every street is themed with murals and art everywhere! The site size depends on where you are in the park. Most of it is an affordable community for locals to live. We were lucky and got a middle spot with wonderful shade trees!" reports Clean Slate D. about Hollywood RV Park.
What you should know
Train noise: Near railroad tracks. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, "Very very close to railroad tracks and at night the loud train kept waking us up. The sites are dirt so be prepared to get lots of fine dessert dirt in the camper," shares Elizabeth C.
Highway noise: Proximity to freeways. Ventura Beach RV Resort experiences consistent traffic sounds. "It is close to the 101 freeway, you can hear the traffic, but that didn't bother us. Just be aware, it's not a super quiet place," notes Rob L.
Internet connectivity: Variable reliability. "No WIFI and reception for Verizon was hit or miss," reports Keisha D. about Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, while Californian RV Resort visitors faced similar issues: "They list that there's WiFi but I was close to the office and was never able to connect."
Tips for camping with families
Pool reservations: Book swimming time. At Golden Shore RV Resort, "During COVID you need to reserve your time at the pool. Make sure you know that you want to stay here for the full time because there is not a generous refund policy," advises Anna.
Kid-friendly activities: Weekend programming. "The only good thing was the Saturday activities. However if you have older kids forget it! The activities are for ages 5-7 maybe!" shares a camper about Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, suggesting families with older children may need alternative entertainment.
Accessibility considerations: Wheelchair-friendly options. Californian RV Resort has accommodations for those with mobility needs. "This is one of the best handicap accessible shower and restroom areas we've seen. The larger pool had a roll in area but I do not know if they had a wheelchair that would allow you to actually use it or if you needed your own," notes Lara O.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request specific areas. At Castaic Lake RV Park, space matters. "For a 43 footer this place is TIGHT. If you have a big rig, prolly not the best idea. But if you have a 28 footer, this place is Six Stars!!!!" advises Michael C.
Seasonal considerations: Desert temperature management. "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. So, we canceled and found this amazing park," explains a camper about discovering Hollywood RV Park as an alternative.
Power management: Electricity limitations. Some campgrounds experience electrical issues during peak usage. "There were so many people running their ac that my surge protector kept shutting off on 'low current' below 104 volts," reports Ronald R. about Ventura Beach RV Resort, suggesting RVers bring surge protectors.
