Camping areas near South Gate range from coastal to canyon settings, with temperatures averaging 65-80°F between May and October. Overnight lows rarely drop below 50°F, making three-season tents suitable for most campsites in the region. The proximity to urban areas means campgrounds provide a practical blend of nature access while remaining within 30 minutes of city amenities.
What to do
Beach exploration: Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers direct Pacific Ocean access with fire pits on the beach. "The RV park has a hookup area and a dry camping area. The hookups are full of large rigs, very close one with another, in a parking lot style. The dry camp provides much more space, but only relatively small RVs," notes Ignasi M., who adds that "the park is right next to the beach, walk 1 minute and you're there."
Wildlife viewing: Bonelli Bluffs provides multiple outdoor activities in one location. "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. The park has full hookups and a pool, making it suitable for extended stays.
Hiking trails: Millard Trail Campground connects to numerous paths, including a waterfall hike. "About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. But there are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that," explains one reviewer. The campground requires a 150-yard walk from parking, so pack accordingly.
Canyon camping: Malibu Creek State Park Campground offers spacious sites with fire pits. "Campground is beautiful!! Spacious campsites with fire pits, and clean bathrooms (bring your own hand soap). Be aware of the limited hours for entering with a vehicle (8am-10pm)," notes Lizzie C. The park includes hiking trails and historic movie locations.
What campers like
Beachfront locations: Campers enjoy shoreline proximity at multiple sites. "The most pleasant surprise in the middle of LA," writes PJ M. about Dockweiler Beach, adding that there are "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."
Clean facilities: Newport Dunes RV Resort maintains high-quality amenities. "The resort was well run. A great pool. Fun beach. Nice market. Worth the stay," reports Chad M., who stayed in one of the cottage rentals. Another camper noted, "They have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach."
Family-friendly atmosphere: Parents appreciate dedicated spaces for children. Bonelli Bluffs offers "good hiking and bike riding and fishing. They have a pool," according to Dennis B., who also notes the variety in site quality: "Some spaces monumentally better than others."
Military-specific options: Los Alamitos Army Campground provides secure glamping close to South Gate, California for service members. "Full hookup in both parks, Legacy (gravel for smaller RVs) and Sunset (cement spots with extra spot for a car)," explains Angela P., who adds that "Sunset is on the other side of the base down a bumpy gravel road that leads to a hidden yet well kept RV Park."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Near airports or highways, noise can impact sleep quality. At Dockweiler Beach, "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," reports Ignasi M.
Advance booking essential: Popular sites fill quickly, especially in summer. At Malibu Creek, visitors should "book well in advance for summer weekends," with some campers recommending reservations up to six months ahead for holiday periods.
Urban camping realities: Many sites offer nature within city limits. "A little pricey but very nice facility. All hookups 30/50 amp. Cable TV. There's a pool. A tent area. Some spaces monumentally better than others," writes Dennis B. about Bonelli Bluffs.
Limited privacy: Some campgrounds feature closely spaced sites. "The campsites are pretty standard, but they are spacious and have some privacy from neighboring sites," notes Jessica R. about Leo Carrillo State Park, while mentioning it's "walking distance to Disneyland."
Tips for camping with families
Beach toys and gear: For coastal camping, bring sand toys and water equipment. At Newport Dunes RV Resort, "they have activities for the kids like arts and crafts, an inflatable obstacle course or you can rent paddle boards or watch a movie on the beach," according to Karissa J.
Plan for heat: Many sites lack adequate shade. At Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park, "many of the site had huge shade trees that you could fit several tents under," reports Heather G., but some sites (#101 specifically) had no shade at all.
Food storage solutions: Wildlife can access unattended food. At Millard Trail Camp, "coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear," and campers are advised to "keep all of your food and anything with any kind of smell in the bear boxes."
Tent camping options: While glamping close to South Gate is popular, tent sites exist at select locations. "There are only two tent sites (T1 and T3), the rest are for RVs," explains Jessica R. about Anaheim Harbor RV Park, adding "the tent sites are very small with a picnic table and AstroTurf."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs and vehicle size. At Anaheim Harbor RV Park, "get a deluxe site if you can. The standard sites are essentially a large parking spot in a paved parking lot. The deluxe feel more like an RV site with a picnic table and grass. And for only a few bucks more," advises Jennifer H.
Hookup variations: Verify available connections before booking. "No sewer or water hook ups, electrical only, but for me that's perfectly fine for a long weekend or short week with 2 kids and 2 adults," writes Steve L. about Leo Carrillo State Park, noting "they do have 3 dump stations, too, so that made it nice!"
Size restrictions: Check length limitations carefully. Many campgrounds near South Gate accommodate rigs up to 40 feet, but some recommend smaller units due to tight turning spaces, particularly for back-in sites.
