Camping near Universal City, California ranges from full-hookup RV parks to free primitive campsites, covering urban stays and backcountry trail camps within a reasonable driving distance. Hollywood RV Park provides an urban option in nearby Burbank with full hookups, while Malibu Creek State Park Campground offers a more natural setting about 30 miles west with tent and RV sites. Rafael's RV Park represents a smaller private option with just two RV sites in a convenient city location.
Seasonal considerations remain minimal as most facilities operate year-round in Southern California's mild climate. Campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest such as Gould Mesa Trail Camp and Millard Trail Campground provide free primitive camping opportunities but require hiking in and typically prohibit campfires due to wildfire concerns. Reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds, especially during summer months and weekends. As one visitor noted about Hollywood RV Park: "This quirky campground was safe, and that was what I needed while visiting friends in LA. The bathrooms and showers were clean and plentiful, there was an area at the back of the park for pups, and although spaces were small, the park was landscaped such that you had some privacy."
The campgrounds near Universal City vary dramatically between urban and wilderness settings in the region. Urban RV parks like Hollywood RV Park receive high ratings for convenience and cleanliness despite tight spacing and urban noise. According to reviews on The Dyrt, Gould Mesa Trail Camp offers "a backcountry feel without a long drive" as it's just a three-mile hike from Altadena. Several visitors mentioned the trade-offs of camping near Los Angeles - proximity to attractions versus noise from nearby roads and aircraft. While Angeles Crest provides dispersed camping with mountain views, reviewers note it lacks amenities and requires appropriate vehicles for access. Urban camping options typically provide full hookups and facilities, while trail camps offer solitude but require self-sufficiency with limited or no facilities.
"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.✌️"
$55 - $80 / night
"The most fantastic thing about this RV spot is the location - directly facing a large, beautiful, clean beach with built in fire rings, a very long bike bath and bike rental kiosk."
"One of the only in Southern California/Los Angeles area where you can have a fire on the beach."
$45 - $225 / night
"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."
$80 - $300 / night
"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."
"When you can’t do a 2h hike before setting camp, but you also don’t want to camp close to your car, Millard campground is perfect. The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view."
"Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars."
"You can hear cars driving off in the distance but still overall quiet.
- Close to LA. This is about a 15 minute drive then 30 minute hike from my house.
* The stream is great."
"Very beautiful now that the canyon vegetation has grown back in and there are plenty of trails in the area for miles of hiking. Lots of wildlife. Fire rings in camp sites but check for fire permits."
"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."
"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."
$100 - $140 / night
"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."
$50 / night
"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."
ScoutWe are staying in a site in site with no services which are spacious and shaded. On a Sunday night most sites are empty and our site, away from the road, is pretty quiet The full service sites were mostly full and unshaded and there was a big and loud group.
ScoutA hikers dream . This campground has several trails and there are many others within minutes away. Showers are token however machines are right there. Fire pits on every site as well as concrete picnic tables. Malibu Beach is 15 to 20 minutes away right on Pacific Coast Highway.
Rangers were all amazing. They actually came by last night around 9 PM and told me quiet time was at 8 PM so I guess I had them backwards. I thought it was 8 AM to 10 PM but it’s actually 10 AM to 8 p.m. Firewood is available from the Camp Host who incidentally was amazing in helping and answering a lot of my questions
If I was to critique anything, it would be how short the sites are my rig is 31 feet and I have a I don’t know maybe seven or 8 foot overhang from the last wheel if I didn’t have that there’s no way I would’ve fit and then the distance from here to the side across from me is pretty short so you have to Jimmy in and out if there’s somebody there, but that was the only thing that I could say that was negative and it really isn’t negative it just fact.
GuideStayed at Site 90, which might be the best in the whole park. Huge space, tons of shade, and a really cool, large sycamore tree. No power or water at the site, but there was a water spigot nearby. We stayed Monday–Friday and it wasn’t overly crowded during the week. Friendly neighbors, lots of families, and none of the classic“LA” rude or loud campers. The camp store was really convenient, and the staff were very nice and helpful. The beach is about a 5-minute walk—our kids loved the tide pools and caves. Definitely check the low tide times before you go. Very limited Verizon service, which is a plus in our book. Overall, a really good experience. The family and I will be back.
RangerThe Views are fantastic sites are rugged but very cool locations, This is mainly a Hike in CG most of the time and better have some serious clearance to get there even when the road is open in summer, BUT very worth it!
TravelerCamping at the beach in LA! Large country campground that has sites designed for motorhomes and sites designed for travel trailers and fifth wheels. It asphalt campsites, but you’re at the BEACH! My only complaints are the electrical was not working properly, (I had to connect to 30A instead of 50A), and people don’t pick up after themselves.
Scoutfirst, as a drop in you can‘t stay more then two nights even if they have room!
second, annually pool maintenance in spring break! without information when checking in, and it’s not a cheap one and i chose it for the pool! no information no discount, had to beg to at least get a poolchair, so much gras to chill no chairs!
third the showers are only dripping and i was the only one showering! again, not a cheap place!
and fourth, WIFI does never connect, really for a campground with this price, every cheap one has better WIFI and some people need it as internationals!
RangerOverall the CG is fine everything you need just fine, Location is okay Beach 5 miles away many trails to hike and the Valley shopping and other Typical So cal things are 20 minutes away and L.A. is 35 minutes away (with no traffic). but That locaion is what makes the death of this place.with over 1 million (not exaggerating) having immediate access to this place and it not over all restful experience, and is just too darn PEOPLY!!
GuideStayed here for one night tent camping. No one in sight in the tent section. Good spot with showers and restrooms. The pool and spa were open.
ScoutReally incredible location, was snow to book last minute by calling and checking for availability. Can't reserve by phone but was able to confirm availability. Prob easier to do in off season, add it is Feb not the summer.
Pricing is 75 for closest to beach 65 to furthest in RV 40FOOT LIMIT super chill, quiet hours are 9pm Love the space, fire pits on the beach. Pet friendly
Camping near Universal City involves navigating a mix of urban convenience and access to natural areas. Most campgrounds within 30 miles have limited shade, with summer temperatures averaging 85-95°F during daylight hours. Canyon locations typically offer more tree cover and cooler nights than valley campgrounds, with temperature differences of 5-10 degrees.
Rock climbing nearby: Several trails accessible from Millard Trail Campground connect to climbing areas. "About a 20 minute hike and you can end up at a waterfall which is very pretty. There are several trails to take for hiking and biking and I saw lots of people doing that," notes Mathew H.
Beach access options: At Dockweiler Beach RV Park, campers get immediate beach access. "Walk 1 minute and you're there. There's also a bike path that goes for miles both north or south - great for an early workout," says Ignasi M., who appreciated the convenience despite airport noise.
Movie filming locations: Malibu Creek State Park Campground offers a unique opportunity to explore former movie sets. One visitor noted, "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."
Urban-adjacent wildlife viewing: Despite proximity to Los Angeles, campers encounter surprising wildlife. At Malibu Creek State Park, Ryan W. reports, "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub."
Artistic environments: Hollywood RV Park offers a unique atmosphere. Clean Slate D. describes it as having "Every street 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."
Short backpacking opportunity: Gould Mesa Trail Campground provides an accessible introduction to backpacking. Jamie G. notes, "Scoped it out a few weeks ago and thought it was an easy enough hike for a beginner (me) and his pal camp at. The sites are spread out and not on top of each other like most other camp sites close to the city."
Fire restrictions: Most Angeles National Forest camping areas maintain strict fire rules. At Gould Mesa, fires are permitted with proper permits, but many others prohibit fires altogether. Jamie G. mentions, "The stream is great. If you have a filter there is no need to hike in water." This water availability compensates somewhat for fire limitations.
Traffic patterns: Timing matters for Angeles National Forest areas. At Musch Trail Camp, Erik M. advises, "If you are parking your vehicle overnight in the parking lot please leave a note on your dashboard so that the Rangers are aware that you are camping at Musch Camp."
Evening conditions: Most dispersed camping areas near Angeles Crest have minimal facility access. Iris A. reports about Angeles Crest Overlook, "It is not a real campground, just the parking area of a view point. In the evening lots of couples and teenagers came and the parking area was well used. Some people stood silently admiring the view, while others played loud music."
Short hike options: Musch Trail Camp offers an ideal introduction for children to backpacking. Les R. notes, "Pretty short hike from the parking lot," making it manageable for younger hikers while still providing a wilderness experience.
Wildlife education opportunities: Malibu Creek State Park presents natural learning experiences. Jean mentions, "Between hiking and biking, we were busy for the time we were there. As a bonus, there is a Ralph's just up the street, so you'll never be far from anything you'd need."
Group camping facilities: Several parks offer designated group areas. Jean from Malibu Creek added, "We hope to have a family reunion in the group camping spot when things open up. Perfect experience!"
Maneuvering challenges: At Malibu Beach RV Park, space constraints require planning. An anonymous reviewer notes, "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."
Urban RV alternatives: For those visiting LA attractions, Hollywood RV Park offers unique amenities. Mel B. shares, "Steve the owner is amazing and the team will take your rig on a forklift to your site and fully set you up. It feels like a neighborhood instead of a busy RV park."
Site selection priorities: At Dockweiler Beach, consider noise factors. PJ M. advises, "Review of dry campervan section of park only, which seemed considerably more quiet and less chaotic than the big RV area... Best sites are 125-128."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Universal City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Universal City, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 166 campgrounds and RV parks near Universal City, CA and 5 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Universal City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Universal City, CA is Hollywood RV Park with a 4.6-star rating from 17 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Universal City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 5 free dispersed camping spots near Universal City, CA.
What parks are near Universal City, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Universal City, CA that allow camping, notably Angeles National Forest and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
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