Campers looking for pet friendly camping near Universal City will find several options within Angeles National Forest and along the coast. The area sits at the boundary between the Los Angeles Basin and San Gabriel Mountains, creating a significant temperature transition zone. Winter nights at higher elevation campgrounds can drop below freezing, while summer daytime temperatures may exceed 90°F in lower elevation sites.
What to do
Hike with dogs on maintained trails: The Monte Cristo Campground trail system offers accessible hiking with pets. "There are water sources on almost all campsites. Or one right next to you if you don't have one," notes camper Taka B., though adding that "The water does not taste too good, but it serves for washing."
Beach activities with pets: Malibu Beach RV Park allows dogs while providing ocean views. "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," reports Andrea G.
Wildlife observation: Keep pets secure at Chilao Campground, where wildlife is abundant. "The wife and I wanted to get away but had to be close enough to get home in a hurry... If you are there in the evening check out the sunsets through the canyons but make sure you are well insulated as the wind blew hard Saturday night," notes Jordan R.
What campers like
Proximity to city with forest seclusion: Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon offers a balance between access and nature. "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," mentions Tyler V.
Seasonal creek access: Monte Cristo Campground features a seasonal water feature. "Nice campgrounds with lots of trees and big stones, and a creek that runs thru seasonally but it was dry when I visited 4/12/21," reports Cierra M., adding practical information that "there is NO service here or really anywhere on the 2."
Shaded sites with privacy: Chilao Campground offers more private spaces. "Lots of spots were hidden by rocks and or large brush," notes Deb G., highlighting that while basic, the campground provides "picnic bench, fire ring and vault toilet."
What you should know
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: Always check current regulations before visiting. At Monte Cristo, one camper noted, "There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak."
Wildlife precautions necessary: Bears have been spotted at campgrounds. "A bear was on our stuff the first night. I whistled and it ran away. In the morning today, we seen another, casually walking Into the grounds," reports a camper at Monte Cristo.
Cell service limitations: Many Angeles Forest campgrounds have poor or no reception. "No service. I pulled a 26 TT. I came in from the La side of the mountains and found it's easier to go in from Palmdale with a rv or tt," notes a camper at Monte Cristo Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Short hikes for kids: Gould Mesa Trail Campground offers easy-access hiking options. "Go behind campsite one and you will find a 6 mile hike in and out to two different waterfalls. Really fun and refreshing, limited shade in hike, so a dip at the end is so nice!" says Luke V.
Watch for venomous spiders: Monte Cristo has wildlife hazards requiring caution. "Be careful because there are black widows everywhere! Especially under the tables of the campsites. Be especially careful if you're traveling with kids, because with the next hospital far away a bite could be deadly," warns Joshua P.
Water management: Pack filtration systems for backcountry sites. "Running stream at site so no need to bring a lot of water, just a filtration system and a jug," notes Tony C. about Gould Mesa, adding that the "trail continues past the campsite so you'll get plenty of hikers throughout the day."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: At Monte Cristo, site options are limited for longer vehicles. "I pulled a 26 TT... If your hauling anything longer then 20 ft. Try for site 11," advises Jamie.
Ocean view options: Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers different sections for different needs. "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," explains Ignasi M.
Noise considerations: Airport noise impacts Dockweiler. "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," recommends PJ M., noting that they "expected noise from road and airport but you can still hear the ocean."
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