Camping sites near West Hollywood, California range from urban RV parks to secluded trail camps nestled in nearby mountains. The region sits at elevations from sea level at coastal sites to over 2,000 feet in the Angeles National Forest. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F in inland locations, while winter brings occasional rainstorms between November and March.
What to do
Tide pool exploration: At Leo Carrillo State Park Campground, visitors can discover marine ecosystems within walking distance of their campsites. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access- it's about a 10-minute walk from most sites, and you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones," reports Alfred.
Mountain biking trails: The canyon areas north of the city offer extensive trail networks suitable for riders of all skill levels. Near Millard Trail Campground, reviewers note the popularity with cyclists: "Lots of hikers up here on the weekend (and weekdays too)... there are plenty of trails in the area for miles of hiking."
Movie location tours: Visit filming locations at Malibu Creek State Park Campground, which served as a backdrop for numerous 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," notes Ryan W.
What campers like
Oceanfront access: The coastal location of Malibu Beach RV Park provides direct views of the Pacific. "I have been on a 3 month trip and stayed at 22 different campgrounds. Malibu RV Resort has the best views for the price, hands down," shares Michael M.
Urban convenience: Many appreciate the proximity to attractions while maintaining a camping experience. "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. It's urban camping, so don't expect a scenic state park place," notes Fran H. about Rafael's RV Park.
Quieter weekday stays: Visitors often recommend non-weekend visits for a more peaceful experience. At Dockweiler Beach RV Park, PJ M. observed the difference: "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."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Most areas near West Hollywood enforce strict fire policies, especially during dry months. At Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park, "FIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED" is prominently noted in reviews, though the campground offers other amenities like "a restroom with flush toilets and sinks as well as a water spigot."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for possible animal visitors at night. At Millard Trail Campground, campers report: "WARNING: Make sure to leave your car doors unlocked, and nothing of value inside. You'd rather have someone root through your car and walk away empty handed than have a window broken and items stolen."
Reservation requirements: Most established campgrounds fill quickly, especially during peak season. Year-round sites like Malibu Creek State Park require planning: "The campground was under fire warning all weekend, but faux wood (javalog or duraflame) and charcoal was still allowed. The camphost sold Javalogs, and there were plenty of options at the nearby Albertson's."
Tips for camping with families
Beginner-friendly hikes: Gould Mesa Trail Campground offers accessible trails for younger hikers. "It's a nice little getaway without leaving the city, perfect for a one nighter or to backpack in with the kiddos. It's around 2 miles to camp on a leveled surface with a few stream crossings," says Tony C.
Shade considerations: When camping with children in summer, prioritize sites with natural cover. At Malibu Creek State Park, "sites have partial shade" and "many of the site had huge shade trees that you could fit several tents under," which helps manage the heat.
Beach accessibility: Plan for gear transport when camping near beaches. At Leo Carrillo, Alfred advises: "Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff."
Tips from RVers
Size restrictions: Larger rigs face limitations at several campgrounds. At Hollywood RV Park, staff assist with parking: "This isn't a self-park park...the spaces are so close together that they use a cart to park you," notes Donna H.
Urban RV alternatives: For those needing to access city attractions, several RV parks offer strategic locations. "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," shares Manon S. about Hollywood RV Park.
Hookup limitations: Not all RV sites provide full services. At Leo Carrillo State Park Campground, "There aren't 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. They do have 3 dump stations, too, so that made it nice!"
