This article about campgrounds near Los Angeles is brought to you by Travellers Autobarn. Their RV Rentals in Los Angeles are a perfect way to explore all of these campgrounds.
For such a huge metropolitan area, it’s surprising how easily you can get out of Los Angeles and into nature. From seaside locales to mountainous retreats, there are a ton of great options within an hour’s drive from downtown.
Camping is a very popular activity in southern California, so campgrounds typically book early on weekends. Camp midweek or arrive early on weekends to make sure you get a spot. Just make sure you do your research before you go; some parks are not open year-round and amenities vary by the campground.
Here are some of the best campgrounds to check out near Los Angeles as rated by The Dyrt campers.
1. Point Mugu State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Crystal N.
If your idea of the perfect camping adventure is sleeping right on the beach, Point Mugu State Park in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is the spot for you. The park features five miles of shoreline, sandy beaches, dunes, over 70 miles of hiking trails, and two campgrounds. Sycamore Canyon Campground offers traditional campsites within walking distance of the beach, whereas the Thornhill Broome Campground features primitive campsites right on the beach.
Campground Details
- Price: $10-$45
- Number of sites: 93
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“This is beach camping at it’s best! It doesn’t feel like a campsite, you have the whole beach. You are so close to the water and there is plenty of space between you and your neighbor.” ~The Dyrt Camper Anne O.
2. Buckhorn Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Heather L.
Located 50 miles northwest of Los Angeles in the Angeles National Forest, the Buckhorn Campground is very popular with city dwellers looking to escape for some fresh mountain air. The campground caters to tent campers and has fantastic access to trails including the Pacific Crest Trail. All sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis only and the campground fills quickly on weekends. Amenities are limited to drinking water and vault toilets.
Campground Details
- Price: $12
- Number of sites: 38
- RV sites: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“This place is lovely and a well-designed campground. It is however very popular, you need to get there early to get a good spot. It is set back from the road a little giving you a quieter experience away from the (Highway) 2. This would be a good first car camping spot for families with young children.” ~The Dyrt Camper Meghan W.
3. Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort
Image from The Dyrt camper Keisha M.
The Soledad Canyon RV and Camping Resort is situated at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains about 54 miles north of downtown Los Angeles. This resort-style park features loads of amenities including miniature golf, a game room, kids activities, and an adult-only swimming pool. Sites can accommodate any size RV and a variety of hookups are available. There’s also cabin rentals and tent sites.
Campground Details
- Price: $45-$65
- Number of sites: 854
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“This campground is close to major cities in the Los Angeles County area but when you get there you seem a long way from anything which is nice. It is a large campground with water, electric and sewer hookups available. During the season it is pretty crowded but if you go off peak it is very nice and quiet.” ~The Dyrt Camper Butch C.
4. Chilao Campground
Image from The Dyrt Camper Dora O.
Also located in the Angeles National Forest, the Chilao Campground is one of the closest campgrounds to Los Angeles. All campsites are first-come, first-served and RVs can only be accommodated if they are under 40 feet in length. Hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding are popular activities in the area and maps and information can be found at the Chilao Visitor Center, only a mile from the campground.
Campground Details
- Price: $12
- Number of sites: 83
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“OKAY… seriously this one of the best campgrounds near Los Angeles. My ultimate go to spot for an overnight camping trip. I have spent Thanksgiving here, Valentine’s Day, and multiple three day weekends. It’s the perfect spot for beginner outdoor enthusiasts. It’s such a short and easy drive for LA, and the drive up campspots are always in great condition.” ~The Dyrt Camper Kenia G.
5. Malibu Creek State Park
Image from The Dyrt camper Morgan F.
Thanks to its close proximity to downtown Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park is a popular hiking and camping destination for residents eager to spend some time outside the city. The park was formerly owned by 20th Century Fox and served as a filming location for dozens of films. The park was also the main film location for the television series M*A*S*H* and you can hike to the former set. Campsites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet in length but no hookups are available.
Campground Details
- Price: $45
- Number of sites: 63
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“We loved our time at Malibu Creek State Park. There are beautiful trails and the sites are well maintained. The showers were cold but did warm up (there is an additional charge for the showers). We will definitely be back. 15 minutes from Pepperdine too.” ~The Dyrt Camper Ann R.
6. Table Mountain
Image from The Dyrt camper Megan S.
The Table Mountain Campground is a bit further outside the city than the others, but with it comes a more peaceful experience sometimes lacking in the campgrounds closest to the city. Campers will find much much in terms of hiking and mountain biking trails and the campground is more ideal for tent campers, campsites can only accommodate RVs and trailers up to 34 feet in length and the road to the campground is windy and can be intimidating when driving larger vehicles.
Campground Details
- Price: $23-$46
- Number of sites: 39
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Overall was a great experience and a great view looking over the entire city. Good amount of trees to also hang hammocks if need be. There are lakes and plenty of trails around the site to go out on a day hike.” ~The Dyrt Camper Adrian R.
7. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
Image from The Dyrt camper Angelica G.
Situated on the Malibu coast about 40 miles west of downtown Los Angeles, Leo Carrillo State Park Campground offers sites for tents and small trailers (up to 31 feet) within walking distance of the beach. Swimming, surfing, and beachcombing are the most popular activities in the park, but there’s also hiking trails and nature programs offered during the summer months.
Campground Details
- Price: $45
- Number of sites: 135
- RV sites: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Fun place to spend summer by the beach! Definitely gets booked quickly, so reserve in advance but in slower months first come first serve is generally just fine to settle into a good spot. The beach is walking distance to a well known surfing location. Very popular area and can be known for partying at night.” ~The Dyrt Camper Crystal N.
These 7 campgrounds are just a handful of the camping options available throughout the Los Angeles area. For more options, check out The Dyrt’s full list of the best camping in California.
This article about campgrounds near Los Angeles is brought to you by Travellers Autobarn.
Their cheap RV rentals are a wonderful way to explore Los Angeles and beyond.
The post The Best Campgrounds Near Los Angeles, California—According to Campers appeared first on The Dyrt Magazine.
