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Believe it or not, Los Angeles is a great place to be an outdoorsman. With more than 300 parks with forests, beaches, mountains, and deserts, you have nearly unlimited space for adventure. But if you’re having trouble narrowing down where exactly to go, we’ve got you covered. Here’s our list of campgrounds near Los Angeles.
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Central Coast
Emma Wood State Beach: Ventura, CA
Emma Wood State Beach is a unique beach on the central coast with moderate temperatures that are ideal for swimming, surfing, and fishing. With the mouth of the Ventura River at the southeast end of the park, it is a great place to explore and view wildlife. And, if you are a history buff, you will enjoy the crumbling ruins of the WWII coastal artillery sites.
Emma Wood offers 90 RV only, primitive camping sites with a great ocean view. This is a campground for people who enjoy roughing it with no water, restrooms, electricity, fire rings or dump stations, so you’re going to need a good camping wipe to stay fresh and clean. If you are with a group, Ventura River Group camp does offer 4 developed sites with all of the regular camping amenities.
Close to Santa Barbara and the beaches, Sunrise RV Park is in a great location. Designed for RVs, every space provides ample room, grass, and 50-amp power. Along with the restrooms and showers, the park has free WiFi, cable TV hookup and are pet-friendly.
Being close to everything in Santa Barbara means great biking or walking trails, beautiful beaches for sailing, swimming, surfing or kayaking (some nice quick drying towels come in handy here). This is a great area to just relax or sightsee, shop and dine in all that Santa Barbara has to offer. It really is a gorgeous place for a weekend getaway with your significant other or family.
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Address: 516 South Salinas Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93103
A truly unique place to camp, from RVs to Airstreams. We enjoy everything about this campground including amenities such as the pool, splash zones, and playground. Whether you are an RVer or tent camper, the sites are beautiful, grassy and spacious. With over 300 RV sites, you’ll be sure to find the one you want.
There is also a great tent area with plenty of grassy space and restrooms and showers nearby. Mixed in the tent and RV sites are fully equipped cabins with wrap-around decks, fire pits, and grills (check out our Guinness Marinated Steak Recipe). The six vintage Airstreams are so unique and have been completely restored, including all of the modern amenities. It is an unforgettable camping experience.
Also located in Acton, the Californian RV Resort is a great place to get away from the congestion of the city in your RV. It is easy to get to and located in a quiet yet beautiful setting. Surrounded by horse ranches and the Angeles National Forest, there are a ton of outdoor activities to be accomplished.
There are hundreds of beautiful hiking trails to choose from at Angeles National Forest (learn 13 ways to make your hiking boots last). The Californian has a pool and spa providing entertainment for both kids and adults. If you are looking to head out with a group, they are very accommodating and also allow you to rent their clubhouse or pavilion.
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Address: 1535 West Sierra Highway, Acton, CA 93510
This little campground has it all. Located in the San Gabriel Mountains, Camp Williams offers places to swim, fish, hike, dine and even pan for gold. They offer tent and RV sites along with one cabin for rent. What truly makes this place unique is the ability to tent camp right on the banks of the river (check out our trick to perfectly pack your tent). It really is a beautiful area and makes the trip just that much more relaxing.
The facility has a great little cafe and general store plus running water throughout and shower facilities. Camp Williams gives you the feel of rustic camping without having to get too far from Los Angeles. For long term stays, they have mobile homes for daily rent as well as for purchase.
Castaic Lake RV Park is a great home base for any activities you want to do around the area. If you’re leaving the city for the weekend, you can enjoy Castaic Lake and all of the great water activities. Also, if you’re traveling and want to be close to L.A., but not to close, this is a perfect location. It is an urban setting but definitely stays quiet.
They offer resort-like amenities that can be fun for the whole family such as a great pool and playground. The main draw is the 2,500-acre lake, which is great for both power water sports and canoeing or kayaking (a good quick dry towel will come in handy). With so many things nearby from mini-golf to championship golf courses the whole family can easily enjoy a weekend in their RV.
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Address: 31540 Ridge Route Road, Castaic, CA 91384
Located right on the ocean, Leo Carrillo State Park is a beautiful place to camp with the family, including your pet. There are so many things to do within the park, you may not fit it all in with just one weekend. The beach attached to the park has some great coastal caves to explore (check out our favorite headlamp).
Along with the ocean activities such as surfing or swimming, there are some great hiking trails. There are multiple campgrounds within the park to choose from, all equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. There are also token-operated showers to keep you feeling fresh. We love this place because of the giant Sycamores that provide shade for the main campgrounds.
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Address: 5000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Located just 25 miles outside of downtown Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park is definitely urban camping at its best with 62 tent campsites and eight RV sites. It’s surrounded by the Santa Monica mountains and some great shaded trees. You don’t have to leave modern conveniences at home as the park has a fire pit and picnic table at every site, flush toilets, and showers throughout the campground.
There are so many activities, from kayaking on Century Lake to hiking one of four great trails. If you are adventurous enough you can even get some rock climbing in. For the movie buffs, Malibu Creek is where the movie MASH was filmed and some props are still left behind.
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Address: 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
With all 142 RV Sites and 35 tent sites having either an ocean or mountain view, there are no bad places to camp at Malibu Beach RV Park. It really is a beautiful area with activities for the whole family to enjoy from whale watching to surfing and hanging out on the beach. Being very close to Los Angeles it is a perfect quick getaway spot or ideal for people wanting to sightsee and take in the area attractions.
One of the things we enjoy about this park is that every site has a picnic table and charcoal grill (check out three tips for cooking the perfect steak). The one drawback is that you will be camping pretty close to your neighbor, but the views are so stunning around you that we think you’ll forget about it quickly.
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Address: 25801 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, Ca 90265
If you are truly looking to get away and back to the basics then you will love camping at Saddleback Butte State Park. Mostly used for tent campers, but RV’s under 30 feet are allowed. On the western edge of the Mojave Desert, this campground is primitive with no shower facilities. It does have flush toilets and water spigots.
Although they do not take reservations you are usually able to nab a spot. They do have some great hiking trails that are around two miles long. The trails can be a bit strenuous, but when you get to the top you will enjoy a breathtaking 360-degree view over the Antelope Valley and east across the Mojave Desert. It really is a beautiful place to camp.
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Address: 43230 172nd Street, East Lancaster, CA 93534
The Valencia Travel Village is truly a place for the RV enthusiast with 381 sites that can handle the big rigs. It is a premier RV resort with mature trees, grassy sites, and plenty of activities to keep you busy. Probably not a fantastic place for kids but there is a kiddie pool and playground.
In addition, there are two heated pools and a spa. Valencia Travel Village has all the amenities you can ask for with a convenience store, free WiFi, a dog park, and restrooms/showers. If venturing out you are very close to the town of Valencia and Magic Mountain Resort. With a few lakes nearby it is easy to get on the water and spend the day fishing or hit up one of the hiking trails.
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Address: 27946 Henry Mayo Drive (Hwy 126), Castaic, CA 91384
Ventura Ranch KOA is such a unique way to camp. It has numerous types of accommodations from the very rustic to deluxe. Stay in a tent, RV, Indian-styled teepee, cabin, or even a glamour tent. The fun never ends with so many activities for adults and kids. Kids can participate in crafts or a huge jumping pillow, while the adventurous spirits can take on the zip line or the rock climbing wall. You’ll be having so much fun you may not even notice the beauty that surrounds you being at the foot of Topa Topa Mountain.
We were so impressed with the accommodations, especially the glamour tent. It might not be considered “roughing it” but it sure is sweet and private.
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Address: 7400 Pine Grove Road, Santa Paula, CA 93060
Doheny State Beach is known for its great surfing and warm Pacific Ocean water. So if any of those things sound good to you, this is a great vacation spot. The campground is on the south side of San Juan Creek and is a great 118-site facility. It is a really great campground for tent campers but can also accommodate RVs.
Overall, it is a modern facility with a campfire center, restrooms, and showers. There are many activities to participate in from the typical water sports to some really great volleyball courts. If you are into marine life, on the way to the north end of the beach there are a few protected tide pools to snag a glimpse at some great sea life.
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Address: 25300 Dana Point Harbor Drive, Dana Point, CA 92629
Orangeland RV Park really is one of the top-rated RV parks in the area. With beautifully landscaped paved parking spots you’ll find this is a fantastic spot to stay a day, a week or a whole season. With a pool and playground, the kids can stay busy. Make sure to remember your bikes and swimsuits, to take advantage of the great bicycle ride to Huntington Beach and if you choose to stay on-site, you can enjoy their heated pool. If you choose to venture out of the park there are endless activities from fishing, golfing or great dining. Plus, the park is just a few miles from Disneyland.
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Address: 1600 W. Struck Avenue, Orange, California 92867
Bolsa Chica is not only a popular place for surf fishing, it’s also a great little spot to RV camp with some sites that face the ocean. With a little under 60 RV spots, it makes for a more intimate campground. We love the campfire rings on the beach, it is a perfect way to end a night.
Equipped with modern conveniences such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables this little campground stays clean and is easy to get around in. Being close to the ocean there are so many activities from the standard water sports to a great bike trail that connects to Huntington State Beach. This really is a great little place for a weekend getaway that is not too far from home.
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Address: 17851 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Bonita Ranch Campground is a quiet, shady campground that is optimal for relaxation. Ideal for both RVers and tent campers, the campground has three different sections some with partial hookups and one offering full hookups and a large concrete patio for RVs.
Being at the foothills of the San Bernardino National Forest, the scenery is breathtaking. Lytle Creek runs along the east edge of the park and offers some fun fishing opportunities. The Bonita Falls hike is also just a short distance up the canyon behind the park. If you are coming with a group, definitely take advantage of the BBQ pit area, a large 10-inch pit with a winch to raise the grill. Just 60 miles from LA it’s ideal for a weekend getaway.
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Address: 900 South Fork Road Lytle Creek, CA 92358
Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area: Hisperia, CA
With 134 campsites, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is a great multi-use park. If fishing is a passion or even a hobby, Silverwood Lake is a great fishing spot for trout, bass, catfish, and bluegill. It’s also a beautiful spot for the kids to swim or participate in any water sports.
With picnic tables and fire rings at every site, the campground can be used for both RVers and tent campers. It is equipped with the modern conveniences we enjoy such as running water, restroom, and showers. This is a great place to come if you enjoy hiking. The Pacific Crest Trail, the jewel in the crown of America’s scenic trails, runs through the park.
Reflection Lake RV Park & Campground: San Jacinto, CA
Surrounded by the San Jacinto Mountains, Reflection Lake RV Park & Campground is a great place for a family getaway. Packed with all of the things both adults and children will enjoy, from a pool, playground, and basketball court to your very own private lake stocked with catfish and trout, everyone is bound to stay busy.
Accepting both tents and RVs, the sites are shaded, large, and semi-private. If a tent or RV is not your thing, you can even rent one of their five cabins available. They have BBQ facilities throughout the park along with several picnic areas to enjoy a nice meal. If you’re looking to get away we highly recommend giving this spot a look.
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Address: 3440 Cottonwood Avenue, San Jacinto, CA 92582
Less than two hours from Los Angeles, camp within the second-highest mountain range in Southern California. The area is beautiful and perfect for people who truly want to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. With over 54 miles of hiking trails to explore (permit required), you can sightsee until your heart desires.
Mount Jacinto State Park offers two drive-in campgrounds, great for RV and tent campers. Idyllwild offers 31 developed sites with restrooms and showers. For a more primitive experience stay at Stone Creek, offering 48 sites with only vault toilets. Also connected to the park is the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, which takes passengers from Valley Station to Mountain Station.
If you like wine and want to camp in the heart of Temecula’s wine country then Indian Oaks Trailer Ranch is the place for you. Used mostly by RVers, this is a great place to relax. Tents are welcome but may not fit in as well. Within the ranch is a great little lake, perfect for swimming, fishing, or paddle boating. You don’t need a license to fish at the lake, which can come in handy. We love the huge outdoor BBQ the ranch has to offer. They do a lot of BBQ potlucks, which are always fun. Meals are oh-so-good cooked outdoors with oak chips. We like this park for its simplicity, as it is near plenty of attractions but is also a place to comfortably just sit back and relax.
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Address: 38120 East Benton Road, Temecula, Ca. 92592
Need a relaxing weekend away from city life? Why not spend it sitting in a hot mineral springs pool? Sam’s Family Spa Resort is a great place to RV or tent camp and enjoy three great hot mineral springs. If you have never sat in a mineral spring, you are in for a treat.
Sam’s keeps the pools at about 105 to 140 degrees, with a depth of 265- to 300-feet deep. The campground is certainly up to par with all of the modern conveniences you would want such as bathrooms, running water, and showers. If you are looking for a unique way to spend the weekend camping, Sam’s Family Spa & Resort should definitely be on the list.
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Address: 70-875 Dillon Road, Desert Hot Springs, Ca. 92241
Located in the scenic desert cliffs, buttes, and incredible rock formations, Red Rock Canyon State Park is a beautiful area to visit. Hiking is an incredible way to experience the desert, with miles of trails that meander through the dramatic landscape. The Ricardo Campground is truly rustic and tucked up against the base of the desert cliffs. Each of the 50 developed sites is equipped with a fire ring and picnic table. Although most people tent, you are allowed to bring in RVs, although there are no hookups. If you are ok with portable water, pit toilets, and no showers, then this is a great place. It can fill up on weekends and is a first-come-first-served campground.
A perfect little getaway for RV goers in this relaxed and quiet resort. The site is for people who want to get away from LA but not necessarily away from civilization and will be happy to know that Palm Springs is only seven miles away with endless dining, shopping, and entertainment opportunities.
Although it’s a popular destination for people without kids, people with kids still go. It really is a beautiful place to just sit back, relax and watch the sunset over the San Jacinto Mountains. People who come to Cathedral Pines end up making this a yearly destination spot. It is a great place to get away, yet still be close to all the amenities you enjoy.
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Address: 35901 Cathedral Canyon Drive, Cathedral City, CA 92234
