Warmer weather is finally here and it’s time to hit the road. Southern California is always a popular destination, and whether you’re a local looking to explore your options or you’re headed to the coast from somewhere else, finding the right campgrounds in Los Angeles is important. Not sure what your choices are or how they compare to one another? We’ll take a closer look and help you decide where to make your home away from home.
Beach Campgrounds
For some, Los Angeles is synonymous with urban sprawl. For others, it’s the proximity to Hollywood. However, did you know that the city is also located right on the Pacific Ocean, with some of the most beautiful beaches in the nation? It is, and there are two top choices when it comes to campgrounds if you want to stay right on the beach.
Golden Shore RV Resort – Ok, so this one is actually in Long Beach, but that’s an easy drive. It’s actually right on the water, too, so you can step out of your trailer or RV and hit the waves in seconds. However, note that while the resort welcomes those with a trailer, as well as motorhomes, they do not cater to tent camping.
Dockweiler Beach: Located in the heart of Los Angeles, actually just below LAX, this campground offers beachfront accommodations for those with an RV or trailer. It consistently ranks highly with RVing enthusiasts who appreciate the beauty of the setting. However, like Golden Shore RV Resort, this campground does not allow tent camping – campers, trailers and motorhomes only.
Above LA
Heading down toward LA from San Francisco or from Tahoe? If you’ll be coming in from the north, there are plenty of campgrounds to consider just above Los Angeles proper.
Walnut RV Park – You’ll find this park in Northridge, with easy access to Disney, as well as Universal.
Balboa RV Park – In the same general area (but actually in Van Nuys), Balboa RV Park offers lots of perks, including Internet access for a fee, a laundry room, and full hookups for your RV.
Valencia Travel Village – One of the largest RV parks on this list, Valencia offers more than 350 spots, plenty of amenities, and a central location from which to explore the LA area. Oh, there are two pools you can cool off in during your downtime, too.
Inland from LA
Not headed to the coast itself? If you’ll be stopping east of Los Angeles proper, then you have quite a few options when it comes to campgrounds.
Pomona Fairplex KOA – You’ll find Pomona northeast of Los Angeles proper, but within easy reach of all that LA has to offer. If you’re familiar with the KOA brand, then this campground probably needs no introduction. There are plenty of spaces for your camper, trailer, or RV. They also rent cabins, and they are happy to accept tents.
East Shore RV Park – East of Los Angeles, you’ll find San Dimas, as well as Puddingstone Lake. The shore of the lake is home to the East Shore RV Park. It’s within easy reach of LA if you want to venture downtown, but there’s plenty to see and do in the area itself. Most of the spots here are designed for trailers and motorhomes, but the park does accept limited tent campers, as well.
West of Los Angeles
While LA is on the coast, it is possible to go further west. That’s where you’ll find Malibu. There are quite a few campgrounds here that you might want to consider.
Malibu Creek State Park – If you’re a fan of national and state parks, then Malibu Creek State Park is a great choice. There are spots for your trailer or RV, and they also accommodate tent camping. Take a stroll around the park and you’ll find some familiar scenery – the area has been heavily used for filming TV shows and movies.
Point Mogu State Park – Another excellent state park, this one is right on the beach, although some spots are across the highway from the water. This option offers lots of natural beauty, proximity to the ocean, and spots for a trailer, motorhomes, and some tent camping.
Other campgrounds of note in Malibu include Malibu Beach RV Park – quite spacious with over 100 sites – as well as Leo Carillo State Beach.
Conclusion
These are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg when it comes to campgrounds in and around Los Angeles. Whether you’re helming a massive Class A RV, or you’re towing a pop-up, there’s something on offer to fit your needs.
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