Camping in and around Los Angeles lets you experience the austerity of high desert camping or the tranquility of beachside accommodations. Whether you’re looking for an urban campground with access to everything or something more remote, these 10 campgrounds are sure to appeal to you.
1. Soledad Canyon RV & Camping Resort
Nestled in the gorgeous San Gabriel mountains is this gem of a campground – Soledad Canyon RV & Camping Resort. A large campground surrounded by thick pine forest, you can savor the serenity and beauty of high desert camping while also enjoying the perks of resort-style amenities.
There are tons of amenities on-site, including a swimming pool, dog park, clubhouse, laundry, showers, and every kind of hookup you might need. Nearby Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park has stunning rock formations that you will love exploring.
- Price: $65-106
- Number of sites: 854
- RV sites: Yes (max length 40’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“In the summer, they had a cart with breakfast and snow cones and nachos for sale in the afternoon.” – Andrea R.
2. Coldbrook Campground
The campsites here are first-come, first-serve, and Coldbrook Campground is less crowded than other campgrounds nearby, though the weekends fill quickly. Since this campground is higher up, the nights will be cooler than they are in the valley. Firepits, grills, and bathrooms are available, and the views are gorgeous.
- Price: $12
- Number of sites: 22
- RV sites: Yes (max length 65’)
- Hookups: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“We had a campsite next to the creek, and it was beautiful to see and listen to.” – Alexis S.
3. Leo Carrillo State Park
Just over an hour from Los Angeles is a picturesque spot right on the water. People love windsurfing, shore casting, or sandcastle-making at Leo Carrillo State Park.
There are token-operated showers for water conservation, and fires are dependent on the local fire threat. This is an ideal medium-sized campground for a beach vacation with 30- and 50-amp hookups and a sanitary dump.
- Price: $45-60
- Number of sites: 130
- RV sites: Yes (max length 31’, max-height 13.6’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“It was so much fun discovering the tidepools and exploring the coastal cliffs and caves.” – Yvonne P.
4. Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort & Campground
Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort & Campground is tucked into the larger Frank G. Bonelli Park and a half-hour drive from Los Angeles. Although it’s in the middle of an urban area and close to the airport, you feel far away from it all.
The large size provides ample amenities like laundry services, propane refill stations, storage yards, and dump stations.
- Price: $30-75
- Number of sites: 518
- RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Large bluffs overlooking a lake leading to beautiful views.” – Todd G.
5. Malibu Beach RV Park
The city of Malibu is a bedroom community of Los Angeles, a wealthy and elite enclave to the rich and famous. This setting may not be the most natural place for an RV park, but Malibu Beach RV Park enjoys one of the most stunning settings on the planet.
Bring an RV or TAXA or rent one of their charming RVs; you can’t go wrong with the view any way you visit. Amenities include mail service, full hookups, and fantastic company.
- Price: $80-150
- Number of sites: 177
- RV sites: Yes (max length 65’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: No
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Most amazing views of the Pacific from the ocean view sites.” – Nicole M.
6. Chino Hills State Park
This lovely little campground is nestled in the heart of Chino’s urban area, 37 miles from Los Angeles. Chino Hills State Park doesn’t have any hookups and cannot accommodate long rigs (roads are paved but very curvy), but it’s a convenient place to get away from it all. Sites in the shade will stay cool, but those in direct sun will warm up quickly.
- Price: $30
- Number of sites: 20
- RV sites: Yes (max length 28’)
- Hookups: No
- Fires allowed: No
- Pets allowed: Yes
“These hills are amazing after a good rain. This year it was a good place to see the wildflowers.” – Berton M.
7. Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina
This large RV resort abuts the Back Bay, so if you’re lucky, you can snag a spot on the water. The ocean keeps Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort & Marina cool with sea breezes, and there’s always something to do at the Waterpark or any of the other attractions along the boardwalk. Close to Balboa and Fashion Island, and only ½ hour to Disneyland.
- Price: $67-460
- Number of sites: 382
- RV sites: Yes (max length 40’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Gorgeous little lagoon off the bay.” – Scott O.
8. Malibu Creek State Park
Malibu Creek State Park is located in the picturesque Santa Monica Mountains and has access to miles of creekside trails, winding through sycamore and oak forest.
Unfortunately, dogs aren’t allowed on the trails (even leashed), but they are allowed in the campgrounds. Showers are coin-operated, and there’s a dump station and flush toilets.
- Price: $45
- Number of sites: 63
- RV sites: Yes (max length 30’)
- Hookups: No
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“It is a prime location for some great hiking, and at night it is super quiet.” – Mike N.
9. Anaheim Harbor RV Park
There is a back area and a front area at Anaheim Harbor RV Park, with the back reserved for long-term residents and the front half for those who are more transitory. This campground is close to many local attractions, and it is a perfect midpoint between San Diego and Los Angeles.
- Price: $55-71
- Number of sites: 75
- RV sites: Yes (max length 40’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: Yes
- Pets allowed: Yes
“Clean, quiet, friendly staff and great to visit Disneyland!” – Derek
10. Orangeland RV Park
A convenient distance away from local attractions, Orangeland RV Park can accommodate most rigs and is predominantly an RV resort.
There are orange trees scattered throughout the campground that you’re encouraged to eat from, and the whole area has an old-fashioned charm. Laundry facilities, hot showers, and a river trail make your stay a lively mix of town and country.
- Price: $75-90
- Number of sites: 195
- RV sites: Yes (max length 50’)
- Hookups: Yes
- Fires allowed: No
- Pets allowed: Yes
“First time staying here, it will be our place to stay in California.” – Brian C.
These 10 campgrounds only scratch the surface of what Southern Californian camping has to offer. For more adventures around Los Angeles, check out The Dyrt’s complete list of the best camping in California.