Camping In Los Angeles County

Chilao Campground Manzanita Loopangeles Crest National Forest

If youre looking to go camping but dont want to spend a lot of time in the car to get there, then Chilao Campground may be the ideal place for you. The campground features 84 campsites and is first-come, first-served. Youll find picnic tables and vault toilets. Families will enjoy panoramic views and multiple hiking options.

Bonelli Bluffs Rv Resort And Campground

The Bonelli Bluffs Resort is located next to the Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, an area featuring a lake, multi-use trails, and recreational activities.

The resort itself is huge. When staying, you will have access to restrooms, showers, fire pits, picnic tables, laundry, basketball court, volleyball court, pool, playground, a market, fishing beach, an equestrian center. Boating and golfing can be practiced in the vicinity.

If that is not enough, 2 racetracks, a speedway, the Pomona Fairplex, an aquatic park, a botanical garden, and a wilderness park are located nearby. Disneyland is only about 20 miles away.

Distance from Los Angeles: 26 Miles

Camping Region: Urban

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: About 500

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: There are plenty of restaurants in the area. This allows for easy camping .

San Onofre Bluffs Campground

Why you should camp here: Search for surfers and lounge in the sunshine from your own cliffs edge campsite.

• Location: San Onofre State Beach
• Reservations: Yes
• Campsite type: Tents, RVs, car camping
• RV hookups: No

The salty spray of the Pacific Ocean and sincerely incredible views of one of the worlds most famous surf breaks are what makes camping at San Onofre Bluffs so magical.

Set high on a cliffside overlooking the mighty, blue water, each campsite here comes equipped with its own fire ring and wooden picnic table. The grounds also provide chemical toilets, an RV dump station, and cold outdoor showers to avoid that dreaded sand in your sleeping bag feeling.

From camp, saunter down one of six rugged access trails to the shimmering beach below.

Don’t Miss: Tent Camping Near Miami Florida

Other National Forest Camping

The Angeles National Forest has campgrounds in its two districts: Los Angeles Gateway and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument .

All these facilities are first come, first served. Therefore, advanced reservations cannot be made. In addition, the facilities are rustic. Expect minimal amenities. Pack everything you need for the nights you are staying.

Check this page for specific info. Keep in mind the majority of these campgrounds are designed for tents. Some of the most popular campgrounds include Chilao, Monte Cristo, and Buckhorn.

Malibu Creek State Park Campground

Why you should camp here: Climbers and hikers alike will fall in love with this mountainside spot thats close to swimming holes, chaparral-covered hills, and craggy rock formations.

• Location: Malibu Creek State Park
• Reservations: Yes
• Campsite type: Tents, RVs, car camping
• RV hookups: No

Only 25 miles from Downtown Los Angeles lies one of the Golden States favorite state parks. Malibu Creek is a well-known haven for rock climbers, urban hikers, and seekers of Hollywood history .

The campground is a great, family-friendly place to get away for the weekend, with picnic tables, fire rings, token-operated hot showers, and miles of moderate hiking trails you can access from right outside your tent.

You May Like: Camping Near Pinnacles National Park

Carpinteria State Beach5361 6th St Carpinteria Ca 93013

Carpinteria State Beach is located twelve miles south of Santa Barbara. Camping here offers families the chance to hike, swim, bike, fish, and more. There are more than 200 family campsites, each with a table and fire ring drinking water is available nearby. Amenities include showers and picnic tables. Be prepared that you may find tar on the beach. The Chumash had a large carpentry shop here because of the naturally occurring tar which they used to seal canoes and other boats.

Los Padres National Forest

2hrs by car, dog friendly Los Padres National Forest is close enough for an overnight or weekend trip while still feeling like its thousands of miles from any city. Hike switchback trails weaving through hills and valleys, and stop for a swim at one of the Forests many swimming holes . If youre up for a short backpacking trip, trek the 18 miles to Willett Hot Springs for a relaxing soak. Reservations are first-come, first-served and youll need an Adventure Pass to enter Los Padres, so make sure to pick one up from a nearby gas station or sports shop. Consult Los Padres National Forest for information on camping availability.

Don’t Miss: Camping In South Florida State Parks

Campgrounds In Other Parts Of The Los Angeles Area

Los Angeles is an immense place, and these campgrounds can be a long drive from some of the popular tourist spots. A good map will be your best friend as you figure out whether their location will be right for you.

• Disneyland Area Camping: If you’re visiting the Disneyland Resort or other sights in Orange County, you’ve got quite a few campgrounds to choose from.
• Catalina Island: You’ll have to take the boat to get there, but it’s a nice place to get away from it all. Find out where you can camp and what you need to know before you plan your trip.
• More Beach Camping in Southern California: It’s a short list, but you’ll find a few more places in Southern California where you can camp right on the beach.

Lake Casitas Recreation Area11311 Santa Ana Rd Ventura Ca 93001

Lake Casitas offers over 400 sites with camping options ranging from Basic Hookup Sites on dirt pads to Executive Hookup Sites featuring a 40 concrete pad with water, electric, and sewer hookups. Families will also appreciate the on-site playgrounds though the nearby Casitas Water Adventure remains closed for the summer 2021 season. Reservations are available online.

Read Also: Valley Of Fire State Park Rv Camping

Where Can I Camp In My Car In Los Angeles

Although the law changes regularly, itâs best to avoid car camping on Los Angeles city streets because more often than not, itâs illegal to sleep overnight or live in a car in LA. The rules become less clear when youâre parked at least 500 feet away from residences and school zones, but sleeping in your car is still frowned upon and time limits usually apply. For the best and safest car camping experience near Los Angeles, head just outside of town to a private Hipcamp campsite.

Crystal Lake Recreation Area

Crystal Lake Recreation Area is located in the San Gabriel Mountains and accessed through Highway 39. Campground reservations cannot be made in advance, so this is a first-come, first-served facility.

Amenities include restrooms, potable water, and fire rings. In the vicinity, you can hike to Mt. Islip or Lewis Falls and fish in Crystal Lake. What is more, you can choose to hike other trails in the area or tour by car Highway 39 and/or Highway 2 . There are plenty of viewpoints, natural areas, picnic sites, and historical markers to keep you busy.

The Crystal Lake Café provides visitors with meals and camping essentials . This campground is ideal for a visit during the summer season and not recommended during winter.

Distance from Los Angeles: 50 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 50

Notes: Water is not available during winter

Read Also: Solar Powered Air Conditioner For Camping

Where Can I Buy Camping Gear In Los Angeles

Los Angeles has plenty of stores selling camping supplies, backpacking gear, and RV essentials. REI is in Santa Monica, and dozens of Walmarts dot the city. Dick’s Sporting Goods can be found in Glendale, El Segundo, and Torrance. Local favorite camping gear stores include Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co. and the Texino Camp Store. Other name brand shops in the area include 5.11 Tactical in Commerce and Patagonia in Santa Monica, plus Arc’teryx and Fjällräven in La Brea. Check out the best places to rent camping gear in LA.

Campsites In Los Angeles: Pyramid Lake

I think every Angeleno has seen the blue and green waters of Pyramid Lake when driving to the San Joaquin Valley through I-5.

This reservoir, formed by the Pyramid Dam, is an excellent place to escape the hustling and bustling of the big city without having to commit to a long drive. The pyramid structure, that gives the lake its name, is located in front of the dam. This is a pretty large lake with a 21 miles shoreline.

The Vista del Lago Visitors Center has a large viewing platform open to the public. You can stop by just for the view even if you have no plans to use the facilities. In addition, the visitors center has educative exhibitions about geology and water supply systems.

This is bear country so, it is important to follow the signs posted on-site at all times.

Distance from Los Angeles: 60 miles

Camping Region: Mountain, Lake

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: About 90

Reservations: Yes, call 661-294-021

Also Check: Camping World Stadium Best Seats

Top 10 Campgrounds And Rv Parkslos Angeles California

Los Angeles is one of the most iconic cities in the world. There are dozens of different RV parks in the Los Angeles, CA area and these RV parking locations are close to popular tourist destinations like Disneyland and Hollywood. Youll find quite a few campgrounds in Los Angeles, CA if you venture out into the surrounding mountains in a rented RV or an RV that you own.

These Los Angeles campgrounds are close to the big city, but they also serve as great places to start on a wide-ranging California RV adventure in the beautiful, moderate, California weather. In the following list, weve compiled ten of the best RV parks in Los Angeles for exploring this famous city or for venturing further afield.

• 280/$3
• 680-$5
• 120 # of RV Sites: 177 Full Hookups: Yes 30/50 Amp: Both Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both Pool/Hot tub: No Showers: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes Cell Reception: Strong signal on all carriers Playground Clubhouse

Key Dockweiler State Beach Campground Regulations

Check California State Parks – Dockweiler State Beach for any campground updates.

Also Check: Tent Camping Cooks Forest Pa

Camping Links & Information

Outdoor activities are integral to meeting Scouts and their families needs while also providing many of the most appealing features of the Scouting program. Activities and events are planned to match the desires of Scouts at all age levels and abilities with opportunities to advance in rank and have fun.

We take a high-level view of the exciting programs the Greater Los Angeles Area Council camps have to offer. We hope you are ready to take advantage of our new and improved programs and upcoming opportunities.Thank you for participating in the Scouting Program. We look forward to seeing you on the Scouting trail.

Our camping experience allows Scouts to meet others their age, participate in high adventure activities, earn Merit Badges, and experience activities they may have never done before. These Scouts will stay in their troop campsites, eat, and participate in most troop programs and camp activities.

Soledad Canyon Rv Resort And Camping

Not that far away from the Acton KOA, you will find the Soledad Canyon RV Resort and Campground. This facility is administered by the Thousand Trails group.

Like KOA, this group brings resort-style amenities to the camping experience. The Soledad Canyon facility can be seen as a small town due to its size .

There are all sorts of sporting facilities, a pool, store, pond, and walking trail. There are an exclusive pool and lounge for adults.

Distance from Los Angeles: 45 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain, Desert

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: Over 300 RV sites, about 60 tent sites

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Don’t Miss: Fort Desoto State Park Camping

Dockweiler State Beach Campground

Dockweiler State Beach Campground is located on Santa Monica Bay near Los Angeles International Airport. Most visitors to Dockweiler Beach are used to the sound of airplanes passing overhead. Beach-goers enjoy evening campfires, sun bathing, surfing, cycling, volleyball, and even hang gliding. This state beach is operated by Los Angeles County Department of Beaches & Harbors.

Dockweiler State Beach Campground for RV and trailer campground boasts 117 sites, all lined up parking-lot style in 3 rows. Prices are arranged accordingly, with the beachfront sites the most expensive and the back row the most affordable. Some sites are designated for RVs only, some only for trailers. All the regular campsites have full hook-ups, but a number of dry sites have been added. There is no tent camping.

Weekend Getaways: 7 Great Camping Sites Within Driving Distance Of La

• Copy Link URLCopied!
• Print

The great outdoors is a bit more crowded these days. The number of Americans who went camping rose 22% over the last five years, and a record 78.8 million people, many of them younger and more diverse, identified as camping households last year, according to the 2019 North American Camping Report from Kampgrounds of America.

Trends show that a fifth of them prefer shorter trips, fewer than 50 miles from home, especially first-timers or those with young kids. Southern Californias forests and beaches provide good options for quick escapes, places to test your gear and your back-to-nature mettle. Here are seven places that offer a refreshing respite from city life and theyre not so far from the city.

1. Mount Pacifico Campground

Crave something rustic and remote? This spectacular and little-known hike-in campground for backpackers willing to go the distance is located 45 miles north of downtown L.A. on the summit of 7,124-foot Mt. Pacifico in the Angeles National Forest. Relax under the pines, catch superb views of the Mojave Desert to the north, and make tracks on the nearby Pacific Crest Trail, which runs 2,650 miles between Mexico and Canada. This area was heavily burned in 2009s Station fire but has bounced back with grasses and wildflowers.

Info: Mount Pacifico Campground, bit.ly/MountPacifico

Molly McClure, 7, of Monrovia camps with her dad, Kyle, who roasts a marshmallow at the Crystal Lake campground.

2. Crystal Lake Recreation Area

Read Also: Camping World In Charlotte North Carolina

Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

Miles from Downtown: 54 Number of Sites: 138Situated across PCH from Leo Carrillo State Beach, this campground is a beach-lovers paradise. Within walking distance, visitors can choose from myriad activities, including surfing, fishing, relaxing on the beach, or exploring the many tide pools and caves. The campground also backs up to the Santa Monica Mountains, which offer many options for hiking and mountain biking.

Its worth making reservations far in advance as sites tend to book up. Each site has a fire ring and picnic table, and there are showers and flush toilets on premise. In addition, there is a small general store in the campground that stocks everything from sunscreen to firewood to ice cream. Sites are $45/night.

Local Scoop: Get up early and take the Nicholas Flat Trail from camp and watch the sunrise from the ridge. The trail is a moderately difficult 5.8 miles out and back with 1,800 feet of elevation gain. However, the views of the ocean and surrounding mountains make the effort worth it.

Eight Great Camping Sites Near Los Angeles

Unplug at these great local campgrounds

Originally written by RootsRated for Discover Los Angeles.

When you think about visiting Los Angeles, camping may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But while L.A.s main claim to fame may not be its camping, just outside the bustling city there are some excellent camping getaways. Its worth remembering that Los Angeles is bordered on three sides by mountains, and one side by ocean, which means easy access to nature and camping locations within a short distance from the city.

Read on for eight of the best campsites within two hours of Downtown L.A., where you can spend more time getting in touch with Mother Nature, and less time doomscrolling.

Check with individual campgrounds for reservations and the latest COVID-19 protocols.

Read Also: Free Tent Camping In Virginia

Los Angeles Camping Sites: Camp Williams Resort

Camp Williams Resort is a one of a kind place in Los Angeles. Actually, this place takes me back to my childhood since it reminds me of the many times my friends and I went to the river after school.

This resort, located next to the San Gabriel River, has a quiet mountain setting, lush scenery, family-friendly atmosphere, and great food.

Both tents and RV sites are located in the riverfront. Amenities include picnic tables, shaded sites, dump stations, slide-out spaces, restrooms, showers with hot water, among others. Those who do not want to rough it can stay in a cabin.

A stay will allow you to explore the Angeles National Forest, Mount Baldy, San Dimas, and Pomona.

Distance from Los Angeles: 40 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers, Cabins

Number of Sites: Information not found

Reservations: Yes, the phone number is 910-1126

Notes: Even though I have enjoyed my visits to this resort, I have seen mixed reviews about other peoples stays. Make sure to properly research the place before staying.