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Camping Outside Of Los Angeles

Doheny State Beach Campground

Red Rock Canyon in 4K | Overnight Camping and Hiking near Los Angeles

Make your reservations early, for these spots fill up quickly. And it’s no wonder. Campsites are at sea level, meaning no stairs to climb up or down to the beach. Enjoy nearby kayaking, surfing, windsurfing, fishing, and biking at the spot voted “Best Camp Site” 18 years in a row by The Orange County Register. Flush toilets and showers are available . Pay attention to festival times throughout the peak season, which may mean larger than normal crowds, loud music, and increased traffic.

This article was originally published on March 28, 2012

With additional reporting by Matt Matasci

El Capitn State Beachoff Of Highway 101 17 Miles West Of Santa Barbara Ca 93117

El Capitán State Beach near Santa Barbara offers visitors a sandy beach, rocky tidepools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. This popular campground has group, single tent, RV and camper sites. Campers can walk to the beach from the campground, ride bikes on the trail or play ball in the grassy area near the camp/beach store.

If youre looking for glamping, head across the road to El Capitan Canyon resort lodging. Families may choose to spend the night in cedar cabins or safari tents. A variety of family-friendly activities are available including biking , live entertainment , hiking, and much more.

Note El Capitán State Beach will be closed for about one year beginning on September 1st, 2021.

Jumbo Rocks Campground Joshua Tree National Park

It’s easy to see why Joshua Tree is a special place when spend a few nights camping here. Jumbo Rocks Campground is the largest campground in the park and gives you the best chance of securing a site.

It’s surrounded by namesake boulders and rock formations, make for easy exploration of the surreal desert landscape. And staying the night enables visitors to experience the magical sunsets of this boulder-rich region, as well as the incredibly dark night skies.

The 124 sites at Jumbo Rocks cater to both tents and RVs, although no electric hookups are available. Visitors have access to vault toilets but need to bring their own water. The campground is centrally located in the park and near prominent features, including Skull Rock.

Jumbo Rocks is one of several campgrounds within the park. And it’s one of five that offers reservations during the peak season between October and May. Other reservable campgrounds include Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, and Ryan Campground. Jumbo Rocks is the largest, and Indian Cove is the next largest, with over 100 sites also surrounded by monolithic rock formations.

The park also has three developed, first-come, first-served campgrounds. The largest, Hidden Valley Campground, has 44 sites available and is incredibly competitive on winter weekends and holidays. Numerous primitive camping opportunities also abound in Joshua Tree National Park.

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Moro Campground Laguna Beach California

Distance from Los Angeles: 50.1 miles

Moro Campground, located in Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach, California, is just an hour outside of the city of Los Angeles. If you are planning a road trip up the Pacific Coast and want to live the beach life for a bit, then Moro Campground is a great spot to park your campervan for the night. Moro has all of the quintessential activities for an epic beach campout, including surfing, fishing, sunbathing, hiking, and beach barbeques.

Amenities: restrooms, picnic tables, potable water, coin showers, RV hookups

Note: No open flame wood fires or charcoal fires are allowed. Compressed gas barbeques are permitted on the beach and in campsites.

Santa Catalina Island Campground

BLM dispersed camping outside of Moab, UT

Catalina Island is a little island with a big selection. Choose from six camping options . The best bet for families is Hermit Gulch. Downtown Avalon is just a mile downhill, and the Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden is even closer. This campground also rents out camping equipment and offers tent cabins. Other Catalina camping options include Little Harbor Campground and Two Harbors Campground where you can pitch your own tent, or sleep in one of their tent cabins complete with cots. Be sure to read the camping guidelines before you head out . And consider your ferry ride options, too. Dogs are not allowed at most campgrounds. You can book a campsite online or call 310.510.4205.

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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

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.

Fern Basin Campground San Bernardino National Forest

Just outside the mountain town of Idyllwild, this rustic campground features 22 sites and an abundance of recreational opportunities. Reservations are available for this popular campground and are recommended for the summer season. Vault toilets and potable water are available to all overnight guests.

The is within the campground and provides a strenuous 11.8-mile hike to the top of Mount San Jacinto. But the campground is popular with peak-baggers and casual hikers alike, with numerous less-strenuous hiking trails also stemming throughout the surrounding San Bernardino National Forest.

For groceries, restaurants, live music, and one of the best small towns in California, the friendly community of Idyllwild is less than seven miles away.

Address: Forest Route 4S02, Banning, California

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The Campgrounds At Lopez Lake

This is a bit of a drive from LA, but worth it. In the middle of San Luis Obispo County, just inland from Pismo Beach, lies Lopez Lake. With multiple campgrounds right by the lake, there are options for every kind of camping from rustic to RV to cabins. While parents will be in the thrall of the myriad of lake activities , hiking, zip line, ropes course, and incredible wildlife, the real draw here for kids is Mustang Waterpark. Accessible from the campgrounds, the waterslides and kiddie pool will keep kids corralled and happy for days. There are lifeguards on duty and a restaurant on the grounds, so its as relaxing for parents as it is fun for kids. And did we mention the wildlife? Deer, wild turkey, quail, and even the occasional bear can be spotted on hikes or just wandering through the campsites.

You wont ever need to leave the campgrounds, but if you do, take a day trip to walk through the Monarch Butterfly Grove, play at Dinosaur Caves Park, or visit the one-of-a-kind Swinging Bridge.

  • Lodging types offered: Tent, RV, Cabins
  • Fun family activities: Waterpark, zip line, private fishing lagoon, childrens playground area, a basketball court, horseshoe pits, ropes course
  • Campground amenities: Flush toilets, hot shower and coin-operated shower, laundry facility, general store, restaurant

Point Mugu State Park Campground

LA Approves Plan to Restrict Homeless Encampments Across the City | NBCLA

Just a few miles beyond Leo Carrillo, Point Mugu is another great spot for a first tent camping experience. Easy to get to, easy to enjoy. There are two campgrounds here: Thornhill Broome is directly on the beach and offers outside showers and chemical toilets. The beach is rocky, and the wind can be chilly, but you can’t camp closer to the waves. Big Sycamore Canyon is on the inland side of PCH and offers a more mountainous retreat, with a short hike back to the beach. There is lots of shade at Sycamore , and easy access to miles of hiking trails. Sycamore Cove Beach is accessed via a trail that goes under PCH, and the route may be flooded during high tide. The surf here can be a bit rough, but this is balanced by barbecues and picnic tables on the beach. Driving to the beach is also an option a parking pass from any campground in Point Mugu is good at the Sycamore Cove Beach lot. Wood is generally available for purchase at the ranger booth. Make reservations online.

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Crystal Lake Recreation Area

Location: 9877 North Crystal Lake Road, Azusa

Amenities: Potable water, toilets, and picnic tables.Activities: Biking, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, paddling, off-roading, climbing, snow sports, swimming, and wildlife watching.Fees: $12 per nightDogs allowed: YesReservation required: No

For a calmer, more secluded retreat, set up camp at the Crystal Lake Recreation Area, which boasts bountiful hiking trails that are perfect for burning extra calories after a night of s’mores and barbecue. Strap on your sturdy hiking boots and use the best California products for any adventure to trek the Hawkins Trail to the ridge ending at Hawkins Peak. For an easy pathand an ideal family strollmeander through the short, yet floral Totonga Nature Trail. Enjoy lunch at the Crystal Lake Cafe, located at the campgrounds entrance, and pick up a few camping essentials while youre there.

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. Theres also cabin rentals and tent sites.

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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.

Epic Campgrounds Near Los Angeles California

just outside of Canyonlands National Park! : camping

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Though it often gets a bad rap on the national scene, Los Angeles offers year-round access to incredible outdoor recreation, without having to empty a tank of gas to get there.

Within a two hour drive of The Golden States most populous city, nature lovers have access to desert hot springs, high alpine forests, and beachside escapes. The tricky part? Knowing how to sift through the fluff and get to the good spots.

Luckily, Ive done the hard work for you and hand-picked the best campgrounds within a two-hour drive of Los Angeles, perfect fare for a weekend or single-night adventure when youre short on time but feel the call of the wild.

These campsites offer a mix of old growth forest, craggy beach cliffs, panoramic mountain vistas, and chaparral-strewn hillsides. Because of the different climates, its imperative that travelers check the fire restrictions and weather before heading out, as Southern California is known for its enormous temperature swings .

Likewise, many of the best mountaintop spots can have unexpected snow into spring. If youre heading up to the mountains early in the season, Id recommend nabbing a good set of all-terrain tires and reliable snow chains before heading out.

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Best Campgrounds For Families In Socal

Posted on Last updated:

Categories Things To Do in Los Angeles with Kids

Many families would like to go camping but arent quite sure where to go or how to get started. And thats where this list can help! Weve compiled the Best Family Campgrounds in and Around Los Angeles that will get kids excited about being outside.

Some of the camp spots are first-come, first-served while others are very popular and require booking far in advance. Make sure and check the websites for weather conditions and availability before you go, especially at this time. And check the websites for the most up-to-date information regarding health and safety protocols.

Huttopia Paradise Springs Campground

Why you should camp here: Grab some R& R at this tented resort full of canyon greenery, just 90 minutes from L.A.

  • Location: Angeles National Forest
  • Campsite type: Relaxed glamping

Sick of pitching and collapsing your tent every time you want to sleep under the stars? Us too. Thats why were such huge fans of Huttopias Paradise Springs location, where each site comes complete with a canvas tent, spacious deck, and beds with plush linens already set when you arrive.

Built in the 1920s , this magical spot is an epic family-friendly camping retreat, with outdoor movie screenings, epic stargazing, and, of course, games of corn hole.

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San Mateo Campground At San Onofre State Beach

1hr 15mins by car, dog friendly If youve lived in Southern California for a while, youve probably heard about a surf spot called Trestles, or youve heard about the boob-shaped nuclear power plant just south of San Clemente near Camp Pendleton. Thats the site of San Onofre State Beach, one of the most popular beaches for surfers around. There are 380 tent and group campsites available year-round at San Mateo Campground, which is set back from the beach. A trail leads down to the surf from the campsites. If the surf is good, it will be difficult to score a tent site, but online reservations are available. Its best to camp here if youre a surfer or looking for a chill weekend at the beach with great people watchingotherwise theres not much hiking to do since the beach is fairly close to the 5 Freeway and the base. As for noise, drills or activity on Camp Pendleton can drown out the sound of the crashing waves.

Los Angeles Rv Resort

The BEST RV PARK near Los Angeles?! Camping at Bonelli Bluffs

Bordering the Angeles Crest National Forest, the LA RV Resort is a one-hour drive from Los Angeles and delivers dramatic views of the San Gabriel Mountains with every family-friendly convenience you could possibly want. Campers can choose from a whole host of activities including Wacky Town & Race Track, take part in some organized arts and crafts, then cannonball into the swimming pool.

  • Lodging types offered: Tent, RV, Cabin, Teepee
  • Fun family activities: Tetherball, horseshoes, lawn game rentals, volleyball, race track, movie nights, shuffleboard, basketball courts, swimming pool, playground, offroading, hiking trails
  • Campground amenities: Flush toilets, hot shower, laundry facility, convenience store

The beach is a great spot for s’mores. Photo courtesy of Newport Dunes Beach Resort

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What People Are Saying About Los Angeles / Pomona / Fairplex Koa

This place can be a little cramped for bigger rigs. To the plus side, is not difficult to get to, however, there is a small airport to the southwest. The park is right on a flight path. The attendant told us the planes stopped around 6:30 or so. The third night here there was a helicopter that landed after 10:00 pm. Glenn, Google Review

Location

Learn more on the locationswebsite!

Amenities

  • Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: Contact management for rates # of RV Sites: 185 Full Hookups: Yes 30/50 Amp: Both Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both Pool/Hot tub: Yes Showers: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes Cell Reception: Strong signal on all carriers Wi-Fi Cabins Store

Learn more on the locationswebsite!

Amenities

  • Daily/Weekly/Monthly Rates: $45-$70/$250-$430/$1
  • 000 # of RV Sites: 198 Full Hookups: Yes 30/50 Amp: Both Back-in/Pull-through Sites: Both Pool/Hot tub: Yes Showers: Yes Pets Allowed: Yes Cell Reception: Strong reception on all carriers Laundry facilities Store

Doheny State Beach25300 Dana Point Harbor Dana Point Ca 92629

If youre looking to combine a camping experience with time by the ocean, then Doheny State Beach is the place. There are 122 campsites, including 33 beach front sites. Families can enjoy water activities such as surfing, fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Amenities include showers, fire rings, and picnic areas.

Need a Tent? Check this one out in our Amazon Store.

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Sequoia And Kings Canyon National Parks

3hrs 45 mins by car, dog friendly If youre a tree lover, you have to go see the giant redwoods of Sequoia National Park. Theres plenty of hiking in both national parksfrom short, well-marked patchs to day hikes to multi-day backpacking trails. Sequoia is slightly more drive-and-look friendly with cool attractions like the General Sherman Tree, the tallest in the world Tunnel Log, a fallen, hollowed out Sequoia that you can drive your car through and Tharps log, a home built in a fallen tree. Meanwhile, the backcountry hiking in Kings Canyon is on every hikers bucket list. There are several campgrounds in both parks at different elevations and they are well maintained by the National Park Service. Just make sure to check conditions before you go: most close after the summer season, water may be turned off, and some may be closed due to wildfires in the area. Campground reservations required find more information here.

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