The Best Campgrounds in Los Angeles

Looking for a quick escape from the city without a long drive? Malibu Creek State Park is just 25 miles from downtown LA and offers a perfect mix of mountains, trails, and peace. Whether you’re hiking along nearly 6 miles of scenic paths or just kicking back by your camper with the sounds of the creek, this spot makes it easy to recharge.

• Distance from LA: About 1 hour west
• Best for: Hikers, climbers, and quiet nature lovers
• Activities: Hiking, rock climbing (100+ routes), creekside picnics, cliff jumping into rock pools (when safe)
• Facilities: Restrooms, hot showers, drinking water, fire rings (seasonal), and RV dump station
• RV-friendly? Yes – suitable for camper vans and RVs up to 30 feet

Why we love it: It’s close enough for a quick getaway but feels like a true escape. With easy hikes, rock pools, and peaceful creekside campsites, it’s a refreshing nature break without ever leaving LA’s orbit.

Hidden high in the Angeles National Forest along the scenic Angeles Crest Highway, Buckhorn Campground is a cooler, quieter escape from the city heat. It’s especially great in summer when LA sizzles. With access to iconic trails like the Pacific Crest Trail and Burkhart Trail, this campground is a dream for hikers and those craving elevation—and star-filled skies.

• Distance from LA: Around 1.5 hours northeast
• Best for: Hikers, birdwatchers, and cooler mountain air
• Activities: Hiking to Cooper Canyon Falls, exploring Twin Peaks East and Waterman Mountain
• Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, fire rings, and potable water (check seasonal availability)
• RV-friendly? Yes – but best for camper vans or smaller RVs due to narrow roads and limited space

Why we love it: Tucked in the mountains at over 6,000 feet, this spot brings cooler temps, forest air, and epic trail access—without a long drive. It’s the kind of quiet that hits differently when you’re above the city buzz.

If your dream is to camp just steps from the ocean, Leo Carrillo State Park should be at the top of your list. Located along the stunning Malibu coast, this campground gives you easy access to the beach, tide pools, sea caves, and surf-ready waves—plus nearby hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains.

• Distance from LA: About 1 hour west via the Pacific Coast Highway
• Best for: Beach lovers, tide pool explorers, and sunset seekers
• Activities: Surfing, swimming, tide pooling, cave exploring, hiking, and biking
• Facilities: Flush toilets, showers, fire rings, picnic tables, and a small camp store
• RV-friendly? Yes – 46 of the sites have electrical hookups and are suitable for camper vans and small to mid-size RVs

Why we love it: Beach access and mountain trails in one place? Yes, please. You can surf at sunrise, hike at noon, and stargaze at night—without ever moving your camper.

Want to trade city skyline for mountain peaks? Manker Flats Campground sits at the base of Mount Baldy—the tallest point in Los Angeles County. It’s a rustic basecamp for hiking, with trails that range from laid-back waterfall walks to steep switchbacks leading to panoramic 360° views.

• Distance from LA: About 1.5 hours east
• Best for: Hikers, summit chasers, and alpine air
• Activities: Hiking to the summit of Mount Baldy, visiting San Antonio Falls, and spotting wildlife in the San Gabriel Mountains
• Facilities: Vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings (no water—bring your own or plan to filter)
• RV-friendly? Best suited for camper vans and smaller RVs due to limited maneuverability and amenities

Why we love it: It’s one of the closest spots to LA where you can truly test your hiking legs. Wake up early, hit the trail, and bag a summit before lunch. For a rugged-yet-rewarding start to your adventure, Manker Flats delivers big views with minimal drive time.

If you’re torn between beach days and canyon hikes, Sycamore Canyon Campground lets you do both. Nestled where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean, this coastal campground is part of Point Mugu State Park and offers quick access to hiking trails, ocean views, and one seriously massive sand dune.

• Distance from LA: Around 1.5 hours west
• Best for: Hikers, beach lovers, and indecisive adventurers
• Activities: Mountain biking, coastal hiking, relaxing on the beach, tide pooling, and dune scrambling
• Facilities: Flush toilets, coin-operated showers, fire rings, picnic tables, and a ranger station
• RV-friendly? Yes – best for camper vans and small RVs. No hookups, but there are water spigots and a dump station nearby

Why we love it: Hike into the hills or down to the beach—all from your tent or camper door. You get a little bit of everything here, from breezy ocean air to challenging climbs and sandy toes.

For a campground experience that comes with fireworks and theme park thrills, Anaheim Harbor RV Park is your front-row seat to Disneyland. Located just minutes from the park entrance, this RV park is ideal for families or travelers looking for an easy base with full amenities—and a bit of Disney magic in the air.

• Distance from LA: About 45 minutes southeast
• Best for: Families, city travelers, and Disneyland fans
• Activities: Walking to Disneyland Resort, exploring Anaheim’s packing district, and catching sports events at Angel Stadium or Honda Center
• Facilities: Full hookups, Wi-Fi, hot showers, laundry, restrooms, a heated pool, and nightly fireworks views
• RV-friendly? Absolutely – this park is designed for RVs of all sizes

Why we love it: City camping doesn’t have to mean compromise. This spot gives you full RV comfort, walkable access to Disneyland, and a surprising amount of peace between the excitement.

If waking up to ocean views is on your bucket list, Dockweiler RV Park delivers—big time. Located directly on the beach near Playa del Rey, this is the only RV park in Los Angeles where you can open your camper door to panoramic coastal views, crashing waves, and even the distant sparkle of Catalina Island.

• Distance from LA: 30 minutes west of downtown (10 minutes from LAX)
• Best for: Ocean lovers, city-to-coast road trippers, and sunset chasers
• Activities: Beach volleyball, cycling along The Strand, surf fishing, beachfront campfires, and plane spotting
• Facilities: Full hookups, hot showers, dump station, laundry, restrooms, picnic tables, BBQ pits, and Wi-Fi
• RV-friendly? Yes – accommodates RVs and camper vans with full amenities

Why we love it: There’s nothing like waking up right on the sand. It’s LA’s only true beachfront RV park, and the sunsets, surf, and salty air make it a rare find for coastal campers.

For a peaceful lakefront stay that’s still close to the action, Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort in San Dimas is a top pick. Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and overlooking Puddingstone Reservoir, this expansive campground offers a little bit of everything—kayaking, swimming, hiking, and even a private beach. It’s a perfect retreat after days spent exploring LA or cruising the open road.

• Distance from LA: About 45 minutes east
• Best for: Families, watersports fans, and chill lakeside vibes
• Activities: Boating, swimming, hiking, lakeside picnics, fishing, and trail exploring
• Facilities: Full hookups, private beach, fire pits, restrooms, showers, pool, laundry, playground, and on-site camp store
• RV-friendly? 100% – accommodates everything from compact campers to full-size RVs

Why we love it: You get lake views, mountain trails, and full resort vibes—all within reach of the city. It’s great for kids, dogs, and anyone who wants a laid-back basecamp with options.

For a peaceful lakefront stay that’s still close to the action, Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort in San Dimas is a top pick. Nestled at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains and overlooking Puddingstone Reservoir, this expansive campground offers a little bit of everything—kayaking, swimming, hiking, and even a private beach. It’s a perfect retreat after days spent exploring LA or cruising the open road.

• Distance from LA: About 45 minutes east
• Best for: Families, watersports fans, and chill lakeside vibes
• Activities: Boating, swimming, hiking, lakeside picnics, fishing, and trail exploring
• Facilities: Full hookups, private beach, fire pits, restrooms, showers, pool, laundry, playground, and on-site camp store
• RV-friendly? 100% – accommodates everything from compact campers to full-size RVs

Why we love it: Where else can you hike through a national forest in the morning and ride horses in the afternoon? Rancho Oso offers a one-of-a-kind blend of nature, heritage, and western flair.