The city of Los Angeles is a cultural hot spot and a bustling metropolis, but it also has plenty of natural beauty, starting with its beaches. Los Angeles County is also quite close to a wide variety of Southern California natural wonders—all nicely enjoyed while camping. From campgrounds in the San Fernando Valley to spots a few hours’ drive from the city center, it’s easy to create an outdoorsy vacation starting in L.A. Whether you're looking for a spot to hook up your RV, take a back-country hike, or hang 10, here are several great places to camp not far from the city.
Best Campground for Surfing Near Los Angeles
Leo Carrillo State Park
One of the prime beaches in Malibu, Leo Carrillo has made cameo appearances in movies such as Point Break. Nestled in a private canyon of sycamore trees, surfers of all levels dig this mile and a half of sand for its wave breaks and shaded coves. The campsite is just a mile from the water, with picnic tables, fire rings, BBQs, and restrooms.
How and When to Book: The campground is open year-round, but it’s wise to book three to six months in advance if you can—this place stays busy, even in the winter.
Top Tip: The showers are token-operated so make sure to bring one-dollar bills for the machine.
Best RV Camping Near Los Angeles
Hollywood RV Park
This is an unbeatable location if you want to camp but still explore the heart of Los Angeles. Located in the San Fernando Valley town of Van Nuys, the Hollywood RV Park is just a few miles, via the freeway, from downtown L.A., Universal Studios Hollywood, and Dodger Stadium. Funky and family-owned, this spot is a popular stay for leisure travelers as well as movie industry pros working on shoots.
How and When to Book: Book online, at least two days in advance.
Top Tip: The campground has its own art gallery and an on-site Hollywood Playhouse with live entertainment.
Best Free Camping Near Los Angeles
Blair Valley Campground
Located in San Diego County’s Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, Blair Valley is a rare, dispersed camping area for those looking to go primitive (and don't mind pit toilets). Managed by the state park system, there are plenty of hiking trails and seasonal blooms of cactus, brittlebush, desert sunflowers, and chuparosa.
How and When to Book: No booking necessary. Aim for October through May, when the climate is temperate.
Top Tip: For some off-roading fun, book a California Overland desert excursion.
Best Camping Near Hot Springs
Tecopa Hot Springs Campground & Pools
On the way from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, just outside of Death Valley National Park, is the Tecopa Hot Springs Campground and Pools, with mineral pools and surrounded forests where visitors can hunt for amethysts and opals. Stay the weekend, or even up to six months, to enjoy regular access to nature's hot tubs (which are closed for just a few hours each day for maintenance and cleaning).
How and When to Book: Book online for the open season that runs from October through May.
Top Tip: Take the night off from cooking and head into the Bistro, the on-site restaurant that also offers live music on the weekends.
Best Campground for Outdoor Activities
Serrano Campground
You can walk to Big Bear Lake from this pine-filled campground set on the north side of the San Bernadino Mountains. Located less than 100 miles from L.A., the Serrano Campground is lovely and pristine—an ideal camping location for families who love to swim, boat, hike, water-ski, or fish.
How and When to Book: Open mid-March through November; book up to six months in advance.
Top Tip: Get your Wild on and access a stretch of the Pacific Crest Trail via the Alpine Pedal Path or the Cougar Crest Trail.
Best Camping Near Waterfalls
Buckhorn Campground, Angeles National Forest
Camping inside the pine and cedar-filled Angeles National Forest is a full-body sensory experience. Take a moderate hike—around three hours total—to Cooper Canyon Falls and wade among the trout in the waterfall pool, or sunbathe on a rock before heading back to camp. About an hour from Los Angeles, Buckhorn Campground makes for a great overnight stay or a road-trip pit stop.
How and When to Book: The campground is open spring through fall, and you can reserve a campsite online between April and October. Summer is busiest, so spring is best.
Top Tip: Don't forget to look up: Visitors love to stargaze while at Buckhorn, where there’s an excellent view of the Milky Way and shooting stars.
Best Beach Camping
San Mateo Campground, San Onofre State Beach
Fans of surfing, swimming, and kayaking can be found sharing the shoreline with whales, dolphins, and sea lions at San Onofre State Beach. Just off the sandstone bluffs of Old Highway 101, camping at San Mateo offers several routes with direct access to the water, including the 1.5-mile nature trail from the campground to Trestles Beach, a longtime favorite of surfers.
How and When to Book: Open year-round, but book your spot up to six months in advance.
Top Tip: San Mateo is right next to Camp Pendleton, so if you hear any loud noises, keep in mind it's likely just the Marines running a drill.
Best Glamping Near Los Angeles
El Capitan Canyon
Are you more of a glamper than a camper? El Capitan Canyon on the coast of Santa Barbara County has the "camp-like surroundings" you're looking for, but with electricity. Choose from yurts or cedar cabins that come equipped with beds, kitchenettes, and sometimes bathrooms. Every spot comes with a private picnic table and firepit with grill to enjoy the wild outdoors.
How and When to Book: El Capitan is open year-round. Reserve in advance, online, or by phone.
Top Tip: Check out the interactive llama and goat farm for a one-of-a-kind experience.
Plan Your Trip
For more great outdoor lodging options in California, consider camping in Joshua Tree, coastal camping on Catalina, and the outdoorsy options in 10 Ideas for a California Near-Cation. If you want to wake up to the sound of the ocean, check out these eight beach campgrounds.
