There’s a lot to see and do in the Los Angeles area. There’s Disneyland, Universal Studios, the Hollywood sign, and even the Hollywood Walk of Fame. And while you can always buy a plane ticket to Los Angeles County, seeing the sights from the comfort of an RV is another possibility. While you may think of traffic and parking shortages when you think of L.A., there may be more campground options than you may have realized.
Here, we’ll fill you in on all the best camping near Los Angeles, the amenities you can count on, and the approximate pricing. Los Angeles can be an expensive city to visit, but many of these RV parks and campgrounds have set affordable per-night rates–saving you money on pricey hotels.
The Best Camping Options Around Los Angeles
Whether you are interested in RV camping or prefer classic tent camping, there’s something for every camping enthusiast in the LA area.
The Best Coastal Campsites: Campgrounds/RV Park Along the Beach
Looking for a campsite near the water? The campsites below promise stunning ocean views and amenities like picnic tables, showers, BBQ setups at each site, and Wi-Fi access.
Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu, for example, offers sites for RVs, trailers, and tents, and it offers the added allure of tide pools, caves, and reefs within reach.
| Campground | Per Night Cost | Is it RV-friendly? |
| Dockweiler RV Park | Approximately $60 to $75 | Yes, designed for RVs with full hookups |
| Leo Carrillo State Park | Around $45 to $60 | Yes, for RVs, trailers, and tents with limited hookups |
| Malibu Beach RV Park | Approximately $70 to $90 | Yes, for RVs and tents with full hookups |
The Best Campsites Near the Mountains
Less than an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, you’ll find mountain-side campsites tucked within the Angeles National Forest. Note that most of the campsites in the Angeles National Forest operate on a first-come, first-served basis. While group campgrounds can accommodate up to 300 people–you’ll need to make a reservation ahead of time.
Campers are advised to bring their own water due to the lack of water facilities at many sites. You’ll also need to plan around seasonal closures. To do so, stay informed about restrictions on cooking and confirm whether you need a California Campfire Permit.
| Campground | Per Night Cost | Is it RV-friendly? |
| Buckhorn Campground | Approximately $12 to $25 | Limited; suitable for small RVs, no hookups |
| Chilao Campground | Around $12 to $20 | Yes, for smaller RVs and trailers, no hookups |
| Horse Flats Campground | About $12 to $20 | Primarily for tent camping; small RVs can fit, no hookups |
The Best Campsites Close to the City
Sure, you want to soak in LA County’s natural scenery, but you also want to be within a short driving distance of those can’t-miss tourist attractions. We get it. For the best of both worlds, choose any of the campsites below.
| Campground | Estimated Per Night Cost | Is it RV-friendly? |
| Hollywood RV Park | $60 to $100 | Yes, with full hookups |
| Seabreeze RV Park | Typically around $30 to $50 (Note: Exclusive to military families) | Yes, spacious RV pads |
| Soledad Canyon | $50 to $80 | Yes, with a range of amenities |
The Most Secluded Campsites in Southern California
You want to hike, rock climb, tube, stargaze, and spot for local wildlife. You aren’t into the hustle-and-bustle of downtown LA (specifically, those long commute times). If this resonates, consider these secluded campsites in Southern California.
| Campground | Estimated Per Night Cost | Is it RV-friendly? |
| Idyllwild | $25 to $45 | Limited RV spots, mainly for tents |
| Wheeler Gorge | $20 to $40 | Tent camping preferred; limited RV space |
| Jumbo Rocks (Joshua Tree) | $15 to $30 | Tent camping; RVs possible but with size restrictions, no hookups |
The Best Campsites Near Hot Springs
You may have visited LA County before, but have you ever dabbled in the natural hot springs that LA has to offer? These little hideouts, like the High Desert Hot Spring Hideout and Bowen Springs Camp Retreat, are nestled in the Los Padres National Forest and along Lake Arrowhead.
At Los Padres National Forest, you can enjoy a secluded camping spot with switchback trails and swimming holes, where you can work yourself up to an adventurous backpacking trip to Willett Hot Springs.
Is it about time you dipped your toes in the Deep Creek Hot Springs?
| Campground | Estimated Per Night Cost | Is it RV-friendly? |
| Willett Hot Springs (Los Padres National Forest) | $20 to $30 | Mostly for tent camping; limited RV access |
| High Desert Hot Spring Hideout (Lake Arrowhead) | $35 to $60 | Limited RV spots; mainly for tents |
| Bowen Springs Camp Retreat (Lake Arrowhead) | $30 to $50 | Tent camping; not suitable for RVs |
The Most Family-Friendly Campgrounds
L.A. has earned a reputation as a family-friendly vacation spot (and for good reason). Besides Disneyland and Universal Studios, there are campgrounds in LA county with fun for the whole family–including designated play areas and kid-safe swimming holes.
| Campground | Estimated Per Night Cost | Is it RV-friendly? |
| El Capitán State Beach | $35 to $70 | Yes, with RV access and amenities |
| Serrano Campground (Big Bear Lake) | $30 to $60 | Yes, well-equipped for RVs |
| Malibu Creek State Park | $35 to $55 | Limited RV spots; mainly for tents |
The Best Full-Service RV Parks
If you want your RV park of choice to have all the comforts of home, consider full-service RV parks like Walnut RV Park, Orangeland RV Park, and Anaheim Harbor RV Park. Not only are there full-hookup sites, but other amenities, too. You name it, these campsites have it: pools, game rooms, exercise rooms, and a BBQ and picnic area
| RV Park | Estimated Per Night Cost | Is it RV-friendly |
| Walnut RV Park | $50 to $80 | Yes |
| Orangeland RV Park | $55 to $95 | Yes |
| Anaheim Harbor RV Park | $60 to $100 | Yes |
The Best RV Parks with Wi-Fi
Camping off the grid may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Consider these RV parks if you need Wi-Fi to keep the kiddos entertained or work on the road (if you’re a full-time RVer).
| RV Park | Estimated Per Night Cost | Is it RV-friendly? |
| Orangeland RV Park | $55 to $95 | Yes |
| Walnut RV Park | $50 to $80 | Yes |
The Most Equestrian-Friendly Campsites
Finding a campsite that caters to your love of horseback riding can be a challenge. With an eco-friendly approach, Bull Ranch in Topanga caters to campers who love to spend their camping trips on horseback.
Prospector Ranch in Thousand Oaks is another option in the secluded Angeles National Forest, providing an 1800s-style ranch experience (that’s close to hiking trails and beaches).
| Campsite | Estimated Per Night Cost | RV Friendly |
| Cross Bull Ranch (Topanga) | Starts at $40 | Limited or No RV access |
| Prospector Ranch (Thousand Oaks) | $75 to $130+ | Limited or No RV access |
| Californian RV Resort | $50 to $75 | Yes |
The Best RV Parks for Every Camper’s Wishlist
To help you find the perfect fit, we’ve rounded up some of our top picks for RV-friendly campsites.
#1: Anaheim Harbor RV Park: For Theme Park Enthusiasts
- Per Night Cost: Approximately $60 to $100
- RVs Allowed?: Yes
- RV Size Restrictions: Can accommodate large RVs
- Top Amenities:
- Free Wi-Fi
- Large laundry room
- Clubhouse
- Communal grilling area with a picnic table
Did you know there are campgrounds within walking distance of Disneyland?
Anaheim Harbor RV Park is just one of the many options. It’s within walking distance, and there’s also a shuttle bus service for guests looking to spend a day at Disney. Anaheim Harbor RV Park takes the stress out of commuting, so you can focus on planning your Disney itinerary.
#2: Malibu Beach RV Park: The Best Views
- Per Night Cost: Approximately $50 to $75
- Are RVs Allowed?: Yes
- RV Size Restrictions: Suitable for various RV sizes, but specifics should be confirmed with the resort
- Top Amenities:
- Clean air and panoramic views
- Essential hookups and facilities
Malibu Beach RV Park is the only RV park in the city of Malibu, offering breathtaking ocean views and essential amenities like Wi-Fi, full hookups, fire pits, and laundry facilities.
#3: Golden Shore RV Resort: For the Luxury RVer
- Per Night Cost: Contact the resort for current rates
- Are RVs Allowed?: Yes
- RV Size Restrictions: Accommodates a range of RV sizes, including back-in sites with modern hookups
- Top Amenities:
- Pristine pool and hot tub
- Cable TV
- Fire pits and horseshoes
- Functional Wi-Fi
- Pet-friendly policy
If you’re looking to indulge in a luxury camping experience, Golden Shore RV Resort in Long Beach is a must. This gated community boasts a pool, easy access to local attractions, cable TV, a meticulously maintained pool and hot tub, fire pits, horseshoes, and functional Wi-Fi. Golden Shore is also a pet-friendly resort option.
Summary
Whether you have just returned from a camping or RV trip, you’ll need a place to store all of your gear (and your RV).
Consider Neighbor, a peer-to-peer storage marketplace that offers RV and camping storage at rates up to 50% cheaper than traditional storage options. That way, you’ll be ready to tackle your next adventure at a moment’s notice–with all your gear readily accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Is It Free to Camp in California?
In California, you CAN camp for free in certain areas, such as the National Forests and Bureau of Land Management. However, these free camping areas aren’t typically RV-friendly.
Is It Legal to Camp in the Woods in California?
It is legal to camp in designated campgrounds within state/national parks, forests, and on BLM land.
Can You Camp Overnight at a Beach in California?
Only certain state beaches and parks allow overnight parking. Be sure to consider local regulations and rules.
Can You Set Up a Tent Anywhere in California?
You cannot set up a tent anywhere in California; camping is only permitted in designated areas.
Is It Illegal to Camp on the Sidewalk in California?
Yes, it is illegal to camp on sidewalks in California.
