Top 10 Camping Spots Near Los Angeles: A Guide to Your Next Adventure

Los Angeles is the 2nd largest city in the US. There are numerous camping options available where you can enjoy with friends or family. However, choosing the right spot can be a bit challenging.

In this article, we will let you know the popular camping spots in LA and help you choose between them. We will also discuss the choosing criteria, packing list, and safety tips to make your adventure more enjoyable.

Best Beach Camping Spots Near Los Angeles

Thornhill Broome Campground

Thornhill Broome Campground is one of the most popular spots for beach camping. Visitors camp here to enjoy the beautiful scenes of the Pacific Ocean. It offers an extended sandy beach with short hills for hiking trails.

The spacious location is situated just 25-30 miles from Los Angeles, allowing users to enjoy a variety of activities, including fishing and surfing.

Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park is also located on the Pacific coast, only 25-30 miles away from LA. It offers a shady site for a cooler environment during summer. It features multiple caves under rocky hills, offering opportunities for hiking activities. It also features multiple tidepools where you can observe exotic fish and other marine creatures. The campsite is equipped with a range of amenities, including picnic tables and facilities for various water activities.

Doheny State Beach

Doheny State Beach is located in Southern California with 110+ campsites. It is marked as the 4th best beach near Los Angeles, providing a peaceful vacation experience. According to the reviews, it features outdoor cafes, RV parks, and picnic benches, allowing for hassle-free enjoyment. People enjoy surfing and fishing, but they can only use batteries at night (no generators).

Best RV Camping Areas Near Los Angeles

Dockweiler RV Park

Dockweiler RV Park is one of the most popular campgrounds for RV campers. It has a spacious RV parking lot where 50+ RVs can be parked at a time. The parking area is within walking distance of the beach, where campers enjoy sunbathing and watching the waves coming towards them.

The campsite is conveniently located near Los Angeles, offering campers a diverse range of activities. People find it more appealing while getting involved in activities such as volleyball, soccer, and surfing in high tides.

Ventura Ranch KOA

Ventura Ranch KOA is situated in Santa Paula, covering a massive area. It is a family-friendly site to enjoy an adventurous vacation. It has multiple accommodation options such as RVs, cabins, and tents. You can enjoy it with your family and friends there through zipline adventures, hiking, and a play area for kids. Moreover, it also offers partial or full electric, water, and sewer supply to the visitors.

Malibu Beach RV Park

Malibu Beach RV Park is also a popular RV camping spot near the coastline. According to the reviews, visitors get a blend of coastal, tropical, and hilly views all around. Moreover, it also has stores nearby, and the visitors can enjoy live music. However, it has mixed reviews for cleanliness and management. Still, it is one of the popular hotspots due to short traveling and multiple activities.

Best Tent Camping Areas Near Los Angeles

Sycamore Canyon Campground

Sycamore Canyon Campground is in Malibu with top ratings from the visitors. It offers a clean and peaceful environment with a massive space for tenting. It also offers restroom facilities for a more comfortable environment. It also has mountains in Mugu State Park, offering a wild hiking experience to the visitors.

Crystal Lake Campground

Crystal Lake Campground is only 25 miles away from Los Angeles. It is one of the popular spots for freshwater fishing and hiking in high mountains such as San Gabriel. It offers a calm environment where visitors can live peacefully, miles away from city traffic. It's a hidden gem near the city center, equipped with volleyball and basketball courts.

Manker Flats Campground

Manker Flats Campground, located in a national forest near Los Angeles, is a popular destination for camping. It is located at an elevation of almost 6,000 ft. In winter, it gives a more attractive feel. The place is specially for hikers to reach the peak and enjoy the beauty of nature. The campsite also offers fire rings, amenities, and cabins. The camping fees are minimal.

Buckhorn Campground

Buckhorn Campground is also near Los Angeles at an elevation of 6,300 ft. It has dense forest with pine and cedar trees all around. The place is equipped with washrooms and water facilities. Visitors have given it a 5-star rating for its location and services. It has a cool environment with fresh air quality. Additionally, there are multiple hiking trails that you can join and enjoy the natural scenes from the top.

How To Choose the Best Camping Spots Near Los Angeles?

Choosing the best campsite depends on your preference. If you are a beach and watersports lover, places like Thornhill Broome Campground and others would be the best options.

Similarly, if you enjoy forests and hiking, places like Crystal Lake Campground and Buckhorn Campground would be ideal. Other places and activities, such as camping near a lake and RV camping, would also depend upon your preference.

Accessibility and proximity to attractions matter for convenience. Families may prefer campgrounds with playgrounds and restrooms, while adventurers might seek remote areas. Check the weather before you choose a spot and make sure the site is safe from wild animals.

Packing List For Camping Near Los Angeles

The packing list for camping includes several important items.

• Sleeping gear with a durable tent
• Cooking and essential food supplies
• First aid kits
• Drinking water
• Matchbox
• Seasonal clothing
• Safety gear for hiking
• Books
• Cards
• Spare batteries and tyres for the RV
• Insect repellents
• Flashlight

Safety Tips When Camping Near Los Angeles

Safety should be your top priority, wherever you are camping. It should never be compromised, no matter how safe the area is. Check the weather before planning and ensure the place is safe from wild animals.

You must avoid going to unknown areas and always stick with your family. Remain in groups and avoid traveling alone at night. Always keep a first aid kit with you and be vigilant while camping in the forest. Also, keep some safety weapons to tackle any attack by wild animals.

For enhanced security against wild animals and protection of your belongings, you can mount standalone security cameras, such as the Reolink GO PT Ultra. The security camera is easy to install and offers 4K 8MP UHD for clear footage. It also offers color night vision for clear detection in complete darkness.

FAQs

1. Where to camp for free near Los Angeles?

You can camp at Angeles National Forest for free, but the demand is to leave no traces behind.

2. Am I allowed to sleep in my car at a campsite?

Yes, you are allowed to sleep in a car at a campsite because of reserved parking slots. Most developed campsites allow campers to rest in their cars and use them as a shelter.

Conclusion

There are various campsites in Los Angeles that you can pick to enjoy with your friends and family. However, wherever you go, ensure the site offers the basic amenities, such as restrooms, shaded areas, and water access. It makes your adventure more enjoyable. Also, consider the activities, scenery, and other facilities on the site.