Camping in Los Angeles: Fun Spots to Check

This article provides comprehensive information about camping in Los Angeles County!

Contrary to popular belief, there are several reserves, preserves, state parks, and recreational areas in Los Angeles.  There are even districts of two National Forests within county limits!

As a result, you will find beautiful campgrounds, appealing to all sorts of interests, around the area.

These are wonderful news to those who want to escape “the city” without having to embark on a long drive.  It is also a great advantage to outdoors lovers, RVers, or people who are looking to break the routine.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best campgrounds in Los Angeles.

Please note: This article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link. Of course, this comes at no extra cost to you and helps me to keep offering solid information to readers.

About Camping in Los Angeles

Below, you will find a comprehensive list of campgrounds located in Los Angeles County.  For reference, I have added the approximate distance from Downtown Los Angeles.

You will find a mix of public and private campgrounds. Keep in mind several public campgrounds (administered by the state or federal government) operate on a first-come, first-served basis.  It is not possible to make advanced reservations.  This adds a level of uncertainty to any trip. If planning a trip to the area, research plenty of options.

We tend to associate camping with tents.  However, there are different types of camping.  This list includes options for tents, recreational vehicles (RVs), and trailers.  All the places mentioned below accommodate tents but it may be on a limited basis.

I am providing direct links to the campgrounds booking sites (when available).  When you see these links, it means that you can reserve in advance.  In theory, you can forget about reservations and look for a place once you arrive at your destination.  I advise against this during the high season and holiday weekends. 

Camping is a great way to cut accommodation costs.  Staying in a hotel in the Los Angeles area costs over $100 per night.  Staying near the coast can be even more expensive.

For more information about camping in Central and Southern California, you can refer to these articles (written by yours truly):

Camping in Southern California

Camping in San Luis Obispo County

Camping in San Diego County

Castaic Lake

Some see Castaic Lake as the largest and most impressive “pool” in Southern California.  Of course, that statement is a tad exaggerated but I am sure many will consider it once they are face to face with the lake.

Castaic Lake is actually a water reservoir surrounded by a recreational area managed by Los Angeles County.

Amenities include swimming beaches, picnic tables, children play areas, restrooms, BBQs, boat launches, equestrian areas, sailing areas, concession stands, among others. If you love to be active when camping, this is your ideal Los Angeles camping ground.

You can pay a day-use fee to use the area’s facilities even if you are not staying for the night.

Distance from Los Angeles: 42 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain, Lake

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 65

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: A 2-day minimal stay is required for weekends.  A 3-day minimal stay is required for holiday weekends. There are 3 group campgrounds available on-site.

Malibu Creek State Park

The campground at Malibu Creek State Park has been ranked highly for its unique landscape.  The area is so picturesque that it has been used in several television shows and movies (Planet of the Apes, M*A*S*H*). By staying here, you will be able to enjoy volcano cliffs, a flowing stream, and waterfall.

The other plus is that this state park is located close to the Malibu Hindu Temple (a great place to explore), Malibu Pier, more than a dozen stunning beaches and miles of trails.

If you camp at the park, you will be able to enjoy restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and trails.

Distance from Los Angeles: 25 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain, Close to the Beach

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 58

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Accessible and group campgrounds are available at this park

Point Mugu State Park

If you are considering camping in Los Angeles, you should have Point Mugu State Park at the top of your list. The park has four (amazing) miles of coast (including Sycamore Cove and Thornhill Broome beaches).

In addition, you will find rocky hillsides, sand dunes, two major river canyons, as well as other gracefully pleasant features.

To the south, you are going to find a Malibu classic, Neptune’s Net (a restaurant where bikers and road trippers tend to stop).  To the north, the city of Oxnard (Ventura County) awaits visitors with its many gastronomic delights.

This is a great place to consider if you are traveling with your furry friends.  Dogs are allowed on the campground and Malibu has several off-leash strips of sand.

Distance from Los Angeles: 60 Miles

Camping Region: Beach

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 63

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Bring your own supplies since restaurants and markets are not located within walking distance

Read More: Beaches for Dogs in Los Angeles

Camping in Los Angeles: Leo Carrillo State Park

In this campground, you will find great swimming, windsurfing, fishing, and surfing opportunities. Moreover, the coast is full of caves, water-washed rock formations, and tide pools begging to be explored.

Campgrounds are fully shaded.  This is a plus for those who want to sleep a bit after dawn (who hasn’t gotten out of the tent super early because the sun is hitting directly) or those who despise hot days.

Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, fire ring, store, and lifeguard towers.

Distance from Los Angeles: 52 Miles

Camping Region: Beach

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 139

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: Campsites do not face the beach (you have to walk from the campground to the beach but the distance is negligible)

Other State Park Camping

Several state parks in Los Angeles County (other than Malibu Creek, Leo Carrillo, and Point Mugu) operate on a first-come, first-served basis.  Therefore, you will need to go to the park to find availability information. As an example, Red Rock Canyon State Park, Placerita Canyon State Park and Saddleback Butte State Park offer camping facilities.

Crystal Lake Recreational Area

Crystal Lake Recreational Area is located in the San Gabriel Mountains (altitude is 5,500 feet) and accessed through Highway 39. Campground reservations cannot be made in advance, so this is a first-come, first-served facility.

Amenities include restrooms, potable water, and fire rings. In the vicinity, you can hike to Mt. Islip or Lewis Falls and fish in Crystal Lake.  What is more, you can choose to hike other trails in the area or tour by car Highway 39 and/or Highway 2 (Angeles Crest Highway).  There are plenty of viewpoints, natural areas, picnic sites, and historical markers to keep you busy.

The Crystal Lake Café provides visitors with meals and camping essentials (in case you forgot something home). This campground is ideal for a visit during the summer season and not recommended during winter. 

Distance from Los Angeles: 50 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 50

Reservations: No

Notes: Water is not available during winter

Other National Forest Camping

The Angeles National Forest has campgrounds on its two districts: Los Angeles Gateway (about 20 campgrounds) and San Gabriel Mountains National Monument (about 25 campgrounds).

All these facilities are first-come, first-served.  Therefore, advanced reservations cannot be made.  In addition, the facilities are rustic.  Expect minimal amenities.  Pack everything you need for the nights you are staying.

Check this page for specific info. Keep in mind the majority of these campgrounds are designed for tents.  Some of the most popular campgrounds include Chilao, Monte Cristo, and Buckhorn.

Camping in Los Angeles: Camp Williams Resort

Camp Williams Resort is a one of a kind place in Los Angeles. Actually, this place takes me back to my childhood since it reminds me of the many times my friends and I went to the river after school.

This resort, located next to the San Gabriel River, has a quiet mountain setting, lush scenery, family-friendly atmosphere, and great food.

Both tents and RV sites are located in the riverfront. Amenities include picnic tables, shaded sites, dump stations, slide-out spaces, restrooms, showers with hot water, among others. Those who do not want to rough it can stay in a cabin.

A stay will allow you to explore the Angeles National Forest, Mount Baldy, San Dimas, and Pomona.

Distance from Los Angeles: 40 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers, Cabins

Number of Sites: Information not found

Reservations: Yes, the phone number is (626) 910-1126

Notes: Even though I have enjoyed my visits to this resort, I have seen mixed reviews about other people’s stays.  Make sure to properly research the place before staying.

Bonelli Bluffs RV Resort and Campground

The Bonelli Bluffs Resort is located next to the Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park, an area featuring a lake, multi-use trails, and recreational activities.

The resort itself is huge.  When staying, you will have access to restrooms, showers, fire pits, picnic tables, laundry, basketball court, volleyball court, pool, playground, a market, fishing beach, an equestrian center.  Boating and golfing can be practiced in the vicinity.

If that is not enough, 2 racetracks, a speedway, the Pomona Fairplex, an aquatic park, a botanical garden, and a wilderness park are located nearby. Disneyland is only about 20 miles away.

Distance from Los Angeles: 26 Miles

Camping Region: Urban

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: About 500 (only 25 tent sites)

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: There are plenty of restaurants in the area.  This allows for easy camping (you do not have to pack food if you do not want).

Acton / Los Angeles North KOA

The Acton KOA is located in the Soledad Canyon, within close proximity to the Santa Clara River and Pacific Crest Trail (PCT).  If you are not familiar with KOA (Kampground of America), this company administers campgrounds and RV parks with resort-style amenities.  In theory, you do not need to exit the facilities to have a great time.

This facility is not an exception.  Expect to find a pool, spa, clubhouse, laundry, dog park, outdoor cafe, performing stage, playground, basketball court, and even a waterfall.

Activities such as movie nights under the stars, tye-dye shirt painting, rock painting, and glitter tattoos are available.

You can plan to visit Los Angeles’ famous attraction or stay in the area.  In the vicinity, you can visit the Shambala Preserve (to see big cats like tigers and lions), Vasquez Rocks, and the wineries of Agua Dulce.

Distance from Los Angeles: 45 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain, Desert

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers, Cabins, Teepees

Number of Sites: Over 80 RV sites, about 80 tent sites, 5 cabins, 4 teepees

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes: The campground is located close to train tracks.  Therefore, nights can be noisy.

Soledad Canyon RV Resort and Camping

Not that far away from the Acton KOA, you will find the Soledad Canyon RV Resort and Campground.  This facility is administered by the Thousand Trails group.

Like KOA, this group brings resort-style amenities to the camping experience.  The Soledad Canyon facility can be seen as a small town due to its size (over 300 sites).

There are all sorts of sporting facilities, pool, store, pond, and walking trail.  There are an exclusive pool and lounge for adults.

Distance from Los Angeles: 45 Miles

Camping Region: Mountain, Desert

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: Over 300 RV sites, about 60 tent sites

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Camping of Los Angeles: Malibu Beach RV Park

The Malibu Beach RV Park is the only of its kind in the Malibu area. The park has an enviable location across the ocean and has easy access to many beaches and nature preserves.  It is super close to the Malibu Pier and Country Mart (full of eating and shopping options).  And, probably the best thing is that you can walk to the Malibu Seafood Cafe to feast on fish, shrimp, clams and more.

If you stay here, expect washers, dryers, a convenience store, bathrooms, showers, picnic tables, and a dishwashing station.

Distance from Los Angeles: 42 Miles

Camping Region: Beach

Type of Camping: Tents, RVs, Trailers

Number of Sites: 142 RV sites, 35 tent sites

Reservations: Yes, check availability here

Notes:  Sites can be reserved for up to one year in advance.  Expect steep prices.

Special  Mention: Catalina Island

Catalina Island provides camping opportunities too.  I have included it as a special mention since additional effort is required to camp there.

For those of you who are not aware, this island, located 22 miles off the coast, can be accessed daily from San Pedro, Long Beach, Dana Point, and Newport Beach.

Avalon, the main city on the island, has one tent campsite, Hermit Gulch, located 1.5 miles away from the ferry terminal.

Two Harbors, the other town on the island, has 4 campsites and one of them has been voted “Best of the West” by a specialized magazine. Two Harbors can be reached from Avalon using the Safari Bus.

Primitive camping exists in the island but caters to people hiking the Trans-Catalina Trail.

Special Mention: Santa Fe Recreational Area

This area only has a youth group campground.  I am mentioning it in case you are interested in this type of camping.

This recreational area is considered a hidden treasure. It is highly regarded for its huge serene environment next to a large lake (another reservoir) where fishing and non-motorized watercraft usage are allowed all year-long. Plus, it is located only 20 miles away from Downtown Los Angeles.

This area has great views of the mountains. In addition, an on-site Nature Center will allow you to learn about the local habitat, native flora, and fauna.

Amenities include restrooms, showers, picnic tables, splash pads, BBQs, boating areas, concession stands, fitness center playgrounds.  Visitors can fish, swim, run, hike, kayak, bike, ride a horse, or play volleyball.

Facilities can be used by paying a day-use fee.

Camping Gear

I consider myself a minimal camper.  I try to keep the amount of gear at bay.  In addition, I always have my gear packed, ready to throw into the car.  Here is an idea of what I take on camping trips.

• Easy to Set Up Tent – A tent is at the core of camping for many.  I recommend investing in a tent that you can set up in a couple of minutes and it is built to last.  This makes all the difference when you change campsites often or are setting camp after a tiring day or at night. Coleman is an excellent brand. >Check Coleman’s tents here  
• Inflatable Mattress – If you want to have a comfortable night’s sleep, an inflatable mattress is the way to go. EnerPlex manufactures super plush mattresses.  >Buy an inflatable mattress here
• Sleeping Pad – If you want to ditch the bulky and heavy inflatable mattress, you can opt to acquire a sleeping pad.  I have enjoyed my self-inflatable Sleepingo pad way too much.  >Take a look at my sleeping pad here
• Travel Pillow – I just can’t make it without a pillow.  Therm-a-Rest compressible pillow is a dream.  >>Buy camping pillow here
• Cold Weather Sleeping Bag – The appropriate sleeping bag is another must that I recommend investing in.  Even in Southern California, depending on where you are camping and the season, temperatures can drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.  >Check out this affordable option from HiHiker
• Foldable Chairs – Portable chairs allow you to hang out on the campsite, under a tree, by the fireplace, lake, river, or beach. A classic Coleman camping chair is a solid choice. >>Buy portable camping chair
• Pillows and Quilts – I pack extra bedding just in case the weather goes bananas.
• Waterproof Camping Blanket – This serves as a picnic blanket, tablecloth, and throw. >Click to buy a super functional camping blanket
• Soft Cooler Bag – If we are camping for a couple of days, we bring a soft cooler bag with enough capacity for drinks and some food items.  I love my CleverMade collapsible cooler bag.  >Take a look at my cooler here
• Hard Cooler – For longer camping trips, we take a 48-quart cooler (and the soft cooler too).  We have had a Coleman cooler for years.  >Buy the same cooler I use here
• Solar Powered Lantern – With time, I have gotten tired of battery-operated lanterns.  I have upgraded to a solar-powered one.  The one manufactured by LuminAID works great. >Learn all about this lantern here
• Headlamps – These are a great addition to any camping arsenal.  >Click to check these top rated headlamps
• Water Bottle – Do not forget to bring water! Keep yours cold by taking a beautiful Hydro Flask water bottle.  >Check out the insane options her
• THERMOS Tumblers – I have been a fan of the THERMOS brand since I received a tumbler as a gift. The tumblers keep drinks hot for hours.  >>Buy THERMOS insulated tumblers here
• Power Inverter – This is a must if you want to charge the phones fast in the car or charge multiple devices at once. >Check out this option by BESTEK
• Flip Flops – I always pack flips flops to walk around the campsite and use on public showers.  I am partial to the Tevas brand.  >>Take a look at these beautiful flip flops
• Towels –  This is the accessory I always forget about.  WETCAT’s Turkish Towels take minimum space and dry fast.  >Buy a Turkish towel here
• Portable Power Bank – It is a pain to keep phones charged while camping.  Having a power bank is a lifesaver.  The Anker portable charger can charge a phone 5 times. >Buy this incredible power bank here
• Even in summer, I bring warm clothes because I do not want to be surprised by the weather.  That includes a long sleeve shirt, long pants, thermal socks, and a thick jacket.
• I pack clothes and toiletries on my Hynes Eagle Carry On Backpack.  My husband uses a Columbia Backpack.

More of Los Angeles

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3 Days in Los Angeles

Los Angeles itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 Days

What are your thoughts about camping in Los Angeles?  Have you been to any of the places mentioned here?