If you’re looking for unforgettable outdoor experiences and a chance to connect with nature, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you crave the serenade of flowing creeks or the tranquility of forests, this blog is your ultimate guide. From breathtaking scenery to meticulously maintained facilities, each campground offers unique highlights that set them apart. Let’s explore our top 10 favorite campgrounds near Los Angeles.

#1 Malibu Creek State Park Campground

With 63 spacious sites, Malibu Creek State Park Campground offers a serene camping experience that can accommodate trailers, tents, and RVs of up to 30 feet in length.

The campground has essential amenities such as clean flush toilets, a dump station, hot showers, and drinking water. Many of the campsites have shade and each includes a fire ring and table. You can also explore trails throughout the park or fish in the creek.

The historical background of the park will certainly be enjoyed by film lovers and historians. In addition, several of the famous TV shows and movies have been set here, including M*A*S*H and Planet of the Apes. The campsite nightly rate starts at $45.

#2 Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground

Crystal Lake Rec Area Campground is a picturesque camping spot at the center of the Angeles National Forest. Located at an elevation of 5,600 feet and accessible via Highway 39, this campground boasts 50 campsites with picnic tables.

The campground presents 4 loops of campsites with vault toilets and drinking water. RVs of up to 22 feet in length are welcome but there are no hookups available. Outdoor adventures lie around every corner, including fishing in Crystal Lake which is a mile-long hike from the campground, or hiking the amazing peaks of Mt. Islip and Windy Gap. 

Nearby Crystal Lake Cafe sells camping necessities, hot meals, and sandwiches. The camping fee is $12 per night per site (first-come, first-serve) and $5 per additional vehicle.

#3 Manker Flat Campground

With 21 campsites available all year, Manker Flat Campground is the perfect escape for nature enthusiasts seeking breathtaking views and tranquility. Nestled high in the clouds, each campsite has ample space to cater to your family’s camping needs.

Essential amenities like vault toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings are available to ensure a convenient and comfortable stay. Small RVs of up to 16 feet in length are welcome but there are no hookups available. Campers can immerse themselves in the rich Native American heritage of the land, adding a cultural dimension to their outdoor experiences.

The area has a number of hiking trails, whether you’re a valiant hiker or prefer more laid-back adventures. The camping fee is $14 per night per single unit (first-come, first-serve) and $5 per additional vehicle.

#4 Hollywood RV Park

Serving guests since 1976, Hollywood RV Park offers exceptional experiences for RV campers seeking to park up close to the center of Los Angeles. The idyllic atmosphere created by tall walls and shady trees at the park provides a sense of privacy and peace.

Known for its unrivaled hospitality, the park highlights well-equipped sites with full hookups, Wi-Fi, and a gym. Hollywood Playhouse is one of the best ways to make the most out of your stay at the camp. You can revel in comedy shows, live music, and much more. The park’s exceptional artwork, murals, and unique scenery give an elegant touch that campers enjoy during each visit.

Hollywood RV Park is the ultimate choice for those who want to stay and explore the bustling attractions within the city while having a quiet camp to return to at the end of the day. The daily rate is $79.

#5 Doheny State Beach Campground

With a total of 112 campsites which includes 33 premium ocean-front sites, Doheny State Beach Campground is a prime coastal camping destination. The pristine, white sandy beach is popular for having some of the warmest waters in Southern California and for being an excellent surfing spot.

The outdoor recreation possibilities are endless, covering activities like swimming, biking, hiking, surf fishing, and beach volleyball. You’ll find a marina, boat launch, restaurants, and shops within a mile of the campground. Though it doesn’t provide water, sewage, or electrical hookups, it has a dump station, potable water, tables, fire rings, flush toilets, and hot showers.

If you’re seeking an active seaside adventure or a serene retreat, this campground is the perfect setting for your outdoor escapade. Site rates range from $50 to $300 per night.

#6 Moro Campground

Moro Campground is a remarkable destination with 57 family campsites nestled on a cliff with a stunning view of Laguna Beach. This campground stands out for its convenient amenities and breathtaking natural beauty as it is part of Crystal Cove State Park.

Each site has power and water hookups, picnic tables, and modern facilities like bathrooms and showers. Aside from the many hiking trails within the park, campers can also enjoy water activities by hiking down to the shore.

This campground provides a unique experience of the natural landscapes that have become very rare in this part of the state. Campsite rates range from $55 to $75 per night.

#7 Rolling M. Ranch Campground

Located on the eastern side of Chino Hills State Park, Rolling M. Ranch Campground is a small camping area with access to several equestrian, hiking, and biking trails in the park. This campground has 20 developed sites.

It includes pull-through parking for medium-sized RVs, horse campsites, and reservable group camps. The central bathroom building is equipped with free showers and flush toilets. Each campsite has paved parking that can accommodate recreational vehicles up to 30’ in length or two cars.

There are no dump stations or hookups however each site has a lantern post and picnic table. The camping fee is $30 per night.

#8 Ventura Ranch KOA

Ventura Ranch KOA, situated at the foot of Topatopa Mountains, is a remarkable 76-acre campground just off the highway between Ojai and Santa Paula. With its scenic setting, you can immerse yourself in the beauty of nature, spot wildlife, do stargazing, and have a glimpse at the breathtaking views.

This campground has RV sites with partial or full hookups, rustic tent sites, and other unique choices such as Safari Tents, Teepees, and Conestoga Wagons. If you’re looking for a cozy camping experience, cabins are also available.

Furthermore, the plethora of activities will keep your family entertained. Arts and crafts, rock climbing towers, Bigfoot Watering Hole, zip lines, obstacle courses, and the Ventura Ranch KOA World Labyrinth are just some of the activities. Daily rates range from $60 to $120.

#9 Table Mountain Campground

Just a short distance northwest of the Los Angeles metro area, Table Mountain Campground is a peaceful retreat and a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Offering a wide range of recreational activities, this campground boasts 111 single sites and 2 double sites.

These varieties of campsites range from shaded, hilly sites to level meadow locations each equipped with fire pits, paved spurs, and easy access to vault toilets. To ensure that campers have access to essential amenities, water spigots are spaced approximately every six sites.

While staying at this campground, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the over 500 miles of equestrian and hiking trails or take the Angeles Crest Scenic Byway. Campsite daily/nightly rates range from $25 to $100.

#10 Horse Flats Campground

Horse Flats Campground is a secluded and quiet campground offering 26 campsites with ample shade options. Its distinctive geological features captivate climbers as the campground is adorned with climbing trails and towering granite boulders.

Each site is equipped with fire rings and picnic tables. Vault toilets are also available however there is no on-site water source, so you should come prepared with enough supplies.

The equestrian resources of the campground are one of its standout features, offering several hitching posts and four horse corrals. The camping fee is $12 per night per single unit (first-come, first-serve) and $5 per additional vehicle.

Takeaway

So there you have it, our top 10 best spots for camping around Los Angeles. We hope our guide has given you insightful ideas and inspiration for your upcoming holiday, whether you’re looking for picturesque lakeside views or family-friendly amenities.

The best thing, though? You are welcome to bring your four-legged companions along for the adventure at any of these campgrounds. Go forth and embrace the wonders that await in these boundaries. Happy camping!