We’re lucky to live in a place where you can get a dose of city life, sea salt air, desert sunsets, and forest terrain all in one day. Sometimes, it’s a must to soak in all that beauty for days to come — meaning camping in the great outdoors is calling your name! Los Angeles County and beyond offers the perfect spots for you to camp seaside, surrounded by mountains, or under Joshua trees. Whatever scenery you’re craving, we’ve collected all the best campgrounds around Los Angeles below!
Before you head on out there, we want to leave you with some safety reminders. As always, respect the land and nature that surrounds you. Be sure to check local safety regulations and weather! Have fun out there, and be safe.
1. Angeles National Forest
The Angeles National Forest is often a local’s go-to camping ground and is less than an hour’s drive from the city. You’ll get beautiful mountainous terrain and tree-lined scenic views — and you can even catch some waterfalls if you’re lucky. During the winter, you’re bound to catch glimpses of glittering snow. They say Los Angeles doesn’t experience all four seasons, but our forest certainly does. Angeles National Forest is perfect as a day trip for a picnic or a good hike, but if you have time and are looking to stay for a few days, you definitely have options below.
Please remember that some sites may be closed due to weather and the current season; be sure to double-check before heading out.
🏕️ Camping Reservations: All campsites are first-come, first-serve unless otherwise stated. Forest Service campgrounds require a $12 fee, which covers one vehicle per night — up to 8 people. It’s $5 more for an extra vehicle. Senior or Accessible America the Beautiful Pass holders receive a 50% discount. (Not all campgrounds in the Angeles National Forest require a camping fee.)
📍Location: Angeles National Forest
💻Website: For more detailed information, please visit Forest Service here.
2. Leo Carrillo State Park
If you’re looking for some seaside views during you’re camping experience, then Leo Carrillo State Park is calling your name. Although camping isn’t available right on the beach, their campsite has paths that lead you directly to the beach. They also accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents.
🏕️ Camping Reservations: You must make reservations here.
⚠️: Due to high tides, sea level rise, and tidal surges, Thornhill Broome Beach campground is subject to frequent flooding. Please check with the park upon arrival about current tidal concerns.
📍Location: Leo Carrillo State Park
💻Website: Visit here
3. Saddleback Butte State Park
Saddleback Butte State Park is another great option if you don’t want to trek too far from L.A. County. Found in the Antelope Valley, this 2,955-acre state park offers a rich history, hiking trails, camping, and desert wildlife. In fact, its most prominent feature is found in its name, featuring a grand 3,651-foot-tall butte. Its desolate nature is the perfect change of pace to escape the busy city.
🏕️ Camping Reservations: $20 per site per night. This fee includes one vehicle and one towed trailer; $5 each additional vehicle. 8 people max per site. First-come, first-served. Their family camp offers 50 nonreservable sites with tables, barbecue grills, fire rings, and shade ramadas. The Joshua group camp holds up to 30 people. Call (800) 444-7275 for reservations, or visit in person. Online reservation isn’t available for this park.
📍County: Saddleback Butte State Park
💻Website: Visit here
4. Malibu Creek State Park
With all the hustle and bustle, sometimes it’s easy to forget the nature we have right in our Los Angeles backyard. Malibu Creek State Park offers goers camping, hiking, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing, and even horseback riding. Here you can find seaside views, rock pools, and sycamore woodlands. In typical Hollywood fashion, this historic park has also been featured in films and TV shows like M*A*S*H and Planet of the Apes.
🏕️ Camping Reservations: Visitors will be able to make same-day reservations for campsites and lodging. Make your reservation here.
📍Location: Malibu Creek State Park
💻Website: Visit here
5. Joshua Tree National Park
Joshua Tree National Park is a desert escape not too far from Los Angeles. If you’re looking to camp under a sea of stars, catch a UFO sighting, or go on an unforgettable hike surrounded by massive boulders and wonderous Joshua Trees — then this is the place. Joshua Tree is full of rich history and nature where two distinct ecosystems come together creating total desert beauty. It’s definitely a camping trip you must take at least once in your life.
Keep in mind some of their campsites are closed during certain seasons, so be sure to check their websites for updated information before heading out.
🏕️ Camping Reservations: Hidden Valley, White Tank, and Belle Campgrounds are first-come, first-served, and $15 per night. Black Rock, Cottonwood, Indian Cove, Jumbo Rocks, and Ryan require a reservation — you can book a campsite here.
📍Location: Joshua Tree National Park
💻Website: Visit here
6. Big Bear Lake
This is a charming camping spot near Los Angeles that isn’t too far. Big Bear Lake offers you the perfect combination of charm and convenience. Whether you prefer a cozy camping experience by the water or a secluded hideaway deep in the woods, this destination has it all. Depending on the season, you can stroll through snow-covered forests in the winter or soak up the rays of summer — either way the beauty and serenity are an intimate experience with nature.
🏕️ Camping Reservations: Each campground offers something for everyone. Serrano Campground is the biggest and most popular ground with unbeatable lake views and access to the alpine pedal path. — you can book a campsite here. Pineknot Campground is a haven for adventure seekers, with thrilling trails for hikers and mountain bikers alike. But if you’re someone who craves a cozy getaway, Holcomb Valley is your dream escape. You can make your camping reservations here!
📍Location: Big Bear
💻Website: Visit here
7. Anza-Borrego Desert
Escape into nature’s colorful yet desert oasis at theAnza-Borrego Desert! Here you can find the breathtaking wonderland of vibrant wildflowers and endless bird-watching opportunities. And guess what? Camping enthusiasts will be thrilled with the array of tent camping options available.
🏕️ Camping Reservations: Explore the beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park by reserving one of their 3 campgrounds –Borrego Palm, Tamarisk Grove, or Bow Willow. You can also take your luck with one of their first-come, first-serve options. Make your camping reservation near Los Angeles here!
📍Location: Anza-Borrego Desert
💻Website: Visit here
8.
Escape into nature’s colorful yet desert oasis at theAnza-Borrego Desert! Here you can find the breathtaking wonderland of vibrant wildflowers and endless bird-watching opportunities. And guess what? Camping enthusiasts will be thrilled with the array of tent camping options available.
🏕️ Camping Reservations: Explore the beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park by reserving one of their 3 campgrounds –Borrego Palm, Tamarisk Grove, or Bow Willow. You can also take your luck with one of their first-come, first-serve options. Make your camping reservation near Los Angeles here!
📍Location: Anza-Borrego Desert
💻Website: Visit here