Camping is one of the favorite activities for outdoor adventure enthusiasts, and luckily, Los Angeles and its surroundings have many places to offer for this activity. Whether it’s hiking up mountains that lead to a nice hike ending in waterfalls, finding a lake or swimming hole, or discovering hidden gems near the ocean and their secluded beaches, these are the best places to go camping near Los Angeles.
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Camping in the mountains
Under the shade of the trees, inhaling fresh air, and surrounded by wildlife, these sites near Los Angeles offer the best places for mountain camping.
Angeles National Forest
Just under an hour from DTLA, the Angeles National Forest feels like our own backyard. Popular with hikers, picnickers, and joyriders, it boasts over 40 campgrounds across 1,000 square miles of mountainous, evergreen terrain.
In winter, expect snow-capped mountains and possibly snowed-in campsites at higher elevations. Summer and fall offer warm weather, though water is scarce and wildfires are a threat. All campsites are first-come, first-served, and you’ll need an Adventure Pass to park. For dramatic views and stargazing, take a detour up Mount Wilson Red Box Road to the Mount Wilson Observatory.
📍 Location: 701 N Santa Anita Ave Arcadia, CA 91006
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 25 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes, on leash.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
The Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers a serene escape from city life, perfect for immersing yourself in nature. Circle X Ranch Group Campground, the only National Park Service-operated site in the mountains, requires a 10-person minimum and features drinking water, pit toilets, and tent spaces.
Ideal for group outings, this campground provides a convenient and peaceful setting for hiking and wildlife watching. Reservations can be made on recreation.gov. For a refreshing break from urban living, this spot is a top choice near Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 26876 Mulholland Hwy, Calabasas, CA 91302
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 30 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Not allowed.
Malibu Creek State Park
This nearby park spans 8,000 acres and features 15 miles of trails that wind along streams, through oak and sycamore groves, and across chaparral-covered slopes. You can hike up the hillside for breathtaking canyon views, or take a refreshing dip in the expansive volcanic swimming hole. For those seeking camping areas near Los Angeles, this park offers an ideal setting to explore nature and unwind.
📍 Location: 1925 Las Virgenes Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 30 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Only in the campground. Dogs are not allowed on park dirt roads or hiking trails.
Lake Arrowhead
To reach the campgrounds at Lake Arrowhead, you’ll need to bypass the Lake Arrowhead Resort. The best times to visit the Dogwood or North Shore campgrounds are from May to October.
Both campgrounds offer dozens of campsites suitable for tents, and some sites can accommodate trailers and motorhomes. At Dogwood, you’ll be surrounded by a dense forest of its namesake dogwood trees. Meanwhile, at North Shore, you can hike the North Shore Recreation Trail to discover the Deep Creek Hot Springs nearby.
📍 Location: 28200 Highway 189, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 75 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes, on leash.
Big Bear Lake
Big Bear Lake is a classic destination for a weekend getaway and an excellent camping location near Los Angeles. The largest and most popular camping area in the region is Serrano Campground, which is just a short walk from the lake and next to the Alpine Pedal Path, ideal for leisurely walks and bike rides.
At this campground, you can easily rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lake. Don’t forget to look for the unique white-domed solar observatory perched on the north shore at the water’s edge.
📍 Location: 630 W Big Bear Blvd, Big Bear City, CA 92314
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 100 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes, on leash.
Los Padres National Forest
Los Padres National Forest is an ideal spot for an overnight or weekend trip, offering a sense of seclusion that feels worlds away from the city. Explore switchback trails that wind through picturesque hills and valleys, and take a refreshing dip in one of the forest’s numerous swimming holes, with those along Sespe Creek being the most accessible. It’s a great option among the many campgrounds near Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 6755 Hollister Ave #150, Goleta, CA 93117 (Forest Headquarters)
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 90 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Idyllwild
True to its name, Idyllwild is beautifully situated in the San Jacinto Mountains, surrounded by Tahquitz Peak and Suicide Rock, which are renowned for rock climbing. The area features serene lakes, impressive ponderosa pine forests, and charming spots ideal for pitching a tent.
From here, you can hike, rock climb, mountain bike, fish, or explore the nearby small towns of Idyllwild, Pine Cove, and Fern Valley. Fun fact: Dolly Parton once owned a home in this lovely area, though it’s hard to picture her camping!
📍 Location: 54300 Riverside Dr, Idyllwild, CA 92549
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 110 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes
Camping at the dessert
If tall trees and lush landscapes aren’t your preference, you might find the desert to be a better choice. Winter and spring are the ideal seasons for camping in the California desert, where you’ll discover a vast array of campgrounds to explore.
Joshua Tree National Park
Indian Cove Campground provides a similar stunning scenery and features 101 individual campsites along with 13 group sites, making it rare for the campground to be fully booked. You might find yourself so far from your nearest neighbors that you’ll forget you’re in a national park.
This developed campground includes pit toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables, but it does not offer hookups or drinking water. Campsites start at $25 per night and can be reserved online. It’s a fantastic option among the many places to camp near Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 100 Indian Cove Rd, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 140 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Mojave National Preserve
Kelso Dunes is a top camping destination near Los Angeles for those wanting to explore the Mojave Desert. Although the campsites are not numbered, boundary markers guide drivers along designated routes and established sites. There are pit toilets available in the two main camping areas, each capable of accommodating about six different groups.
📍 Location: Kelso Dunes Rd, Kelso, CA 92309
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 200 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes, on lesh.
Red Rock Canyon State Park
The Ricardo Campground in Red Rock Canyon, features 50 sites, and you may find only a handful occupied during the week. Some campsites offer views of a field of Joshua Trees, while others are situated next to stunning rock formations (as shown above). This campground provides pit toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and potable water, but it does not have hookups.
📍 Location: 16150 Ricardo Campground Rd, Mojave, CA 93501
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 130 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes
Death Valley National Park
Texas Springs Campground is regarded as the most picturesque camping location in Death Valley National Park. This developed campground features a total of 92 sites. The lower loop tent sites offer stunning views of the valley, while the upper loop, designated for campers and trailers, is nestled among vibrant badlands. Amenities at the campground include flush toilets, potable water, a dump station, and even a dishwashing area.
📍 Location: Texas Springs Campground, Furnace Creek, CA 92328
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 270 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes, on leash.
Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
Anza-Borrego is a surreal destination where you can witness everything from wildflowers during the superbloom to stunning meteor showers. If you’re interested in camping, Culp Valley Primitive Campground is an excellent choice.
This campground offers over a dozen campsites with fire pits, and boundary markers assist motorists in staying on designated routes and established sites. Campfires are permitted only in the metal fire pits at each site, as ground fires are strictly prohibited.
📍 Location: Culp Valley Rd, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 100 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes, on leash. Not allowed on dirt hiking trails.
Camping by the beach
If hiking isn’t your thing and you’re not comfortable with extremely dry weather, skip the mountains and deserts and opt for camping by the beach instead.
Leo Carillo State Park
Leo Carrillo State Park boasts over 130 campsites that provide easy access to the beach, even though they aren’t situated directly on the shore. The sites can fill up quickly, so it’s wise to choose and reserve your spot carefully to ensure you get the privacy you want.
This campground comes with great amenities. If you forget anything, there’s a store available on-site, and for those staying multiple days, several token-operated showers are also provided.
📍 Location: 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 35 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes, in day-use areas.
Refugio State Beach
Although it’s a bit of a drive from LA, Refugio State Beach is considered one of the top places to camp near LA, especially for coastal camping. You can reach it by heading 20 miles west of Santa Barbara on Highway 101. A cluster of palm trees planted near the stream creates a feeling of being on a secluded island.
📍 Location: 10 Refugio Beach Rd, Goleta, CA 93117
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 90 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Only service dogs.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Situated just south of Seal Beach, Bolsa Chica is an excellent option for beach camping if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle. It’s a perfect destination for adventurous travelers seeking solitude away from crowds. While Bolsa Chica State Beach is renowned for surf fishing and features a stunning coastline, tent camping is not allowed here. This makes it a unique choice among the many camping options near Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 17851 Pacific Coast Hwy, Huntington Beach, CA 92649
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 35 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Yes, on leash
Dockweiler State Beach
Los Angeles County’s only RV campground is situated right on the beach, offering RV campers the chance to enjoy sunshine, ocean breezes, and breathtaking views stretching from Malibu to Catalina.
This popular, year-round campsite features full RV hookups, hot showers, and a laundromat. It’s also conveniently close to the airport for those flying in from other locations. Please note that tent camping is not permitted at this beach, making it a standout option among the many places to camp near Los Angeles.
📍 Location: 12001 Vista Del Mar, Playa Del Rey, CA 90293
🚗 Distance from DTLA: 20 miles
🐕 Are dogs allowed: Only service dogs.
Originally written by Sophie Len.