Best Camping Spots Near Los Angeles, CA

Being in the outdoors can help you reconnect with nature and get you in a better frame of mind. Fresh air is good for the soul. Although it can feel like Los Angeles is just one big city, there are places you can go to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Camping is a fun way to spend time outside with friends and family, making memories and sharing good times. In this guide, you’ll find all the details about some of the best camping spots near Los Angeles.

Point Mugu State Park

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Directions: The beach is 15 miles south of Oxnard on Highway 1

Fees:  $35 to $45 per night

Point Mugu State Park has over 50 campsites to choose from for both tents and RVs. Each site has a fire ring and a picnic table, so you can enjoy a true camping experience. The park features several miles of coastline for exploring and over 70 miles of hiking trails. Relax on the sandy beach or bring your camera and get some amazing photos of the beautiful and dynamic rocky bluffs. Pets are welcome at Point Mugu if they’re on a leash and under your control.

Campsites at Point Mugu State Park can accommodate up to eight people, so you can bring the entire family along. Token-operated showers allow you to get clean after a day of hiking and being in the wilderness. Note that the maximum trailer and vehicle length combined at this park is 31 feet, and there’s a height limit of 13 feet, 6 inches.

Monte Cristo Campground

Directions: From Interstate 210 in Pasadena, exit the Angeles Crest Highway and drive north for 9 miles, then turn left on the Angeles Forest Highway (County Road N3) and drive about 9 miles to the campground, or take Big Tujunga Canyon Road and turn left at the Angeles Forest Highway

Fees:  $12 per night

The Monte Cristo Campground is a U.S. Forest Service campground located in the Angeles National Forest. It’s a great place to go in the summer because it’s at 3,000 feet, so it’s cooler than the city. There are only 19 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis, so it’s a good idea to show up early if you want to secure a spot, particularly on the weekend. Sites in the campground can fit RVs up to 30 feet, but there are no hookups. However, vault toilets and piped water are on-site.

Take in incredible views of the San Gabriel Mountains or cool off in the pool below Switzer Falls. This lesser-used campground features spacious sites that give you the seclusion and peace you’re looking for.

Hollywood RV Park

Directions: 7740 Balboa Blvd., Van Nuys

Fees:  $79 per night or $513 plus tax per week

If you prefer glamping to camping, you can rent a space for your RV at Hollywood RV Park. This conveniently located RV park has all the amenities you need for a perfect stay. Every site has full hookups, including 50 amp service. You’ll have access to Wi-Fi, and you can keep up with your workout routine in the on-site gym. In addition to its weekly rates, you can also apply to stay for the month if you want an extended vacation or you just want a place to get away when you have some free time.

Sulphur Springs Trail Camp

Directions: From the 210 Freeway in La Canada, go 28 miles north on Highway 2, then 5.5 miles west of Three Points on the Santa Clara Divide Road (3N17) until the pavement ends.

Fees: Free

For a true roughing-it experience, check out the Sulphur Springs Trail Camp. This hike-in campground is located in the Angeles National Forest and sits at 5,300 feet. Each site has a picnic table, and you’ll find vault toilets within the camping area. Water for the campground comes from a seasonal spring, so it’s not always available. The Forest Service recommends treating the spring water before drinking it. You can have a campfire, though you’ll first need to obtain a campfire permit from a Forest Service office.

Bear Canyon Trail Camp (Hike-In Campground)

Directions: From Interstate 210 in La Cañada Flintridge, exit at Angeles Crest Highway and drive northeast for approximately 10 miles to the Switzers Picnic Area, then take a right into the Switzers Picnic Area and follow the narrow paved road about a half mile down to the lower parking lot. The trail to Bear Canyon Campground begins at the east end of the parking lot across a wooden footbridge.

Fees: Free

Another hike-in campground in the Angeles National Forest is the Bear Canyon Trail Camp. There are three campsites here, and water is only available from a seasonal steam, so like the Sulphur Springs Camp, you’ll need to plan accordingly depending on the condition of the spring. The hike to the campsites is 5 miles, and no restrooms are available.

Malibu Creek State Park

Directions: The park is located 4 miles south of Highway 101 on Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road

Fees:  $45

Malibu Creek State Park is just a short drive from Los Angeles, but when you’re there, you’ll feel far removed from city life. The large campground features a picturesque landscape where you can sit and enjoy nature. You can also explore the park’s volcanic rock gorges, scenic pools, and oak and sycamore woodlands on foot. Choose from over 55 RV and tent campsites, each with its own picnic table and fire ring.

Discover the Best Camping Spots Near Los Angeles

Well, there you have it. These are some of the best camping spots near Los Angeles where you can go to spend a night or two out of the busy city. Have you been to any of these camping spots? Do you have any favorite campgrounds in the area that we missed? If so, drop us a line so we can plan our next camping trip.