# Camping near Los Angeles

Thinking of camping near Los Angeles, CA? Discover and book the best Los Angeles campgrounds in state parks and national parks, plus on farms, vineyards, and nature preserves.

Browse and book on Hipcamp: https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/los-angeles/camping/all

- **Rating:** 88% (1322 reviews)
- **Campsites:** 2454

Get all sides of the sunny Southern California experience within a hour of LA.

## Hipcamps

- [Tentsite Over Topanga](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-tentsite-over-topanga-lz9hmvq0): Topanga, CA · from $90/night · 96% recommend (70 reviews) · 1 sites · Toilets, Potable water, Picnic table
- [Cross Bull Ranch/CBR](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-cross-bull-ranch-cbr-06yhyxe0): Topanga, CA · from $90/night · 97% recommend (196 reviews) · 5 sites · Toilets, Potable water, Wifi
- [Green Oak Retreat](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-green-oak-retreat-v1qhn7z0): Topanga, CA · from $117/night · 96% recommend (27 reviews) · 7 sites · Pets, Toilets, Showers, Wifi, Potable water, Cooking equipment
- [Topanga Oasis](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-topanga-oasis-v1qhz1x0): Topanga, CA · from $80.75/night · 96% recommend (83 reviews) · 9 sites · Pets, Toilets, Showers, Wifi, Potable water, Cooking equipment
- [Topanga Cabins](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-topanga-cabins-1xmhkz95): Topanga, CA · from $107.10/night · 97% recommend (18 reviews) · 2 sites · Pets, Toilets, Showers, Wifi, Potable water, Cooking equipment
- [The White Lodge](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-the-white-lodge-1-kk9hyvdo): Los Angeles, CA · from $131.25/night · 100% recommend (19 reviews) · 1 sites · Toilets, Showers, Hot Tub, Wifi, Potable water, Cooking equipment
- [Malibu Creek Orchard Retreat](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-malibu-creek-orchard-retreat-zwjh2w1w): Calabasas, CA · from $200/night · 90% recommend (20 reviews) · 5 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Malibu RV Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-malibu-rv-park-7rvh2p6w): Malibu, CA · from $95/night · 93% recommend (680 reviews) · 125 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-tiny-tiki-retro-hideaway-ex9hrmvn): Los Angeles, CA · from $217.80/night · 100% recommend (13 reviews) · 1 sites · Toilets, Showers, Wifi, Potable water, Cooking equipment
- [Prospector Ranch](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-prospector-ranch-qeoh071r): Thousand Oaks, CA · from $144/night · 100% recommend (54 reviews) · 5 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Action Camp LA RV Resort](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-action-camp-la-rv-resort-ozxhz7lr): Agua Dulce, CA · from $70/night · 91% recommend (11 reviews) · 191 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [The Lodge at Deer Creek](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-the-lodge-at-deer-creek-qeohjljj): Malibu, CA · from $95/night · 91% recommend (174 reviews) · 2 sites · Pets, Toilets, Showers
- [Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-old-west-mountain-camping-near-la-lz9hrm8q): Acton, CA · from $47/night · 96% recommend (126 reviews) · 3 sites · Pets, Potable water, Picnic table
- [Skoolie in a secluded meadow](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-skoolie-in-a-secluded-meadow-dw9hn7jw): Littlerock, CA · from $143.10/night · 99% recommend (42 reviews) · 1 sites · Pets, Toilets, Campfires, Potable water, Cooking equipment
- [Desert mountain](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-desert-mountain-5x5hr97l): Agua Dulce, CA · from $108/night · 98% recommend (21 reviews) · 2 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Toilets, Campfires, Showers, Water Hookup
- [Leap Lab Farm](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-leap-lab-farm-nelhkr0d): Santa Paula, CA · from $70/night · 97% recommend (65 reviews) · 1 sites · Pets, Electricity Hookup, Water Hookup, Potable water, Picnic table
- [Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-camping-quail-run-ostrich-ranch-zwjhp5rp): Lake Hughes, CA · from $25/night · 95% recommend (193 reviews) · 6 sites · Pets, Toilets, Potable water, Picnic table
- [Harmony Heaven Campyard](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-harmony-heaven-campyard-1xmhr81o): Rancho Cucamonga, CA · from $64/night · 100% recommend (13 reviews) · 2 sites · Toilets, Showers, Wifi, Potable water, Cooking equipment
- [Backyard Glamping SoCal](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-backyard-glamping-socal-zwjhlyd5): Glendale, CA · from $98/night · 100% recommend (3 reviews) · 1 sites · Pets, Toilets, Wifi, Cooking equipment
- [Oak Forest House](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/land/california-oak-forest-house-nelhemv2): Topanga, CA · from $99/night · 100% recommend (2 reviews) · 1 sites · Pets, Toilets, Showers, Wifi, Potable water, Cooking equipment

## Public campgrounds

- [Musch Trail Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/musch-trail-camp-9mxgckol): Topanga State Park · 96% recommend (13 reviews)
- [Malibu Lagoon Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/malibu-lagoon-campground-9ernc6z5): Malibu Lagoon State Beach · 91% recommend (17 reviews)
- [Group Camp Area](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/group-camp-area-x2zc0d7m): Malibu Creek State Park
- [Malibu Creek Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/malibu-creek-campground-lqxkcv69): Malibu Creek State Park · 92% recommend (112 reviews)
- [Gould Mesa Trail Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/gould-mesa-trail-camp-5yxmc439): Angeles National Forest · 75% recommend (4 reviews)
- [Oakwilde Campground](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/oakwilde-campground-56yzc4jl): Angeles National Forest
- [Millard Trail Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/millard-trail-camp-90d6c0q5): Angeles National Forest · 100% recommend (5 reviews)
- [Bear Canyon Trail Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/bear-canyon-trail-camp-l2rpcr79): Angeles National Forest · 100% recommend (9 reviews)
- [Mt. Lowe Trail Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/mt-lowe-trail-camp-9448cx79): Angeles National Forest
- [Idlehour Trail Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/idlehour-trail-camp-lkpqcw65): Angeles National Forest · 100% recommend (4 reviews)
- [Tom Lucas Trail Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/tom-lucas-trail-camp-ld34cz85): Angeles National Forest
- [Fall Creek Trail Camp](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/campground/united-states/california/fall-creek-trail-camp-5zypcrw9): Angeles National Forest

## Public lands

- [Topanga State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/topanga/all): state-park · Topanga, California · 96% recommend (13 reviews)
- [Malibu Lagoon State Beach](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/malibu-lagoon/all): state-park · Malibu, California · 91% recommend (17 reviews)
- [Malibu Creek State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/malibu-creek/all): state-park · Calabasas, California · 92% recommend (112 reviews)
- [Angeles National Forest](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/angeles/all): national-forest · La Crescenta Montrose, California · 91% recommend (230 reviews)
- [Leo Carrillo State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/leo-carrillo/all): state-park · Lake Sherwood, California · 95% recommend (114 reviews)
- [Bolsa Chica State Beach](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/bolsa-chica/all): state-park · Huntington Beach, California · 80% recommend (10 reviews)
- [Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/santa-monica-mountains/all): national-park-system · Malibu, California · 96% recommend (12 reviews)
- [Point Mugu State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/point-mugu/all): state-park · Camarillo, California · 93% recommend (69 reviews)
- [Castaic Lake State Recreation Area](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/castaic-lake/all): state-park · Castaic, California · 86% recommend (11 reviews)
- [Chino Hills State Park](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/chino-hills/all): state-park · California · 100% recommend (1 reviews)

## About Los Angeles

### Overview

Los Angeles has long been known for its film industry and big-city vibes, and while LA certainly does sprawl, it’s really more of a conglomeration of lots of smaller, interconnected areas. There’s a ton to do here, from taking in comedy shows to checking out major league sports games. While most visitors to the city stay in hotels, there’s a surprisingly large number of camping options in LA County, from the RV park at Dockweiler State Beach, right by the airport, to wooded tent sites up in the Malibu Hills

### Where to go: California's Central Coast

Extending from Ventura County up the coast to the Monterey Bay area, California's Central Coast region offers gorgeous stretches of coastline, a mix of sandy and cliff-lined beaches, and tons of great camping areas. You'll find beachfront camping galore in the southern reaches of the region, with extra options if you're camping in your RV. Head further north up to the Big Sur coast for forest camping, hot springs, and arguably the best ocean views in the state.

### Where to go: Coastal Southern California

While Los Angeles County offers a number of noteworthy beaches, hiking trails, and campgrounds to choose from, you’ll find plenty more in the southernmost coastal counties of the state: Orange County and San Diego County. Orange County's San Clemente State Beach is worth a visit, with separate tent and RV areas, while San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas has campsites with views right over the beach. Other camping parks in the area include South Carlsbad State Beach and the RV-only Silver Strand State Beach.

### Where to go: The Mojave Desert

If you’re visiting during the cooler months, you may want to make a trip inland to the Mojave Desert, home to some of the region’s most interesting natural features. This massive expanse encompasses both the otherworldly Joshua Tree National Park as well as Death Valley National Park and the Mojave National Preserve.

### When to go

Los Angeles is truly a year-round destination, with pleasant, mild sweater weather in the wintertime and hot, dry summers. If you like swimming, summer is the best time to visit, when the typically cold Pacific waters make for a refreshing cool-me-down. The spring and fall shoulder seasons see fewer crowds, but there aren’t always lifeguards on duty at area beaches outside of the June-August high seasons. Note that June can be muggy and overcast, a phenomenon dubbed “June Gloom” by locals.

### Can you camp on the beach in Los Angeles?

You can go beach camping near LA in certain areas, but you have to head outside city limits to get to the coast and camping in the sand is rarely allowed on public land. Once you hit coastal towns like Santa Monica and Long Beach, beach camping options open up. Dockweiler State Beach is best for RV campers (no tents allowed), while Point Mugu State Park’s Thornhill Broome Beach Campground accommodates some tents in the sand and offers waterfront RV spots. RV camping with hookups is also available at Bolsa Chica State Beach. At the Leo Carrillo State Park campground in Malibu, sites are inland of Highway 1, about a five-minute walk from the waterfront. Find more beach camping near LA.

### Where can I camp in my car in Los Angeles?

Although the law changes regularly, it’s best to avoid car camping on Los Angeles city streets because more often than not, it’s illegal to sleep overnight or live in a car in LA. The rules become less clear when you’re parked at least 500 feet away from residences and school zones, but sleeping in your car is still frowned upon and time limits usually apply. For the best and safest car camping experience near Los Angeles, head just outside of town to a private Hipcamp campsite.

### Where can you camp for free in Los Angeles?

Most primitive BLM camping near LA is free, but some campgrounds do require a fee, and Leave No Trace principles always apply. Most Angeles National Forest campsites are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Out toward Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s, Blair Valley Campground and Fish Creek are popular primitive camping spots. Farther afield and about 4 hours’ drive north, Alabama Hills and the Sequoia National Forest both offer free dispersed camping.

### Where can I buy camping gear in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has plenty of stores selling camping supplies, backpacking gear, and RV essentials. REI is in Santa Monica, and dozens of Walmarts dot the city. Dick's Sporting Goods can be found in Glendale, El Segundo, and Torrance. Local favorite camping gear stores include Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co. and the Texino Camp Store. Other name brand shops in the area include 5.11 Tactical in Commerce and Patagonia in Santa Monica, plus Arc'teryx and Fjällräven in La Brea. Check out the best places to rent camping gear in LA.

### Is camping allowed in the Angeles National Forest?

Yes, camping is allowed in Angeles National Forest, home to dozens of established campgrounds, but dispersed camping may not be allowed at any given time. Campers can stay at any one first-come, first-served site within the forest for up to 14 days at a time. A small parking fee usually applies, and campers should always stay aware of any wildfire notices from the US Forest Service. Consider purchasing a National Forest Adventure Pass when going dispersed camping in the area’s national forests.

## Explore nearby

- **Nearby cities:** [San Diego, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/san-diego/camping/all), [Santa Barbara, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/santa-barbara/camping/all), [Idyllwild, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/idyllwild/camping/all), [Carlsbad, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/carlsbad/camping/all), [Pismo Beach, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/pismo-beach/camping/all), [Mammoth Lakes, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/mammoth-lakes/camping/all), [Santa Cruz, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/santa-cruz/camping/all), [June Lake, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/june-lake/camping/all), [Malibu, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/malibu/camping/all), [Ventura, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/ventura/camping/all), [Ojai, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/ojai/camping/all), [Lytle Creek, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/lytle-creek/camping/all), [Laguna Beach, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/laguna-beach/camping/all), [Dana Point, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/dana-point/camping/all), [Newport Beach, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/newport-beach/camping/all), [Wrightwood, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/wrightwood/camping/all)
- **Related cities:** [Riverside, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/riverside/camping/all), [San Diego, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/san-diego/camping/all), [Las Vegas, NV camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/nevada/las-vegas/camping/all), [San Jose, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/san-jose/camping/all), [Oxnard, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/oxnard/camping/all), [Fresno, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/fresno/camping/all), [Bakersfield, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/bakersfield/camping/all), [Santa Maria, CA camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/santa-maria/camping/all)
- **National parks and forests:** [Angeles National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/angeles/all), [Channel Islands National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/channel-islands/all), [Los Padres National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/los-padres/all), [Cleveland National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/cleveland/all), [San Bernardino National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/san-bernardino/all), [Joshua Tree National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/joshua-tree/all), [Sequoia National Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/national-park/united-states/california/sequoia-park/all), [Sequoia National Forest camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/p/united-states/california/national-forest/sequoia-forest/all)
- **State and regional parks:** [Doheny State Beach camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/doheny/all), [Point Mugu State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/point-mugu/all), [Malibu Creek State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/malibu-creek/all), [Leo Carrillo State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/leo-carrillo/all), [Crystal Cove State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/crystal-cove/all), [Bolsa Chica State Beach camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/bolsa-chica/all), [Topanga State Park camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/topanga/all), [Emma Wood State Beach camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/state-park/united-states/california/emma-wood/all)
- **Popular filters:** [RV sites](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/los-angeles/camping/rv), [Glamping sites](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/los-angeles/camping/glamping), [Cabin rentals](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/los-angeles/camping/cabins), [Beach camping](https://www.hipcamp.com/en-US/d/united-states/california/los-angeles/camping/beach)