The best dog-friendly RV parks in Southern California

The Pacific shoreline, vast deserts, snow-capped mountains—Southern California has it all. Whether you're looking to hike or surf, the state parks, and beaches are a great starting point for your SoCal adventure.

If you want to hear the waves from your tent, stake your claim at a beach campground with epic ocean views. There are tons of state beaches in Santa Barbara and San Diego Counties. One local favorite is Carpinteria State Beach. Windsurfing, fishing, and surfing are a few ways to enjoy this sandy stretch of the ocean shore.

If you're looking for adventure, Joshua Tree National Park may be calling your name. The rocky desert landscape is a hot spot for hiking and rock climbing. For those who want to escape the crowds, there are plenty of remote places to pitch a tent across the Mojave Desert.

For spectacular mountain views, venture into San Bernardino National Forest, just outside of Los Angeles. In this sprawling wilderness, you find tons of cabins and camping spots, especially near Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake.

If you're looking for something just outside Malibu, you can't beat Malibu Creek State Park. The 8,000-acre rocky wilderness hosts 15 miles of hiking trails and a volcanic swimming hole.

While the rugged landscape lends itself to tent camping, Glamping is also a big deal in SoCal. Keep an eye out for decked-out yurts, cabins, and cottages with spectacular views.

Southern California is known for its fair weather year round. That said, it can get chilly in the winter. Remember to bring a jacket (and a wet suit if you plan on surfing). To beat the summer rush, try to plan your camping trip for late spring or early fall.

94% (3K) • 240 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Southern California

The Lodge at Deer Creek

1. The Lodge at Deer Creek

90%

(119)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Malibu, CA

At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between the majestic Santa Monica Mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sunsets and stargazing from this 25 acre ocean view property. During the day you can swim or surf the famous Malibu waves, hike or bike in the mountains, or enjoy shopping at Pt. Dume or Cross Creek. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are just 15 minutes away along the beautiful coast.

from

$75

/ night

Roni's Perfect JTree Paradise

2. Roni's Perfect JTree Paradise

94%

(94)

1 site · RV · Joshua Tree, CA

After the second time I drove all the way to Joshua Tree National Park and found it to be FULL, I decided to buy a little land so I can have a place to camp on. In the future, I would love to slightly develop it, but for now it's totally primitive. Just raw nature. Enjoy your stay. :)  Learn more about this land:This is a very primitive campsite. FIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED !MUST BRING YOUR OWN PORTABLE TOILETThere's a road that leads to a flat pad where you can park your car, and a wind breaker fence.it is perfect for sleeping in your car when you cannot find a spot in the park (Joshua Tree national park is very often full). The land is not far from the entrance (about 15 minutes drive)You will need to bring your own little table and chairs + whatever else you wish to have there.There is no bathroom or trash on the land. Please pack everything back out with you and discard once you reach a public trash.You will enjoy over 2 acres of privacy, endless views, starry skies complete with sunrise and sunset :)    (The city allows us to camp on our private vacant land only 4 nights a month, and of course does not allow short term rentals. For that reason a suggested donation of $25 per night is all that we are asking from our hipcamp community to help keep the space maintained :)

from

$40

/ night

Coyote Moon Camping

3. Coyote Moon Camping

100%

(10)

5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Julian, CA

Hidden gem in the high desert mountains of Julian California. Located an hour and half from San Diego. This two and a half acre property features jaw dropping sunsets, dark skies and a 360 view of all constellations and stars. We offer tent camping, Rv parking or stay in an unfurnished tiny cabin. Minutes away from world famous Julian apple pie and and worlds biggest desert state park, Anza Borrego. Along the path of the pacific crest trail PCT. Access to: • Water • smokeless and regular fire pit • Hot tent stove • WiFi •Optional restaurant quality meals • Tons of space for activities • Pet friendly • Off road and hiking tours • Optional Auricular Accupunture outside in weightless chairs • Amazing air quality • No close nearby Neighbors • Quiet and Peaceful except for occasional coyote in the distance! • No noise restrictions within reason

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

from

$40

/ night

The Oasis At Antelope Valley, CA

4. The Oasis At Antelope Valley, CA

30 sites · Tents, RVs · Palmdale, CA

Scenic Lancaster Oasis 🌄 Perfect RV & Vanlife Spot with Premium Amenities! Welcome to your ideal stopover in the heart of Lancaster, CA — where the beauty of the Mojave Desert meets modern convenience! 🚐💨 Nestled in a prime location, our private land offers a serene escape with panoramic views and a perfect setup for RV travelers and vanlifers alike. We also welcome our beloved snowbirds for extended stays! Come and enjoy our friendly atmosphere. This is the perfect spot to relax and refuel before tackling Los Angeles and its amazing landmarks: Universal Studios (less than 1 hour away), Paramount Studios (less than 1 hour away), Hollywood and the Observatory (a little over 1 hour away), Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, MGM, The Getty Museum, and so much more! At our unique RV spot, we’re committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of our community. We recognize that diversity — encompassing race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, ancestry, and country of origin — is a vital source of strength, innovation, and resilience. Lancaster is a gem in the Antelope Valley, renowned not only for its breathtaking desert landscapes but also for its vibrant local culture and history. Discover the iconic Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, explore local museums, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities right at your doorstep. Whether you’re capturing stunning sunset photos, hiking in pristine settings, or simply relaxing under the starlit sky, Lancaster provides an unforgettable backdrop. 🌼📸 Your Stay Includes: • Secure Parking Spot: Ample space for your RV or van, providing a safe and convenient base. • Full Bathroom Facilities: Stay comfortable with a private portable bathroom available 24/7. A free dump station is located nearby at Lancaster City Park Soccer Complex, open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • Pet Play Space: Traveling with furry friends? They’ll love our dedicated area just for pets! 🐾 • Access to Tools: Need to make quick fixes or adjustments to your vehicle? We’ve got you covered. A mechanic is also on call and can service your rig.

Picnic table

from

$16

/ night

Views! 15 min to Joshua Park

5. Views! 15 min to Joshua Park

99%

(50)

1 site · Tent, RV · Yucca Valley, CA

Incredible Valley Views Your private campsite offers a spacious area with a brand-new underground fire pit, a hammock station, and a picnic table that seats six. The pass-through driveway leads directly to your site off Sunway Drive. You’ll have 1.5 acres of land to enjoy, with plenty of room to roam and hike in the surrounding area. You’ll have excellent cell service and a strong 5G connection, so phone calls and social media are no problem. Please be respectful of the grounds and exercise caution with campfires and smoking. Guest Access: There is only one way to access the site, so please follow the provided directions carefully. GPS may lead you to a route that is not vehicle-accessible. You will drive through a residential neighborhood before entering the forest property — please drive slowly and respectfully. Other Things to Note: Please pack out all trash. We do not provide bins to avoid attracting animals or scattering debris in the wind. Important: You must have a self-contained toilet system and pack out all waste. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, but standard cars and RVs up to 30 feet can access the site by driving slowly. Low-clearance sedans can also make it with care. Please know your vehicle’s limits. Parking is available directly on the campsite, leading up the driveway. We’re animal-friendly! Pets are welcome — just be sure to clean up after them to help keep the property beautiful. Take Pictures and Share: We love seeing your photos and artistic shots of the land during your stay! Distances by Car: • Downtown Yucca Valley – 13 minutes • Downtown Joshua Tree – 11 minutes • Joshua Tree National Park entrance – 20 minutes • Downtown Twentynine Palms – 27 minutes • Pioneertown – 17 minutes Remember: Desert conditions can change quickly. Please check the local forecast for high winds or temperature extremes.

Campfires

Picnic table

from

$48

/ night

The Pacific shoreline, vast deserts, snow-capped mountains—Southern California has it all. Whether you're looking to hike or surf, the state parks, and beaches are a great starting point for your SoCal adventure.

If you want to hear the waves from your tent, stake your claim at a beach campground with epic ocean views. There are tons of state beaches in Santa Barbara and San Diego Counties. One local favorite is Carpinteria State Beach. Windsurfing, fishing, and surfing are a few ways to enjoy this sandy stretch of the ocean shore.

If you're looking for adventure, Joshua Tree National Park may be calling your name. The rocky desert landscape is a hot spot for hiking and rock climbing. For those who want to escape the crowds, there are plenty of remote places to pitch a tent across the Mojave Desert.

For spectacular mountain views, venture into San Bernardino National Forest, just outside of Los Angeles. In this sprawling wilderness, you find tons of cabins and camping spots, especially near Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake.

If you're looking for something just outside Malibu, you can't beat Malibu Creek State Park. The 8,000-acre rocky wilderness hosts 15 miles of hiking trails and a volcanic swimming hole.

While the rugged landscape lends itself to tent camping, Glamping is also a big deal in SoCal. Keep an eye out for decked-out yurts, cabins, and cottages with spectacular views.

Southern California is known for its fair weather year round. That said, it can get chilly in the winter. Remember to bring a jacket (and a wet suit if you plan on surfing). To beat the summer rush, try to plan your camping trip for late spring or early fall.

94% (3K) • 240 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Southern California

The Lodge at Deer Creek

1. The Lodge at Deer Creek

90%

(119)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Malibu, CA

At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between the majestic Santa Monica Mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sunsets and stargazing from this 25 acre ocean view property. During the day you can swim or surf the famous Malibu waves, hike or bike in the mountains, or enjoy shopping at Pt. Dume or Cross Creek. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are just 15 minutes away along the beautiful coast.

from

$75

/ night

Roni's Perfect JTree Paradise

2. Roni's Perfect JTree Paradise

94%

(94)

1 site · RV · Joshua Tree, CA

After the second time I drove all the way to Joshua Tree National Park and found it to be FULL, I decided to buy a little land so I can have a place to camp on. In the future, I would love to slightly develop it, but for now it's totally primitive. Just raw nature. Enjoy your stay. :)  Learn more about this land:This is a very primitive campsite. FIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED !MUST BRING YOUR OWN PORTABLE TOILETThere's a road that leads to a flat pad where you can park your car, and a wind breaker fence.it is perfect for sleeping in your car when you cannot find a spot in the park (Joshua Tree national park is very often full). The land is not far from the entrance (about 15 minutes drive)You will need to bring your own little table and chairs + whatever else you wish to have there.There is no bathroom or trash on the land. Please pack everything back out with you and discard once you reach a public trash.You will enjoy over 2 acres of privacy, endless views, starry skies complete with sunrise and sunset :)    (The city allows us to camp on our private vacant land only 4 nights a month, and of course does not allow short term rentals. For that reason a suggested donation of $25 per night is all that we are asking from our hipcamp community to help keep the space maintained :)

from

$40

/ night

Coyote Moon Camping

3. Coyote Moon Camping

100%

(10)

5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Julian, CA

Hidden gem in the high desert mountains of Julian California. Located an hour and half from San Diego. This two and a half acre property features jaw dropping sunsets, dark skies and a 360 view of all constellations and stars. We offer tent camping, Rv parking or stay in an unfurnished tiny cabin. Minutes away from world famous Julian apple pie and and worlds biggest desert state park, Anza Borrego. Along the path of the pacific crest trail PCT. Access to: • Water • smokeless and regular fire pit • Hot tent stove • WiFi •Optional restaurant quality meals • Tons of space for activities • Pet friendly • Off road and hiking tours • Optional Auricular Accupunture outside in weightless chairs • Amazing air quality • No close nearby Neighbors • Quiet and Peaceful except for occasional coyote in the distance! • No noise restrictions within reason

Electrical hookup

Toilets

Campfires

from

$40

/ night

The Oasis At Antelope Valley, CA

4. The Oasis At Antelope Valley, CA

30 sites · Tents, RVs · Palmdale, CA

Scenic Lancaster Oasis 🌄 Perfect RV & Vanlife Spot with Premium Amenities! Welcome to your ideal stopover in the heart of Lancaster, CA — where the beauty of the Mojave Desert meets modern convenience! 🚐💨 Nestled in a prime location, our private land offers a serene escape with panoramic views and a perfect setup for RV travelers and vanlifers alike. We also welcome our beloved snowbirds for extended stays! Come and enjoy our friendly atmosphere. This is the perfect spot to relax and refuel before tackling Los Angeles and its amazing landmarks: Universal Studios (less than 1 hour away), Paramount Studios (less than 1 hour away), Hollywood and the Observatory (a little over 1 hour away), Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, MGM, The Getty Museum, and so much more! At our unique RV spot, we’re committed to fostering a culture of respect, equity, and inclusion across all aspects of our community. We recognize that diversity — encompassing race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, ancestry, and country of origin — is a vital source of strength, innovation, and resilience. Lancaster is a gem in the Antelope Valley, renowned not only for its breathtaking desert landscapes but also for its vibrant local culture and history. Discover the iconic Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, explore local museums, and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities right at your doorstep. Whether you’re capturing stunning sunset photos, hiking in pristine settings, or simply relaxing under the starlit sky, Lancaster provides an unforgettable backdrop. 🌼📸 Your Stay Includes: • Secure Parking Spot: Ample space for your RV or van, providing a safe and convenient base. • Full Bathroom Facilities: Stay comfortable with a private portable bathroom available 24/7. A free dump station is located nearby at Lancaster City Park Soccer Complex, open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. • Pet Play Space: Traveling with furry friends? They’ll love our dedicated area just for pets! 🐾 • Access to Tools: Need to make quick fixes or adjustments to your vehicle? We’ve got you covered. A mechanic is also on call and can service your rig.

Picnic table

from

$16

/ night

Views! 15 min to Joshua Park

5. Views! 15 min to Joshua Park

99%

(50)

1 site · Tent, RV · Yucca Valley, CA

Incredible Valley Views Your private campsite offers a spacious area with a brand-new underground fire pit, a hammock station, and a picnic table that seats six. The pass-through driveway leads directly to your site off Sunway Drive. You’ll have 1.5 acres of land to enjoy, with plenty of room to roam and hike in the surrounding area. You’ll have excellent cell service and a strong 5G connection, so phone calls and social media are no problem. Please be respectful of the grounds and exercise caution with campfires and smoking. Guest Access: There is only one way to access the site, so please follow the provided directions carefully. GPS may lead you to a route that is not vehicle-accessible. You will drive through a residential neighborhood before entering the forest property — please drive slowly and respectfully. Other Things to Note: Please pack out all trash. We do not provide bins to avoid attracting animals or scattering debris in the wind. Important: You must have a self-contained toilet system and pack out all waste. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended, but standard cars and RVs up to 30 feet can access the site by driving slowly. Low-clearance sedans can also make it with care. Please know your vehicle’s limits. Parking is available directly on the campsite, leading up the driveway. We’re animal-friendly! Pets are welcome — just be sure to clean up after them to help keep the property beautiful. Take Pictures and Share: We love seeing your photos and artistic shots of the land during your stay! Distances by Car: • Downtown Yucca Valley – 13 minutes • Downtown Joshua Tree – 11 minutes • Joshua Tree National Park entrance – 20 minutes • Downtown Twentynine Palms – 27 minutes • Pioneertown – 17 minutes Remember: Desert conditions can change quickly. Please check the local forecast for high winds or temperature extremes.

Campfires

Picnic table

from

$48

/ night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Zach

2 weeks ago

23 ft pop-up camper

With pets

2 nights at Roni's Perfect JTree Paradise

Great spot, very close to JT west entrance! Easy to get to, ample space.

E

Efren

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

1 night at Views! 15 min to Joshua Park

Lots of fun and clean camp ground, pretty close to everything!

S

Sophia

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Views! 15 min to Joshua Park

Such a beautiful campsite. I would 100% come back.

n

noel

November 2025

35 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to Coyote Moon Camping

Great spot to get out and enjoy some quite time. Host was pleasant and easy to work with.

D

Douglas

October 2025

16 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Roni's Perfect JTree Paradise

Roni's property is conveniently located with awesome views. I was able to pull my van in on the level parking spot and enjoy the sunset. I will be staying here again the next time I'm in Joshua tree.

D

Douglas

October 2025

16 ft campervan

1 night at Roni's Perfect JTree Paradise

Roni's camp spot is great covenantly located while still having privacy. Perfect spot to park the Van. The sunset and sunrise was amazing!

Shainna

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Views! 15 min to Joshua Park

We have been using Hipcamp for a while now & this site is one of the best we have stayed at! As others have mentioned, you are able to see additional people camping in front of you & older campers to your right, but the site still feels private. We had no issue with our camper getting to the site. However, a low clearance camper could possibly have some problems. Also, just as a FYI for dogs & kids we did see a coyote in front of our camper on our last morning!

M

Mark

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

My spot was lovely and quiet. Watching the cloud/fog layer creep over the mountain tops in view during sunrises and sunsets was wonderful. Chris' knowledge of the human and natural history of the area was profound. If you need a getaway from the city that is close by, this is the place.

Esteban

October 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Views! 15 min to Joshua Park

Great spot. Feels really secluded, private and natural with an amazing view. Has a fire pit and a table—simple but all we really needed.

J

Jac

September 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Views! 15 min to Joshua Park

I loved camping here! The sunset and sunrise were stunning

D

Delaney

September 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

Easy to find with helpful directions. Gorgeous views, and quiet location. Only 10-15 mins from the coast, it was perfect for us in our camper van.

G

Grace

September 2025

16 ft car

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

I was pleasantly surprised at how much space each campsite has! It was nice feeling like I had a whole area to myself. It was incredibly peaceful and beautiful.

A

Alessandro

September 2025

12 ft pop-up camper

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

We stayed just one night at The Lodge at Deer Creek and it was exactly what we needed. We arrived late, found the spot easily, and settled in without any issues. The place was very quiet and peaceful — perfect for a simple overnight stay.

A

Ann

August 2025

23 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at The Lodge at Deer Creek

Wonderful views and helpful host made this a peaceful evening spot

K

Kelsey

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

Camping here was great. Exactly as pictured and the instructions to get there were super easy to follow.

M

Michael

August 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

This is a simple and beautiful site. There is some neat hiking right from the site that I only explored a little due to having a one year old in tow. Hoping to hike and explore more the next time around. Chris is a great host and a character! He cares a lot about helping you get the most out of the site. If you’re looking for an easily accessed simple site within an easy drive of LA, this is it. As others have said, it does have little to no shade. Having a shade tent or a tarp is a good call. We had a shade tent that made it very pleasant even on a warmer day. Enjoy!

Brent

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

The location and view is gorgeous! Friendly and responsive hosts. Spacious campsite and quiet surroundings made for a relaxing weekend surrounded by nature!

A

AMY

August 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

3 nights at The Lodge at Deer Creek

The views are spectacular! Beautiful sunrises and sunsets. Nice and quiet. Just a few miles from the beach when you want to change it up a bit. We had a great time just hanging out and relaxing. We came well prepared for the primitive camping, so the only drawback was little to no shade most of the day. Fortunately, we had an EZ Up, and all was fine, and the nice breeze that blows kept it pretty comfortable. Pam and Chris were great hosts and made sure we enjoyed our stay.

Lauren & Noah

August 2025

35 ft Class C

7 nights at The Lodge at Deer Creek

A safe, quiet, beautiful place to camp near Malibu! Sunsets here are amazing! Our 35 ft school bus made it up and down the steep roads safely (though it was a feat).

K

Kassie

July 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Views! 15 min to Joshua Park

I loved tent camping on David's land. It was wide open! My dogs got to be off leash the whole time, which made their experience wonderful. There was no city noise. Peace and quiet! The nights were beautiful. If you are a stargazer you will have an amazing view. David was very helpful and the directions he provided were easy to follow. I would recommend this spot to anyone looking for a out of the way "roughing it" camp site!