Best Beach Campsites - Los Angeles
by Aventura on November 1, 2022
Camping is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the world. It allows you to enjoy nature, get away from civilization and be one with the environment. Camping is also a great way to save money on accommodation. If you're traveling to Los Angeles, there are plenty of campgrounds around and near LA County that offer different types of camping experiences.
Los Angeles is a city of contrast and contradictions, so it's no surprise that there are plenty of hidden gems in the areas surrounding it. One such area is Los Angeles's coastline. While many people believe you can't camp or even get to the beach in LA, this could not be further from the truth. There are plenty of beaches that are great for camping and other outdoor activities like hiking, biking and more.
Best Beach Campsites Near Los Angeles
Los Angeles beaches are home to some of the most beautiful campgrounds in the world. From Malibu to Venice and just outside the city limits, there are plenty of options for those who want to enjoy the great outdoors while they're on vacation.
Every year, millions of people flock to the beaches of Los Angeles County. Whether you're looking for beautiful beaches with lots of amenities or a more laid-back experience, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Whether you want to camp on the beach or stay in a hotel, here are some of the best places to visit:
Thornhill Broome Beach Campsite
Los Angeles is a beach city, and there are plenty of great places to get sand between your toes. From Santa Monica to Malibu and everywhere in between, there are plenty of spots to camp along the coast.
Thornhill Broome Beach has a nice mix of things to do — swimming, surfing, kayaking — as well as a good amount of privacy.
You may set up your tent on the beach right next to the sea at Thornhill Broome State Beach, and the water is only a few feet away. A fire pit and picnic table are provided at each campground. This will rapidly become one of your new favorite places since the water is wonderful, the waves are nice, and the atmosphere is relaxing.
How to book: CA Parks > Reserve California
Dog friendly: Dogs allowed in campground and day-use areas. Dogs are not allowed on trails
Open Season: Year round
Dockweiler State Beach
Los Angeles County’s only RV campground located right on the beach. RV campers can enjoy sunshine, ocean breezes, and a wide, scenic view from Malibu all the way out to Catalina. This popular, year-round campsite offers full RV hook-ups, hot showers, and a laundromat. It’s also super close to the airport if you’re flying in from another location. No tent camping is allowed at the beach.
How to book: LA County RV Park Reservations
Dog friendly: Dogs are allowed on-leash at the RV Park, but they are not allowed on the beach.
Open Season: Year round
Refugio State Beach
While a little ways out of LA, Refugio State Beach is widely regarded as one of the premier locations for coastal camping and can be reached by driving 20 miles west of Santa Barbara on Highway 101. The presence of a group of palm trees that have been planted close to the stream gives the impression that you are stranded on a remote island. The ocean is a wonderful place for children to spend the day swimming, playing on the sand, and surfing. The facilities are spotless, and they even include showers, which are an absolute must, after all, that sand play. When there is no moon, the night sky is filled with millions of sparkling stars. Remember to bring the ingredients to make s'mores, and if you do forget, there is a camp shop you may visit. Take a stroll down the beach in the morning, either to the south to go around a quaint small cove or to the bike route that runs along the cliff.
How to book: CA Parks > Reserve California
Dog friendly: Dogs allowed in campground and day-use area. Dogs not allowed on beach.
Open Season: Year round
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Located just south of Seal Beach, Bolsa Chica is a great place for beach camping if you want to get away from it all. It is a place for adventurous travelers who want to get away from crowds. Tent camping is not permitted on Bolsa Chica State Beach, even though it is a well-known spot for surf fishing and boasts a breathtaking coastline. It is also considered to be one of the greatest beaches in Orange County for seeing the local ocean and wildlife.
How to book: CA Parks > Reserve California
Dog friendly: Dogs allowed only on the multiuse trail (bike path). Dogs not allowed on sand.
Open Season: Year round
Crystal Cove State Park
Crystal Cove State Park is located in Newport Beach and is one of the nicest state parks in California. If you're planning a camping trip to Los Angeles, this beach isn’t too far and definitely worth checking out.
Hike-in camping in Crystal Cove State Park may be the ideal weekend escape for any Orange County resident who enjoys backpacking. If you live in Orange County, you have easy access to the park. The three-mile hike into the campsites is already a pleasant experience due to the isolation and the beautiful scenery, but the hike back out to the private beaches of Crystal Cove is the icing on the cake.
The Park also offers RV Camping with parking available for campers up to 38 feet.
How to book: CA Parks > Reserve California
Dog friendly: Dogs allowed on paved areas only. Except for service animals, dogs not allowed on the beach or in the backcountry. Dogs are not allowed in Deer Canyon, Lower Moro, and Upper Moro Campgrounds.
Open Season: Year round
San Elijo State Beach
San Elijo State Beach is the final site on our list, a long stretch of beach in North County San Diego that's a great place to camp.
This campground, which is located close to the town of Cardiff-by-the-Sea, offers a wide variety of amenities to its guests, including roomy campsites, a sizable camp store, steaming hot showers, a taco stand, and even an espresso cart. The camping area is located on a cliff, which provides breathtaking views of the ocean; a staircase leads down to the secluded beach below. Remember to bring your bicycle, since there will be many other children pedaling about on theirs around the campsite. If you forget something, you may either go across the street to the market or drive into town.
How to book: CA Parks > Reserve California
Dog friendly: Dogs allowed only in campground. Dogs not allowed on beach.
Open Season: Year round
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