1. Malibu Creek Campground
Near the top of any list is Malibu Creek Campground. Located in Malibu Creek State Park, this is the place to go if you want to hike, stroll along the beach, or just do some bird-watching. Because it is so close to downtown LA, residents looking for a break from city life often use Malibu Creek. It hosts 63 sites for tents and RVs. The 8 000 acres of parkland in Malibu Creek Campground is home to a wide array of wildlife, including predators like mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, and badgers. Rabbits, deer, and chipmunks are plentiful, as well as reptiles like salamanders, newts, and toads. Bird-watchers can keep their eyes peeled for loons, hawks, eagles, falcons, and many other winged species. Fun fact: This park was the primary location for the filming of Planet of the Apes and the hit television series MASH! Visitors who wish to visit the sites can hike over and take them in.
2. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
Also ranking high on must-visit campground lists is Leo Carrillo State Park Campground. Only slightly further from Los Angeles than our first listing, this campground boasts 1.5 miles (2.41 km) of beach within easy walking distance. I recommended booking well in advance, as its 135 sites tend to fill up fast. Campers can enjoy all kinds of activities at the Leo Carrillo State Beach, including swimming, sunbathing, beach combing, fishing, kayaking, and surfing. There are many tide pools and caves nearby for the curious. Hikers will find several trails to explore, such as the Yellow Hill Fire Trail and the Nicholas Flat Trail. Wildlife near the beach includes marine mammals like gray whales, dolphins, sea lions, and harbor seals. Bird-watchers may spot cormorants, pelicans, seagulls, or grebes. For the fisher, there are fish such as kelp, bass, and halibut.
3. Sycamore Canyon Campground
Sycamore Canyon Campground is the place to be in Point Mugu State Park. Beach-lovers, mountain bikers, and avid hikers will enjoy this experience with 3.6 miles (ca. 6 km) of beach and 70 miles (ca. 113 km) of hiking and mountain biking trails. Fifty-eight sites offer a comprehensive camping experience suitable for easygoing campers. For those interested in a more strenuous experience, the 200-foot-tall PCH Sandhill a mile away is a must-visit. Local wildlife includes bears, coyotes, raccoons, and skunks. Whales and dolphins are often spotted in the water, and birds and fish abound.
4. Chilao Campground
The Chilao Campground in Angeles National Forest is a treasure within easy driving distance of LA. It is also much cheaper than many other campgrounds at only $12/night. Don’t miss amazing views of the San Gabriel Mountains and Big Tujunga Canyon in this area. The 5 300-foot elevation allows for breathtaking vistas, making it among the best camping near Los Angeles. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. A short distance away, the Chilao Visitor Center contains 20 indoor exhibits and is a starting point for 4 self-guided interpretive trails. Wildlife includes bobcats, mountain lions, bears, and a broad array of avian life. The Nelson bighorn sheep makes its home in the area, though it can be difficult to spot.
5. Table Mountain Campground
For those willing to make the drive, Table Mountain Campground is a scenic and rewarding experience. As one of the best examples of superb camping near Los Angeles, Table Mountain will give campers a truly back-to-nature experience. This site caters to those seeking the peace and quiet of nature and incredible mountain and desert views. Hikers and mountain bikers will find lovely nature trails to occupy them at this northernmost tip of the Angeles National Forest. Those in tents will best enjoy the 39 sites at this campground. Large RVs will have a difficult time navigating the roads in and out, so smaller RVs of no more than 34 feet (ca. 10 m) in length are advised. For those needing to replenish supplies, the town of Wrightwood is close by. Wildlife found in this region includes bobcats, mountain lions, bears, raccoons, and many species of birds.
6. Buckhorn Campground
The San Gabriel Mountains feature in the stunning Buckhorn Campground in Angeles National Forest. Sitting at 6,300 feet (ca. 2 km) above sea level, this site boasts the highest elevation on our list. Hiking trails abound with views that quickly justify the effort made to see them. The Pacific Crest Trail and the Silver Moccasin Trail are well worth the trip, as well as the Burkhart Trail, which ends in the gorgeous Copper Canyon Falls. This campground doesn’t permit reservations, so be sure to grab one of the 38 spots before they are all taken. Veterans of the campsite warn that it fills up quickly on the weekends, with city-dwellers and visitors to LA. Once again, those with tents or small RVs will fare best. Local wildlife includes mule deer and squirrels, in addition to typical predators like mountain lions and bears. LA is a city with seemingly endless appeal, but just as enticing are the high-quality campgrounds on its outskirts. From the Malibu Creek Campground to the Buckhorn Campground, take advantage of the very best camping near Los Angeles.
