12 Weekend Camping Trips Los Angeles

Los Angeles may be best known as a sprawling metropolis and home to some of the biggest stars on Earth, but just a few hours away lies some of the most beautiful camping destinations on the West Coast. And, whether you’re craving an ocean breeze or the solitude of the forest, California has it all, and your next perfect weekend getaway could be just a few hours away.

But where exactly are these amazing spots? Below, we’ll walk you through 12 fantastic camping destinations, each of which has something a little different to offer, making hiring a campervan in LA and planning your next weekend vacation totally stress-free.

Are you ready? Let’s hit the road and see what California has to offer.

Joshua Tree National Park

Distance from Los Angeles: 134 Miles

The first option you have for a weekend trip out of Los Angeles is Joshua Tree National Park, which is around two and a half hours away. This desert wonderland is famous for its namesake Joshua trees, gigantic boulders, and fascinating rock formations that look like nothing else you’ve ever seen before. The hiking trails here are perfect for exploring, especially the Hidden Valley and Ryan Mountain Trails, while spots like Keys View offer you some of the most incredible views of the Coachella Valley in the distance.

It’s not just hiking that outdoor enthusiasts love about Joshua Tree National Park, though. It’s also a world-class destination for rock climbing and bouldering, with spots like Intersection Rock and the Wonderland of Rocks inviting you to explore them. The whole park is also especially beautiful at sunset when the light dances across the rocks, and as there is zero light pollution, you’re also offered some of the best stargazing opportunities in the U.S. and the chance to see the Milky Way like never before.

When it’s time to call it a night, Joshua Tree Lake RV & Campground is a great choice, just 20 minutes outside the park. Here, you’ll find full hookups, picnic tables, fire pits, restrooms with hot showers, and even free WiFi. It also has a family-friendly atmosphere, and there are events held throughout the week to keep you entertained and give you the opportunity to connect with other campers.

Malibu Creek State Park

Distance from Los Angeles: 36 Miles

Your next option is Malibu Creek State Park, which is only 36 miles from Los Angeles and perfect for a last-minute break away from the city. Here, you’ll find rolling hills and rocky outcroppings that are perfect for exploring, and if you’re into hiking, the 2.5-mile trail to Century Lake is a must. It’s a fairly easy walk, so it’s ideal if you’re a novice hiker, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful views across a lake surrounded by cliffs. The Rock Pool is another favorite spot for visitors here, a natural swimming home where you can cool off on a warm day.

Along with these opportunities for adventure, one of the most interesting things about Malibu Creek State Park is that it has a long history with Hollywood. It was the filming location for MASH*, and you can still see some of the old sets scattered around the park. It’s also an excellent destination for wildlife lovers, with the chance to spot deer, hawks, and even the occasional bobcat.

One of the best places to camp nearby is Malibu Beach RV Park, which is a 15-minute drive from the park. Set just off the Pacific Coast Highway, it’s easy to find and gives you convenient access to the road, along with full hookup sites, restrooms, hot showers, and even a little store stocked with snacks and camping essentials. It’s dog-friendly, too, which is ideal if you’re traveling with your canine companion.

Angeles National Forest

Distance from Los Angeles: 60 Miles

The Angeles National Forest is the perfect place to escape from the city heat and breathe in some fresh mountain air without venturing too far from the city. This massive forest covers over 700,000 acres and is packed with trails, streams, and scenic lookouts, so there’s plenty to explore. If you’re up for a hike, the Bridge to Nowhere Trail is a challenging 10-mile trek that takes you to a bridge in the middle of nowhere, hence the name. Or, for something easier, the Switzer Falls Trail is a short hike ending at a beautiful waterfall.

There’s no shortage of adventure opportunities throughout the year here, either. During the winter months, spots like Mount Baldy are excellent for skiing and snowboarding, while summer brings hiking and fishing at Crystal Lake. No matter what time of year you’re visiting, the forest also has some fascinating history to explore, including the historic Mount Wilson Observatory, where you can learn about its role in astronomical discoveries.

For your camping option, Mission RV Park is a great spot around 45 minutes from the National Forest Headquarters. There are 142 sites here with full hookups, and you’ll have access to restrooms with showers, laundry facilities, and a dump station. It’s pet-friendly, too, and there’s a dump station on-site that all guests are welcome to use for a $25 fee. The only thing to keep in mind is that you’ll need to check out by 11 am on your final day and that you can only pay for your stay using cash, so make sure you’ve got enough on you!

Note: The Angeles National Forest, which includes the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument, will partially reopen on Thursday, January 30 2025. The new Eaton Fire closure will be in place from January 30 – December 31, 2025. The Bridge Fire closure, previously in place, remains active through December 31, 2026.

San Bernardino National Forest

Distance from Los Angeles: 55 Miles

Just an hour from Los Angeles, San Bernadino National Forest is the place to go if you’re a real outdoors person, with opportunities for hiking, boating, mountain biking, or simply soaking up the scenery. One of the most popular spots here is Big Bear Lake, where you can go paddleboarding, kayaking, or spend an afternoon fishing. You can also take a 45-minute drive around the forest to Lake Arrowhead from here, where there aren’t only opportunities for watersports and fishing but also a little village with shops and restaurants to explore.

The hiking opportunities here are almost endless, and one of the most popular (especially for families with children) is the easy Woodland Interpretive Trail. There are some challenging trails, too, such as the Cougar Crest Trail, which ends with panoramic views of Big Bear Lake that will have you reaching for your camera.

After a day of exploring, park your RV at San Bernadino RV Park, which is only 20 minutes from the national forest. Here, you’ll find 110 spacious sites with full hookups, along with amenities like flush toilets, hot showers, laundry facilities, concrete patios at every site, and free WiFi. There’s also a fenced and lighted pet park, which is ideal for exercising your furry travel buddy, no matter what time of day it is. Don’t worry if this place is full, though, as there’s an excellent alternative at Holloway’s Marina & RV Park 30 minutes away, which has many of the same excellent facilities.

Leo Carrillo State Park

Distance from Los Angeles: 52 Miles

Just south of Malibu and with over 1.5 miles of sandy beaches and sea caves to explore Leo Carillo State Park is the perfect spot for ocean-loving explorers to head on a weekend getaway. Surfing and paddle boarding are also popular here, but even if you’re not keen on hitting the waves, the park’s beautiful beach is a great place to simply kick back and relax. It’s a great place to head to with kids, too, with loads of tidal pools at low tide teeming with sea stars, crabs, and other marine life.

It’s not just the beach that has some awesome opportunities for exploration, though. There are some excellent hiking trails that take you through rolling hills and offer you views of the Pacific Ocean that are well worth the effort, particularly the Leo Carillo Beach Trail and the Yellow Hill Trail. And, if you’re into history, there are spots along several hiking trails where you can learn more about Leo Carrillo, the actor who worked to preserve California’s natural beauty.

If you’re looking for a great place to stay nearby, Malibu Beach RV Park is a great choice. It’s just 20 minutes from Leo Carrillo State Park and has oceanfront sites with full hookups. There are also some excellent amenities like restrooms with hot showers, laundry facilities, WiFI, picnic tables, a games room, and even a convenience store.

Carpinteria State Beach

Distance from Los Angeles: 85 Miles

Looking for a coastal getaway a bit further from Los Angeles? Carpinteria State Beach is around 90 minutes from the city and has sandy shores, Pacific Ocean Views, and everything else you’d expect from an idyllic destination.

When you’re done soaking up the views, there’s plenty to do in the area. For a dose of local culture, stroll into downtown Carpinteria, which is just 15 minutes on foot, where you’ll find boutiques, restaurants, and a friendly, small-town atmosphere. You can also visit the Carpinteria Seal Sanctuary (a 5-minute drive from town) and see seals lounging on the rocks during breeding season. Also, if the seals haven’t quite fulfilled your wildlife-spotting craving, you can head down to the shore at low tide and explore the tide pools that are filled with all manner of marine life.

A great camping option close to Carpinteria State Beach is Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park. It’s less than 20 minutes away and offers full hookup sites with 30-amp and 50-amp power, private bathrooms with showers, picnic tables, and free WiFi. It’s also just 5 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, and it’s pet-friendly, giving you even more places to explore and letting you bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Crystal Cove State Park

Distance from Los Angeles: 47 Miles

Moving back closer to LA, Crystal Cove State Park is just 45 minutes away and is home to 3.2 miles of coastline, tide pools, and sandy coves that are perfect for swimming, snorkeling, or just lounging in the sun. The adventures aren’t just on the beach, though.

There are over 2,400 acres of backcountry wilderness to explore inland, with trails like Moro Canyon (2 minutes from the beach) taking you to higher land with amazing ocean views. Along with the hiking trails and beach, one of the best things about Crystal Cove is its Historic District, where you’ll find vintage beach cottages dating back to the 1930s and 1940s.

As far as your camping options are concerned, Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort is an excellent choice, and it is only 10 minutes from Crystal Cove. This is a luxury RV resort with full hookups and a host of amenities, including a pool, spa, and fitness center. It even has its own stretch of beach, and you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or electric boats to explore the waters. Also, as if all that wasn’t enough, you’ll also find an on-site restaurant and market, so you won’t have to venture far for a great meal or supplies.

Point Mugu State Park

Distance from Los Angeles: 60 Miles

Another excellent weekend getaway destination if you’re craving ocean views and coastal trails, Point Mugu State Park is 60 miles from Los Angeles and has cliffs, beaches, and miles of hiking trails through the Santa Monica Mountains. The Ray Miller Backbone Trail, which runs through 67 miles of the mountains and passes through Point Mugu, is one of the most popular and offers amazing views of the coastline along the way. Or, if you’d prefer to stay closer to the shore, the Big Sycamore Canyon and La Jolla Canyon Trails are a great way of exploring the area.

It’s not all just about exploring in this corner of the U.S., though. Point Mugu is also a great place to relax, and the beach here tends to be less crowded than others in the area, which is perfect for picnics and sunbathing sessions. It’s excellent for wildlife spotting as well, with opportunities to spot dolphins offshore or peregrine falcons soaring overhead.

One of your best options for camping near Point Mugu State Park is Ventura Beach RV Resort, which is 30 minutes away and offers spacious sites with full hookups and some stellar amenities, including a heated pool and hot tub. You’ll also have access to free, limited WiFi and an on-site ATM machine, as well as the chance to unwind and connect with fellow travelers at the weekly movie and karaoke nights.

Idyllwild-Pine Cove

Distance from Los Angeles: 110 Miles

Located in the San Jacinto Mountains, Idyllwild-Pine Cove is a mountain town that, while only being 2 hours from Los Angeles, feels like a world away. This place is most famous for its tall pine trees and granite peaks, but it’s also a good place to head to escape the heat during the summer, as the higher elevations have cooler temperatures.

It’s also got everything that hikers, nature lovers, and anyone seeking a relaxing weekend away could ever ask for. You can head out on some fantastic hikes like the Devil’s Slide and Ernie Maxwell Scenic Trail, both of which are less than 10 minutes away and have breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys along the way. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more laid back, the town itself has cafes like Cafe Aroma and art galleries to explore. In fact, art is a big thing here, and the town is also one of the “100 Best Small Art Towns in America” locations, so you’ll often find live music performances and art festivals happening throughout the year.

With so much to see and do, you’ll want to be as close to the action as possible, and Thousand Trails Idyllwild RV Resort lets you do that at just 10 minutes from town. It’s open all year round, and there are 252 reservable sites with full hookups, along with some excellent amenities like restrooms with hot showers, a swimming pool, laundry facilities, a playground, and designated game areas for volleyball, horseshoes, and billiards. The only thing to keep in mind is that during the off-season (mid-September to mid-May), the pool, restaurant, store, and fishing area are closed.

Sequoia National Park

Distance from Los Angeles: 205 Miles

To get further away from the city on a long weekend trip, Sequoia National Park is a 3.5-hour road trip that ends with the chance to get up close and personal with some of the tallest trees on Earth. In particular, the General Sherman Tree (which is the largest tree in the world by volume) is reason enough to plan a weekend getaway here, but you can also see some other amazing giants on hikes like the Congress Trail.

Another place to explore while you’re here is the Crystal Cave, and while it’s an hour’s drive through the National Park, it gives you the opportunity to explore a marble cave filled with stalactites and stalagmites. Or, if you prefer something a little less adventurous, Lake Kaweah is just 20 minutes away and is the perfect spot for fishing. Wildlife is abundant here, too, and you might spot black bears, deer, or even the occasional mountain lion in the distance.

When you’re ready to call it a night, Sequoia RV Ranch is only 20 minutes away and has a range of different sites to choose from, including deluxe river sites. All sites here come with full hookups, and there are some unique amenities you’re welcome to use as well, including a natural swimming hole, a fishing lake, and fire pits that make for a cozy evening under the stars.

Pismo State Beach

Distance from Los Angeles: 177 Miles

Another good option if you’re looking to head a little further out from Los Angeles, Pismo State Beach is around 3 hours away and is famous for its wide, sandy beaches, rolling dunes, and amazing sunsets. Also, if you plan your visit between October and February, you might get the opportunity to see the Monarch Butterfly Grove at its best, with thousands of butterflies gathering during their migration.

For a little more adventure, the Oceano Dunes are 5 minutes away, and this is one of the few places in California where you can rent an ATV and drive it on the beach along the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. Or, for something more low-key, Pismo Beach Pier is a 25-minute walk away, where you can spend an afternoon fishing or strolling out for some awesome ocean views.

You’ve also got the opportunity to RV camp close to the beach here, with Pismo Coast Village RV Resort just 2 minutes away. There are 400 full hookup sites here, each of which has free WiFi access and cable TV, which is perfect for campers who need those creature comforts. You’ll also find some excellent amenities, including a heated pool, laundry facilities, miniature golf, and an on-site arcade.

Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area

Distance from Los Angeles: 76 Miles

Just over an hour from Los Angeles, Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area is another place to head if you want to explore the San Bernardino Mountains without straying too far from the city. It’s also perfect for a weekend of fishing, swimming, or boating, and Cleghorn Beach is particularly popular for its sandy beaches and designated swimming spots.

As far as hiking is concerned, you’ve got plenty of options, including the Pacific Crest Trail, which runs right through the park and has incredible views of the surrounding peaks and valleys along the route. Silverwood Lake itself is less than five minutes away, too, and not only gives you the opportunity to fish or head out on the water in a kayak or paddle board but also some excellent wildlife spotting, including bald eagles, which are regularly seen here during the winter months.

To set up camp, we recommend heading to Old Mesa Campground, which has a mix of hookup campsites with full power, water, and sewer connections, and non-hookup sites. It’s also just five minutes from Silverwood Lake State Recreation Area and the amenities include flush toilets, coin-operated showers, fire rings, charcoal grills, and picnic tables. Group sites are available, too, so it’s a good option if you’re traveling with a large group of friends or taking a family vacation.

Final Thoughts

No matter which direction you head, Los Angeles has some of the best weekend camping trips on the West Coast. From the desert magic of Joshua Tree to the beachside vibes of Pismo, there’s a destination to suit every type of traveler. At Travellers Autobarn, we make it easy to hit the road and explore these areas and beyond with our fleet of reliable campervans and free unlimited miles. So, pack your bags, fire up the GPS, and get ready to head out on the West Coast camping trip you’ve been dreaming of.

Looking for more Californian road trip adventures? Here are some other articles you might enjoy:

• 7 Unforgettable Family Camping Spots in California
• Free Camping California
• Best Beach Campgrounds & RV Parks in California
• 8 Epic Campervan Road Trip Itineraries Out of Los Angeles

DISCLAIMER: All information provided, including prices, availability, and site details, is correct at the time of publishing. We recommend contacting campsites or caravan parks directly to confirm the latest details before planning your visit. Please review our Terms and Conditions for additional information.