If you want to spend your vacation taking in the majesty of the great outdoors, you might not automatically think of the City of Angels as the best place to go. But it might surprise you to learn that there are plenty of prime camping spots close by that will make you completely forget about the traffic, the smog, and the celebs.
Nearly six out of 10 U.S. households report that one of the residents has gone camping. And according to the 2019 North American Camping Report released by Kampgrounds of America, the number of Americans who have participated in this pastime has increased by 22% in the last five years alone. Last year, a staggering 78.8 million people identified as camping households.
That said, Los Angeles isn’t usually revered for its outdoor activities. Here, people are more likely to pitch a movie script than they are to pitch a tent. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. In fact, there are more opportunities to rough it than you might think — if you’re willing to travel for an hour or two away from Downtown L.A., that is.
Just a little over 35 miles away from downtown, you’ll find the Malibu Creek Campground. Located in Malibu Creek State Park, this locale has 63 different camping sites and over 15 miles of trails to explore. There are opportunities to rock climb, cook out, and even take in a piece of Hollywood history, as M*A*S*H* was filmed here. Although the amenities aren’t luxurious, this is a great option for beginners or for those who don’t want to travel long distances just to camp out.
In the Angeles National Forest, about 50 miles from downtown, you’ll find the Buckhorn Campground and the Crystal Lake Recreation Campground. Both offer hiking trails and affordable accommodations, with options for swimming and cabin rentals, depending on where you stay. There’s even a cafe at Crystal Lake if you don’t feel like cooking. Keep in mind that the Buckhorn Campground is situated at an altitude of 6,300 feet, so plan accordingly if you aren’t into heights.
If you want to combine your love for camping and your passion for beach activities, look no further than the Leo Carillo State Park Campground. As swimming is the fourth most popular recreational activity in the country, this is a good way to bring an activity the entire family loves into camping. Only 54 miles from L.A., you can surf and explore tide pools. You can also indulge in fishing, as it’s right on the Pacific Coast. That said, you might not catch any members of the 25% of marine fish species that dwell in coral reefs during this trip. Not surprisingly, these sites book up quickly (especially since there’s a general store on-site), so you’ll want to reserve in advance.
If you don’t mind being a couple of hours away from the city, you might consider the Carpinteria State Beach Campground. Aside from the nearby beach, the grounds are in close proximity to a microbrewery and a quaint town center, which will appeal to those who don’t want to be completely removed from civilization. You don’t even have to drive there, as Amtrak service will bring you a short walk away from camp. If you choose not to drive or get there via bicycle, you’ll end up paying less for your reservation, too.
And if you just want to escape it all and go the rustic route? Try the Mount Pacifico Campground, situated 45 miles north of Los Angeles. Although this area, which provides incredible views of the Mojave Desert, was badly damaged in the 2009 Station fire, it’s since grown lush grasses and wildflowers to make your trip even more idyllic. Take in the summit of the 7,124-foot mountain in the Angeles National Forest. It’s basic and you’ll need to provide just about everything (there’s no drinking water or trash receptacles, so consider yourself warned). But if you’re looking to really get away and get back to nature, this is a great way to do it.
Whether you want to stick close to home for the sake of your family or don’t mind traveling a bit further just to clear your head, there are plenty of camping options that won’t require you to get stuck in L.A. traffic for hours on end. You’ll be close enough to society in the event of an emergency but will be removed enough that you’ll actually be able to relax — and isn’t that what we all want?
