BEST CAMPSITES NEAR LA

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BEST CAMPSITES NEAR LA

Best campsites near la

We are living in an era where going camping is not merely a fun activity but is now one of the more low-risk activities you can do solo or with others, and one of the few safe ways to travel, get a change of scenery, and to feel free while gathering with others. You can breathe the fresh air, sleep in and use all of your own gear, and experience the pure serenity and beauty of the great outdoors. Working at REI, I can confirm that more people are camping more often and many of them for the first time, especially Angelenos.

I grew up in Los Angeles, California and have spent a majority of my life here, growing my career, making life-long friendships, and educating many on the multitude of high-adventure opportunities that lie a mere hour to three hours away from the city. You just have to know where to look. If you are like me and need a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly out-of-the-city nature splurge to keep you sane, be sure to check out the list below, and be sure to tell them that The Secret Spots sent ya ;)


Things to keep in mind

  • Camping anywhere on a weekend versus a weekday will be drastically more crowded and often loud

  • If summer-camping, I would suggest picking a spot close to a body of water

  • If given the option to choose my campsite, I will always choose one close to the water and/or on the edge of the campground with few to no neighbors nearby.

  • The further in advance you can book your site the better chance you have of booking a prime spot


CAR CAMPING

I define “Car Camping” as not camping out of your car, per se, but being able to drive up to your campsite and therefore be able to pack as much as you can fit into your car, as opposed to hauling it all on your back (backpacking). This is the most approachable kind of camping and appeals to all: families, kids, groups, duos, beginners, as well as experienced campers. You don’t need the most expensive gear to do it and you can pack like home. Check out some of my favorite, nearby, drive-up campsites that help you feel a million miles away from civilization.

This post will continue to be updated as more special Secret Spot campgrounds are discovered. If looking for a more rugged and off-the-grid experience, check out my Best Backpacking Near LA post (coming soon).

SPIRIT WALK RETREAT

Lake Isabella / 2.5 hrs from LA / $50-70 per night

 
 

  • Private land with about 8 camp-able sites right on a swim-able river

    • The site under the big oak tree (pictured) is my favorite, and is request-able, but can only fit 3 ppl tops. I also love the site at the end, closest to the river.

  • Good for a group or a duo

    • You can even inquire with the host about renting out the entire campground for a retreat or large group. Catering is offered as part of the package.

  • No pets or loud kids and/or party atmosphere

  • Communal kitchen underneath a beautiful oak tree with 5 tables as well as a platform area for yoga and/or relaxing

  • Private composite toilet (only for #2) and free warm shower available (shared with entire campground)

  • The incredible Kern River is close by as well as the amazing Miracle Hot Springs

  • Can you find the unique rock labyrinth on the property? Tag me if you do ;) @the_secret_spots

  • Mobile availability - partial coverage for AT&T and Verizon, not great for Sprint or T-Mobile

GARTH’S BOULDER GARDENS

Pioneertown / 2.5 hrs from LA / $50 per night

 
 

  • Many options on how to "camp" here: There are tent sites, you can reserve a yurt, wooden platform area for yoga retreats, a furnished rock cave, and more!

  • Definitely a hippie commune type of vibe here and you can meet Garth himself who lives in a teepee on the property near the boulder pool. This land is gorgeous and grand with many art installations hidden throughout to seek-out and discover.

  • Beautiful wading boulder pool and wood-burning sauna on the property.

  • Porto-potties available and potable water as well. There are tables but only at at some sites

  • Endless boulders for climbing and hiking adventures

  • Pets allowed and there are even pups that live on the property and will come and greet you.

  • I camped here with my family, kids included, and we had a great time. That being said, the private nature of the property and trippy desert vibe it provides definitely welcomes a free-spirited clientele… meaning, you may, and most likely will see naked people tripping on mushrooms around so just know that if you want to bring your kids ;)

  • Mobile availability - No service whatsoever except at the campsite entrance with the wifi password - This place can be tricky to find so make sure you have figured out the directions before your arrival especially if your group is arriving separately


INDIAN COVE CAMPGROUND

Joshua Tree / 2.5 hrs from LA / $25-50 per night

 
 

  • This place is great because you are pretty much within the Joshua Tree National Park landscape without having to pay the national park day fee or to fight first-come-first-serve-style to get a spot within the national park.

  • There are small spots as well as larger group spots you can reserve

  • This is a favorite spot for rock climbing enthusiasts - beginner to advanced

  • Restrooms, potable water, fire pits, and tables available

  • Great place for families

  • Dogs are not allowed here

  • Mobile availability - partial coverage for Verizon and AT&T, not great for Sprint of T-Mobile

AUNTIE BERT’S FARM

Morongo Valley / 2 hrs from LA / $50 per night

 
 

  • This place is wonderful as it sits right between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree and therefore features a wonderful hybrid of desert and marsh landscape to enjoy

  • Lots of space, swimming holes, trees, and dirt roads to ride your bike down

  • Great for groups

  • The group site I stayed on included a beautiful firepit - and the host even provided firewood and built us a fire - as well as a bbq and wood benches for campfire huddles. Other sites, however, that do not have the firepit do not allow fires

  • Shared bathroom on site as well as a warm shower

  • Dogs are allowed

WHEELER GORGE CAMPGROUND

Los Padres National Forest / 2 hrs from LA / $25-50 per night

 
 

  • Wonderful nature-escape location wtih the quaint town of Ojai a quick drive away

  • Facilities include toilets, tables, fire pits, but no potable water

  • Campground sits on a beautiful creek

  • Dogs are allowed

  • 10 miles away from The Rose Valley

    • Features a beautiful waterfall, swimming holes, hiking and bouldering galore

  • Mobile availability - partial coverage for Verizon and AT&T, not great for Sprint of T-Mobile

RIVER RIDGE RANCH

Springville / 2.5 hrs from LA / $50 per night

 
 

  • This place is definitely closer to a glamping than camping experience

  • COVID-compliant - only allows one family to stay at a time

  • Pets allowed

  • Toilet, potable water, outdoor hot shower, and trash available on site. It even has a communal kitchen and bar area.

  • Communal fire pit and bathtub

  • Adjacent to the north fork of the Thule River for swimming and floating

  • This place has an original rock labyrinth too!


LONE PINE CAMPGROUND

Lone Pine / 2.5 hrs from LA / $24-65 per night

 
 

  • The Lone Pine area is near and dear to my heart. I have been camping in this area since I was a wee youngin’. Home to the epic Alabama Hills, John Muir Wilderness, high desert, high sierra goodness, and of course, right below the mighty Mount Whitney (highest peak in the continental US at 14,505ft altitude). The combination of landscapes, geology, and wildlife here is quite unparalleled. Be sure to read my upcoming Highway 395, road trip adventure post (coming soon) for more info.

  • This campground is first-come-first-served and reservations are not available

  • Toilets, food storage containers, tables, and potable water available

  • Sites are close but separated by high bushes and trees, so you get some privacy.

  • Mobile availability - Best for AT&T, good for Sprint, not great for Verizon or T-Mobile

  • Next to a river with surrounding area great for trout fishing

  • Stunningly quiet, epic natural beauty,

lake cachuma campground

LAKE CACHUMA / 2.5 hrs from LA / $33-130 per night

 
 

  • Cachuma Recreational Area, just 20 miles north of Santa Barbara, is a wonderful and stunning adventure island with everything your camping heart could desire.

  • No swimming in this lake, which is a damn crime if you ask me, but it is great for fishing, boating, kayaking, and insane sunrise and sunset views.

  • This area is wonderful for big groups, families, and dogs. There are even group zones with a fire spit and multiple tables for big group dining.

  • Each site has a table, fire pit, and potable water nearby.

  • You can stay in one of their many Yurts! They sleep about 6 people with bunk beds and as well as a fire pit and table. Some even have their own porch looking out to the lake.

  • Lots of room to ride your bike around the whole Lake Cachuma Campgroupd ‘island’

  • Dock access and fully stocked general store. Restrooms scattered throughout campground and even a public pool and laundry services. This place feels like an army base. It’s pretty cool.

  • Best Campsites / 445, 453, 451, & 480

  • Best Yurt Sites / Lupine, Poppy, & Sage

  • Mobile Availability - full service

Laura Jackman