10 Weekend Camping Trips Outside of Los Angeles in a Campervan

Joshua Tree National Park

This is probably the loveliest place in southern California, and a camper’s dream come true. Joshua Tree National Park has the most captivating desert landscapes – where the Colorado and Mojave deserts meet, making it a sought-after spot to have the best camping trip on the west coast.

The Hidden Valley Trail one of the must-do hiking trails, but of course the park is perfect for biking as well as long drives. Make sure to keep an eye out for the namesake tree which is a type of Agave.

Camping within the park is fairly basic and several campgrounds have only pit toilets and no electrical hookups or water supply. However, you can find accommodation outside the park. For example, Joshua Tree Lake RV and Campground provides full hookups with water and flush toilets without sacrificing the awe-inspiring scenery of the national park.

Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park is a state park in California, scattered across 8000 acres of land. This is a stunning state park with about equally beautiful long hiking trails amidst oak trees. Campers can also enjoy a dip in the swimming holes the state park has to offer.

Malibu creek state park is famous for its summer season’s campfire series, where you can relish roasting marshmallows and attend informative sessions about local wildlife. For environmentalists, the state park preserves the Malibu creek running through the Santa Monica Mountains.

Being so near Los Angeles, you cannot get away from Hollywood, this park used to be the filming location for Planet of the Apes and M*A*S*H!

This state park has a year-round campground with 62 campsites that have fire pits, as well as access to warm showers and drinking water. However, if you’re coming in an RV be sure to book early as they have limited spots.

Angeles National Forest

The Angeles National Forest is quite a popular choice among Los Angeles campers, hikers, and picnickers.

The San Gabriel Mountains are the main attraction of this park, but you will find various other quintessential backcountry activities like OHV riding and lake fishing.

It holds around forty best camping spots within easy access, both for tents and RV. They offer cabins as well. The camping spots in Angeles National Forest thrive on a first-come-first-serve basis.

San Bernardino National Forest

Just a short distance away, you will find the San Bernardino national forest which consists of two divisions, namely the San Gabriel Mountains on the eastern side and the San Bernardino Mountains on the other side. The forest houses deserts and a whole lot of mountains coupled with many wildflowers.

This is a great spot to enjoy mountain biking here and horseback riding on all its roads.

Most camping within the park is tent camping but nearby you can find San Bernardino RV Park. Here you can find all the comforts including manicured patios, wifi, and full hookups in a secure community.

Leo Carrillo State park

This state park has more than 130 camping spots and pristine beaches within easy access. You can enjoy a breathtaking view of the ocean, explore the tidepools there, and venture through the coastal caves. You can go for a dip, set up picnic tables on the beachside, or simply go for a hike to enjoy miles of trails. All while under the shade of giant sycamores.

This park boasts all the amenities, which means it is an ideal site for glamping in an RV. If you forgot to bring something, you can get it from the store within the state beach campground.  pacific ocean

Carpinteria State Beach

Another spot to admire the Pacific ocean from is Carpinteria State Beach in Santa Barbara. It offers stunning sandy beaches where you can fish, swim, explore more tidepools, and set up camp. Carpinteria State Beach is a huge campground with about 200+ camping sites. Each one of them come with picnic tables, drinking water, as well as fire pits, and fire rings. Fire rings ensure safety by keeping the fire from spreading or turn into a wildfire. This allows you to safely enjoy barbeque parties and cookouts.

The state beach has bathrooms with coin-operated showers. You get hot running water here, so no need to worry at all! Other than this, the state beach has RV sites with hookups. Additionally, it also boasts numerous tent sites. Tent camping, anyone?

Crystal Cove State Park

This canyon campground will truly give you that feeling of escape. Despite the area falling within urban sites of Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach aka. Orange County, you will be whisked away to a haven of biodiversity here.

Relax to the fullest by the ocean side or go for an adventurous hike. Explore tidepools with guided geology tours. At the Pacific Coast Highway, you will find The Moro Campground, which is home to 59 camping sites, 27 of which are suitable for RVs.

Point Mugu State Park

The Point Mugu State Park starts from Pacific Coast Highway and goes all the way to Conejo Valley, situated in Ventura County. Hiking here can be the most memorable experience when wildflowers bloom in full swing alongside overflowing waterfalls

The state park is a popular spot for rock climbing and boating. Along the Pacific Coast Highway, you can enjoy marine life to the fullest while expecting heartwarming views of dolphins and whales.

There are both tent camping and RV spots available here, though there are no full hookups available.

Big Bear Lake

This site has southern California’s best mountain biking venue. Not only this, but Big Bear Lake offers something for everyone! From the most innovative parks to shopping venues and delicious fine dining experience, Big Bear has it all. In addition, it is the best place to kayak, all thanks to its calm waters that allow a peaceful trip!

Stay at Holloway’s Marina & RV Park, a beautiful lakefront locale with 115 full hookup sites. Their location means you can easily head into the marina to rent boats for a day on the lake.

Idyllwild

The final, and perhaps most off the beaten track location, is Idyllwild. This community is located within the San Jacinto mountains, offering incredible panoramic views sprinkled with pine and cedar trees.

Escape from Los Angeles to the small-town atmosphere of peace and quiet at Idyllwild. If you have had enough of outdoorsy mountain life, there are plenty of local restaurants and boutiques to explore, as well as the natural history museum: Idyllwild Nature Center.

If you are on a road trip in your trusty campervan, Idyllwild RV Resort makes a great place to stay. Full hookup sites along with plenty of family facilities like a playground and game room are available to keep you entertained.

We hope these locations have inspired you to get out and about from the big city of Los Angeles. Travellers Autobarn is ready to equip you with the perfect campervan or RV for the weekend.