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Are you looking for a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with nature? Look no further than nature camping trips near Los Angeles. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out, there's something for everyone in the beautiful landscapes surrounding LA. From the stunning beaches of Santa Monica to the rugged mountains of the Angeles National Forest, there are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the great outdoors.
Camping near Los Angeles

Camping near Los Angeles
Exploring the Great Outdoors
Los Angeles is often associated with urban landscapes and bustling city streets, but the surrounding areas offer a wealth of natural beauty just waiting to be explored. Camping near Los Angeles provides a chance to escape the chaos of city life and reconnect with the great outdoors.
From the stunning beaches of Santa Monica to the rugged mountains of the Angeles National Forest, there are countless opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out, there's something for everyone in the beautiful landscapes surrounding LA.
Popular Camping Spots | Distance from Los Angeles | Features |
---|---|---|
Malibu Creek State Park | 30 miles | Beach camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
Angeles National Forest | 45 miles | Free dispersed camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area | 20 miles | Beach camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
Looking for more nature day trips? Check out our guide to the best nature day trips in Colorado!
Beach Camping near Los Angeles
If you're looking for a unique camping experience, consider beach camping near Los Angeles. There are several options for beach camping in the area, including Malibu Creek State Park and Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.
Beach camping offers the opportunity to wake up to the sound of waves crashing and spend your days swimming, surfing, and soaking up the sun. It's the perfect way to relax and recharge in nature.
- Malibu Creek State Park
- Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
- Long Beach
Planning a trip to Seattle? Check out our guide to scenic nature day trips from Seattle!
Forest Camping near Los Angeles
If you prefer a more rugged camping experience, consider forest camping near Los Angeles. The Angeles National Forest offers free dispersed camping, as well as several developed campgrounds.
Forest camping provides the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. It's the perfect way to disconnect from the stresses of city life and reconnect with the great outdoors.
Popular Forest Camping Spots | Distance from Los Angeles | Features |
---|---|---|
Angeles National Forest | 45 miles | Free dispersed camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
San Bernardino National Forest | 60 miles | Developed campgrounds, hiking trails, scenic views |
Los Padres National Forest | 70 miles | Developed campgrounds, hiking trails, scenic views |
Passionate about nature photography? Check out our guide to nature photography day trips in Oregon!
Popular Camping Destinations near Los Angeles

Popular Camping Destinations near Los Angeles
Malibu Creek State Park
Located just 30 miles from Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park is a popular camping destination for nature lovers. The park offers a variety of campsites, including beach camping and forest camping, as well as hiking trails, scenic views, and waterfalls.
Malibu Creek State Park is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and over 100 species of birds. The park's scenic views and diverse wildlife make it an ideal destination for nature photography and wildlife watching.
Malibu Creek State Park Campsites | Distance from Los Angeles | Features |
---|---|---|
Beach Campsites | 30 miles | Beach camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
Forest Campsites | 30 miles | Forest camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
Angeles National Forest
Located just 45 miles from Los Angeles, Angeles National Forest is a popular camping destination for nature lovers. The forest offers a variety of campsites, including free dispersed camping and developed campgrounds, as well as hiking trails, scenic views, and waterfalls.
Angeles National Forest is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and over 100 species of birds. The forest's scenic views and diverse wildlife make it an ideal destination for nature photography and wildlife watching.
Angeles National Forest Campsites | Distance from Los Angeles | Features |
---|---|---|
Free Dispersed Camping | 45 miles | Free dispersed camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
Developed Campgrounds | 45 miles | Developed campgrounds, hiking trails, scenic views |
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Located just 20 miles from Los Angeles, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a popular camping destination for nature lovers. The park offers a variety of campsites, including beach camping and forest camping, as well as hiking trails, scenic views, and waterfalls.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and over 100 species of birds. The park's scenic views and diverse wildlife make it an ideal destination for nature photography and wildlife watching.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Campsites | Distance from Los Angeles | Features |
---|---|---|
Beach Campsites | 20 miles | Beach camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
Forest Campsites | 20 miles | Forest camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
Passionate about nature photography? Check out our guide to nature photography day trips in Oregon!
Top Campgrounds near Los Angeles

Top Campgrounds near Los Angeles
Malibu Creek State Park Campground
Located just 30 miles from Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park Campground is a popular camping destination for nature lovers. The campground offers a variety of campsites, including beach camping and forest camping, as well as hiking trails, scenic views, and waterfalls.
Malibu Creek State Park Campground is also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and over 100 species of birds. The park's scenic views and diverse wildlife make it an ideal destination for nature photography and wildlife watching.
Malibu Creek State Park Campground | Distance from Los Angeles | Features |
---|---|---|
Beach Campsites | 30 miles | Beach camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
Forest Campsites | 30 miles | Forest camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
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Angeles National Forest Campgrounds
Located just 45 miles from Los Angeles, Angeles National Forest Campgrounds offer a variety of camping options for nature lovers. The forest offers free dispersed camping, as well as several developed campgrounds, including Buckhorn Campground, Meadow Group Campground, and Little Jimmy Trail Campground.
Angeles National Forest Campgrounds are also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and over 100 species of birds. The forest's scenic views and diverse wildlife make it an ideal destination for nature photography and wildlife watching.
Angeles National Forest Campgrounds | Distance from Los Angeles | Features |
---|---|---|
Buckhorn Campground | 45 miles | Developed campground, hiking trails, scenic views |
Meadow Group Campground | 45 miles | Developed campground, hiking trails, scenic views |
Little Jimmy Trail Campground | 45 miles | Developed campground, hiking trails, scenic views |
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Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Campgrounds
Located just 20 miles from Los Angeles, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Campgrounds offer a variety of camping options for nature lovers. The park offers a variety of campsites, including beach camping and forest camping, as well as hiking trails, scenic views, and waterfalls.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Campgrounds are also home to a variety of wildlife, including deer, rabbits, and over 100 species of birds. The park's scenic views and diverse wildlife make it an ideal destination for nature photography and wildlife watching.
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Campgrounds | Distance from Los Angeles | Features |
---|---|---|
Beach Campsites | 20 miles | Beach camping, hiking trails, scenic views |
Forest Campsites | 20 miles | Forest camping, hiking trails, scenic views |