Los Angeles is full of Hollywood relics, classic movie sets and fascinating museums. It is also surrounded by unforgettable deserts, beaches and mountainscapes.
Camping outside Los Angeles is the best way to experience the best of the city and the beauty outside of it, giving your family an unforgettable getaway. You can find plenty of tent, cabin and RV campgrounds around Los Angeles, which makes it easy to pack your road trip full of adventures.
Mountain Camping Destinations
The following campgrounds near Los Angeles are nestled in California’s majestic mountains:
- Temecula KOA at Vail Lake: Temecula KOA at Vail Lake is approximately a two-hour drive from Los Angeles, and it is a fantastic place to stay if you love wine country. Consider staying a while and visiting some wineries on your way to or from Los Angeles.
- Banning Stagecoach KOA Journey: Banning Stagecoach KOA Journey is approximately 90 minutes from Los Angeles and fewer than 25 miles from Palm Springs. It is the perfect destination to take a break from I-10 and hit some hiking trails, shopping outlets or casinos.
- Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday: Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday is approximately two hours from Los Angeles, and it is the perfect escape from the city in the stunning California hills. Spend a few days in Los Angeles before kicking back and relaxing in the great outdoors. The local area features fun attractions such as Ventura Harbor Village, Santa Paula Art Museum, The Sunburst Railbikes and Ventura Pier.
- Santa Margarita KOA Holiday: Santa Margarita KOA Holiday is the perfect getaway if you want to explore Central California on your way to or from Los Angeles. Approximately four hours from the city, this location is near fun spots like Pismo Beach, the Sunset Drive-In Theater, Santa Margarita Lake and Hearst Castle.
Desert Camping Destinations
Stay at one of these destinations if you want to experience California’s breathtaking deserts:
- Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday: Two hours east of Los Angeles, you can stay at Palm Springs / Joshua Tree KOA Holiday. This exciting campground is in the Coachella Valley and is a short drive from Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. Filled with hiking trails, observation decks and museums, this destination is the perfect place to unwind and make memories.
- Barstow / Calico KOA Holiday: Stay at Barstow / Calico KOA Holiday if you plan to travel between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. This oasis in the Mojave Desert is approximately two hours from Los Angeles, and it is near attractions like Calico Ghost Town, Skyline Drive-In, Rainbow Basin and the Calico Early Man Archaeological Site.
Beach Camping Destinations
California is known for its beaches, and you can explore charming coastal towns when you stay at the following campgrounds:
- Avila / Pismo Beach KOA: Avila / Pismo Beach KOA is settled in a beautiful beachside town off Highway 101, and it is a little under four hours from Los Angeles. This campground is your ideal destination if you want to experience quaint farmers markets, gorgeous vineyards and charming communities on your way to or from Los Angeles.
- San Diego Metro KOA Resort: San Diego Metro KOA Resort is two hours outside of Los Angeles, and it offers a mix of relaxation and excitement. Staying at this KOA places you a short drive from memorable experiences such as downtown San Diego, Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Legoland and the Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum.
Things to Do in Los Angeles
While exploring the city, you and your friends or family can embark on the following popular adventures:
Hike to the Iconic Hollywood Sign
Snapping a photo with the Hollywood Sign is a must when visiting Los Angeles. You can reach the sign via the following trails:
- Mt. Hollywood Trail: Mt. Hollywood Trail is fantastic for beginners. This 5.3-mile loop takes you to the eastern side of the mountain for a close-up view of the Hollywood Sign. You can find the trailhead near the Griffith Park Merry-Go-Round.
- Cahuenga Peak Trail: If you are looking for a less-crowded trek to the Hollywood Sign, the 3-mile Cahuenga Peak Trail is the way to go. While this is the steepest path, it is worth the hike when you reach Griffith Park’s highest summit. You can park on Lake Hollywood Drive and find the trailhead on Wonder View Drive.
- Brush Canyon Trail: Brush Canyon Trail is a 6-mile loop starting on Canyon Drive near the Griffith Observatory. This path offers incredible views of the Hollywood Sign and the city below.
Explore LA’s Fascinating Museums
Los Angeles is home to a wide variety of museums featuring intriguing science, art, history and Hollywood relics. Visit some of the city’s most popular museums:
- The Getty Center
- The Broad
- Griffith Observatory
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art
- La Brea Tar Pits and Museum
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Battleship USS Iowa Museum
- Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County
- Madame Tussauds Hollywood
- The Hollywood Museum
- California Science Center
- GRAMMY Museum
- Japanese American National Museum
- Autry Museum of the American West
- The Museum of Contemporary Art
- Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center
- Holocaust Museum LA
- Huntington Library
Visit Universal Studios Hollywood
Universal Studios Hollywood lets you step into your favorite movies. Tour real working movie studios, and explore some of your favorite films’ iconic sets. You can also enjoy the exhilarating rides, attractions and food that the park offers. From the thrilling Jurassic World ride to the various themed lands, Universal Studios Hollywood has something for every movie fan in the family.
Things to Do Around Los Angeles
Camping around Los Angeles is the perfect opportunity to explore locations like San Diego, Palm Springs, the Mojave Desert and California’s wine country. Step outside Los Angeles to enjoy the following unique activities:
- Take a wine tour and a hot air balloon ride in Temecula.
- Embark on a whale-watching tour or take a surfing lesson in San Diego.
- Witness incredible animals and sea life at San Diego Zoo and Sea World.
- Take a scenic drive or hike in Joshua Tree National Park.
- Take an off-road ATV adventure in Coachella Valley.
- Ride the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
- Visit Old Mission Santa Barbara.
- Take a kayaking tour in Channel Islands National Park.
Places to Eat in and Around Los Angeles
Los Angeles and its surrounding locations are full of fun and delicious places to eat:
- Grand Central Market: Grand Central Market is a Los Angeles favorite where you can find fresh produce, trendy eateries and some of the city’s best food vendors.
- Sonoratown: Sonoratown is a taqueria in downtown Los Angeles that serves mouthwatering tacos in homemade flour tortillas. What makes Sonoratown’s tacos special is the Mexican Sonora flour and lard the chefs use to make the soft, buttery tortillas.
- Corvette Diner: Corvette Diner is a unique 50s-style restaurant serving scrumptious burgers and milkshakes. With an arcade, lively atmosphere and a DJ spinning oldies tunes, you can step back in time while enjoying an incredible dinner.
- Cheeky’s: Cheeky’s is a delicious breakfast cafe in Palm Springs that serves sweet and savory menu items, such as flavorful French toast varieties and a bacon flight.
Best Time to Visit Lost Angeles
Los Angeles is always buzzing with activity, so you can expect to have a great time any season you visit. However, March through May and September through November typically offer the most pleasant weather and smallest crowds.
Stay at Kampgrounds of America to Explore Los Angeles and Its Surrounding Destinations
Delightful mountains, deserts and beaches surround Los Angeles, providing plenty of adventure, relaxation and memorable experiences. KOA offers various ways to stay in California’s most beautiful locations, making it easy to explore the best of Hollywood and the great outdoors. Reserve a stay at KOA to start your Los Angeles adventure.
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
