While almost 25 million people live in Southern California, the region is still home to numerous national forests, state parks and undeveloped beaches. These destinations provide ample opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and RV camp for both visitors and locals alike.
Given Los Angeles' massive urban sprawl, most people don't realize that the Angeles National Forest is less than 15 miles from downtown. The forest has been largely spared development because of its sharp mountain peaks. Attractions include the Mount Wilson Observatory and seasonal waterfalls that typically look their best in the late spring. Winding mountain roads make navigating large motor-homes difficult in this park, which is better suited to trailers and small RVs. None of the park's campgrounds have full-service hookups. The largest campground, named Chilao, has more than 100 spots.
Angeles National Forest
701 N. Santa Anita Ave.
Arcadia, CA 91006
626-574-5200
www.fs.fed.us/r5/angeles
Stretching across the coastal mountains of California, Los Padres National Forest begins in the south near Santa Barbara and extends all the way north to Big Sur. The southern portion of the park has several RV campgrounds such as Paradise and Los Prietos, which are located about 30 miles north of Santa Barbara over the San Marcos Pass. These campgrounds are situated among large pine and eucalyptus trees. The sites do not have any hookups, but fresh water and bathrooms are located in both campgrounds.
Los Padres National Forest
6755 Hollister Avenue, Suite 150
Goleta, CA 93117
805-968-6640
www.fs.fed.us/r5/lospadres
Located 20 miles west of Santa Barbara, Refugio State Beach is relatively isolated and far away from major development. Visitors can park their RVs within a short distance of the shoreline. The park does not have hookups available, but showers and bathrooms are located in the campgrounds. RVs are not allowed to be more than 30 feet long, and trailers cannot exceed 27 feet.
Refugio State Beach
10 Refugio Beach Road
Goleta CA 93117
805-968-1033
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=603
Located just 12 miles outside of Santa Barbara, camping at Carpinteria State Beach is so popular that summer weekends are typically booked months in advance. The reason for the beach's popularity is no surprise though; more than a mile of undeveloped sand lets visitors swim, surf and explore tide pools. Whale watching is another favorite activity from December through May. While hookups are not available, the state beach does have a dump station. RV length is capped at 35 feet.
Carpinteria State Beach
5361 Sixth St.
Carpinteria, CA 93013
805-968-1033
http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=599
Isolated near California's border with Nevada, Death Valley is a land of extremes; it is the hottest, driest, and lowest place in North America. At the same time, the harsh landscape can be surprisingly beautiful upon encountering massive red rock formations and delicate spring wildflowers. Two campgrounds, Furnace Creek and Mesquite Spring, are open year-round and provide water, flush toilets and dump stations. The best time to visit is usually in the winter and spring before scorching temperatures hit during the summer.
Death Valley National Park
P.O. Box 579
Death Valley, CA 92328
760-786-3283
www.nps.gov/deva
