Three regional parks within 40 miles of Universal Studios Hollywood provide dry sites for both tents and RVs. Frank G. Bonelli Regional Park lies on a 250-acre lake with a swimming beach, 14 miles of trails for hiking or biking and its own water park -- Raging Waters. Castaic Lake State Recreation Area lies 30 miles from Universal, with one of the state's largest reservoirs where you can canoe, kayak or swim at the lake's beach. Marshall Canyon Park and Nursery in La Verne has horse corrals for the convenience of those wanting to set off on the trails with their equine companion. The park's campground features 40 campsites, large barbecues and a circular fire pit as well as a full-size stage and dance floor.
The Angeles National Forest covers the hills east of Universal Studios, with campgrounds providing rustic sites with basic amenities including vault restrooms, picnic tables, fire rings and grills. Buckhorn Campground is a little over a mile from the Angeles Crest Trail and is situated among cedars on the edge of a seasonal creek. Chilao Campground sits on the edge of the San Gabriel Wilderness in a grove of Coulter Pine. Kids will love picking up the huge pinecones and you can connect with trails to hike or ride your horse into the wilderness.
The din of theme park crowds will be soon forgotten when you watch the sun sink into the Pacific Ocean and listen to the sound of waves caressing a sandy beach. The closest place to camp along the beach near Universal Studios Hollywood is Point Mugu State Park, about 50 miles away. Pitch your tent beachside at Thornhill Broome Campground, which provides flush restrooms and coin-operated showers. The park's Sycamore Canyon Campground offers an inland alternative. In Malibu, Leo Carillo State Park's campground has 130 campsites shaded by oak and sycamore just a few minutes' walk from the beach.
A wider range of amenities are found at private campgrounds. Closest to Universal Studios, KOA in Pomona lies 35 miles due east of the theme park. Soak your tired body in the park's hot tub or swim in its sparkling pool. Upload pictures of your Hollywood vacation to your favorite social network using the park's Wi-Fi or get your hook wet in the fishing pond. Pitch your tent beneath shady trees with a choice between dry camping and sites with water and electricity. RVs up to 45 feet have the convenience of pull-through parking with full hookups. One- or two-room cabins provide air-conditioned comfort for "glamping" in Hollywood style.
