Bell tents near Glendale
The Jewel City offers campers easy access to the best of Southern California.
- Glendale
Popular camping styles for Glendale
Bell tents near Glendale guide
Overview
At the eastern edge of the San Fernando Valley, Glendale is ideally situated between LA and Burbank. Once you’ve seen the sights (and noshed on Armenian cuisine), hike nearby Deukmejian Wilderness Park, see Griffith Park, or explore the trails at any of the three national forests nearby. Campers can also head to the coast to enjoy the sun, sand, and surf, or hit Los Angeles for Hollywood glamor and more culture. There are plenty of options for Glendale camping, from private RV parks in the San Fernando Valley with full hookups and deluxe amenities to scenic state parks and beaches with tent sites, RV sites, and cottages. For simple sites, try the national forest campgrounds.
Where to go
Greater Los Angeles area
Campers can stay at a private RV park in the San Fernando Valley near Glendale to be close to the city and all the urban amenities of Los Angeles. Head to the coast to enjoy the pier at Santa Monica, Venice Beach, laid-back Long Beach, or catch some waves at Huntington Beach, and camp overnight near the water at Bolsa Chica State Beach and Crystal Cove State Park.
Malibu and Santa Monica
Head west to the Santa Monica Mountains to escape the urban bustle, and explore the rugged terrain and Hollywood history while camping overnight at Malibu Creek State Park. Enjoy glamorous Malibu and the sun and surf at Malibu Lagoon State Beach, or combine beach and camping at Point Mugu State Park and Leo Carillo State Park. Further up the coast, enjoy the American Riviera at Santa Barbara, and camp near a beach at Carpinteria State Beach.
National Forests
The Angeles National Forest sits just northeast of Glendale. Enjoy hiking, horseback riding, waterfall chasing, wildlife viewing, and choose from more than 50 campgrounds with tent sites, RV sites, and cabins. Further east, the San Bernardino National Forest has more rugged wilderness, peaks, forests, and popular lakes like Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake, plus plenty of camping options. For even more wilderness camping options, head to Los Padres National Forest or Cleveland National Forest.
When to go
Summers are the most popular time for visiting Glendale. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities, especially those involving water, along the coast, and at the many area beaches. Visit in the spring for dazzling wildflower displays, especially at Deukmejian Wilderness Park. Crowds are also smaller in the spring, fall, and winter, which offers generally mild weather. Visit in September for the Glendale Arts and Music Festival.
