The best camping near Dockweiler State Beach

Directly west of the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) in Playa Del Rey, Dockweiler State Beach offers easy access to nearly four miles of coastline, plus a ton of activities like surf fishing and volleyball. It’s also an excellent place to go swimming, with beach lifeguards on duty during daylight hours, and has solid day-use picnic areas and fire pits. Those who want to spend the night can hit the LA County beachfront RV campground, home to 118 spaces with full hookups, as well as hot showers, restrooms, a laundromat, and a dump station. Each campsite has its own BBQ grill and picnic table.

1. You can reserve a site in the Dockweiler RV park up to 90 days from your date of arrival and until 24 hours before you plan to arrive. 
2. Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day, through Los Angeles County.
3. Book early to secure a front-row RV campsite with direct views over the bike path and beach.
4. As the park is in Los Angeles, you won't find a ton of tent camping options nearby. Tent campers may want to consider private campgrounds and Hipcamps in the San Gabriel Mountains a bit inland, as well as in the Malibu Hills up the coast.

Dockweiler State Beach is a year-round destination, and while you might need a jacket in winter, temperatures rarely sink below 50°F. The warmest months for swimming are July through September, though October is a good alternative if you want to beat the summer crowds while still taking advantage of warm weather. Spring is another option, though this time of year often features cloudy skies in a phenomenon frequently referred to as "June gloom.”

• Dogs are not allowed on the main beach, even if leashed, though there is a dog run right by the RV park office.
• The maximum length for RVs at the campground is 45 feet, though most sites are only big enough for RVs under 40 feet.
• Parking fees apply at Dockweiler State Beach, which does not accept the California State Parks Annual Day-Use Pass.