Camping near Los Angeles with horseback riding

Get all sides of the sunny Southern California experience within a hour of LA.

93% (537 reviews)
93% (537 reviews)

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Under $50

12 top campgrounds near Los Angeles with horseback riding

100%
(34)

Prospector Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Thousand Oaks, CA
Prospector Ranch which is an 1800's style ranch located right next door to the acre used for Hipcamping. The ranch is made up of their home and is also a venue for filming, photo shoots and small events. When not being used, camping guest are welcome to enjoy the area down around the authentic saloon, use the picnic area under large Oak trees and hike the property. They purchased the ranch 3 years ago and love being outside of the city in the mountains. Star gazing is a must when staying there! The camp site is NEXT DOOR to Prospector Ranch which is our 1800's style ranch tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains, close to beaches, vineyards, amazing hiking, biking to the beach and the city! The wide open empty lot looks out at the beautiful mountains. Enjoy stunning sun sets and Picnic under the grand Oak Trees at the ranch or maybe come by the saloon next door for a cold beverage if we are around. :-). We are happy to point you in the direction for what ever you want to do. There are so many things to do in Thousand Oaks!
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$140
 / night
96%
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Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

2 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Acton, CA
Learn more about this land:A vast expanse of oak trees, California Junipers and rugged, mountainous land running with jackrabbits, quail, and owls that is just 3 miles from Vazquez Rocks and the PCT, our ranch transports you. From the tent campsite, you look out for 20 miles and see nothing but nature across small mountains and canyons all the way to the peaks of Angeles National Forest in the distance. The campsite is a large flat area. For a trailer or RV it's a great place to park and the view is towards wide open spaces. With a tent or if you want more pure nature, you can drive out onto the property further towards the small ruin of the old homesteader's cabin or beyond. The property has a long-abandoned gold mine and circular arrastres where miners used mules to break up rocks. Nearby Acton has pick-your-own apples/pears/peaches at Bloom farms. We are at 3000 feet with strong sun during the day and cool mountains air at night. The camping is set away from structures, but if you want to stroll, closer to the ranch buildings, we have friendly small goats you can visit if interested and horses and a donkey to say hello to across the corral fence. 
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$42.75
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100%
(1)

Hillside Homestead

1 site · RV, Tent5 acres · Topanga, CA
Discover a secluded haven perched in the hills of Topanga, enveloped by thousands of acres of state park, offering an idyllic retreat for camping enthusiasts. Situated at the culmination of a winding road, this hidden gem invites you to immerse yourself in the natural splendor that Topanga has to offer. Just a scenic 7-mile journey, as the crow flies, to the Pacific Coast and Topanga State Beach, this location provides an ideal blend of wilderness and coastal proximity. Engage in a plethora of outdoor activities, from invigorating hikes to leisurely horseback rides, all amidst breathtaking views that stretch as far as the eye can see. The ambiance is one of tranquility, with a gentle breeze rustling through the towering trees and the sweet melody of birdsong in the air. As a bonus, revel in the exclusive privacy that this property affords, ensuring an intimate and serene camping experience. Escape the ordinary and embrace the Zen-like atmosphere of this Topanga retreat. Portable Potty available, tent and vehicle camping only. Airstream not available for use at the moment.
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$100
 / night
97%
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Reptacular Ranch Zoo

10 sites · RVs, Tents15 acres · Sylmar, CA
Reptacular Ranch is a 15-acre ranch in the middle of the Angeles National Forest. It's also a private zoo of over 500 animals! Our 15-acre ranch is in the Angeles National Forest - near Los Angeles. The Angeles National Forest of the U.S. Forest Service is located in the San Gabriel Mountains and Sierra Pelona Mountains, primarily within Los Angeles County in southern California. The Forest is one of the few remaining open space areas in Southern California.   The forest is an important part of the overall health and well being of the area population. It provides open space, solitude from the everyday stress of modern living, a place to conduct research, a haven for wildlife, and offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities.Reptacular Ranch is also a private zoo of animals including tortoises and farm animals like goats, sheep, alapacs, cows, donkeys, turkeys and pigs. We have lots of birds, reptiles, and a camel and zebra! Welcome. 
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$250
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97%
(289)

Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Topanga, CA
DEAR HIPCAMPER, PLEASE KNOW "Summer"/NOW IS "The Best Time" To Visit Our Beloved Canyon & ESPECIALLY "Our Beach!" "Welcome" To Cross Bull Ranch/CBR Where You Can Unplug & "Disconnect" from Technology & Devices because... WE HAVE A GREAT "Connection With Nature" HERE ON THE RANCH! ALSO PLEASE KNOW 2 YEARS AGO THIS APRIL 1ST I INVESTED IN CREATING "3 MILES OF HIKING TRAILS" ONSITE WITH "Breathtaking Views!" WonderFULL TO HIKE AT SUNRISE, SUNSET. ANY TIME! You Can Find Us @crossbullranchtopanga On Instagram! PERFECT FOR 1ST TIME CAMPERS, FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN & VETERAN CAMPERS TO PRACTICE & HONE THEIR SKILLS IMMERSED IN NATURE YET CLOSE TO ALL THE CONVENIENCES OF... "Home." CBR is A Secluded 16 Acre Eco-Village, Rural Rustic Permaculture & Preparedness Retreat & International Healing Center within Walking Distance to "Topanga Living Cafe" (TLC) & "Cafe' 27". Grab a Bullet Proof Coffee or Oat Milk Latte' with a Wonderful Organic Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch. "Pack Up" & "Head Out" for A Day of Adventure hiking trails, offroad mountain biking The Canyons or cycling along the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoy swimming in seasonal fresh water pools, food foraging, boogie/paddle boarding & surfing The Waves Of Topanga State Beach. While returning to Cross Bull Ranch/CBR Stop Off At The "Topanga General Store" or "Topanga Gourmet" to Pick Up Provisions to "Chill Out" Under The Stars at Your Campsite or One Of Our "Human Nests!" If You're "Lucky" It Will Be Low Fire Danger & We Can Make Smores in The Main Fire Pit Together! Enjoy The Sights, Sounds, Smells, Beauty & "Majesty" of Nature, Enjoy A Drink & A Nice Dinner at "Endless Color," "Then Canyon Bistro" or... The World Renoun "Inn Of The Seventh Ray" in Town. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Sunday Brunch! Or Perhaps "IF" You're In Need Of "Healing" Set Aside 2 - 3 hrs. for Yourself and... Book A "Shamanic Somatic Healing Session" or "Plant Medicine Ceremony" Customized JUST FOR YOU with Your Hostess, Lisa. Details BELOW. Surprise loved ones or take a solo trip to Celebrate Life, Holidays, B'Earth Days, Anniversaries, Multi-Generational Family Gatherings, Reunions+++ ALL while... Safely "Social Distancing in Nature." Cross Bull Ranch was Originally A Chumash Indian Village. In 1926 "A Farmer" Named McDougal Came to CA from Santa Fe, NM in Search of A Better Life for He & His Family. Originally 40 Acres The Farm Provided ALL Produce, Dairy, Poultry & Beef to The Topanga Community via The "General Store" Until The End of WW2 IN 1945 when The American Public were Sold Post Military Chemicals as pesticides & fertilizers. It was Then That "Corporations" began Buying Up Fertile Farm Land, Clear Cutting, Mono-Cropping. Creating Corporate "Grocery Store" Chains DESTROYING "The Family Farm." My Son's Father & I Rescued This Land in 1998. It was Derelict. We were Handed A 1' HIGH FILE FULL OF Building Department "Violations" The Oaks were ALL Dying from Lack Of Fresh Air/Oxygen & Sunshine. We Removed (8) 5 TON DUMPSTERS/40 TONS OF GARBAGE INCLUDING: Cars, Car Parts/Tires, Toilets, Jacuzzi Tubs, Dishware, Newspapers, Utensils++. We Picked Up EVERY Chard of Glass from Broken Beer Bottles, EVERY Bottle Cap, EVERY Cigarette Butt. Which ARE NOT BIODEGRADABLE. It was A "Travesty." And... "A Labor Of Love." We IMMEDIATELY "Invested" $25,000.00 Clearing & Cleaning, "Healing" The Oaks. With Ropes NOT Spikes. We Bought A Brush Cutter & Cut Down Weeds TALLER THAN ME. At 1st you Couldn't EVEN See The Topography Of The Land. We Renovated an Existing Trailer Adjacent to The Farm House. The "Treehouse Trailer" as We Affectionately Call It Was Out Home for 7 Years While I Resolved A 1' High File Of Building Violations, Woke at 5:30AM EVERY MORNING To Direct/General Contract A Crew Of Talented Artisans from San Miguel Allende, Mexico NONE Of Which Spoke English (Soy Boriqua) & Who'd NEVER Built or Renovated A House Before. In 2009 after Separation, Divorce & Financial Devastation in '09/'10 I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This "Dis-Ease" Ended Up Being "A Gift". It Lead me On "The Red Road" To Getting Baptized in The Native American Church in The Lakota Way, Taking "Refuge" in Tibetan Buddhism, Hosting Shaman & Healers from ALL OVER The World in Plant Medicine Ceremonies, Practicing Permaculture & Preparedness, Creating My Own Line Of "Cross Bull Ranch" Non-GMO Organic Food, Becoming A Certified Somatic Healing (Trauma Release) Practitioner & Ordained Minister. Until November of 2019 I had been Hosting Retreats, Workshops, Weddings++ In "Our Home." Until... covid. Similar to "My Prayer" 10 Yeas Ago Asking "God" To Send Healers Who Needed Land to Support Their Work In Exchange/Barter For me To Receive The Healing I Needed. Again "I Prayed" HARD & Divine Inspiration Came To me Similar to "Food Being Medicine," that Pachamama, "Mother Earth" is The MOST Potent Healer. I Decided to "Open Up The Land" To Offer To "Others" to Leave Society & Devices Behind. Ground Themselves. FULLY IMMERSING Themselves, Family & Friends in Nature "Maskless." In Order To Breathe Fresh Air. Filling Their Lungs With Life Sustaining Oxygen & Bathe Themselves in Sunshine which Is A PowerFULL Disinfectant, Recharge "Their Souls" & Stimulating Their Third Eye/"Pineal Gland." Helping Others To Re-Boot & BOOST Their Immune Systems. Which is Of The UTMOST IMPORTANCE "Right Now." I Am Lisa Cianci and... I AM Looking Forward To Seeing YOU Here On The Ranch!" Until Then... Take Care. Stay Safe & Well!
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$90
 / night

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Los Angeles with horseback riding guide

Overview

Los Angeles has long been known for its film industry and big-city vibes, and while LA certainly does sprawl, it’s really more of a conglomeration of lots of smaller, interconnected areas. There’s a ton to do here, from taking in comedy shows to checking out major league sports games. While most visitors to the city stay in hotels, there’s a surprisingly large number of camping options in LA County, from the RV park at Dockweiler State Beach, right by the airport, to wooded tent sites up in the Malibu Hills

Frequently Asked Questions About Camping Near LA

Can you camp on the beach in Los Angeles?

You can go beach camping near LA in certain areas, but you have to head outside city limits to get to the coast and camping in the sand is rarely allowed on public land. Once you hit coastal towns like Santa Monica and Long Beach, beach camping options open up. Dockweiler State Beach is best for RV campers (no tents allowed), while Point Mugu State Park’s Thornhill Broome Beach Campground accommodates some tents in the sand and offers waterfront RV spots. RV camping with hookups is also available at Bolsa Chica State Beach. At the Leo Carrillo State Park campground in Malibu, sites are inland of Highway 1, about a five-minute walk from the waterfront. Find more beach camping near LA.

Where can I camp in my car in Los Angeles?

Although the law changes regularly, it’s best to avoid car camping on Los Angeles city streets because more often than not, it’s illegal to sleep overnight or live in a car in LA. The rules become less clear when you’re parked at least 500 feet away from residences and school zones, but sleeping in your car is still frowned upon and time limits usually apply. For the best and safest car camping experience near Los Angeles, head just outside of town to a private Hipcamp campsite.

Where can you camp for free in Los Angeles?

Most primitive BLM camping near LA is free, but some campgrounds do require a fee, and Leave No Trace principles always apply. Most Angeles National Forest campsites are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Out toward Joshua Tree National Park, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park’s, Blair Valley Campground and Fish Creek are popular primitive camping spots. Farther afield and about 4 hours’ drive north, Alabama Hills and the Sequoia National Forest both offer free dispersed camping.

Where can I buy camping gear in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles has plenty of stores selling camping supplies, backpacking gear, and RV essentials. REI is in Santa Monica, and dozens of Walmarts dot the city. Dick's Sporting Goods can be found in Glendale, El Segundo, and Torrance. Local favorite camping gear stores include Hatchet Outdoor Supply Co. and the Texino Camp Store. Other name brand shops in the area include 5.11 Tactical in Commerce and Patagonia in Santa Monica, plus Arc'teryx and Fjällräven in La Brea. Check out the best places to rent camping gear in LA.

Is camping allowed in the Angeles National Forest?

Yes, camping is allowed in Angeles National Forest, home to dozens of established campgrounds, but dispersed camping may not be allowed at any given time. Campers can stay at any one first-come, first-served site within the forest for up to 14 days at a time. A small parking fee usually applies, and campers should always stay aware of any wildfire notices from the US Forest Service. Consider purchasing a National Forest Adventure Pass when going dispersed camping in the area’s national forests.

Where to go

California's Central Coast

Extending from Ventura County up the coast to the Monterey Bay area, California's Central Coast region offers gorgeous stretches of coastline, a mix of sandy and cliff-lined beaches, and tons of great camping areas. You'll find beachfront camping galore in the southern reaches of the region, with extra options if you're camping in your RV. Head further north up to the Big Sur coast for forest camping, hot springs, and arguably the best ocean views in the state.

Coastal Southern California

While Los Angeles County offers a number of noteworthy beaches, hiking trails, and campgrounds to choose from, you’ll find plenty more in the southernmost coastal counties of the state: Orange County and San Diego County. Orange County's San Clemente State Beach is worth a visit, with separate tent and RV areas, while San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas has campsites with views right over the beach. Other camping parks in the area include South Carlsbad State Beach and the RV-only Silver Strand State Beach.

The Mojave Desert

If you’re visiting during the cooler months, you may want to make a trip inland to the Mojave Desert, home to some of the region’s most interesting natural features. This massive expanse encompasses both the otherworldly Joshua Tree National Park as well as Death Valley National Park and the Mojave National Preserve.

When to go

Los Angeles is truly a year-round destination, with pleasant, mild sweater weather in the wintertime and hot, dry summers. If you like swimming, summer is the best time to visit, when the typically cold Pacific waters make for a refreshing cool-me-down. The spring and fall shoulder seasons see fewer crowds, but there aren’t always lifeguards on duty at area beaches outside of the June-August high seasons. Note that June can be muggy and overcast, a phenomenon dubbed “June Gloom” by locals.

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