We’re now in full swing of summer and that means cookouts, pool parties, beach trips and more. To me nothing says summer more than going camping!
But what campground is open? How far to we have to travel? Don’t you need reservations?
Unfortunately most national and state parks DO require reservations which tend to book up 6 months in advance. But don’t let that get you down!
Alex and I adore camping and know of several great spots when you want to take a last-minute trip.
Even better? These spots are within a few hours drive of Los Angeles, meaning you don’t have to go far to be in the great outdoors.
So back up the car and get rolling!
6 Awesome Last Minute L.A. Campsites:
No Reservation Required
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Angeles National Forest
Just north of Los Angeles is Angeles National Forest, 1,000+ square miles of diverse nature ranging from desert-like to pines and fir trees.
With multiple campgrounds, streams and trails it’s a great spot for weekend warriors or those looking to get out of Los Angeles for a few days.
Summer activities in the national park include multiple fishing spots, a shooting range, dog-friendly campsites and swimming at Pyramid Lake and the east fork of the San Gabriel River.
No reservation campgrounds include:
$12/night, tent and RV camping (size limit) available although there are no hook-ups or dump stations for RVs.
Bring water as there is no water at this site. There are picnic tables, fire rings, vaulted toilets, parking for up to 2 vehicles and it’s pet friendly (leash restrictions).
$12/day for 1st vehicle, $5/day for 2nd vehicle. I believe this is a tent-only site so no RVs.
While you can swim & fish in the lake, it’s not recommended due to high levels of algae.
This campground offers 36 campsites with fire rings, picnic spots, shade and trails.
This is a pretty popular campground and fills very quickly on weekends – might be best to go on weekdays if possible.
The Crystal Lake Cafe,a local eatery, is located nearby as well with delicious meals if you need a break from campfire cooking.
$12/night, tent and RV camping (size limit restriction) available in 26 sites.
There is no water on-site so bring water with you. There are tables and fire rings in each site and 2-3 vaulted toilets. Also know there is a 2 vehicle max per site and the campground is pet friendly (leash restrictions).
San Bernardino National Forest
This beautiful national forest is located east of Los Angeles and within a 3 hour car ride.
Nearby Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake offer boating, SUP, fishing ( CA fishing license required), swimming and lovely scenery.
If you have an Off Highway Vehicle (O.H.V) there are a few dirt & paved trails for you ramble over.
There are miles of trails throughout the forest with backpackers being a common site.
Though there are only a few dog-friendly trails, Castle Rock Trail just outside of Big Bear is a great, 3 mile out-and-back hike which offers a stunning view of Big Bear Lake.
No reservation campgrounds include:
Big Pine Flat Family Campground
$25/night & 1 vehicle, $7/night for 2nd vehicle. There are 19 tent-only campsites with fire rings, tables and drinkable water.
There are several vaulted bathrooms with showers stalls available at nearby Serrano Campground.
Large pine trees offer great shade and spots to set up a hammock. The campground is dog-friendly (least restrictions).
$23/night & 1 vehicle, $7/night for 2nd vehicle. 19 tent-only campsites with fire rings, tables and bear boxes (must-use). Vaulted bathrooms only.
There is no on-site water so bring plenty of water with you. The campground is dog-friendly but dogs must be kept on leash.
Related: Awesome Last Minute Bay Area Campgrounds
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park
With high peaks, pristine lakes and miles & miles of wilderness trails, it’s not hard to see why Sequoia & Kings Canyon are such a popular spot for camping!
You can go hiking trails for all levels, horseback riding, fishing (CA fishing license required) and swimming!
Keep in mind that pets are not allowed on trails but are fine in the campgrounds.
Sequoia & Kings Canyon also boasts the Crystal Cave which is a natural marble cavern located near the Sequoia Giant Forest.
Plan a full day there as the windy roads can take while to navigate through.
Unfortunately the only way to go in and explore is by going on the tour, which is not free. You’ll also have to purchase tickets ahead of time and make sure to wear something warm as it’s pretty cold in the cavern, even if it’s hot outside.
It’s definitely worth it so you may wish schedule the Crystal cave into your camping get-away!
No reservation campgrounds include:
$18/night with 2 vehicle max. 110 available tent and RV campsites (no dump stations or hookups).
Since most of the campsites are under evergreen trees, shade is in abundance and you’ll be within walking distance of the General Grant sequoia grove which offers plenty of short hikes.
There are flushing toilets (so snazzy!) and potable water within each camp loop and each site comes with a picnic table and fire ring.
Bear resistant food lockers are located in each campsite – you are required to use them for food storage at all times.
Related: Awesome Last Minute Bay Area Campgrounds
Los Padres National Forest
Just north of Santa Barbara lies Los Padres National Forest. With it’s beautiful, rolling mountains and 8000’ elevation differences, this diverse landscape as so much to offer.
Los Padres enjoys a less-populated area so you’re almost always guaranteed to find one or two open sites at their Mt. Pinos campgrounds which usually requires a reservation. Book by Wednesday to reserve for the weekend, even at the last minute.
Los Padres also has elevations reaching as low as sea level, up to 9,000 feet which means you can enjoy a day at the beach or hop on a mountain bike and ride down the steep trails.
There’s also hiking, backpacking, climbing and O.H.V riding trails
No reservation campgrounds include:
Chula Vista Campground (WALK-IN)
If you want a campsite is remote, allowing you to feel like you’re in the backcountry but without the huge trek, check out this FREE campsite.
Chula Vista is a walk-in campsite, this means you’ll park your vehicle in the parking lot and walk about 500 yards to the camps. Not a big deal for those who wish to have a smaller, private campground.
There are 12 individual sites with fire rings available but the current fire safety level before planning on having a fire as this is a high risk area. You will also need to purchase a fire permit.
There are vaulted toilets but no water so bring in plenty of water.
There are no bear box/food storage so you will have to either bring your own bear box (like this one) or do the hanging method – just make sure you leave food at least 200 ft away from your tents.
A BIG plus about this site?
On weekends when there’s no moon, ameteur astronomers will come out with their telescopes and set up in the Chula Vista campground parking lot. What a wonderful way to spend an evening outside!
Just be careful when entering or exiting the parking lot in the dark so as to avoid disturbing the astronomers.
And there you have it! 6 spectacular last-minute campsites that don’t require a reservation, plus one is free!
Remember that most campgrounds require a reservation 6 months in advanced unless their walk-in or first come, first served.
And while some campgrounds will be more developed than others, these 6 are great for when you want to get out of town this summer.
Just make sure to arrive early to claim a spot and have backups in the event the campground is completely booked.
Know of a no reservation, L.A. campsite that’s not listed? Share it in the comments below!
Manuel Sepulveda 
Andy 
