Campervanning in Los Angeles: The Ultimate Guide

Los Angeles is a city that divides the opinions of people all across the world. For some, it’s all about Hollywood glamour, palm-lined boulevards, and endless beaches. For others, it’s daunting – never-ending freeways, traffic jams, and a size that feels impossible to navigate. For campervanners, the truth often lies somewhere in between. 

But, with the right mindset, LA can be less about surviving the traffic and more about finding hidden corners, coastal escapes, and a base for exploring one of the most diverse cities in the world. Today, we’re exploring everything you need to know about Campervanning in Los Angeles. 

First Impressions: Arriving in LA

Driving into Los Angeles in a campervan can sometimes feel overwhelming. The city stretches for miles in every direction, with neighbourhoods that feel like cities in their own right. You won’t be the only person to find this daunting, challenging, and perhaps even too much to bear. 

The trick is not to think of LA as one destination, but as a collection of smaller experiences: beaches, mountains, film history, foodie enclaves, and cultural hotspots. Once you break it down, it becomes manageable – and even enjoyable for campervanners! 

Where to Park Your Camper

Unlike smaller cities and towns, LA doesn’t hold enough space for designated campervan parking. It’s very rare to find a layby you’re allowed to park in overnight, and most parking garages will have height restrictions that make them impossible to use. 

Instead, your best bet is to find a base point around the outskirts of LA and plan daytrips from there. Some of the best include: 

• Dockweiler RV Park: This is the only beachfront RV park in LA, so as you can imagine, spaces fill up quickly! Located just south of Santa Monica, this is a wonderful stop for plenty of R&R on sandy beaches. It’s only a short drive away from Venice or Hollywood, too. 
• Malibu Beach RV Park: This parking spot might not be on a beach, but it still offers amazing views from its position on the hillside. There are worse views to wake up to than the endless ocean, that’s for sure! This RV park may be on the pricier side, but it offers the true Californian coastal experience that can’t be replicated anywhere else in the world. 
• Hollywood RV Park: Immerse yourself in Hollywood’s culture with this RV Park, found in the San Fernando Valley. It’s quirky, artsy, and full of decorated murals – properly encapsulating the feel and vibe of Hollywood. It’s more of a local scene, but well worth the stay if you’re hoping to explore the surrounding areas. 

A Fresh Way to Experience LA

There are plenty of new ways to enjoy LA rather than the classic tourist spots. For starters, you can never go wrong with a good beach – and the city has plenty of them! Venice Beach is a gorgeously eccentric place with street performers, a skate park and a fun boardwalk. For a calmer beach day, check out Zuma Beach or El Matador in Malibu. 

For outdoor escapes, Griffith Park offers miles of hiking trails and sweeping views of the Hollywood sign. Just outside of the city, the Santa Monica Mountains offer a wilder, more off-road adventure for people who are craving the rugged camper experience. 

LA’s culture extends to more than just Hollywood Boulevard. Wander along Little Tokyo, Olvera Street, or Koreatown to learn little details about the city and immerse yourself in its rich depth. The Getty Centre and Getty Villa are calmer experiences for when you’re craving a little peace and quiet away from the bustle of Los Angeles.   

Getting Food on the Road

LA is a dream city for food lovers, and campervanners get the best of both worlds: the ability to cook their own meals and the chance to indulge in the city’s famous food scene! You won’t have to go far to find some amazing food, so don’t worry – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Some of our favourite options include: 

• Taco trucks: You’ll find some of the best street food in the country parked on random corners.
• Farmers’ markets: Stock up your campervan kitchen at the Hollywood Farmers’ Market or Santa Monica Farmers Market.
• Diverse cuisines: From authentic Korean BBQ to vegan cafes, LA reflects the classic tastes of the world.

Start Planning Your LA Campervan Adventure Today

Los Angeles may never be the easiest city for campervanners, but it’s certainly one of the most rewarding. Now you know how to navigate the city with a campervan, it’s time to get excited and start planning your journey! Find your ideal camper rental in LA before setting off on your glitz and glam adventure.