Explore the Only Oceanside Campgrounds in LA County at Dockweiler State Beach

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Dockweiler State Beach in LA County, California

If you want to take your RV or trailer for a trip to the beach, head to an LA County campground where you can do just that. Just next to LAX airport is Dockweiler State Beach where you can experience everything that California has to offer while parking your RV right next to the ocean.



While it is one of the few oceanside campgrounds in the county, it is also the only one with sites for RVs on the beach. Located in the Playa del Rey area, this beach is three miles long, so it is perfect for outdoor activities like biking, surfing, and jogging. With views that can stretch from Malibu to Catalina Island, Dockweiler Beach offers campers the opportunity to enjoy the California coast and its beautiful sunsets. Its prime spot on the West Coast of LA County means that it has easy access to other great beaches in the area too.

Know before you go

Sunset at Dockweiler State Beach, California

The campsite is straightforward to access from the freeway in LA County, and it is open all year round. Reservations must be made in advance and full hook-up spots cost $65 to $75 per night depending on their location. There is a $10 reservation fee as well as small extra costs for things like an early check-in or bringing a pet. A recent extension means that there are dry sites available without any hook-ups too and these cost $45 per night.

There is strictly no tent camping as the spaces are for RVs and trailers only. Due to the popularity of the campground, it is only possible to stay there for 21 nights across every 60 days. In the summertime, there is a two-day minimum stay rule in place. If you love outdoor dining then each site comes with a picnic bench and outdoor grill. A laundromat, pump-out station, and hot showers are also on-site for campers to use.



Things to do at Dockweiler State Beach

Sunset campfire at Dockweiler State Beach in LA County

Apart from soaking up the sun, this beach is a great place to light a fire or a BBQ. There are also volleyball nets at nearby courts if there are enough of you for a game. Visitors can also go surfing, boogie boarding, and swimming. From Dockweiler, avid cyclists can join the Marvin Braude Bicycle Trail which is 22 miles long and passes through the top-ranked Santa Monica Beach and Marina Del Ray.

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Various jogging or walking paths also join the beach for those who can beat the heat by getting up early. Anglers can rejoice here too as the ocean conditions make it an ideal spot to try surf fishing. Another slightly more unusual beach activity is watching planes coming and going from the airport as Dockweiler Beach is underneath their flight path. Take binoculars if you want to try to identify which aircraft is which. Whatever you decide to do on your vacation here, if you’d like to RV camp with a coastal view, be sure to put this underrated beach on your California bucket list.



Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.