Best Campervan Adventures Within and Around Los Angeles

Los Angeles is one of the world’s most famous cities, but for campervanners, the real magic lies in the journeys that stretch within and just beyond its limits. With your home on wheels, you’re not tied to a single neighbourhood or hotel – you’re free to explore the city’s diverse landscapes and then roll on to beaches, deserts, and mountains that feel like different worlds entirely.

Today, we’re exploring some of the best campervan adventures in and around LA to make the most of your time.

Malibu and Beyond

There aren’t many drives that capture the California dream quite like the Pacific Coast Highway. Starting from Santa Monica, the route north toward Malibu offers one of the most iconic coastal campervan adventures you’ll experience – not to be missed! The road follows the shoreline, with cliffs on one side and the Pacific stretching endlessly on the other. Pull off at El Matador State Beach for a picnic with dramatic sea caves as your backdrop, or stay overnight at Malibu Beach RV Park, where you can wake up to some of the best oceanic views in the world.

If you’re eager to continue, keep the journey going down to Ventura or even as far as Santa Barbara. Both towns combine laid-back coastal living with supreme facilities for campervans, giving you the chance to experience a slower pace after the hustle and bustle of LA.

Griffith Park and the Hollywood Hills

One of LA’s greatest surprises is how much green space lies right within the city itself. Many tourists don’t expect it, but it’s a welcome change from the concrete jungle in the city centre. Campervanners can set up base nearby and spend a day exploring Griffith Park, a large urban park that feels worlds away from the busy roads. Trails here lead to the Griffith Observatory and offer breathtaking views of the Hollywood Sign, making it a must-see for LA visitors.

The park’s size means you can escape the crowds if you’re willing to walk a little further, and after a morning hike, you’ll still be close enough to dive back into the energy of Hollywood or Los Feliz for dinner. For campervanners, this blend of natural escape and city access is one of LA’s biggest benefits.

Joshua Tree National Park

If you’re seeking a change of pace from classic LA, hop in your camper and drive just a couple of hours east until the landscapes dramatically change. When this happens, you’ll know you’re not too far away from Joshua Tree Park, where the palm trees and ocean breeze give way to rugged desert terrain. This national park is an essential visit for many campervanners who are looking for gorgeous nature rather than just tourist hotspots.

Campgrounds inside this park mean you can park up and spend the night, stargazing and enjoying a sense of solitude that feels worlds apart from the city. Spend the day climbing boulders, wandering desert trails, and soaking up the surreal scenery before returning to the comfort of your van. Few contrasts are as stark (or as rewarding!) as moving from Hollywood Boulevard to desert silence in just a few hours.

Big Bear Lake

We couldn’t talk about adventures around LA without mentioning Big Bear Lake! Head northeast from Los Angeles, and within a couple of hours, you’ll be climbing into the San Bernardino Mountains. Big Bear Lake is a year-round campervan destination, offering plenty of hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking in the summer, plus skiing and snowboarding in the winter.

For travellers coming from the beaches of LA, Big Bear gives a refreshing change of pace and scenery. Campgrounds here range from lakeside spots to forest retreats, so if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to drive around and find your perfect spot to wake up to. This adventure highlights the diversity that makes Southern California so compelling – ocean, desert, and mountains all within reach of a single campervan trip!

Canyon Drives

Sometimes the best campervan adventures are about the drive itself rather than the destination. From Los Angeles, routes like Topanga Canyon Boulevard or Mulholland Drive offer winding roads that weave through canyons and spill out onto sweeping ocean views. The canyons surrounding LA are some of the most surreal views you’ll ever see, so don’t miss the chance to make memories of a lifetime!

These drives are short enough for a day trip yet scenic enough to feel like an adventure in their own right. With your campervan, you can pause at a lookout, brew a cup of coffee, and enjoy the view on your own schedule.

Ready to Start Planning Your LA Campervan Journey?

Los Angeles isn’t just a destination – it’s a gateway to some of the most varied landscapes in California. Now you know some of the best drives to take within and around the city, it’s time to start planning your trip! First point of action: finding a cheap camper rental for your LA road trip. Second: Getting off on a once-in-a-lifetime experience.