Even folks who might turn up their noses at the idea of tents and porta-potties can get out and enjoy nature this summer, as the greater LA area offers overnight experiences for even the most discerning outdoor enthusiast. This is the cushiest “camping” in and around LA, from primitive to most posh:
Point Mugu State Park: The campsites at this gorgeous state park 15 miles south of Oxnard have token-operated showers and Wi-Fi, if unplugging for an evening simply is not an option. Point Mugu is also close enough to Malibu that an emergency trip to the Country Mart is possible, if a warmer sweater or cushier sleeping bag become necessary. 9000 West Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, (818-880-0363 or parks.ca.gov)
Creature Camp Out: Less for roughing-it-phobes than children, Creature Camp Out allows families to have an overnight adventure at the LA Zoo. The event begins with a guided tour through the zoo to the campsite. Snacks, bedtime stories and a morning wake up call by the lions precede breakfast and additional animal face time. The event runs $65 for members, $85 for nonmembers and includes a souvenir t-shirt. Tickets for the September 10-11 event go on sale July 11. Make reservations early; the first three CCOs sold out faster than a cheetah on the run. 5333 Zoo Drive, Griffith Park, (323-644-4200 or lazoo.org)
Dockweiler RV Park: An RV is essentially a portable hotel room, which makes posting up at one of Dockweiler RV Park’s ocean front sites essentially a four-star experience that even comes complete with showers and a laundromat. Get active on the adjacent volleyball courts or cruise the Marvin Braude Bicycle trail, which runs behind the facility south to Redondo and north to Santa Monica. Site reservations must be made at least two days in advance, and rates run between $55-$65 per day. 12001 Vista Del Mar, at Imperial Highway, (310-322-7036 or beaches.lacounty.gov)Malibu Beach RV Park: With amenities that include a videogame room, a rec room with a large screen TV and an outdoor game area with a pool table and foosball, this tricked out RV Park is quintessential Malibu excess. The beach, ocean and adjacent mountain trails are also passable entertainment options. Tents are permitted on some sites, and prices range from $42 to $115. 25801 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, (310-456-6052 or maliburv.com)Nature Lodging at El Capitan Canyon: An easy two-hour drive on the 101 north brings “campers” to the Nature Lodging at El Capitan Canyon. Here, the most basic option is a primitive-chic style Safari Tent, which includes a queen sized bed, down comforter, hardwood floors, screened windows, electricity, a space heater and an outdoor deck with a private picnic table and grill. Hiking is lovely in the eponymous canyon, jazz and bluegrass concerts happen every Saturday evening and complimentary bikes are available for cruising.11560 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, (805-968-6772 or elcapitancanyon.com)