5 Beautiful Parks to Drive to in Your Campervan from Los Angeles

Sandy beaches, palm trees, Hollywood stars and Disneyland … these are the sights that Los Angeles is famous for. Called the “Entertainment Capital of the World,” L.A. is a fast-paced metropolis offering boundless opportunities for shopping and sightseeing.

But L.A. also is home to over 3 million residents. That means you can expect crowds on the sidewalks and bumper-to-bumper traffic that goes on for miles. Need a breath of fresh air and a reprieve from all the hustle and bustle? It’s time to get in your campervan, motorhome, or 4WD vehicle and explore one of the many lovely nature parks in the area. Here are a few to put on your itinerary.

1. Joshua Tree National Park

It takes a little more than two hours to drive to Joshua Tree National Park, which is located east of Los Angeles. This unique ecosystem is located right at the junction of the Colorado and Mojave deserts. Here you will find a unique landscape formed through wind erosion.

Even more distinctive than the land is the flora. The park is of course named for the famous Joshua trees. These unusual trees feature twisted branches and spiky leaves, and look like they came right out of a surrealist painting. While you are here, camp among the Joshua trees and look up at the stars, go climbing and bouldering, and hike along any of the numerous paths through this beautiful, one-of-a-kind landscape.

Have some extra time? Drive north to the neighboring Sheephole Valley Wilderness, or south past the Salton Sea to the Anza Borrego Desert State Park for even more unforgettable desert beauty.

2. Mojave National Preserve

Two and a half hours northeast of Los Angeles is the Mojave National Preserve. This park is the perfect place to take your rented 4WD camper. 1.6 million acres of wild desert await you, along with the chance to hike, camp, and even explore on horseback.

While you are in the area, be sure to stop by the World’s Tallest Thermometer, located in Baker. Also drop by the Mad Creek Café to quench your thirst with a refreshing strawberry shake.

3. Angeles National Forest

Looking for something closer to downtown L.A.? If you drive just half an hour north, you will find yourself at the vast Angeles National Forest. While you are in the forest, head to any of the following “Wild” areas:

• Cucamonga
• Magic Mountain
• Pleasant View Ridge
• San Gabriel Wilderness
• Sheep Mountain Wilderness

These are areas which are completely undeveloped. As such, they feature some of the most fantastic scenery anywhere this close to Los Angeles. Throughout the forest, you will find hiking trails and campgrounds where you can relax in solitude. Just remember to leave no trace behind you when you depart. It is essential that this open landscape so close to L.A. be preserved in all of its majesty.

4. Los Padres National Forest

If you drive a little more than an hour northwest from Los Angeles, you will find yourself at another beautiful national forest called Los Padres. Here you can hike on 1,200 miles worth of trails. In total, there are ten Wilderness areas spanning 48% of the 1.75 million acres of forest. Visiting these Wild areas allows you to escape entirely from civilization.

5. Sequoia National Park

Last by certainly not least, take a longer drive approximately three and a half hours north of Los Angeles to arrive at Sequoia National Park. Here you can stroll among the spectacular sequoia trees. Explore the groves on foot, or take a scenic drive. Since this is a world-famous park, it is wise to book campground reservations in advance. If you prefer, you can also stay at any of the four lodges operating in Sequoia National Park or nearby King’s Canyon National Park.

If you have any time to spare, there are a few other amazing parks located right near Sequoia. Death Valley National Park is directly to the east. To the north, you can drive through Sierra National Forest to reach Yosemite National Park. Yosemite has been featured in films, documentaries, paintings and more, so you are doubtless already familiar with it. It is arguably the most renowned park in the region.

Now you know more about the area surrounding Los Angeles. While L.A. may be one of the most crowded metropolitan regions in the US, that doesn’t mean there are not opportunities to get out and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of nature. Journey north of Sequoia and you’ll find even more natural beauty awaits you—Kings Canyon, Sierra, Yosemite, and more. So drive to some of these parks and enjoy!