Dockweiler State Beach RV & Campground Guide
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Dockweiler State Beach is located in metropolitan Los Angeles County, in the coastal city of Playa del Rey, and offers more than three miles of shoreline. It is a popular spot for local surfers and hang gliders, evening bonfires on the beach, and avid plane watchers, as it's just south of the Los Angeles airport. During your visit to the area, you may want to visit the El Segundo Blue Butterfly Preserve, which is adjacent to the beach.
Nearby Cities:
Playa del Rey, CA
Marina del Rey, CA
Los Angeles, CA
Long Beach, CA
Spring 53-67 F
Summer 64-76 F
Fall 59-74 F
Winter 49-66 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Dockweiler State Beach
Campground Accommodations
Dockweiler State Beach RV Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 40 feet
Other Amenities: Dump station, restrooms, hot showers, laundromat, picnic tables, fire rings
Dockweiler RV Park
If you’re looking forward to some serious beach time, Dockweiler RV Park is the best choice. This park sits near the southern end of the beach, just a short walk from the main Imperial parking lot. Each of the 118 RV spots offers full hookups, a picnic table, and a grill—and more importantly, they’re all just steps from the sand. If you can, book a spot on the western edge of the park so you can watch the sunset from your RV windows and wake up to views of sparkling seas. Nearby, you’ll find everything you need for a comfortable trip, including hot showers and a laundromat. It’s important to note that because of the proximity of the airport, you can expect plenty of noise at all hours, so this might not be the best option for light sleepers. Sites start at $65 per night and rise as high as $75.
Malibu Creek State Park Campground
One of the closest campgrounds to Dockweiler State Beach is at Malibu Creek State Park, about 40 minutes away. This is a great spot to get away from it all—sites are located among rolling green hills, offering peace, quiet, and spectacular views. In fact, the TV show "M*A*S*H" was filmed here in the 1970s. Each of the 63 sites offers access to the restrooms, hot showers, and dump station. You won’t find hookups here, but the excellent hiking opportunities more than make up for the distance. Sites start at $45 per night.
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What to Do at
Dockweiler State Beach
In the evening, locals and visitors alike flock to Dockweiler State Beach to have a bonfire right on the beach. There are about 40 fire pits to choose from. Along with surfing and swimming, you can enjoy a long bike ride, use the beach volleyball nets, or relax and enjoy the California sunshine. Windsurfing is also a popular activity at this state beach. If you are interested in learning to hang glide, stop by the Hang Gliding Flight Training Concession to inquire about lessons.
Inside Dockweiler State Beach
The sand and the sea are the highlights of Dockweiler State Beach; it’s easy to spend a week soaking up the sun and cooling off with a swim. You can join a game at the park’s volleyball courts, and be sure to catch at least one takeoff from nearby LAX. If you’re an angler, rent a surf fishing rig and try your luck casting from the sand. Within the park, there's a long and well-maintained path that's perfect for biking, jogging, and walking. For kids, the Dockweiler Youth Center offers a wide range of family-friendly activities.
Fishing
Surf fishing is popular at Dockweiler State Beach. You can head to the beach's north end to fish off the jetties or pick a spot on the shore. Try your luck at catching Barred Surf Perch, halibut, Yellowfin Croaker, California Corbina, and Leopard Sharks.
Nature Watching
Along with acres and acres of sandy beach, the park includes a typical California coastal bluff habitat. While taking in the view of the Pacific Ocean, keep an eye out for the snowy plovers, which make their nest right on the beach. The iconic palm trees that dot the grassy areas in the park make for an excellent photo, especially at sunset.
Flora and Fauna
Several species of birds spend their days at Dockweiler State Beach, including Western Gulls, California Gulls, and brown pelicans. The sandy beaches abound with crabs, clams, and beach dollars, and you might even spot a sea lion. In the springtime, California's iconic orange poppies dot the landscape. Other plants you can spot include lupine, wild radish, and white clover.
Hiking
The South Bay Bicycle Trail runs through the beach and connects to a more extensive trail system. On this relatively flat pathway, you can enjoy a long stroll from one end of the park to the other while enjoying ocean views. The path is also popular for rollerblading and jogging.
Swimming
Compared to other nearby beaches, the waters are fairly calm at Dockweiler State Beach, making it an excellent spot for a dip in the ocean. Keep in mind that, due to the current patterns, the water may be colder than you anticipate. Many people choose to swim in a wetsuit, particularly in the cooler winter months.
Biking
The Dockweiler State Beach bicycle path is relatively flat and well-maintained. It spans just under four miles as it winds through the park. The path connects to the Marvin Braude Bike Trail system for a longer ride, which follows along the coast for about 22 miles.
How to Get to
Dockweiler State Beach
Make your way to the 405 freeway in Los Angeles, and take exit 50A for Jefferson Boulevard. After about 2.7 miles, take a slight left onto Culver Boulevard. After about a mile, you'll see signs for the Dockweiler State Beach entrance.
By Car
Entering Dockweiler State Beach
The parking lot at the entrance has over 1,200 spaces. Parking fees vary depending on whether you are visiting during the week or on the weekend and the time of year. Expect to pay between $7 to $13 for day-use parking. Note that the parking lot occasionally fills up around sunset and on the weekends. There is no entrance fee for walking or cycling into Dockweiler State Beach.
Whether you want to lounge in the sun, get active in the water, or explore California's outdoors on land, Dockweiler State Beach has adventures that will suit your interests.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dockweiler State Beach
Southern California enjoys a moderate climate, with mild temperatures year-round, making Dockweiler State Beach perfect for a beach getaway anytime. Fog sometimes darkens the skies in May and June, though it often burns off by mid-morning, leading to clear blue skies in the afternoon. If you want to stay overnight at Dockweiler State Beach, you should note that the RV park usually closes down for maintenance each January.
You will see seagulls and pelicans flying around and diving into the water, and you might spot a dolphin offshore. Depending on the season, there will be a fenced-off area on the beach where you can see Western snowy plovers, a federally protected shorebird, making their nests.
All the camping spots at Dockweiler State Beach are suitable for RVs, and tent camping is not allowed. Amenities vary, depending on which site you choose. However, each has a fire ring, picnic table, and nearby restrooms.
Yes, reservations are required when staying overnight. Walk-ins are not allowed. Note that Dockweiler State Beach operates differently than other California State Beaches and does not use the same reservation system. Depending on your chosen site, expect to pay between $45 to $75 per night for a camping spot.
Pets are allowed in the camping areas for an additional fee of $3 per day. You can bring your furry companion for a stroll on the park's pathways, but they are not allowed on the beach. You must keep them on a leash and are expected to clean up after them.
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