Motorhome Campgrounds In Sunland, CA -- Mountain Camping

34.2670° N, 118.3023° W

Quick Overview

Sunland sits at the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, where desert foothills meet chaparral-covered slopes just 20 miles from downtown Los Angeles. This unincorporated community offers motorhome campers a quieter alternative to LA's urban camping, with mountain views and access to Angeles National Forest trails right from your doorstep. The area's elevation of 1,200 feet provides cooler temperatures than the valley floor, making it particularly appealing during Southern California's hot summer months.

Currently, Sunland has several motorhome campsite serving the area, with some offering free camping options. The camping landscape here focuses on privately-owned parks that cater to both short-term visitors and longer-term residents exploring the greater LA region. Most facilities offer full service with 30 and 50-amp service, though the mountainous terrain means some sites work better for smaller rigs.

From your campsite in Sunland, you're positioned perfectly for day trips to Pasadena's attractions, Griffith Observatory, and the beaches of Santa Monica - all within an hour's drive. The real draw, though, is the immediate access to hiking trails in Angeles National Forest. Deukmejian Wilderness Park borders the community, offering everything from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry hikes. Mount Lukens, LA County's highest peak, is accessible via trails that start just minutes from local campgrounds.

This area works well for RVers who want amenities like full service and Wi-Fi while staying close to natural areas. It's particularly popular with families since you get mountain recreation without sacrificing access to urban conveniences like grocery stores, restaurants, and medical facilities. The proximity to major freeways means you can easily explore different parts of Southern California while maintaining a consistent base camp.

Visit during spring or fall for the most comfortable weather and fewer crowds on the trails. Summer brings hot, dry conditions but also longer days for exploring. Winter can be surprisingly cool at this elevation, with occasional frost in the early mornings. Check our listings below to find the right campsite for your rig and travel style.

Top Rated Dump Stations in Sunland

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All Dump Stations Near Sunland

Station Name	Distance	Rating	Category	Cost
Sunland Trailer Park	1.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Gould Mesa Trail Camp	7.7 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Rafael’s RV Park	8.2 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Sierra Springs Village	8.4 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Lightning Point Group Campground	9.9 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Messenger Flats Campground	10.1 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Cali Lake RV Resort	11.8 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Shady Grove Trailer Park	11.9 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
Hollywood RV Park	12.0 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies
La RV Resort	12.0 mi	\u2014	Dump Station	Varies

Traveling to Sunland by RV

Getting to Sunland involves navigating some of the most scenic mountain approaches in the LA area. The primary route is via I-210 (Foothill Freeway) to the Sunland Boulevard exit, which provides the easiest access for larger RVs. This route avoids the steep grades and tight turns of mountain roads while still delivering you to the foothills. From the south, take I-5 north to I-210 west - it's straightforward but can get congested during rush hours.

Avoid La Tuna Canyon Road if you're pulling a trailer or driving a big rig. While scenic, this route includes sharp curves and steep sections that aren't motorhome-friendly. Stick to the main arterials like Foothill Boulevard and Sunland Boulevard for the safest approach. The area's mountain location means you'll encounter some grade changes, but nothing too challenging for most RVs.

Fuel up before entering the foothills - gas stations become sparse once you leave the main corridors. The Chevron and Shell stations along Foothill Boulevard are your best bets for motorhome-accessible pumps. For supplies, there's a Vons supermarket and several hardware stores along Sunland Boulevard that can handle basic camping needs. The closest major motorhome supply store is Camping World in Burbank, about 15 miles southeast.

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Dump Station Costs in Sunland

motorhome camping costs in Sunland typically range from $45-65 per night for full hookup sites, reflecting the area's proximity to Los Angeles while remaining more affordable than beachside campgrounds. Currently, a portion% of the area's several campgrounds offer free camping, while a portion% charge fees for their services and amenities.

Seasonal pricing variations are minimal here compared to desert or coastal areas, though you might see slight increases during peak hiking months of March through May. Good Sam and Passport America memberships can provide 10-15% discounts at participating parks, which adds up over longer stays.

Grocery costs run about 10-15% higher than national averages due to the California location, but you're still paying less than beachside communities. Fuel prices follow California's typically high rates, currently running $4.50-5.00 per gallon for regular unleaded. Consider stocking up on supplies in the valley before heading into the foothills, as convenience stores near the campgrounds charge premium prices for basic items.

Free: 0 stations (0%)

Paid: 12 stations (100%)

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What RVers Are Saying About Sunland

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Best Time to Visit Sunland by RV

❄️

Winter

December-February

45-65°F

Crowds: Low

Cool mornings with frost possible; campgrounds less crowded but some trails may have muddy conditions after rain.

🌸

Spring

March-May

55-75°F

Crowds: High

Peak hiking season with wildflowers blooming; book campgrounds well in advance as this is the busiest time.

☀️

Summer

June-August

65-85°F

Crowds: Medium

Hot, dry conditions with fire restrictions common; early morning hiking recommended to avoid afternoon heat.

🍂

Fall

September-November

55-75°F

Crowds: Medium

Excellent weather returns with clear skies; campsite availability improves after summer vacation season ends.

Explore the Sunland Area

The single campsite in Sunland tends to fill up on weekends, especially during spring hiking season, so book ahead if you're planning a weekend visit. For boondockers looking for free alternatives, consider the dispersed camping areas in Angeles National Forest, though these require high-clearance vehicles and offer no services.

Deukmejian Wilderness Park is your best bet for easy hiking right from the campsite area. The park offers well-maintained trails with varying difficulty levels, and the trailheads are accessible by car if you don't want to hike directly from your motorhome. For dining, Little Tujunga Canyon Road has several local favorites including Tony's Little Bit Pizza, which has been serving the community for decades.

Bring your camera for sunset shots over the San Fernando Valley - the elevated position provides spectacular views, especially during clear winter days when you can see all the way to the Pacific Ocean. Dog owners will appreciate the numerous off-leash areas in the national forest, but keep pets leashed in the wilderness park to protect local wildlife.

National Parks Nearby

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Sunland

What are the best motorhome campgrounds in Sunland?

Sunland currently has one main motorhome campsite that offers full service and mountain views. The facility caters to both short-term visitors and extended stays, with sites that can accommodate most motorhome sizes. It's popular with hikers and those wanting easy access to Angeles National Forest while staying close to LA amenities.

Is there free motorhome camping near Sunland?

Free camping options are limited in the immediate Sunland area, but Angeles National Forest offers dispersed camping opportunities for self-contained RVs. These sites require high-clearance vehicles and provide no services, but they offer a true free camping experience in the mountains. Most visitors opt for the paid campsite for convenience and amenities.

What is the best time of year to camp in Sunland?

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable weather for motorhome camping in Sunland. Spring brings wildflower blooms and perfect hiking conditions, though campgrounds fill up quickly. Fall provides excellent weather with fewer crowds and better campsite availability than the busy spring season.

Are there full hookup motorhome parks in Sunland?

Yes, the main motorhome campsite in Sunland offers full service including water, sewer, and electrical service with both 30 and 50-amp options. The facility also provides Wi-Fi and other amenities that make it suitable for both short visits and extended stays while exploring the greater Los Angeles area.

Can I access hiking trails directly from motorhome campgrounds in Sunland?

While you can't hike directly from most motorhome sites, Deukmejian Wilderness Park and Angeles National Forest trailheads are just minutes away by car. The campsite's location puts you within easy driving distance of numerous trail systems, from easy nature walks to challenging backcountry routes leading to Mount Lukens and other peaks.