It’s a busy time of year right now at Dockweiler State Beach in Playa del Rey, where row upon row of RVs are parked right along the beach, each with stunning views of the Pacific ocean, and often spectacular sunsets. It can be noisy (to some people much too noisy!) — as jets from LAX roar as they take off only a mile away. Still, the modest camping fee of $34 to $38 a night (higher in summer) in a big city like Los Angeles is a sweet deal, especially with the opportunity to smell a little ocean air. Although sometimes the smell is of a nearby sewage treatment plant.

The park is owned by Los Angeles County, and stays are limited to three weeks, so there are no permanent residents with junk spread all around (not an uncommon site in urban campgrounds). Each campsite offers complete hook-ups and its own picnic table and barbecue. The park has a dump station, restrooms with hot showers and a laundromat.  The 22-mile South Bay Bicycle Trail is close by, connecting the park with nearby attractions such as Redondo Beach Pier, Venice, Santa Monica beaches and Marina del Rey.

When the weather is warm, all 118-spaces can be filled. But when the weather is less than perfect, there are usually plenty of spaces for drop-ins.

To reach Dockweiler RV Park take any north-south freeway in L.A. County to the 105 Freeway, and head west. The 105 exits onto Imperial Highway, and the RV park is at the end of Imperial on the beach in Playa del Rey. To make a reservation call 800-950-7275.

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