After we picked up Prufrock, we headed directly west to the beach. We had reserved a spot at Dockweiler Beach RV Park.
There was a lot to like about the spot. But it was not our first choice as a campground, and we would likely not return.
The main problem: near incessant noise from airplanes taking off from LAX.
The main advantages: a near-perfect view on edge of wide beach; the park is very clean and very safe; we met great RVing “neighbors”; we loved the access to the Strand pathway.
We got a beachfront spot – number 33. We owned our trailer for all of an hour, and had to back in. It was a big challenge but we made light of it with those around us, and they helped us out – and became friends.
The spot faced the Pacific Ocean. Some critics online say: “It’s just a parking lot along the beach” – and to them I say – so what? That is PERFECT. The spots are level, and the view is 10 out of 10.
I have T-Mobile cell service, and noticed when I checked in that there was zero service – the phone said ‘SOS’. The parks employee at the desk said airplanes taking off cut off the service intermittently.
LAX has four runways, and Dockweiler RV Park is to the south of the southern-most runway. You can 100 percent tell the difference which runway is used. When the southern runway, and planes take off over the Atlantic, you pretty much can’t hear a conversation. And that runway is used A LOT. All through the night. My ears were still ringing, 12 hours after leaving.
The good: Cleanliness. They use street sweepers on the spots, clearing the sand, and there is minimal trash. Our spot was closest to a beach bathhouse (toilets no indoor shower) – very clean; but locked at night.
The RV park bathhouse was a little farther away – also close. Pro-tip: Bend WAAAAY down in the shower to rinse your hair. I didn’t bend far enough – I banged my forehead HARD on the simple metal shower nozzle – a bleeding cut that made me look just a bit like Charles Manson.
The Strand pathway runs right by the park, and you can run and bike along the coast for miles. We ran each of the three days we were there, with views of surfers and the Santa Monica Mountains.
Security was excellent. The gate access insured no stragglers; we left our door unlocked.
Best of all, we made great friends with our neighbors.
