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Public Campground

Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park

5 Reviews
CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Musch Trail Camp, near Topanga State Park, is a cozy spot for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a hike-in campground, which means you’ll need to lace up your boots and trek a mile from Trippet Ranch to reach your campsite, but the journey is worth it for the peace and quiet.

The camp offers a handful of sites, each equipped with picnic tables, making it a great place to enjoy meals outdoors. Visitors have noted that the facilities are clean and well-maintained, with flush toilets and a water spigot available. One camper mentioned, “Very Friendly and Very Clean,” highlighting the welcoming atmosphere you can expect here.

If you’re up for some adventure, the surrounding Topanga State Park boasts beautiful hiking trails with stunning views. Some campers have enjoyed longer hikes that connect to the Backbone Trail, allowing for a more extensive exploration of the area. Just remember, fires aren’t allowed, so plan your meals accordingly.

While it’s a bit off the beaten path, Musch Trail Camp is perfect for those seeking a simple, serene camping experience. Whether you’re a solo hiker or camping with friends, this spot offers a chance to reconnect with nature and enjoy the great outdoors.

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
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35 min away

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The Lodge at Deer Creek

38 min away

Drive Time

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Location

Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.10304753233132 N
118.58368270901087 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Presented byFord

Connectivity

Presented byT-Mobile SatelliteT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoorsLearn More
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile5G
    Good Coverage
    Verified by 4 users
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
    Verified by 1 user
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Equestrian

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Drinking Water
  • Toilets

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General Info

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5 Reviews

m
Reviewed Aug. 30, 2025

Very clean

Did not expect the bathrooms to be very clean. They have running water to flush the toilets, and to wash your hands

Month of VisitAugust
Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2023

Well maintained

Although it’s not the most scenic campground itself, the state park has plenty of beauty to offer on its hiking trails. Not a single other party at the campsite on a Tuesday in September. The facilities and grounds were well maintained. Pretty short hike from the parking lot.

Month of VisitSeptember
  • Review photo of Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park by Les R., September 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park by Les R., September 27, 2023
  • Review photo of Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park by Les R., September 27, 2023
  • (6) View All
Andrea A.
Reviewed Sep. 30, 2022

Cheap and Easy

Park for $7/night at Trippet Ranch and hike one mile to the campgrounds. It’s an easy hike and very quiet. Nice views during the day. Currently closed for repairs though.

Month of VisitSeptember
Erik M.
Reviewed Jan. 9, 2021

Easy Backpacking Trip in Los Angeles

Musch Camp is an easy one mile hike from from the Trippet Ranch Parking Lot in Topanga State Park. If you want a longer hike you can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction. This will add a few more miles to your hike and allow you to make a loop by hiking back to Trippet Ranch via the one mile Musch Trail.

The cost is $7 per person per night. You can pay at the Entrance Station at the Trippet Ranch Parking Lot or the Iron Ranger at the camp. If you are parking your vehicle overnight in the parking lot please leave a note on your dashboard so that the Rangers are aware that you are camping at Musch Camp.

The campground has around 6 campsites in two sections surrounded by fencing. Each site has a picnic table.  FIRES ARE NOT ALLOWED. There is also a restroom with flush toilets' and sinks as well as a water spigot. There are also horse corrals across the trail from the campground. Some of the sites have shade.

There are meadows down the trail on either side of the campground. There is limited cell service at the campground.

Showing results 1-5 of 5 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Musch Trail Camp located in Topanga State Park?

Musch Trail Camp is located approximately one mile from the Trippet Ranch Parking Lot in Topanga State Park. The campground is accessible via a relatively easy one-mile hike from this parking area. Alternatively, for those seeking a longer trek, you can access the camp by hiking up the East Topanga Fire Road and then descending to Musch Camp via the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction, which adds several miles to your journey.

Is Musch Trail Camp near Santa Monica or Los Angeles?

Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park is conveniently located near both Santa Monica and Los Angeles. The campground sits in the Santa Monica Mountains, making it one of the closest wilderness camping options to these urban areas. This proximity offers a rare opportunity to experience nature and hiking trails while still being within a short drive of major Los Angeles attractions and Santa Monica beaches.

What are the reviews saying about camping at Topanga State Park?

Campers appreciate Musch Camp for its accessibility, being just an easy one-mile hike from Trippet Ranch Parking Lot. The campground receives high marks for cleanliness and maintenance of both the grounds and bathroom facilities. Visitors note the peaceful, quiet atmosphere with minimal crowds, especially on weekdays - one camper mentioned having the entire campground to themselves on a September Tuesday. While the campsite itself isn't considered exceptionally scenic, campers praise the beautiful surrounding hiking trails in Topanga State Park. The park is noted for showcasing natural beauty and offering good views during daytime hikes.

What amenities are available at Musch Camp in Topanga?

Musch Camp features well-maintained facilities including clean bathrooms with running water for flushing toilets and hand washing. The campground itself is quiet and well-kept. While basic, the camp provides adequate amenities for backpackers. Overnight parking is available at Trippet Ranch for $7 per night. The campground offers a peaceful setting with access to numerous hiking trails throughout Topanga State Park, though it's worth noting the campsite itself isn't particularly scenic compared to the surrounding trails.

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