Campgrounds in the Calabasas Hills area range from established state parks to RV-friendly facilities, all nestled within the Santa Monica Mountains region of Southern California. Malibu Creek State Park Campground serves as a central camping hub, offering tent and RV sites with picnic tables, fire rings, and toilets approximately 15 minutes from downtown Calabasas. Several other options exist within a 30-minute drive, including Thornhill Broome Beach at Point Mugu State Park along the coast and Tapo Canyon Park in Simi Valley, which provides electric hookups for RVs while maintaining tent camping areas.
Most developed campgrounds in the region require reservations, especially during summer months when temperatures can reach into the 90s. Gate closures at 10 PM are common at state parks, limiting late arrivals. "The gate to the park closes at 10pm. The campground is tucked away behind all the day use parking area so you won't be bothered by that if you're staying multiple days," noted one camper about Malibu Creek State Park. Many campgrounds enforce fire restrictions during dry periods, though some allow charcoal or artificial logs for cooking. The proximity to Los Angeles means most sites have good cell coverage, though weekend crowds can make securing spots difficult without advance planning. Water availability varies by location, with some sites offering full hookups while others provide only basic amenities.
Campers consistently mention the contrast between wilderness experiences and urban convenience as a defining characteristic of the area. The campgrounds provide access to numerous hiking trails, with Malibu Creek State Park featuring routes to swimming holes and former movie sets. A visitor observed that it's "very close to civilization yet feels like you are in the wild, so if your kiddo or you change your mind in the middle of the night about the entire 'camping thing' - you can just pack up and be home in fifteen." Wildlife sightings, including coyotes and bobcats, are frequently reported. Many campsites offer mountain views, though shade can be limited at certain locations. While campgrounds in the region tend to be more expensive than those in remote areas ($45/night at Malibu Creek), the trade-off is proximity to stores, restaurants, and beaches while still providing a camping experience.
$45 - $225 / night
"It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."
"The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."
$45 - $60 / night
"It was a quick drive up the coast and onto this hidden gem. You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you. Perfect place for families or even RVs."
"Nice big spots, close to the beach. Very quite. Needs to reserve at California State parks website. Dump station and water fill up on your way out not on the campsite, but thats no issue for us."
$80 - $300 / night
"I absolutely love this campground, it’s perfectly situated in between the Malibu pier area (to your left) Dume, Zuma, and more beaches (to the right), + a lovely small beach across the street… oh let’s"
"This is a great little campground just north of Malibu, California, and right off of the 101. So yes, the freeway is RIGHT. THERE."
$45 / night
"Fantastic body surfing, some good surf waves up the highway a bit. There is a backpacking access site as well up the canyon about 3 miles."
"If you love Fall and trees and the California golden sun... this place is the place to be! It has it all in one."
"Every “road” in the park is themed with California or Hollywood themed decorations and murals. We were parked right next to a Mister Roger’s mural across from the laundry/bathrooms."
"Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️"
$35 / night
"Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in souther California. I have to note the bathrooms are absolutely terrible."
"You are so close to the water and there is plenty of space between you and your neighbor. When we were there many people had RVs so there were only a few tents."
"This is a very nice campground near everything but still away from it all. No issues parking our 42' 5th wheel here. Clean and quiet despite the peacocks. They can be rather loud when startled."
"This campground happens to be very close to home so we went here to try out our brand new pull behind camper trailer for the very first time.
The campground is small, quiet and very well-kept."
$7 / night
"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."
"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."
"Also multiple hiking trails right from the grounds, and some playgrounds and basketball courts. Feels very family friendly. First come first serve spots and you make reservations online."
ScoutWe are staying in a site in site with no services which are spacious and shaded. On a Sunday night most sites are empty and our site, away from the road, is pretty quiet The full service sites were mostly full and unshaded and there was a big and loud group.
ScoutA hikers dream . This campground has several trails and there are many others within minutes away. Showers are token however machines are right there. Fire pits on every site as well as concrete picnic tables. Malibu Beach is 15 to 20 minutes away right on Pacific Coast Highway.
Rangers were all amazing. They actually came by last night around 9 PM and told me quiet time was at 8 PM so I guess I had them backwards. I thought it was 8 AM to 10 PM but it’s actually 10 AM to 8 p.m. Firewood is available from the Camp Host who incidentally was amazing in helping and answering a lot of my questions
If I was to critique anything, it would be how short the sites are my rig is 31 feet and I have a I don’t know maybe seven or 8 foot overhang from the last wheel if I didn’t have that there’s no way I would’ve fit and then the distance from here to the side across from me is pretty short so you have to Jimmy in and out if there’s somebody there, but that was the only thing that I could say that was negative and it really isn’t negative it just fact.
ScoutGreat staff, clean, right on the beach, can hear the waves and walk right over onto the sand. Great beach spot, although backing in a trailer is a bit of a challenge/its a bit tight, but doable. Nice place to stay. Will return.
TravelerThis is a very fun place to stay at. They have a lot of cool things for the kids to do like arts and crafts movie nights and a playground. All the employees are very helpful. The convenience store has everything that you need for camping. Me and my family will definitely be coming back to this place.
GuideStayed at Site 90, which might be the best in the whole park. Huge space, tons of shade, and a really cool, large sycamore tree. No power or water at the site, but there was a water spigot nearby. We stayed Monday–Friday and it wasn’t overly crowded during the week. Friendly neighbors, lots of families, and none of the classic“LA” rude or loud campers. The camp store was really convenient, and the staff were very nice and helpful. The beach is about a 5-minute walk—our kids loved the tide pools and caves. Definitely check the low tide times before you go. Very limited Verizon service, which is a plus in our book. Overall, a really good experience. The family and I will be back.
RangerThe Views are fantastic sites are rugged but very cool locations, This is mainly a Hike in CG most of the time and better have some serious clearance to get there even when the road is open in summer, BUT very worth it!
TravelerCamping at the beach in LA! Large country campground that has sites designed for motorhomes and sites designed for travel trailers and fifth wheels. It asphalt campsites, but you’re at the BEACH! My only complaints are the electrical was not working properly, (I had to connect to 30A instead of 50A), and people don’t pick up after themselves.
Scoutfirst, as a drop in you can‘t stay more then two nights even if they have room!
second, annually pool maintenance in spring break! without information when checking in, and it’s not a cheap one and i chose it for the pool! no information no discount, had to beg to at least get a poolchair, so much gras to chill no chairs!
third the showers are only dripping and i was the only one showering! again, not a cheap place!
and fourth, WIFI does never connect, really for a campground with this price, every cheap one has better WIFI and some people need it as internationals!
TravelerThe bathrooms and showers are very dirty. That’s probably related to the fact that it’s a huge campground, but when you pay $50 you also expect more than that. We’ve definitely seen much nicer places for $50. I certainly wouldn’t take a shower there.
On top of that, they gave us a campsite that didn’t exist. After that, we were offered to sleep in a parking spot that was some kind of late parking. Someone came and knocked the next morning saying we had to leave right away, even though our slip said 12:00 checkout.
I definitely won’t be coming back.
Camping spots near Calabasas Hills, California range from primitive trail camps to full-service RV parks within the Santa Monica Mountains. The region sits at elevations between 500-2,000 feet with a Mediterranean climate featuring summer temperatures regularly exceeding 90°F from June through September. Winter camping offers milder temperatures in the 60s but occasional closures occur during rainy periods when canyon roads can flood.
Explore tide pools and beach caves: At Thornhill Broome Beach, campers can walk directly from their sites to explore marine ecosystems. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access- it's about a 10-minute walk from most sites, and you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones," notes one visitor to nearby Leo Carrillo.
Visit former movie sets: The camping areas around Calabasas feature several filming locations. At Malibu Creek State Park Campground, visitors can hike to spots used in numerous productions. "The state park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more," reports Ryan W.
Practice archery: Tapo Canyon Park offers weekend archery opportunities for campers. "The archery range is one of the best in California. There is a members area and the original range is open to the public on Saturdays from 9-1, with a nominal $5 fee," explains one reviewer.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The Calabasas Hills camping areas provide excellent wildlife viewing without requiring deep wilderness travel. "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub—making their way to a running creek," shares a visitor at Malibu Creek State Park.
Convenience to beaches: Canyon Campground at Leo Carrillo State Park offers campers beach proximity while maintaining a canyon setting. "The campground is tucked away in a beautiful canyon setting with lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool. The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access," reports Alfred.
Bathroom cleanliness: Unlike many wilderness campgrounds, several Calabasas area camping facilities maintain excellent facilities. At Musch Trail Camp, a backpacker noted, "Did not expect the bathrooms to be very clean. They have running water to flush the toilets, and to wash your hands." Another camper at Tapo Canyon mentioned, "Cleanliness: 10/10."
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering no connectivity. At Tapo Canyon Park, a camper warns: "DO NOT expect cell service. I could only work from this spot by placing my mobile HomeFi router on top of the camper. Our Verizon phones were paper weights."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Calabasas Hills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Calabasas Hills, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 172 campgrounds and RV parks near Calabasas Hills, CA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Calabasas Hills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Calabasas Hills, CA is Malibu Creek State Park Campground with a 4.3-star rating from 41 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Calabasas Hills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Calabasas Hills, CA.
What parks are near Calabasas Hills, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Calabasas Hills, CA that allow camping, notably Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Angeles National Forest.
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