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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.
"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."
from $45 - $225 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $80 - $300 / night
Check Availability"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.✌️"
"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."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in souther California. I have to note the bathrooms are absolutely terrible."
"Not that close to the bathroom. Has a picnic table and fire pit with grate. Every site is pretty much the same other than if you’re close to the bathroom or not."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $7 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $269 - $289 / night
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GuideWe had a great spot near the river. The restrooms were clean and the hookups were great. The camp host was friendly and there were several people at the camp, but it was very quiet. We will be back.
ScoutLove this place so much that our family canceled reservations at two other places to spend a few extra nights. The views are fantastic, the bathroom and showers are so clean, and the delicious seafood restaurant a walk down the hill is just a bonus. Staff were kind and helpful at check-in. It's a great base camp to explore the LA area. We tent camped here 20 years ago and when we came back this time with our RV it was even better than we remembered.
Scoutdon’t try to reach out to this park via phone with any questions, they won’t answer you. they won’t even answer the phone when their own reservation agents are calling them. gates close strictly at 10 so if you’re camping here make sure to show up by then. showed up at 9:58 after leaving a music festival early to make sure i made it on time, and their staff was immensely rude to me about not making it on time. the morning staff is incredibly nice, apologizing for the problems and giving me advice. the night staff though has a problem and they take it out on their visitors. for how rude they were to me, somehow the campsite across from me showed up at 11pm, so seems like they pick and choose who to give problems. avoid camping here. campsites are very close together and nothing special.
TravelerThis is such a cute and non expensive spot. They allow RV's and Tent camping. It's a dry camp so no hook ups or showers. Fun hiking trails and animal friendly, with a river across from the camp ground.Each spot has a table and fire pit. Playground has only two swings and a 4 horse shoe pits. Only con is the highway is right by so you hear alot of the traffic during the day and a little through out the night. Over all we've loved it and the camp host is very friendly and keeps the property looking beautiful.
ScoutWe have camped at Carp for 30 years - brought our grandchildren this year - felt unsafe for the first time - and rangers blew us off causing us to have to camp next to an illegal homeless camper with a pitbull next to our 2 year old and 6 mth old - he screamed at all hours at his dog on a 20 ft leash - I heard say on his phone that his dog has mange - he was allowed to camp illegally in bicycle only camp site and next to the visitor center- without a tent and his worldly possessions spread out everywhere - when I complained ranger said he was sweet - I know bicycle campers rode by when they saw him in their site, pitbull and tarps and stuff spread all over site - I know others did not go to visitor center because of him - ranger told me he and his dog are “sweet” - we found him to be an intimidating freeloader - we left early
TravelerAnacapa loop is a good spot for tent camping. Trailers work, too. On busy summer weekends, the campgrounds can be loud because its so much fun. A lot of people come from inland where its hot. This loop has space, though. You will have enough room for 2-3 tents. It is easy walking distance to a playground, a big field, the beach, the little town. It will be super fun with bikes for the kids, beach toys, all day at the beach, or letting older kids do their own thing given the small town!
TravelerCarpinteria is a cute town with a great campground. To enjoy camping there, you do need to pick the right loop, right spot, or bring the right equipment. The loops vary. The good news is that even if you have a bad spot, you are easy walking distance to fantastic beaches and tide pools and a cute town. If you bring bikes, you can bike to everything and really explore. It's perfect for kids on bikes, as well. They go around the loop, or loop to loop with a bridge, or if older, they can go on the short trails or go into town on their own! It's really a great place, just plan on camping off-season or setting up alerts to grab canceled spots last minute.
ScoutThe place is simple, well maintained and extremely clean. There’s back in sites that accommodate smaller 20ft campers and bigger 30ft campers, with there being some pull through sites that are big enough for RV’s, however no camping with tents allowed. Would recommend against bringing in campers with damage or DIY repairs as they “have to maintain sightly appearance”. Overall great for the price. Extremely clean bathrooms with free showers with a pool and jacuzzi plus a short walk to the beach. Only about a 45 min drive to LA with no traffic. The only bad is the constant noise from the port that doesn’t go away at night.
LegendGeneral: Two sections: RV camping and dry camping
Site Quality: If you have a larger RV and/or need hookups, you will be in a parking space with ZERO privacy between spaces (it is literally a parking space!). If you have a small RV or van conversion (smaller than 19 feet), there is dry camping. Concrete driveway; minimal privacy but a direct view of the beach. You must have a bed, dinette, sink, and small water supply to be in these spots. A concrete picnic table is included in each site.
Bath/Shower: Six-digit codes (that change regularly) needed to enter (and a different one for each bathroom). One all-in-one with a sink, toilet, urinal, and diaper changing station. The other has two shower stalls, two toilets, and one sink. The shower in the one closest to the dry camping area left much to be desired. I couldn’t get the ADA-accessible shower to work, and the other one had a push-button flow that took some time to get warm and had to be repeatedly pushed to complete the shower. Hooks and bench are outside the shower stall, compromising privacy. My biggest disappointment, however, was that there were NO electrical outlets. I took a chance and walked to the other end of the campground (by the entrance and full hookup sites) where I discovered the bathroom was much nicer. Not only did it have electrical outlets, but it looked like the showers were much nicer.
Activities/Amenities: You are right on the beach! There is a paved path for walking, running, or bicycling. Laundry was temporarily out of order when we were there.
There are very limited options for camping in this area, and the price was $55/night for dry camping. You are in the direct flight path of LAX, so have earplugs at the ready if the sound of jet planes overhead is not your thing!
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 175 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 4.1-star rating from 45 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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