Tapo Canyon Park
Clean spots great camp host
15 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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."
Available this weekend
from $45 - $225 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $45 - $60 / 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."
Available this weekend
from $80 - $300 / night
"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."
Available this weekend
from $45 / night
"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."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $35 / night
"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."
"Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city."
from $7 / night
"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












Clean spots great camp host
A good spot well out of town with several campground options that have bathrooms (pit toilets), ramadas, tables with benches and what appears to be an amazing terrain for off road rec. Staff are really awesome, super helpful and I will be back!
Nice campground with lots of activities for kids to do
Beautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
Nice place, can be noisy as it is right next to downtown. Only one building with toilets and showers
Quaint, super friendly staff, level campsites. Will definitely be back!!
Be careful which showers you use because the older ones are not in good condition and the newer ones still have trouble maintaining warm water.
Nice spot with great hiking. Limited facilities. No hookups. $1 for 2 minute shower (tokens).
Isolated, hurtful. I guess Surf Outpost is another name fo Malibu RV Park, or Malibu Beach RV Park, with the same address of 25801 PCH. I found them condescending, rude, with that look I get when I'm there but not welcome. Pay money, then leave, and if I leave well, then people don't need to admit to themselves they were brackishly rude, and can pretend they're having a nice day. It's Malibu. I thought it would be better. Then, in discussion, it became clear my impression was correct. I guess I'm too short, as my nose was not high enough. I'm really not exaggerating. Or I would have been welcome I'd been a better sort. Well, I'm honest, clean. I follow rules. Am quiet. I'm nice, inclusive. I pay the bills. But I have to also be the right sort? i was truly offended.
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 46 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.
Keep Exploring