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Best Campgrounds near Brandeis, CA

993 Reviews

Camping options surrounding Brandeis, California include several developed campgrounds within the Santa Monica Mountains and Simi Valley areas. The region includes established campgrounds like Tapo Canyon Park and Oak Park that accommodate both tent and RV camping with full hookups. Many of the local campgrounds feature moderate to large sites, with most offering basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and access to restrooms. Public lands in this part of Southern California support various camping styles from walk-in tent sites to RV-friendly areas with electrical and water connections.

Permits and reservations are necessary for most established campgrounds in the area, with online booking systems available through county parks departments and California State Parks. The climate remains relatively mild year-round, though summer temperatures can reach uncomfortably high levels in inland areas like Simi Valley. Several campgrounds provide shade from oak trees, which can be crucial during hot weather. Cellular service varies significantly by location, with some sites offering limited connectivity. A visitor to Tapo Canyon Park noted, "There is no cell service and no phone landlines there. The park is very nice, and very well maintained."

Campers consistently mention the unexpected tranquility of some local sites despite their proximity to urban areas. Tapo Canyon Park receives positive feedback for its cleanliness and maintenance, though several reviews mention limited privacy between campsites. The region provides a mix of family-friendly facilities with playgrounds and recreational areas alongside more secluded options. According to one visitor, "It's a very peaceful park, well-maintained, and clean." Mountain views are common from many campgrounds, and wildlife sightings occur regularly, with visitors reporting everything from rabbits to coyotes. Noise levels can be impacted by nearby transportation routes, with train noise specifically mentioned in reviews of Oak Park's campground.

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Best Camping Sites Near Brandeis, California (174)

    1. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    38 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 880-0367

    $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."

    2. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $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."

    "The campground is tucked away in a beautiful canyon setting with lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool."

    3. Tapo Canyon Park

    12 Reviews
    Simi Valley, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    "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."

    4. Malibu Beach RV Park

    28 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 622-6052

    $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."

    5. Hollywood RV Park

    17 Reviews
    San Fernando, CA
    13 miles
    Website

    "This location is conveniently situated near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the city’s many attractions."

    "Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️"

    6. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $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."

    7. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    34 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $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."

    8. Lake Piru Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Piru, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 521-1500

    $38 - $50 / night

    "Enjoy a walk around the lake, or head out onto the water for wakeboarding."

    "We were placed away from all the tent campers. Staff was friendly and helpful. Tighter spots for anything over 25ft. ONLY AT&T works. Wifi is $9/day for one device."

    9. Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Valencia, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 257-4050

    "Gorgeous location right on the lake, the waters clear and there’s a generous amount of trees surrounding for shade."

    "Just a 1 min walk down the hill to the lake - a perfect place to have my morning coffee! They allowed pets which is awesome. Super quiet, lots of stars, and a beautiful view. Couldn’t ask for better!"

    10. Oak Park

    5 Reviews
    Moorpark, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    "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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Brandeis, CA

340 Photos of 174 Brandeis Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Brandeis, CA

993 Reviews of 174 Brandeis Campgrounds

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Carpenteria State Beach

    Good location

    This was our first stop out of LA, great location. The beach was nice but beware of tar staining. The showers required tokens but the token machine was out of order. A bit annoying for the price of the site.

  • B
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tapo Canyon Park

    Favorite spot near LA

    The Camp Hosts here are Very Friendly and welcoming, the campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon.

  • Lee-Ann C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Steckel Park

    Beautiful location

    The camp host came over shortly after we arrived and was very kind and friendly. I appreciate that they enforce quiet hours! The lots were not very private but they were clean and having full hookups was great. The location is pretty, on a creek. And there’s a playground and aviary which our whole family enjoyed. We’ll plan to go back when it’s not so hot!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Great trip/great site!

    This place is great! We stayed on site 59 and it had so much space you can fit a ton of people on the site. We had a beautiful, big tree and a great view in the back of the site. Site 62 had the most beautiful view but no shade, but I want to book it for the cooler months. Showers and bathrooms were pristine!! Can’t wait to go back!

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Dennison Park

    Great spot close to downtown Ojai

    Firstly camp host knocked it out of the park. Site had water which was a nice surprise and very well kept bathrooms. Pay attention to RV vs Tent sites. This was my backup as Wheeler has closed for a bit. It was nice to be so close to downtown and we went there for a bit to get away from the heat. No natural water on site so if you love a creek look elsewhere.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Close to Walkable Swimmable Beach / Close to Town / Nice Sunsets / Crowded

    Santa Cruz non-hook-up sites have: asphalt parking (close to level); picnic table; fire pit.  Individual restrooms with flush toilets and hot/cold water sinks cleaned daily but get lots of use.  Showers (tokens) cleaned but may have beach sand on floors.  Check feet / shoes for TAR from beach before entering tent / RV!  Baby oil helps take it off... plastic bag(s) helps to contain shoes.  Spaces can be tight... neighbor's RV was about two feet from ours.  Non-hook-up fee was $43.00 plus $8.25 online reservation fee.  "Enroute" camping may be available if campground is "full"... no hook-ups or tables - and have to leave by 9am - but you might have more space!   Inquire at front gate even if sign says "campground full".  Quiet after 10pm on Friday night even though campground and group sites were very full.  Thanks fellow campers!  Nice wide and safe swimming beach - close to quaint town - make this a CALIFORNIA CLASSIC.

Guide to Brandeis

Camping near Brandeis, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park. Campers love the beachfront spots, with one reviewer saying, "Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in Southern California."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "There are great hikes just off the campsite with amazing views over the state park and the Pacific Ocean."
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Lake Casitas Recreation Area for fishing and boating. A reviewer mentioned, "The lake itself is beautiful and right in the middle of the entire recreation area."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning surroundings at Wheeler Gorge Campground. One camper said, "Listening to the creek at night was peaceful and relaxing."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Malibu Beach RV Park remarked, "The park was beautiful and so was the location. The park was clean and comfortably."
  • Friendly Hosts: Campers often mention the helpful staff. At Dennison Park, one reviewer shared, "The camp host, Dane, was friendly, helpful, and a joy to chat with."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Emma Wood State Beach, have very few facilities. A camper noted, "Completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Lake Casitas mentioned, "Seemed like a lot of people gathered on the weekends."
  • Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise, especially near highways. A camper at Thornhill Broome Beach said, "Sound of waves and occasional traffic all night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Lake Casitas, which has activities for kids. One reviewer said, "Good for families or big groups."
  • Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and games for the evenings. A camper at Malibu Creek State Park mentioned, "The sites are nicely spaced out."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a plan for hiking or beach days. A visitor at Wheeler Gorge Campground noted, "There's so much to explore."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have small sites. A reviewer at Sycamore Canyon Campground said, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
  • Be Ready for Limited Connectivity: Many areas have poor cell service. A visitor at Thornhill Broome Beach noted, "Wifi is great at this location. We have T-Mobile."
  • Bring Your Own Water: Some campgrounds, like Wheeler Gorge Campground, do not have drinking water available. A camper mentioned, "No drinking water available."

Camping near Brandeis, California, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for a beach getaway or a peaceful retreat in the woods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Brandeis, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Brandeis, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 174 campgrounds and RV parks near Brandeis, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Brandeis, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Brandeis, CA is Malibu Creek State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 38 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Brandeis, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Brandeis, CA.

What parks are near Brandeis, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Brandeis, CA that allow camping, notably Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Angeles National Forest.

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