Dispersed camping opportunities near Calabasas, California lie within Angeles National Forest and the surrounding Santa Monica Mountains. The region sits at elevations ranging from 800 to 5,000 feet, creating varied camping environments from chaparral to pine forest ecosystems. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-95°F during daytime hours, while winter nights can drop below freezing at higher elevations.
What to do
Bouldering access: 5-minute hike. At Horse Flats Campground, climbers will find numerous boulder problems within walking distance. "Nice place to stay for climbing - there is mostly bouldering in the area, with some trad stuff," notes Kathleen L., making it a convenient base camp for climbing enthusiasts.
Pacific Crest Trail hiking: 1-2 mile access. Horse Flats provides access points to multiple day hikes along the PCT. "It's an hours drive from LA and because the campground is at elevation it stays cooler during the hot months," reports Les R., highlighting the climate advantages for summer hiking.
Kayaking opportunities: seasonal creek access. During spring months when water levels permit, nearby creeks offer paddling options. "This one is to die for when it comes to kayaking," shares THE A. about Seabreeze At Seal Beach, noting the seasonal water recreation potential.
What campers like
Remote locations: 30 minutes from main roads. At Halfmoon Campground, campers appreciate the isolation. "We were looking for a more remote place to camp and this site satisfied all our needs. We were the only ones there and the scenery was pleasing," explains Antonio C., emphasizing the solitude available despite proximity to urban areas.
Year-round accessibility: winter camping options. Some sites remain open throughout colder months. "We camped here this weekend, which is the latest we've gone before the winter months... Even though it was 79 degrees in the day, temperature got down to 54 at night," notes Les R., providing context for late-season equestrian camping near Calabasas.
Wildlife viewing: dawn and dusk opportunities. Many campers report excellent wildlife viewing. "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear," states Ryan W. at Malibu Creek State Park Campground, describing the natural encounters possible.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: seasonal variations. Fire policies differ dramatically by campground and season. "The campground was under fire warning all weekend, but faux wood (javalog or duraflame) and charcoal was still allowed," reports Ryan W., providing crucial information for campers planning campfires.
Limited cell service: prepare offline maps. Connectivity is spotty throughout the region. "There is no cell service and no phone landlines there," cautions robherr about Tapo Canyon Park, reminding visitors to download maps and information beforehand.
Horse-specific considerations: feed storage required. For equestrian camping near Calabasas, California, proper feed management is essential. "Bear Creek (seasonal). Can be reached from Tom Sloan Saddle or Switzer Falls Trailhead," notes Anthony K. about Bear Canyon Campground, indicating trail access points for riders.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: structured activities. Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. "They have a nice size laundry room that stays clean. They have several bathrooms and showers throughout the campground," shares Ashley S. about Valencia Travel Village, highlighting family-friendly amenities.
Swimming options: seasonal considerations. Pool facilities provide relief during hot months. "They have two nice pools one for adults and one for families," explains Ashley S., noting the separate swimming areas for different age groups.
Trail difficulty ratings: kid-appropriate routes. Multiple trail options accommodate various skill levels. "The 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," describes Ryan W., indicating family-suitable terrain.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: 30/50 amp options. RV campers should note electrical capabilities. "Full hook ups. 15, 30, 5p amp electrical, water, sewer, but no phone or internet," explains Patrick M., detailing the Tapo Canyon Park utility situation.
Site spacing: pull-through dimensions. RV site configurations vary significantly. "The campsites are designed for RVs. I have camped here in a tent and there is no way to drive a stake into the ground. The sites are fairly large and well spread out for an RV lot," advises robherr, providing practical tent camping constraints at RV-oriented sites.
RV size limitations: length restrictions. Some campgrounds have strict size restrictions. "Nice campground for a big state park. Good for Hiks and bikes. Some interesting movie TV sets in the area. Decent cell coverage. Best for tents, tight for RVs," warns Rick L. about Malibu Creek, noting the spatial constraints for larger vehicles.
