Malibu Creek State Park Campground serves as a central hub for dog friendly campgrounds near Calabasas, situated within the Santa Monica Mountains at elevations ranging from 500-2,000 feet. Summer temperatures frequently reach 90-100°F between June and September, while winter brings cooler 60-70°F days and occasional rainfall. The park's diverse microclimate creates distinct seasonal camping experiences with lush spring vegetation transitioning to dry, golden landscapes by late summer.
What to do
Movie location hiking: 3 miles from camp to the MAS*H television show filming site at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. "Nice campground for a big state park. Good for Hiks and bikes. Some interesting movie TV sets in the area. Decent cell coverage," notes Rick L., highlighting options beyond standard trails.
Beach exploration: 10-minute walk from most sites at Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access... you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones," shares Alfred. Bring a wagon if hauling beach gear.
Coastal biking: 20+ mile path accessible directly from Dockweiler Beach RV Park. "There's a bike path a few feet away from the camp sites. I really wanted to try it out but unfortunately it was raining the whole time," mentions Bill, referencing the extensive oceanfront trail connecting multiple beach communities.
What campers like
Canyon shade protection: Tall trees and canyon walls provide natural cooling at pet-friendly campgrounds like Leo Carrillo. "The campground is tucked away in a beautiful canyon setting with lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool," explains Alfred, noting how the natural canyon environment moderates temperatures.
Proximity to urban conveniences: Most dog-accommodating sites near Calabasas offer quick access to stores. At Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park, Ron U. appreciates that it's a "great campground for anyone wanting to do some camping and mountain biking. In addition, you're right next to the beach!"
Oceanfront camping without crowds: Quieter weekdays provide more space at several pet-friendly locations. "It's been chilly so being protected by the canyon is pretty sweet," notes Andrea G. about Malibu Beach RV Park, where sites feature "stunning" ocean views and strategic canyon placement minimizes wind exposure.
What you should know
Campground gates close at specified times: Most parks enforce strict entrance hours. At Leo Carrillo, Lizzie C. advises campers to "be aware of the limited hours for entering with a vehicle (8am-10pm)," a rule that applies across most regional campgrounds.
Fire restrictions vary by location: Some oceanfront sites have special rules. At Thornhill Broome Beach, Sam H. explains that "woodfires are not allowed but propane fires are," while noting each site includes a designated fire pit area and table.
Wildlife encounters require preparation: Multiple campgrounds report active wildlife. At Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park, Sam H. observes "if you're lucky you'll se pods of dolphins swimming just out from the shore, actually more often than not," while reminding campers to secure food from smaller nocturnal creatures.
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with playground access: Tapo Canyon Park provides dedicated play areas. "The campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground," reports Bri B., making it especially suitable for families with younger children needing activity options.
Consider shower token requirements: Many campgrounds use pay systems. At Leo Carrillo, "showers worked well, though the token system($2 for 2 minutes) takes some getting used to," Alfred mentions, suggesting families budget accordingly for longer stays.
Bring shade structures for exposed sites: Many tent sites lack natural coverage. Christina P. warns that at Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, "your camp site will be small, and close to one another," with many areas lacking sufficient shade trees, making portable canopies essential during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Reserve oceanview sites months ahead: Premium spots book quickly at coastal locations. At Malibu Beach RV Park, Tim Z. praises the "location, location location! Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff," but notes these sites are rarely available without advance planning.
Height restrictions apply at some locations: Larger vehicles face limitations. At Leo Carrillo, martins A. warns, "Attention pour avoir accès à la mer, le véhicule doit faire moins de 8 feet!" referring to height restrictions for vehicles needing to access certain areas.
Limited hookup locations: Full-service sites aren't universal. Michael M. reports that after visiting "22 different campgrounds" during a 3-month trip, "Malibu RV Resort has the best views for the price, hands down," though these premium sites typically come with higher rates than partial-hookup alternatives nearby.
