Best Tent Camping near Calabasas, CA
Tent campgrounds in the canyons and mountain areas surrounding Calabasas, California offer varied overnight experiences in the Santa Monica Mountains and Angeles National Forest. Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park provides walk-in tent sites accessible via a one-mile hike from Trippet Ranch parking area, while Sage Ranch offers reservable tent camping with hiking access to scenic mountain views between Simi Valley and Chatsworth.
Tent sites at most campgrounds feature dirt pads with picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly by location. Musch Trail Camp includes flush toilets and drinking water, making it suitable for first-time backpackers seeking a gentle introduction to tent camping without carrying extensive supplies. Several campgrounds enforce strict fire restrictions—Musch Trail Camp prohibits fires entirely, while Sage Ranch allows controlled fires in designated rings. According to one visitor, "Park for $7/night at Trippet Ranch and hike one mile to the campgrounds. It's an easy hike and very quiet." Most tent areas require modest fees between $5-10 per night, though free primitive sites exist for those willing to venture farther into backcountry areas.
The backcountry tent camping experience near Calabasas offers varying levels of seclusion depending on proximity to popular trails. Millard Trail Campground provides tent sites with minimal hiking required but sees significant day-use traffic. One camper noted that "there's not a lot of privacy because there's always lots of people passing by who are hiking and biking." For greater solitude, tent campers can access more remote walk-in sites at locations like Oakwilde Trail Campground, which requires a longer hike but offers more isolated tent camping. Spring visits provide wildflower displays throughout many campgrounds, with water typically available in creeks during winter and spring months. Wildlife sightings are common, with several tent campers reporting encounters with wildlife at night—proper food storage in provided bear boxes is essential at many locations.












