Best Camping near El Nido, CA

Join the fun near El Nido. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. El Nido is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near El Nido, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near El Nido, CA (138)

    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    1. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    160 Photos
    1142 Saves
    Lake Sherwood, California

    Leo Carrillo State Park's Campground is fully opened. Vehicular access to North Beach remains closed at this time.

    Camping Information: **Max trailer height is 13'6" **

    Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.

    Firewood Policy: Burning firewood, Duraflame, and charcoal briquettes is allowed in the fire rings only when fire level permits. Check the sign near the entrance kiosk for the day's fire level.

    Showers: The park has only token-operated showers. The token machines accept ONLY one-dollar bills. Change for larger bills is not available at this time.

    Dogs allowed in day-use areas, campground and North Beach (north of Lifeguard Tower 3). Dogs not allowed on backcountry trails or South Beach (south of Lifeguard Tower 3).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $45 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    2. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    45 Photos
    832 Saves
    El Nido, California

    One of the best places for Malibu Camping is Malibu Creek State Park, just 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, features hiking, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding opportunities. Fourteen-mile Malibu Creek is the principal watercourse of the Santa Monica Mountains that ends at Malibu Lagoon. There are 15 miles of streamside trail through oak and sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes. Following the trail along Malibu Creek State Park, the visitor will be treated to spectacular vistas, including volcanic rock gorges, scenic pools, and breathtaking views of the Las Virgenes Valley and Malibu Canyon. Previous to being opened to the public in 1976, the park was used extensively to film numerous movies and TV shows, such as Planet of the Apes and MAS*H. Most of the park's land holdings were donated by Bob Hope, with later significant acquisitions from Ronald Reagan and 20th Century Fox.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $45 - $225 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    3. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    35 Reviews
    146 Photos
    1203 Saves
    Lake Sherwood, California

    Thornhill Broome Campground

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park

    4. Malibu Beach RV Park

    27 Reviews
    105 Photos
    163 Saves
    El Nido, California

    Malibu RV is set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. Founded in the 1970s, Malibu RV offers RV Sites and Tent Camping, a communal ambience, and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your travels along the California Coast.

    Whether you are a digital nomad, a surfer looking to shack up for the night, or an adventurer looking for an extended stay, we would love to have you.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $80 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    5. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    33 Reviews
    77 Photos
    942 Saves
    Lake Sherwood, California

    Point Mugu State Park, located in the Santa Monica Mountains, features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons and wide grassy valleys dotted with sycamores, oaks and a few native walnuts. There are more than 70 miles of hiking trails. The beach also features swimming, body surfing and surf fishing. The park includes the jagged pinnacles of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area. Point Mugu camping included La Jolla Group, Sycamore Campground and Thornhill Broome Campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Dockweiler Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dockweiler Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dockweiler Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dockweiler Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dockweiler Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    6. Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    13 Reviews
    14 Photos
    454 Saves
    El Segundo, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $55 - $75 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    7. Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    13 Reviews
    41 Photos
    157 Saves
    Port Hueneme, California

    UPDATE as of 10/10/20 Requires military ID and only open for Active Duty for camping at this current time. People can use the Day Use with proper identification

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Tapo Canyon Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tapo Canyon Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tapo Canyon Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tapo Canyon Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tapo Canyon Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Tapo Canyon Park

    8. Tapo Canyon Park

    11 Reviews
    20 Photos
    90 Saves
    Simi Valley, California

    Tapo Canyon Regional Park is located in the midst of the rolling hills and canyons of the Santa Susana Mountains, north of Simi Valley. Hikers, equestrian riders, and mountain bikers enjoy this rugged and rural park, which features picnic areas, A group use area, playground, an equestrian arena, restroom and shower facility, and an RV campground with 16 full hook ups. Cell service is spotty depending on carrier.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park

    9. Hollywood RV Park

    9 Reviews
    8 Photos
    57 Saves
    San Fernando, California
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    10. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    38 Reviews
    92 Photos
    447 Saves
    Oak View, California

    Lake Casitas camping offers over 400 sites, so you can choose the camping experience that suits you best. Some sites are lakeside, close enough to hear the lapping water, others are nestled among the trees, and still more are located on hillsides offering splendid views of the sparkling lake.

    We have sites to accommodate tents, tent trailers, campers and RVs, all with picnic tables and fire rings, and some with children's playgrounds close by. Shower houses with bathrooms are located at the front gate and towards the back of the park. We also have a convenient, fenced, dry storage facility for recreational vehicles, boats, canoes & kayaks

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
Showing results 1-10 of 138 campgrounds

Pet-friendly camping near El Nido

Recent Reviews in El Nido

867 Reviews of 138 El Nido Campgrounds


  • Jon S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Nov. 15, 2024

    Ventura Beach RV Resort

    Ditto no laundry right now

    Ditto what others say…clean, great noise, pricey $142/night for Sprinter, laundry is being remodeled right now

  • vector J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Nov. 11, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    Thats good

    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. The facilities are well-kept, with clean restrooms and a friendly staff always ready to assist. However, the noise from nearby https://blockblast.link/ may be disruptive for those in search of a quiet getaway, so it's worth considering if peace and quiet are a priority before booking.

  • I B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    Nice and friendly Staff, clean site

    Everything was fine. We stayed for 1 night to Visit L.A. . It was clean and the Staff was very nice. We called a night before and got a Site for our RV.

  • Thomas F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    6/10

    This place offers a convenient location near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an excellent base for exploring the city's attractions. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms and helpful staff who are eager to assist guests. However, Block Blast noise from the surrounding area can be an issue, so those seeking a peaceful retreat might want to consider this before booking.

  • Michelle M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    A beautiful Lake

    This is a nicely maintained municipal water reservoir with a very large lake. No swimming allowed, but boating is. Go figure.

    There are campgrounds with hookups that are only available for RVs. There is one Campground -Indian- that has a mixture of tent and RV sites with hookups available but it was under maintenance when I was here this weekend. So all the rest of the areas that do have hookups do not accommodate my truck and tent rig. And there are no 110V or 30a outlets available for people who are traveling light -with solar and a minimum amount of panels, where you might need to plug in once in awhile- they can't cover you here. Too bad no one thought of that when they were designing this place, because it's an awfully big place with a lot of sites.

    So we're leaving today to find another place to weekend.

    But two nights next to the lake, in the campground called Mallard was lovely as can be. Next time I'll come out with more panels to keep my pair of EcoFlow RiverPro solar generators topped up.

  • Kate
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    pch camping

    we stayed in the tent campsites. beware the tent sites do NOT have electrical hookups. you also have to park and carry your things to your campsite. luckily, they have wheelbarrows to make that easier.

    woodfires are not allowed but propane fires are. there are showers, flush toilets, and water sources in the campground. the bathrooms have a lock and code needed for entry. the campsites are all pretty close together but no one was there when we arrived on a weekday. it didn’t get busy until people started showing up on saturday for the holiday weekend.

    when you first drive in, there is a convenience store up front where you check in.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Wheeler Gorge Campground

    Peaceful and Calm!

    We loved camping here. The whole area has a really peaceful and mellow vibe. We reserved site #49 which was plenty big enough for our 26ft class c, but the drive through the campground to get to the site was a little narrow and tight, wouldn't recommend for larger RVs. This end of the campground is right next to the emergency exit, too, but they keep that gate locked, otherwise it would be an easy swoop in. Camp host was really nice, campground was huge, nice that there's a creek running through it which comes in handy in the hot summer months. You have to drive over some creek runoff at parts, no problem.

    There's zero cell reception in this entire area, the roads leading up to the campground as well.

    Fees are $35 or $37 for weekends/holidays. Pricey for what you get and for what we're used to paying for a forest service campground.

  • Kim N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    Great site with no amenities

    Loved the quietness of this campsite. No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site from what we can see. We were in an RV so we didn't mind at all. Went to Sycamore campground to fill up on water. Youre packed right on the beach next to the sand. Combo of tent and rv campers. Wifi is great at this location. We have tmobile

  • Kim N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dockweiler Beach RV Park
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    beachfront

    Youre packed like sardines but it's beachfront. It's noisy if you have party neighbors but they do turn off the music by 1030 ish so it's enforced. You hear planes flying and tmobile wifi is not great at the campground but good when on the beach front. It's at prime location in LAX so that was nice to go around town. Has full hookups. We would come back again if we need to be near LA area.

  • J
    Camper-submitted photo from Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground
    Aug. 14, 2024

    Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground

    Beach view

    The parking lot is next to the beach on the one side but also next to the highway on the other side. So the view and the breeze is beautiful, but the traffic noise in the evening and morning is not so nice. With earplugs everything is fine! ;) The host Jim is very kind and helpful!

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Comfort Park
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Camp Comfort Park

    Nice Little Campground

    This is such a nice and small campground, it's low key and seems to be overlooked because there always seems to be sites available.

    We stayed in site #13, which is a weird "pull in" site, which in all the traveling we've done, we've never stayed in one before. So you pull in forward (not back in), because  all your hookups are to the left of the site, on the driver's side.  Which is fine, except that unless you have a long sewer hose, your hose won't reach from the back of your RV to the sewer connection. Luckily there were vacant spots when we left, so we backed into a vacant spot with a  traditional setup and dumped on our way out.

    The best part of this campground is the creek that runs behind it. It's so nice and refreshing on a hot day, and safe for little kids to splash around in. There's also a park, day use area, playground, and some sort of meeting spot adjacent to this campground. The showers were nice (coin operated) and as a full timer I always love to see laundry machines at campgrounds.

    Pricey, but that's just the norm now.  I think our one night was about $50.  Great little place.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Faria Beach Park

    Beachy casual

    I'm giving this place 5 stars, because even though it's cramped and packed and awkward to maneuver through, it's got the casual and fun beach vibe that we love about this area.

    You're right on the beach, with easy access to the beach via stairs. This campground is very close to Rincon, but the setup is totally different. Rincon is basically just a parking space on the road, while Faria is a regular campground. The drive down from the main road is pretty steep with a sharp turn, I'm surprised more RVs don't scrape and cause damage on the way down.

    The sites here are very close together, but it doesn't matter. Everyone is friendly and happy and in a good mood. The cafe is fun and seems to be a hangout for bikers riding along Hwy 1. We love it here.

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites

    Haven't stayed, by reservation only for groups

    I haven't stayed in this campground, but I added it to the Dyrt so people can find it as an option if they are searching for large group camping. You MUST call in advance to get permission and reserve for group camping.

    Things to do:

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Danielson Group Multi-Use Area
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Danielson Group Multi-Use Area

    Haven't stayed, looks a little run down

    I came across this group campsite while on a long hike with a friend. I had no idea it existed, so I'm adding it to the Dyrt so more people can find it if they are looking for a group campsite. You can reserve it for large groups of 10-50 people. Some of the communal areas and fencing looked like it could use some resfreshing. Facilities available: Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, Tent Spaces, and Fireplace.

    I recommend visiting in the spring, when things are greenest, and there are beautiful wildflowers.

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park

    protected campground in middle of the island

    Both upper and lower campgrounds get almost total shade, which provides a relief from the direct sunlight throughout the rest of the island. The vault toilets were clean. Each site comes with its own table and metal food box. Some sites are closer together, but if you get lucky you can nab one towrds the outskirts.

    According to my Alltrails, lower sites were about 0.3 mile from the dock, and upper sites were about 0.6 mile.

    I recommend packing dramamine, in case you get motion sickness on the 1-1.5 hour boat ride in both directions. In January, the ride out to the island was pretty chopping. The ride back was calmer, and we boated along a pod of HUNDREDS of dolphins, it was spectacular.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    Love it here

    We come here often, whenever we are in the Ventura area. I used to be crabby about the high cost for just a parking spot along the freeway, but I've grown to love it. You're right on the beach, the weather is always perfect here and the ocean sounds drown out your neighbor's generator.

    No amenities other than trash dumpsters and the occasional recycle bin. Self contained RVs only, no tents.

    Cost is $47 during peak season, plus a $10 reservation fee and $2.50 per day per dog. Sigh - it adds up but it's kind of worth it. No check in required when you arrive, just pull into your reserved spot. No host on site, but rangers do come by often.

    You have to scramble down rocks to get to the beach, or you can walk to Faria campground and access the beach via their stairs.

  • Julian M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Amazing experience, beautiful sunset

    Great campground, Great spots but unfortunately bit expensive .Very disappointed about the rules regarding fire, but I understood. I left from the campground after the sunset...fire allowed only with courchal...

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

    Nice view, not bad, needs work

    We stayed in Loop A on a Thursday night in July. For us, it was a convenient overnight stop. It was a lot less crazy/ crowded than we expected for an LA County campground in the middle of summer! This site is on the lagoon, not the main lake, but had nice views and a good breeze in the heat. Very minimal space, not much shade. But the real issue was that the bathroom stalls in our loop (A) had no doors. I also doubt they are cleaned daily, though it wasn't terrible. Being close to the city, there were a ton of people meandering around, but they all seemed to be doing their own thing (e.g fishing or just walking), few suspicious characters. Lots of families and kids made it feel fairly safe for an urban campground. Not our favorite, but we would stop over here again in a pinch.

  • Elaine H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dennison Park
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Dennison Park

    Great campground and host!

    I love finding a camping spot last minute and it turns out to be amazing! Dennison Park Campground did not disappoint! Although there are beautiful upper campground spots that Overlook Ojai Valley, I chose, from the choices I had, a spot that looked spacious and offered the most shade. Nestled in the middle of upper and lower campsites, I found it to be a quiet reprieve from our day's activities -- the campfire always the highlight for me. The camp host, Dane, was friendly, helpful, and a joy to chat with. He also gave us some suggestions of other county parks to check out the next time we venture to the Ojia area! We will definitely be back to camp here!

  • merlinda M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Piru Recreation Area
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Lake Piru Recreation Area

    Great campsite

    Campsite was established, picnic table, fireplace, and electricity. Floor is gravel in some areas so bring a rake or broom for tent area. Our site was pretty close to bathrooms that had showers. 1.50 for 8 minutes, uses quarters. Has hot water. Rangers drive by selling wood and ice.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Stunning RVpark on a bluff over Malibu beach

    We enjoyed our one night stay we had a great spot overlooking the bay. The owners have a great plan and it looks like they are achieving their goal!

  • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Steckel Park
    Jun. 28, 2024

    Steckel Park

    Much better than I expected

    I had a giant campsite overlooking the heavily flowing creek. The creek was so clean and beautiful. The amazing thing is I brush-crashed for hours and didn’t get a single bug bite. The site was a bit messy when I arrived, but the ranger pulled up right as I got there to empty the trash bin. He said the crows scatter the garbage. A family of 2 peahens, a peacock, and 3 babies hung out near the creek. Beautiful birds. After walking around the creek for an hour, I came back to see a few bundles of wood left for me. I think the ranger found them at a site and gifted them to me. Very nice person!

  • Tammy P.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake

    Close to the lake, can be very hot during the summer

    It usually stay empty and easy to get a site even in the peak season summer and spring but there is limited shades in most campsites and can get very hot during the days. There are not many trees around, Site 42 has really good shade but be aware of pocky leaves from those trees. My air mattress pop both times we camp there. There is not much around to do except pyramid lake close by which is nice and convenient to get to the water and go fishing or tubing. Also close by six flag.

  • joel G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Campground
    Jun. 15, 2024

    Sawmill Campground

    Forest road camping outside of Yosemite

    Having to find a spot kind of late at night after other spots were full pretty level spot overlooking a meadow and review of the sunset roads a little rough getting back in there used four-wheel drive pulling a teardrop



Guide to El Nido

Camping near El Nido, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're into beach camping or prefer a more secluded spot in the woods, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds are close to the beach. For instance, at Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park, campers enjoy the beachfront experience. One reviewer said, "Really a special spot. Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in Southern California."
  • Hiking Trails: If you love hiking, Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park is a great choice. A visitor mentioned, "Great location. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."
  • Fishing and Water Activities: At Castaic Lake State Recreation Area, fishing is a popular activity. One camper noted, "Fishing was fantastic, hiking was breathtaking. Loved every minute."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Malibu Creek State Park Campground highlights, "It was green and lush in the campground and the hillsides after a lot of rain."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Lake Piru Recreation Area, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor shared, "This place has a great vibe, it's beautifully maintained and very clean."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Ventura Ranch KOA offer fun activities for kids. One parent said, "Our kids love all the extra activities like the playground and jumping pillow."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, such as Thornhill Broome Beach, have minimal facilities. A camper mentioned, "No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site from what we can see."
  • Crowded During Peak Times: Popular spots can get busy. A review for Dockweiler Beach RV Park noted, "You’re packed like sardines but it's beachfront."
  • Noise Levels: Campers should be prepared for some noise, especially near busy areas. One visitor at Dockweiler Beach RV Park said, "You will hear each and every one of the planes taking off from LAX."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Ventura Ranch KOA. A review mentions, "They are too short for the high ropes course but would love to do it when tall enough."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. One camper at Lake Piru Recreation Area appreciated the picnic tables available, saying, "Campsite was established, picnic table, fireplace, and electricity."
  • Pack for Comfort: Make sure to bring extra blankets and pillows for a cozy night. A visitor at Malibu Creek State Park Campground noted, "The sites are nicely spaced out."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A review for Sycamore Canyon Campground mentioned, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
  • Look for Hookups: If you need electricity, check if the campground offers it. For example, Castaic Lake State Recreation Area has electric hookups available.
  • Be Prepared for Wind: Campers at Thornhill Broome Beach noted that it can get windy, so securing your setup is essential. One reviewer said, "Had the wind been any more vigorous, this may have been more challenging."

Camping near El Nido, California, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to hiking enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions