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Best Campgrounds near Malibu, CA

941 Reviews

Several campgrounds dot the Malibu coastline and nearby areas for those looking to camp in this part of Southern California. Malibu Creek State Park Campground has trails that lead to spots where famous movies and TV shows were filmed. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground sits right by the beach, giving campers easy walks to shoreline and tide pools. Point Mugu State Park contains two camping areas - Thornhill Broome Beach with sites facing the ocean and Sycamore Canyon with spots under large trees. Lake Casitas Recreation Area works well for campers who want to fish or take boats out on the water. Watch out for local wildlife like raccoons and coyotes when camping near Malibu, and store food properly. Fire rules can be strict, particularly when conditions are dry. Book ahead for most Malibu area campgrounds since they fill quickly, especially in summer months. Roads to these camping areas are generally good, though some get narrow and twisty. Most campsites come with basic tables and fire rings, but some have more privacy than others. Trees provide good shade in many areas, particularly at Sycamore Canyon. Most places limit stays to 14 days maximum. Malibu has camping that works for both beach lovers and those who prefer wooded settings.

Best Camping Sites Near Malibu, California (143)

    1. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Close by in northern Malibu, it’s perfect for a weekend getaway, close to beach / surf. Hot tip, bring bikes to get to the beach."

    "Various campsites with easy access to one of the best beaches in Malibu. Close to everything fun in So Cal- Close to The Pier, Malibu, Hollywood, LA and more."

    2. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    41 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 880-0367

    $45 - $225 / night

    "Who does NOT like Malibu. We had an Environmental campsites they are located in relatively undisturbed natural settings."

    "Very close to Malibu Canyon Road and houses"

    3. Malibu Beach RV Park

    31 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    1 mile
    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."

    4. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

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

    $45 / night

    "The park is right off the highway, but there isn't much PCH traffic in that area at night so it was very quiet. I would highly recommend staying here."

    "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."

    5. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

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

    $35 / night

    "We went for a day after having camped at Malibu creek state park for the weekend and this was the best part of our trip!! It was so nice !"

    "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."

    6. Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    23 Reviews
    El Segundo, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 322-4951

    $55 - $80 / night

    "The most fantastic thing about this RV spot is the location - directly facing a large, beautiful, clean beach with built in fire rings, a very long bike bath and bike rental kiosk."

    "One of the only in Southern California/Los Angeles area where you can have a fire on the beach."

    7. Hollywood RV Park

    18 Reviews
    San Fernando, CA
    19 miles
    Website

    "Every “road” in the park is themed with California or Hollywood themed decorations and murals. We were parked right next to a Mister Roger’s mural across from the laundry/bathrooms."

    "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."

    8. Headquarters Campground — Salton Sea State Recreation Area

    11 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (760) 393-3052

    $30 / night

    "If you’re looking for a campsite off the beaten path with gorgeous views and some unique exploring nearby, this is it. I stayed here in a 22 foot RV at one of the hookup sites."

    "Incredible drive through vineyards, citrus tree farms just to get to the Salton Sea. Such a cool place to stay and see. Nice, paved short trail to the beach."

    9. Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park

    5 Reviews
    Topanga, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 455-2465

    $7 / night

    "If you want a longer hike you can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction."

    "Although it’s not the most scenic campground itself, the state park has plenty of beauty to offer on its hiking trails. Not a single other party at the campsite on a Tuesday in September."

    10. Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    13 Reviews
    Port Hueneme, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 989-8407

    "The tent sites are very basic and very close together, but the surroundings are worth it!"

    "This is a wonderful campground right next to the beach however it is only available to the military and their families."

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Recent Camping Photos near Malibu, CA

284 Photos of 143 Malibu Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Malibu, CA

941 Reviews of 143 Malibu Campgrounds

  • mimi M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 23, 2026

    Golden Shore RV Resort

    service and price very uneven

    first, as a drop in you can‘t stay more then two nights even if they have room!

    second, annually pool maintenance in spring break! without information when checking in, and it’s not a cheap one and i chose it for the pool! no information no discount, had to beg to at least get a poolchair, so much gras to chill no chairs!

    third the showers are only dripping and i was the only one showering! again, not a cheap place!

    and fourth, WIFI does never connect, really for a campground with this price, every cheap one has better WIFI and some people need it as internationals!

  • kevin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2026

    Rose Valley Campground

    Nice Place, especially if there is a lot of water around

    Very tropical, and a nice cool place to walk and chill to get out of the Hot Ojai Sun. The campground is very small and primitive and tough to get spots Thursday through Sunday if you can its pretty fun but can turned int a little party place on weekend nights and quite a but of craziness... But a weekday, after a good rain, pretty magical, and lots of hiking out of he CG and lots of hiking and VERY close to the Piedra Blanca Trailhead and Sespe River

  • kevin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 22, 2026

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Just too many people and maybe too close to stuff

    Overall the CG is fine everything you need just fine, Location is okay Beach 5 miles away many trails to hike and the Valley shopping and other Typical So cal things are 20 minutes away and L.A. is 35 minutes away (with no traffic). but That locaion is what makes the death of this place.with over 1 million (not exaggerating) having immediate access to this place and it not over all restful experience, and is just too darn PEOPLY!!

  • Hans V.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 21, 2026

    Faria Beach Park

    Sea front

    Nice sea front (big rocks, sand at low tide). Gravel pads which are better than many other "parking lots" on the coast, but still closely spaced. Only one "family shower" for the entire campground and toilets are a bit old and therefore dirty-looking. Had a good time, perfect spot for doing a channel island day trip

  • Rey R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 4, 2026

    Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon

    Warm for March

    Stayed here for one night tent camping. No one in sight in the tent section. Good spot with showers and restrooms. The pool and spa were open.

  • James J.
    Feb. 24, 2026

    Foster Residence Campground

    Quiet ,beautiful views , and not very busy, nice place if you wanna be alone

    It’s very quiet out there and the host doesn’t do a lot of prying, pretty much kept to themselves the whole time , which I liked. The sene is pretty, lots of trees and thick mountains with lots of trails , also an out door theater down the road that’s apparently pretty old , so all around it was nice quiet peaceful place to camp.

  • Miguel B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Feb. 23, 2026

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Beach camping

    Really incredible location, was snow to book last minute by calling and checking for availability. Can't reserve by phone but was able to confirm availability. Prob easier to do in off season, add it is Feb not the summer.

    Pricing is 75 for closest to beach 65 to furthest in RV 40FOOT LIMIT super chill, quiet hours are 9pm Love the space, fire pits on the beach. Pet friendly

  • Cayla F.
    Feb. 9, 2026

    Oak Flat Campground

    Great campground, My dog got attacked, terrible ranger, and brown toilets

    The campground itself was pretty good, nice sized sites, and pretty clean save for the occasional beer bottle cap and the bird poop on the picnic table. It's free if you have the America the beautiful/interagency pass

    The bad was that the toilets were brown instead of white, and I asked the ranger repeatedly to please clean them the week we were here. Speaking of the ranger, he was too nosy, wondering if we were homeless and how long we're staying exactly like the other reviews mentioned, but the real kicker is I went to hike the Whitakers peak via the oak flat trail which directs people to go through the boy's scout campground that is right above the oak flat thinking there is some type of easement to let hikers through between the national forest and the boy scouts. Nope, you're trespassing through minute you step on the boy's scout campground, and the caretaker's two huskies might come and attack your dog, so beware. Full story on Alltrails.

Guide to Malibu

Malibu camping typically ranges in elevation from sea level along the beaches to around 2,000 feet in the Santa Monica Mountains. The Mediterranean climate brings mild winters and warm, dry summers with average temperatures between 50-85°F. Campers should know many sites require reservation windows of up to six months in advance, especially for summer weekend spots at oceanfront campgrounds.

What to do

Beach exploration: 10-minute walk from most sites at Leo Carrillo State Park Campground gives access to natural features. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access- it's about a 10-minute walk from most sites, and you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones," notes Alfred in a review.

Hiking the Backbone Trail: This recently completed trail extends through the Santa Monica Mountains and ends at Point Mugu State Park. "The backbone trail ends at this park, and was finally completed in spring 2016 - I strongly recommend hiking part of it, if you stay at Point Mugu," suggests Les R.

Archery practice: $5 Saturday sessions available at Tapo Canyon Park. "The archery range is one of the best in California. There is a members area and the original range is open to the public on Saturdays from 9-1, with a nominal $5 fee," mentions robherr.

What campers like

Canyon shade: Malibu Creek State Park Campground offers relief from summer heat. "Campground is beautiful!! Spacious campsites with fire pits, and clean bathrooms (bring your own hand soap). Be aware of the limited hours for entering with a vehicle (8am-10pm)," says Lizzie C.

Ocean views from RV spots: The elevated position of Malibu Beach RV Park provides panoramic vistas. "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff! General store is well stocked and there's a park to lounge or play games on the cliffs edge!" states Tim Z.

Wildlife sightings: Morning dolphin viewing is common at some beach sites. "The sound of the surf lulled us to sleep and we woke up to dolphins playing a few yards from shore," shares Kat P. about her experience at Point Mugu State Park.

What you should know

Shower token systems: Many campgrounds use coin-operated showers. At Leo Carrillo, "the token system($2 for 2 minutes) takes some getting used to," according to Alfred. Other campers note similar systems at multiple Malibu area campgrounds.

Limited connectivity: Cell service varies widely by campground location. At Tapo Canyon Park, "there is no Wi-Fi here and as best we could tell, no cellular signal for any provider," reports Bower.

Wildlife precautions: Store food properly to avoid unwanted visitors. "Also spotted a few rats at night, so definitely store your food properly," notes Alfred about Leo Carrillo. At Tapo Canyon, "be careful at night. Mountain lions were spotted while there," warns April Y.

Tips for camping with families

Bring a wagon for beach supplies: When camping near beaches, prepare for transport needs. "Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff," suggests Alfred about Leo Carrillo State Park.

Playground access: Thornhill Broome Beach at Point Mugu State Park offers kid-friendly areas. "Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. There are meadows down the trail on either side of the campground," states Jeremy F.

Movie location exploration: Malibu Creek State Park contains filming sites from popular shows. "The state 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," explains Ryan W.

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Some RV campgrounds have height limitations for access. At Malibu Beach RV Park, a reviewer notes, "Attention pour avoir accès à la mer, le véhicule doit faire moins de 8 feet!" meaning vehicles must be under 8 feet tall to access certain areas.

Noise considerations: Dockweiler Beach RV Park offers oceanfront camping with airport proximity. "We had a dry campsite a bit further from the airport, so the plane noise was much less," recommends PRINCE C. who camped there as his first stop on a 5000 KM adventure.

Boondocking preparation: Many sites lack full hookups. At Sycamore campground in Point Mugu State Park, "there are no hookups so this is boondocking at its best," explains Theo A., advising self-contained operation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you camp on Malibu beaches or near the ocean?

Yes, there are excellent options for camping near Malibu's beaches. Malibu Beach RV Park offers prime ocean-proximity camping with spectacular views. It's strategically located between the Malibu pier area and several beaches including Dume and Zuma, with a small beach directly across the street. Though primarily an RV park, they do accommodate tent campers as well. For beachfront camping slightly further south, Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground provides concrete/asphalt sites with water and electric hookups just steps from great sand beaches. While direct camping on Malibu beaches themselves isn't permitted, these nearby options provide easy beach access while maintaining proper facilities and amenities.

What camping options are available at Malibu Creek State Park?

Malibu Creek State Park Campground offers diverse camping experiences in a beautiful natural setting. The park features environmental campsites located in relatively undisturbed natural areas, each equipped with a table and tent clearing. Nearby primitive toilets are available for these sites. The main campground provides more developed facilities with clean bathrooms and shower facilities (showers cost $1 for 4 minutes, but require token conversion first). Multiple trash receptacles are available throughout the grounds. The campground is conveniently located close to Malibu Canyon Road, making it accessible while still providing a peaceful retreat. For hikers seeking more seclusion, Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park offers a hike-in option nearby with basic amenities including water and toilets.

Where are the best camping sites in Malibu, CA?

Malibu offers several excellent camping options. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground is a favorite spot located on the Malibu-Ventura border with easy beach access, great surf breaks, and tide pools. The campground features sites under oak trees in a small canyon, with a convenient store for forgotten supplies. Another top choice is Malibu Creek State Park Campground, which offers environmental campsites in natural settings with tables and tent clearings. The park provides clean bathrooms and showers ($1 for 4 minutes), though tokens must be purchased first. Both locations provide the quintessential Malibu camping experience with proximity to beaches, hiking trails, and local attractions.

Are there any glamping or luxury camping options in Malibu?

While traditional glamping (glamorous camping) sites with furnished tents or yurts aren't prominent in Malibu itself, luxury camping options do exist. Malibu Beach RV Park offers an upscale camping experience with stunning ocean views and convenient beach access. Though pricier than standard campgrounds, the premium location and amenities justify the cost for those seeking comfort while enjoying Malibu's natural beauty. The upper section of the park provides particularly impressive vistas. For those willing to venture slightly beyond Malibu, Point Mugu Recreation Facility offers comfortable accommodations with modern amenities. Additionally, several private properties in the Malibu hills occasionally list luxury tent stays and unique accommodations on popular vacation rental platforms, providing custom glamping experiences with ocean views.

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