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Best Campgrounds near Malibu, CA

863 Reviews

Malibu's California coastline has several good camping spots with different settings to choose from. Point Mugu State Park lets you camp near both beaches and canyons, giving you access to different natural areas. Malibu Creek State Park Campground works well for hikers, with trails that pass by old movie filming locations. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground puts you right by the beach where you can fall asleep to wave sounds. Lake Casitas Recreation Area draws many families and fishing fans. You might even spot a California Condor while at Lake Casitas, though it's rare. Keep your food stored properly so you don't attract animals to your campsite. You should make reservations ahead of time, especially during busy seasons when spots fill quickly. Check if any fire bans are in effect before you plan to have a campfire. Most places require camping permits that you can get online or from ranger stations. Spring and fall have the best camping weather in Malibu. The summer gets busy, so book well in advance if that's when you plan to visit. Malibu has good options whether you prefer tent camping or bringing an RV.

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Best Camping Sites Near Malibu, California (134)

    1. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 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

    34 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

    28 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

    33 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

    35 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. Hollywood RV Park

    15 Reviews
    San Fernando, CA
    19 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Nice campground a little bit outside of Hollywood but with a very helpful camp host"

    7. 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."

    8. Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    15 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Tapo Canyon Park

    11 Reviews
    Simi Valley, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    "This is a very nice campground near everything but still away from it all. No issues parking our 42' 5th wheel here. Clean and quiet despite the peacocks. They can be rather loud when startled."

    "This campground happens to be very close to home so we went here to try out our brand new pull behind camper trailer for the very first time.
    The campground is small, quiet and very well-kept."

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Showing results 1-10 of 134 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Malibu, CA

275 Photos of 134 Malibu Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Malibu, CA

863 Reviews of 134 Malibu Campgrounds

Guide to Malibu

Camping near Malibu, California, offers a fantastic mix of beachside relaxation and outdoor adventure. With stunning views and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, RVers, and anyone looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Many campgrounds, like Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park, let you camp right on the beach. One camper mentioned, “Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in Southern California.”
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. A visitor noted, “Great campground, great spots but unfortunately a bit expensive. I left from the campground after the sunset.”
  • Water Activities: At Lake Casitas Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One review highlighted, “The sites are clean and the pads are very flat. Makes leveling a breeze.”

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the beautiful surroundings. A review for Malibu Beach RV Park said, “Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!”
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Bonelli Bluffs, are praised for their cleanliness. One camper remarked, “Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen.”
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Newport Dunes RV Resort are great for families. A review noted, “Wonderful spot for families looking for a place with lots to do.”

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground, have limited amenities. A camper mentioned, “The sites are small. It is very difficult to back in to a spot when you have campers across from your campsite.”
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways, such as Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park, can be noisy. One visitor said, “The sound of waves and occasional traffic all night. Loud white noise doesn't bother me, but others may have difficulty sleeping.”
  • Crowded on Weekends: Many campgrounds fill up quickly on weekends. A review for Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach noted, “Spots are very snug. You can get stuck waiting for a while if your neighbors don’t know how to park their unit.”

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Lake Casitas Recreation Area, which offers activities for kids. One review said, “This is a huge place, with lots to do.”
  • Plan for Limited Internet: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A camper at Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground mentioned, “The only negative was no wifi or data.”
  • Bring Entertainment: Since some campgrounds can be busy, it’s good to have games or activities on hand. A visitor at Wheeler Gorge Campground said, “Great campground for kids, we always have a good time.”

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, “The sites are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs.”
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Many RV parks can get busy. A camper at Newport Dunes RV Resort noted, “It’s a huge campground. Short term and long term sites. Sites are very tight.”
  • Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: If you need internet, consider a mobile hotspot. A visitor at Point Mugu State Park said, “There is no reception for T-Mobile users. However, I used my WeBoost and got two bars.”

Camping near Malibu, California, has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for beach fun, hiking, or just a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Malibu, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Malibu, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 134 campgrounds and RV parks near Malibu, CA and 3 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Malibu, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Malibu, CA is Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 53 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Malibu, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 3 free dispersed camping spots near Malibu, CA.

What parks are near Malibu, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Malibu, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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