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Best Campgrounds near Malibu, CA

917 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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Malibu, California (142)

    1. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    42 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"

    2. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    54 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."

    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. Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park

    6 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."

    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

    12 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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Recent Camping Photos near Malibu, CA

277 Photos of 142 Malibu Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Malibu, CA

917 Reviews of 142 Malibu Campgrounds

  • Marisa A.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 27, 2026

    Golden Shore RV Resort

    convenient urban camping

    Stayed here for a soccer game at dignity park.  We ended up with a buddy site but that ended up not being an issue, as it still felt spacious.  We have a 25 foot class C, and site was a good amount of space.  Pool and hot tub were well maintained, as well as the bathrooms and showers.  Location was decently walkable to the mall area of Long Beach, and an easy drive/uber to downtown Long Beach.  We plan on being back for the World Cup in June.

  • kevin M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 27, 2026

    Lions Canyon

    Very Small, get all kinds being so close to the city

    Cute little place and can get busy people sleeping at the trail head, and all diffrent types of folks, be prepared. Very primitive and the creek is cool and lots of trails to Hike

  • Andre V.
    Jan. 22, 2026

    Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    Beach Camping plus

    The campground may not be anything too special. The sites are close together and the place is usually crowded. But the opportunity to hike in the Santa Monica Mountains then take a swim in the ocean, ending your day by a campfire is the height of SoCal living.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 19, 2026

    Dennison Park

    Close to Ojia

    Very comfortable, on a hill with great views. Make your reservations online in advance. About 15 minute drive up from Ojai on a curvy hilly road. Bathrooms and water.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 12, 2026

    Hare School Park

    Kicked out

    Police asked us to leave around 6am after spending the night. Informed us that in Garden Grove it is illegal to park overnight on any city property. Police were very polite and understanding, but firm.

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 31, 2025

    Placerita Canyon Los Pineros Trail Sites

    For group camping

    I have not stayed at this site yet, but discovered it recently, and so I am adding it for people who are looking for group camping options in the Los Angeles area/ San Fernando Valley area. These sites can only be reserved by groups if you call the park office in advance.

    It’s a short hike in from one trail that connects to Placerita Canyon Rd, or a ~1 mile hike from the Nature Center.

    Picnic tables and water spigots are available in the group sites, with a port-o-potty nearby.

    Beautiful stream/waterfall trail directly from the sites

    More park camping info: https://www.pcnca.org/park-rules.html

    “ 17.04.390 Overnight camping restrictions -- Permit issuance conditions. A. A person shall not camp or sleep overnight in any park except where a family-type camping area is so designated, and then only in accordance with the rules and regulations governing the use of such area. The director may issue a permit to any youth group of a character-building nature and to any special-interest group permitting its members as a group to camp overnight at a designated location in a park.”

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 19, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    less busy than years past?

    The few times I've come in the 12+ months, the park overall, including the camp sites and picnic areas have seemed less crowded. So much so that we saw much more wild life than usual, check out the photos!

  • Les R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 19, 2025

    Camp Eaton

    Amazing private camp rental through a great organization

    We booked Camp Eaton for our wedding, and we love the camp and staff so much that we've gone back to visit and stayover for special occasions. All of the staff are incredible, just good people. The bookings are only available for groups and you must reserve in advance. It's also a great non-profit org to support!

    The camp can accomodate 120 guests over night through a combination of yurts and cabins. They have their own well, so fresh water is available. Amenities include: large dining hall, kitchen, bathrooms, showers, and laundry. Amazing activites on the grounds include: swimming pool, sports areas, archery area, rock climbing, and even a zipline ride. There is amphitheater with a campfire ring Picnic area with barbecues. The location is a short distance from bouldering near Horseflats and Mt Hillyer and hiking trails including the PCT.

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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