Primitive camping near Malibu, California extends beyond the immediate coastline into adjacent national forest lands. Most dispersed sites sit at elevations between 3,000-5,000 feet in the nearby mountains, offering temperature drops of 10-15°F compared to beach areas. Winter access becomes challenging after snowfall, with forest service roads sometimes closing between December and March depending on conditions.
What to do
Hike to waterfalls: From Big Cone Camp in Santa Paula Canyon, visitors can reach several cascading waterfalls known locally as the "punch bowls." According to one camper, "From Big Cone Camp you can easily reach the waterfalls and pools that make this area known as the 'punch bowls'. Depending on weather and water conditions there are some nice water rock slides, and a few pools you can jump from the cliffs into."
Stargazing at pullouts: The Angeles Crest overlook areas provide unobstructed night sky viewing when marine layer fog stays below the mountain elevation. "The view is gorgeous in the morning sunrise!" notes one visitor who stayed at Angeles Crest Overlook to LA.
Dog walking at urban sites: For those needing overnight parking closer to urban areas, some locations offer pet-friendly spaces. At Hare School Park, "There's a dog park kind of area with a big field they can run around and just clean up after them."
What campers like
Sunrise views: The elevated position of Angeles Crest sites provides exceptional morning light conditions. One visitor explains, "I loved car camping here! When I stayed, there were no other people who stayed the night, but quite a few people came throughout the night just for 20 minutes at a time or so. Wasn't too noisy at all."
Accessibility for beginners: Santa Paula Canyon offers relatively straightforward backcountry camping options. "This is a fairly easy hike through what would not be considered a typical hike. It starts off going through Thomas Aquinas College, winding through horse property and oil fields, before finally opening up into Santa Paula Canyon," writes a visitor to Big Cone Camp - Santa Paula Canyon.
Convenience for travelers: Several pullout areas provide quick overnight options for those passing through. "Perfect last minute late night hold over stop," notes one camper who rated Angeles Crest Overlook 4 stars.
What you should know
Safety considerations: Vehicle security can be a concern at roadside pullouts. One camper cautions, "Be careful though there's a white van that teams up with a black truck they tried to break in my car while I was sleeping. It is very dangerous and luckily I carry at all times and have cameras."
Limited facilities: Most dispersed sites completely lack amenities. At Angeles Crest Overlook, a visitor observed, "There are no toilets, campfire sites or shade but good cell service."
Site selection timing: Weekday visits typically offer significantly quieter conditions. One camper recommends, "During the week it's more quiet. Close to town so that is a plus. Would recommend to smaller vans or car sleepers."
Tips for camping with families
Trail selection: When camping with children, Santa Paula Canyon offers manageable terrain. A visitor shares, "It is one of my favorite spots simply because it is close and when my kids were young it was a fairly easy hike to get to, and there's a nice reward when you get there."
Noise considerations: Roadside pullout areas may experience unexpected disturbances. "It did seem like maybe a teen hangout or something - cars did flow in and out occasionally through the night until around midnight," reports one Angeles Crest camper.
Vehicle-based options: For families with younger children, car camping provides more security. "I'd use it again if I needed it as it's hard to find free places to sleep with a great view like that when traveling through cities," notes a visitor to Hare School Park.
Tips from RVers
Size limitations: Most dispersed sites accommodate smaller vehicles better than full-size RVs. One reviewer states, "This is literally just a roadside pull-off. Only really useful in a pinch. No space for a tent. Sleep in your vehicle."
Urban overnight alternatives: Some parking areas near Malibu tolerate overnight RV parking. "I've been here for a couple days and nobody's mess with us. I'm in a 25 foot Fleetwood RV," reports one camper.
Site selection: Look for level pullouts with adequate space to park completely off roadways. "It is not a real campground, just the parking area of a view point. So the view was great. I parked at one end of the area but in the evening lots of couples and teenagers came and the parking area was well used."
