Camping near Malibu allows visitors to experience the diverse terrain where Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. Overnight temperatures drop to the low 50s even in summer months, requiring warm sleeping gear year-round at higher elevation sites. Several campgrounds feature both ocean-view and canyon sites within a 20-minute drive of central Malibu.
What to do
Explore tide pools and sea caves: At Leo Carrillo State Park, the beach access is approximately a 10-minute walk from most campsites. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access... 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.
Visit former movie filming locations: Malibu Creek State Park contains trails leading to recognizable backdrops from film and television productions. "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.
Practice archery on weekends: Tapo Canyon Park offers a specialized archery range open to the public on Saturdays with professional instruction. "There is archery with lessons for kids on the weekends. Very fun! If you are new to RV camping, it's a good place to practice," says Sam & Amy inc. L.
What campers like
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers can spot native California wildlife from their sites. "On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub—making their way to a running creek," reports Ryan W. at Malibu Creek State Park.
Clean shower facilities: Point Mugu State Park maintains good bathroom amenities. "Facilities were decent- bathrooms were kept fairly clean and showers worked well, though the token system($2 for 2 minutes) takes some getting used to," explains a camper.
Ocean soundscape: Thornhill Broome Beach offers campsites directly on the sand. "If you're just looking for a simple night on the beach with friends like us, some surf and a beer... this will do the trick!" notes C N., highlighting the primary appeal of oceanfront camping.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Several campgrounds have poor or no connectivity. At Tapo Canyon Park, "There is no Wi-Fi here and as best we could tell, no cellular signal for any provider," warns Bower.
Reservation requirements: Thornhill Broome Beach requires advance booking during peak seasons. "This campground is popular in the summer months and spaces get reserved up to 6 months in advanced," cautions Jeremy F.
Fire restrictions: Different campgrounds have varying fire policies. "Woodfires are not allowed but propane fires are," at Malibu Beach RV Park according to Kate, while other sites permit traditional campfires with purchased firewood.
Airport noise: Campgrounds closer to Los Angeles experience aircraft noise. At Dockweiler Beach RV Park, "You will hear each and every of the planes taking off from LAX, but at one point you don't hear them anymore. It was not really annoying, but that flight at 5a was..." reports Ignasi M.
Tips for camping with families
Bring beach equipment transport: When camping with children, plan for beach gear transportation. "Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff," recommends Alfred at Leo Carrillo State Park.
Visit dog-friendly campgrounds near Malibu: Circle X Ranch within Santa Monica Mountains allows leashed dogs. For families with pets, most Malibu campgrounds accommodate dogs, but check specific rules before booking.
Take advantage of playground areas: Several pet-friendly campsites near Malibu include child-friendly facilities. At Tapo Canyon Park, "The kids enjoyed the playground and fields," notes April Y., making it suitable for families seeking pet-welcoming campgrounds.
Store food properly: Wildlife encounters require proper precautions. Alfred mentions at Leo Carrillo, "spotted a few rats at night, so definitely store your food properly," a practical consideration for family camping safety.
Tips from RVers
Check vehicle height restrictions: Access limitations affect certain campgrounds. One visitor to Leo Carrillo notes, "Attention pour avoir accès à la mer, le véhicule doit faire moins de 8 feet!" indicating height restrictions for vehicles accessing the beach area.
Know your site dimensions: Verify your specific site accommodates your setup. At Malibu Creek State Park, one RVer notes it's "Best for tents, tight for RVs," providing crucial planning information for larger vehicles.
Consider dry camping areas: Some RV parks offer non-hookup options with more space. At Dockweiler Beach RV Park, "The RV park has a hookup area and a dry camping area. The hookups are full of large rigs, very close one with another, in a parking lot style. The dry camp provides much more space," advises Ignasi M.
