RV camping near Malibu, California offers diverse experiences from beachfront sites to mountainside locations, with seasonal considerations affecting accessibility. The coastal region experiences Mediterranean climate with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, while winter nights can drop to the low 40s, requiring appropriate camping gear. Noise levels from Pacific Coast Highway traffic and airport flight paths impact sleep quality at different campgrounds.
What to do
Beach exploration at Dockweiler Beach RV Park: Located 30 miles from Malibu, this oceanfront camping destination has designated fire rings along the shoreline. "There's also a bike path that goes for miles both north or south - great for an early workout," notes one visitor who appreciates the convenient beach access.
Bird watching at Seal Beach Military campground: The nearby wetlands provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities year-round. "Wetlands on the base and birds galore," reports a camper, making this a worthwhile day trip from Malibu for military personnel with proper ID.
Kayaking at Point Mugu Recreation Facility: The protected cove offers calm waters ideal for water sports. "Beautiful Beach! Great place to go fishing, watch Sea Lions and Birds. Walking my dog on the beach. Watching the sun rise and beautiful sunsets," explains a reviewer who enjoys the multiple recreational options.
What campers like
Ocean views from elevated sites: The terraced layout at Malibu Beach RV Park provides unobstructed Pacific views. "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!" mentions a satisfied visitor.
Beach proximity with conveniences: Camping directly adjacent to beaches saves driving time. "We stayed in the site V2 overlooking the ocean in a 21 foot van. The spot was a little uneven but easily fixed. I loved the views, location, and vibe," reports a camper who appreciated the direct ocean access.
Well-maintained facilities: Several campgrounds maintain clean amenities despite high usage. "We had a great time. Although it was really hot the pool was nice and refreshing and clean. Our space was clean and perfect. The store had all the necessities we needed," notes a visitor to Castaic Lake RV Park, which serves as an alternative when Malibu sites are full.
What you should know
Airplane noise at several locations: Several RV parks experience significant noise from flight paths. At Dockweiler Beach RV Park, "you are directly under the LAX flight path which means large and noisy keys overhead all day long. For us, the pros outweighed the cons. We quickly were able to ignore the airplanes."
Fire restrictions vary by location: Many campgrounds near Malibu prohibit wood fires but allow propane alternatives. "Woodfires are not allowed but propane fires are," reports a camper about Malibu Beach RV Park's tent camping area.
Limited tent camping options: Most facilities primarily accommodate RVs with few tent-specific sites. "Beware the tent sites do NOT have electrical hookups. You also have to park and carry your things to your campsite. Luckily, they have wheelbarrows to make that easier," explains a tent camper at Malibu Beach RV Park.
Tips for camping with families
Pool availability during peak seasons: Swimming pools require advance scheduling during busy periods. At Ventura Beach RV Resort, "we went here in March '21 and half the resort was still closed to covid restrictions. No pool, jacuzzi, playground, transport vehicle to and from town, and game room," indicating the importance of confirming amenity availability before arrival.
Weekend vs. weekday experiences: Family camping experiences differ significantly between weekdays and weekends. "It didn't get busy until people started showing up on saturday for the holiday weekend," notes a camper about Malibu Beach RV Park's occupancy patterns.
Noise considerations for light sleepers: Train noise affects sleep quality at some locations. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, a visitor reported "a train that ran around 3:30am every morning that was a disturbance," highlighting the importance of site selection for families with children who are light sleepers.
Tips from RVers
Cell service limitations: Mobile connectivity varies dramatically across campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon, "my Verizon cell service was nonexistent. There was WiFi for a fee which couldn't be shared with multiple devices," mentions an RVer who stayed near the welcome center.
Space limitations for larger vehicles: Many RV parks have tight turning radiuses that challenge larger rigs. "For a 43 footer this place is TIGHT. If you have a big rig, prolly not the best idea. But if you have a 28 footer, this place is Six Stars!!!!" advises a reviewer about Castaic Lake RV Park.
Reservation timing strategies: Advanced planning becomes essential during peak seasons. At Hollywood RV Park, "we called a night before and got a Site for our RV," though this last-minute success is uncommon during summer months when most parks reach capacity.
