Best Tent Camping near Piru, CA
Are you planning a tent camping trip to Piru? We've got you covered. The Dyrt helps you find campsites with tent camping near Piru. You're sure to find the perfect tent campsite for your California camping adventure.
Best Tent Sites Near Piru, CA (64)
1. Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park
Topanga, California5 Reviews•9 Photos•183 SavesNow Open
Located in the cliffs and canyons of the Santa Monica Mountains, Topanga State Park features 36 miles of trails through open grassland, live oaks and spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean.
The park is located entirely within the Los Angeles city limits and is considered the world’s largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city. Excellent recreational opportunities for hikers as well as mountain bikers (restricted to fire roads) and equestrians.
The park is bound on the south by Pacific Palisades and Brentwood, on the west by Topanga Canyon, and on the east by Rustic Canyon. Numerous geologic formations can be found in the park, including earthquake faults, marine fossils, volcanic intrusions, and a wide variety of sedimentary formations.
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
$7 / night
2. Sage Ranch - Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
Brandeis, California1 Review•4 Photos•101 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
3. Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
Pine Mountain Club, California6 Reviews•24 Photos•393 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Picnic Table
- Toilets
4. Joshua Tree Ranch Los Angeles
Lake Hughes, California7 Reviews•20 Photos•293 SavesJoshua trees 50 miles closer to LA than the Joshua Tree National Park! This is 2.5 acres of protected Joshua Tree lands in the Antelope Valley north of LA, between the snowy Tehachapi Mountains, and the rolling green foothills of the also-snowy San Gabriel Mountains. My first time out there I saw BOTH ENDS of a rainbow in front of the snowy Tehachapis!! Super dark skies, and a million stars at night. It feels like the wild west out here. Think long dirt roads, tumbleweeds, bones, and maybe some old bullet shells (there's no shooting allowed on the property anymore). The property itself is along a dirt "road" called Avenue C, but I'd be shocked if you encountered anyone driving along there. Except possibly another group of campers. This land used to be the domain of the Ketanemuk tribe, which I think means People From The East. In the summer they would go up and hunt and get pine nuts in the Tehachapi Mountains, and acorns from the oak trees in the San Gabriels. It's about a 20 minute drive from the town of Neenach (pronounced Nee-nack), where there's a general store and a cafe. They make a great breakfast burrito. A few minutes from the State Poppy Reserve, which blooms in the spring with miles of California poppies. If you have a larger group or event in mind, get in touch! We can figure out how to accommodate you.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Alcohol
$25 / night
5. Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Lake Sherwood, California2 Reviews•7 Photos•62 SavesOverview
Circle X Ranch Group Campground is closed until further notice. There is no estimated re-opening date. Are you searching for a weekend getaway with mountain overlooks and sunny, sandy beaches? Your vacation destination may be a short drive from Los Angeles, California! Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers many opportunities to shake off the stresses of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Recreation
Travel one of the many trails that wind through this rare coastal Mediterranean ecosystem. The plants you see here, such as coastal sage scrub and mixed chaparral, are adapted to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Keep an eye out for red shank chaparral, a tree-like shrub with reddish-brown bark, clusters of thread-like leaves, and small bunches of white flowers in July and August. From the dry, rocky slopes near Sandstone Peak to the lush fern-studded Grotto, Circle X Ranch provides a wide variety of recreational possibilities. Linger here for a while, and experience the ambiance of this secluded mountain retreat.
Natural Features
Tucked in the canyons above Malibu and nestled below majestic Boney Mountain, you will find Circle X Ranch. This former Boy Scout camp offers many opportunities for exploration and adventure. Journey to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, and see several of the Channel Islands on a clear day. Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a creekside picnic. Reserve the Group Camp and listen to coyote songs at night.
Nearby Attractions
Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a picnic at the trailhead next to the campground. Grotto Trail 3.5 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous; no bikes, no horses. This trail traverses hillsides and leads down to the West Fork of the Arroyo Sequit. The trail is downhill from the Ranger Station, which means an uphill return. The Grotto area is rugged terrain; be careful and wear appropriate hiking attire. The last 1/8 mile is through an unimproved streambed and dogs are not allowed. The Ranger Contact Station can provide you with free hiking maps of Circle X Ranch. A publication of park-led activites for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is also available. Vists to nearby Malibu and the Pacific Ocean are just a short drive way.
- Tents
- Group
$35 / night
6. Goldhill Camping Area
Frazier Park, California1 Review•6 SavesGoldhill Camping Area is an open camping location adjacent to Piru Creek at the base of Alamo Mountain.__ Recreational Vehicles up to 26 feet. Picnic tables, fire rings, toilets. No potable water available.__ Located near several Forest Service Off-Highway Vehicle (motorcycle and four-wheel drive) roads and trails and is approximately eight miles southwest of Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area.Area ammenities:__Tent camping, Trailer camping, Picnic tables, Toilets, Parking, Trash service
- Tents
7. Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
Oxnard, California18 Reviews•103 Photos•269 SavesOverview
Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island. Set on the eastern part of the island, the campground is a short hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds. The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world. For more information about Santa Cruz Island visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/santa-cruz-island.htm .
Recreation
With its easy beach access and generally good weather, this area offers the most recreational activities in the park, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. Guided kayak trips and kayak rentals must be arranged before arriving on the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.
Natural Features
The beach near the campground is a mix of sand and rocks, and faces the Santa Barbara Channel. The campground is located in a valley with a mixture of trees and shrubs. Rugged mountain peaks rise above the campground to 1,808 feet.
Nearby Attractions
Hiking options are unlimited and offer spectacular coastal views. Try the 2 mile round-trip Cavern Point Loop hike for views of the island's mountain peaks, and the southern California coastline. This popular hike takes you past antique ranching equipment and historic buildings for a taste of island ranch history. For more advanced hikers, tackle the 7.5-mile round-trip hike from the campground to Smugglers Cove.
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
$40 / night
8. Dutchman Campground - Temporarily Closed
Frazier Park, California1 Review•2 Photos•43 SavesJeffery Pine shaded camp. Dirt road, recommend high clearance vehicle.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Trash
- Drinking Water
9. Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites
Santa Clarita, California1 Review•4 Photos•1 SaveReservations for picnicking and group camping are available by calling the park office.
Placerita Canyon Natural Area is a unique east-west running canyon featuring cool, shaded oak woodlands, chaparral covered slopes and a seasonal stream. The natural area park is situated on the northwest side of the San Gabriel Mountains and surrounded by the Angeles National Forest. The park offers eight trails that network over 12 miles and is also the home of the famous "Oak of the Golden Dream" where gold was first discovered in California in 1842. Visit the Walker Cabin and experience early pioneer living, or enjoy a unique animal presentation with live animals in the newly renovated "Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design" nature center.
- Pets
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Market
10. Millard Trail Campground
Altadena, California8 Reviews•39 Photos•211 SavesGate may be closed due to High Fire danger. Elevation: 1900-Foot ElevationAmenities: 6 hike-in__campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, no piped water.__Seasonal stream water may be available (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall.Hiking: Just a short hike__to the 50' Millard Falls. __Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required. Campsites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed._ Day use -__Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required.Millard Trail Camp may occasionally be closed due to bear activity. Be Bear Aware.
- Tents
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Glamping
- Trash
Recent Tent Reviews in Piru
741 Reviews of 64 Piru Campgrounds
OREN LOCK &.
Scout
Ventura Beach RV Resort
Rude !!
Rude and not pleasant employee no compassion, whatsoever noisy, and a lot more never coming back
Wendy S.
Guide
Kenney Grove Park
Solid place to camp
First, I imagine this place was so cool in the 80’s. You can see the bones that it was built around. It’s just a touch run down. That said, the bathrooms were really clean. The showers were quarter showers, but seemed fine. For December it was pretty quiet. The spaces are different, some shade some not. I wouldn’t suggest for really large campers. But for a van, we had power, water, bathrooms and off season prices.
Ryan W.
Legend
Malibu Creek State Park Campground
Convenient to Wilderness and Luxury
Three miles from a the grocery and only minutes from north LA, you'll find a basic campground with flush toilets, coin showers, and easily accessible hiking trails. The sites are basic with campfire pit and grill, open space for a tent or rv, and picnic table. The inner circle of sites abuts the bathrooms and is better for groups. The outer rings on three sides have nice views, but some sites on the south side are shorter and abut a fence.
We stayed in site 59 which had a really nice shade tree and great views of a meadow and the cliffs out the back of the site. The sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything, and because the campground is close to the city it is popular with groups and families.
The campground was under fire warning all weekend, but faux wood (javalog or duraflame) and charcoal was still allowed. The camphost sold Javalogs, and there were plenty of options at the nearby Albertson's.
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. It was easy to imagine you weren't anywhere close to the city. During a holiday weekend the trails were fairly busy with day-use hikers, but even then, it was easy to get away and be on trails alone if you wanted. There is also a visitor center in the park, but it has limited hours.
The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. If you have a dog with you make sure they don't try join the pack. 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.I'd recommend a visit if you're looking for a close to town escape.
- Melissa B.Scout
willow springs blm
Dispersed
FYI- camping is limited to 14 days at a time 28 days a year, must access via publicly open roads, stay on designated trails, and take all your trash with you there are no trash cans no trash removal.
Jon S.ScoutVentura Beach RV Resort
Ditto no laundry right now
Ditto what others say…clean, great noise, pricey $142/night for Sprinter, laundry is being remodeled right now
vector J.Scout
Hollywood RV Park
Thats good
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. The facilities are well-kept, with clean restrooms and a friendly staff always ready to assist. However, the noise from nearby https://blockblast.link/ may be disruptive for those in search of a quiet getaway, so it's worth considering if peace and quiet are a priority before booking.
Spicy N.Guide
Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
Not Worth staying here
Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort
- Spicy N.Guide
Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
For $70 a night we Expected More!
Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort
I B.Scout
Hollywood RV Park
Nice and friendly Staff, clean site
Everything was fine. We stayed for 1 night to Visit L.A. . It was clean and the Staff was very nice. We called a night before and got a Site for our RV.
AnnaEvan S.
Traveler
Campo Alto Campground
Great Escape!
This is a wonderful campground if you're looking to escape the crowds elsewhere. We were in spot 4 which was right next to the check in board. Despite the close proximity to the road the site was very big and had plenty of trees to throw our hammocks up and relax. Next time we would likely pick spots 6-8 or 13-17 as they were a little further into the campground and away from the main road.
There is plenty of firewood to gather but I may suggest a small hatchet.
The vault toilets were clean enough for vault toilets.
My husband and I stayed Saturday to Monday and found that only a few hunters were left Sunday night and Monday morning and we enjoyed walking through the campground and checking out all the small viewpoints through the trees to the valleys below. The group sites looked spacious and awesome as well!
Pine Mountain Club was close, quaint, and the people we met were friendly.
We are keeping this spot in our back pockets for the next time we want to escape the busy city life!
Thomas F.TravelerHollywood RV Park
6/10
This place offers a convenient location near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an excellent base for exploring the city's attractions. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms and helpful staff who are eager to assist guests. However, noise from the surrounding area can be an issue, so those seeking a peaceful retreat might want to consider this before booking.
- nnathalieScout
ATV Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Closed until further notice
The post fire which burned the area of 10,000 acres on June 15, 2024 has caused this area to be closed until further notice. We went to camp but were turned away. Be aware. Otherwise would have been a great place to stay as I have been there before
Michelle M.Guide
Lake Casitas Recreation Area
A beautiful Lake
This is a nicely maintained municipal water reservoir with a very large lake. No swimming allowed, but boating is. Go figure.
There are campgrounds with hookups that are only available for RVs. There is one Campground -Indian- that has a mixture of tent and RV sites with hookups available but it was under maintenance when I was here this weekend. So all the rest of the areas that do have hookups do not accommodate my truck and tent rig. And there are no 110V or 30a outlets available for people who are traveling light -with solar and a minimum amount of panels, where you might need to plug in once in awhile- they can't cover you here. Too bad no one thought of that when they were designing this place, because it's an awfully big place with a lot of sites.
So we're leaving today to find another place to weekend.
But two nights next to the lake, in the campground called Mallard was lovely as can be. Next time I'll come out with more panels to keep my pair of EcoFlow RiverPro solar generators topped up.
Laura M.Legend
Wheeler Gorge Campground
Peaceful and Calm!
We loved camping here. The whole area has a really peaceful and mellow vibe. We reserved site #49 which was plenty big enough for our 26ft class c, but the drive through the campground to get to the site was a little narrow and tight, wouldn't recommend for larger RVs. This end of the campground is right next to the emergency exit, too, but they keep that gate locked, otherwise it would be an easy swoop in. Camp host was really nice, campground was huge, nice that there's a creek running through it which comes in handy in the hot summer months. You have to drive over some creek runoff at parts, no problem.
There's zero cell reception in this entire area, the roads leading up to the campground as well.
Fees are $35 or $37 for weekends/holidays. Pricey for what you get and for what we're used to paying for a forest service campground.
Joseph P.Scoutwillow springs blm
Stayed for 2 months
Stayed for two months without any issues
Kim N.Traveler
Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
Great site with no amenities
Loved the quietness of this campsite. No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site from what we can see. We were in an RV so we didn't mind at all. Went to Sycamore campground to fill up on water. Youre packed right on the beach next to the sand. Combo of tent and rv campers. Wifi is great at this location. We have tmobile
- Kim N.Traveler
Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
no wifi
No tmobile wifi. we dropped by to fill up water since we were camping at thornhill Broome. Water refill was free. We didn't dump there. Can't comment on anything else.
- JJennifer T.Traveler
Hollywood RV Park
Lovely
Nice campground a little bit outside of Hollywood but with a very helpful camp host
- Laura M.Legend
Faria Beach Park
Beachy casual
I'm giving this place 5 stars, because even though it's cramped and packed and awkward to maneuver through, it's got the casual and fun beach vibe that we love about this area.
You're right on the beach, with easy access to the beach via stairs. This campground is very close to Rincon, but the setup is totally different. Rincon is basically just a parking space on the road, while Faria is a regular campground. The drive down from the main road is pretty steep with a sharp turn, I'm surprised more RVs don't scrape and cause damage on the way down.
The sites here are very close together, but it doesn't matter. Everyone is friendly and happy and in a good mood. The cafe is fun and seems to be a hangout for bikers riding along Hwy 1. We love it here.
Leslie R.Legend
Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites
Haven't stayed, by reservation only for groups
I haven't stayed in this campground, but I added it to the Dyrt so people can find it as an option if they are searching for large group camping. You MUST call in advance to get permission and reserve for group camping.
Things to do:
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visit the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, including live animal exhibits
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Ranger-led educational programs
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hike to waterfalls: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/placerita-canyon-and-waterfall-trail
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- Leslie R.Legend
Danielson Group Multi-Use Area
Haven't stayed, looks a little run down
I came across this group campsite while on a long hike with a friend. I had no idea it existed, so I'm adding it to the Dyrt so more people can find it if they are looking for a group campsite. You can reserve it for large groups of 10-50 people. Some of the communal areas and fencing looked like it could use some resfreshing. Facilities available: Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, Tent Spaces, and Fireplace.
I recommend visiting in the spring, when things are greenest, and there are beautiful wildflowers.
- Leslie R.Legend
Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
protected campground in middle of the island
Both upper and lower campgrounds get almost total shade, which provides a relief from the direct sunlight throughout the rest of the island. The vault toilets were clean. Each site comes with its own table and metal food box. Some sites are closer together, but if you get lucky you can nab one towrds the outskirts.
According to my Alltrails, lower sites were about 0.3 mile from the dock, and upper sites were about 0.6 mile.
I recommend packing dramamine, in case you get motion sickness on the 1-1.5 hour boat ride in both directions. In January, the ride out to the island was pretty chopping. The ride back was calmer, and we boated along a pod of HUNDREDS of dolphins, it was spectacular.
- JJane P.Scout
Ventura Beach RV Resort
Worst place ever
Crowded sites, horrible check in, rude people, owner is extremely unpleasant
Julian M.GuideMalibu Creek State Park Campground
Amazing experience, beautiful sunset
Great campground, Great spots but unfortunately bit expensive .Very disappointed about the rules regarding fire, but I understood. I left from the campground after the sunset...fire allowed only with courchal...
- AAngelaTraveler
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
Nice view, not bad, needs work
We stayed in Loop A on a Thursday night in July. For us, it was a convenient overnight stop. It was a lot less crazy/ crowded than we expected for an LA County campground in the middle of summer! This site is on the lagoon, not the main lake, but had nice views and a good breeze in the heat. Very minimal space, not much shade. But the real issue was that the bathroom stalls in our loop (A) had no doors. I also doubt they are cleaned daily, though it wasn't terrible. Being close to the city, there were a ton of people meandering around, but they all seemed to be doing their own thing (e.g fishing or just walking), few suspicious characters. Lots of families and kids made it feel fairly safe for an urban campground. Not our favorite, but we would stop over here again in a pinch.
Elaine H.Traveler
Dennison Park
Great campground and host!
I love finding a camping spot last minute and it turns out to be amazing! Dennison Park Campground did not disappoint! Although there are beautiful upper campground spots that Overlook Ojai Valley, I chose, from the choices I had, a spot that looked spacious and offered the most shade. Nestled in the middle of upper and lower campsites, I found it to be a quiet reprieve from our day's activities -- the campfire always the highlight for me. The camp host, Dane, was friendly, helpful, and a joy to chat with. He also gave us some suggestions of other county parks to check out the next time we venture to the Ojia area! We will definitely be back to camp here!
merlinda M.Traveler
Lake Piru Recreation Area
Great campsite
Campsite was established, picnic table, fireplace, and electricity. Floor is gravel in some areas so bring a rake or broom for tent area. Our site was pretty close to bathrooms that had showers. 1.50 for 8 minutes, uses quarters. Has hot water. Rangers drive by selling wood and ice.
Guide to Piru
Nestled near Piru, California, tent camping offers a serene escape into nature, with various campgrounds providing unique amenities and experiences for outdoor enthusiasts.
Some prices for tent camping range from $5 to $7
- At Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park, you can enjoy a peaceful hike-in experience for just $7 per night.
- The Circle X Ranch Group Campground is a great option for larger groups, with easy access and a reasonable fee structure.
- For a budget-friendly choice, Sage Ranch - Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority charges $5 for day use, making it an affordable spot for a quick getaway.
Tent campers like these nearby activities
- Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails surrounding Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park, which offer stunning views and a chance to connect with nature.
- The Circle X Ranch Group Campground provides access to fantastic hiking opportunities in the Santa Monica Mountains, perfect for exploring the area's natural beauty.
- For a more secluded experience, Sage Ranch - Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority features a 3-mile hiking loop that showcases breathtaking views and local wildlife.
Unique features of local campgrounds
- Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park offers well-maintained facilities, including picnic tables and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
- At Circle X Ranch Group Campground, campers can enjoy a spacious area suitable for large groups, although the scenery is more rustic.
- Sage Ranch - Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority allows campfires, making it a cozy spot for evening gatherings under the stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Piru, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Piru, CA is Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 5 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Piru, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 64 tent camping locations near Piru, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.