Best Campgrounds near Santa Monica, CA

Camping options near Santa Monica, California range from beachfront RV parks to canyon campgrounds in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains. Malibu Beach RV Park offers ocean views with tent and RV sites just minutes from Santa Monica, while Leo Carrillo State Park provides a more natural setting with canyon camping approximately 20 miles northwest along the Pacific Coast Highway. Dockweiler Beach RV Park in Playa Del Rey offers direct beach access with full hookups for RVs. The region includes both developed campgrounds with amenities and more rustic options in the surrounding mountains, with most sites requiring reservations well in advance due to their popularity and proximity to Los Angeles.

Many campgrounds in the Santa Monica area require reservations months ahead, particularly during summer and holiday weekends when sites fill quickly. The coastal location provides mild temperatures year-round, though morning fog is common during summer months. "There's really not a bad spot in this campground. It's a little pricey to camp here but it's Malibu so it's expected. Easy access to Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica and Venice Beach," noted one visitor about Malibu Beach RV Park. Highway noise can be an issue at some coastal sites, particularly those directly adjacent to Pacific Coast Highway. Cell service varies significantly, with better coverage at beach locations and limited or no service in canyon campgrounds.

Beachfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors despite the premium prices. Several campgrounds offer direct beach access or are within walking distance to the shore, making them popular for swimming, surfing, and sunset viewing. A recent review highlighted that "Dockweiler is an awesome camping experience if you love the beach and airplanes. The bike path is in front of the campground and it will take you all the way to Redondo Beach or Santa Monica." Canyon campgrounds like Malibu Creek State Park provide more shade and hiking opportunities but tend to be dustier and more crowded during peak seasons. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some sites affected by highway traffic or, in the case of Dockweiler, airplane noise from the nearby LAX airport.

Best Camping Sites Near Santa Monica, California (141)

    1. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 880-0367

    $45 - $225 / night

    "It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."

    "The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."

    2. Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    21 Reviews
    El Segundo, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 322-4951

    $55 - $80 / night

    "It’s also near Santa Monica and Venice beach. Space is big enough for a bigger RV. The only negative thing is - it is very noise because of the airport right next to it."

    "The bike path is in front of the campground and it will take you all the way to Redondo Beach or Santa Monica. Check out the local town of El Segundo."

    3. Malibu Beach RV Park

    29 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 622-6052

    $80 - $300 / night

    "Get a spot away from the HWY.
    Short walk to the beach and a short drive to Santa Monica Pier."

    "Easy access to Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Staff is super friendly and accommodating."

    4. Hollywood RV Park

    17 Reviews
    San Fernando, CA
    13 miles
    Website

    "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."

    "Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️"

    5. Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park

    6 Reviews
    Topanga, CA
    8 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."

    6. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 - $60 / night

    "It was a quick drive up the coast and onto this hidden gem. You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you. Perfect place for families or even RVs."

    "The campground is tucked away in a beautiful canyon setting with lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool."

    7. Dockweiler

    1 Review
    Marina del Rey, CA
    6 miles

    "There are almost always other RVs/campers so you a rarely alone:) there are fire pits on the beach (California is otherwise very strict about fires) that are free to use."

    8. Rafael’s RV park

    3 Reviews
    Universal City, CA
    12 miles
    +1 (213) 321-5522

    $100 - $140 / night

    "We stayed here to be close to the Hollywood Bowl for a concert. Rafael was a friendly host and very helpful and made sure we were set up well."

    9. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    34 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 / night

    "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."

    "If you love Fall and trees and the California golden sun... this place is the place to be! It has it all in one."

    10. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    32 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $35 / night

    "Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in souther California. I have to note the bathrooms are absolutely terrible."

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Santa Monica, CA

929 Reviews of 141 Santa Monica Campgrounds


  • Anna X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Pacific touch :)

    Nice place very close to the beach with amazing Pacific view. All connections in place; sites very close to each other; a bit loud due to airport nearby. Very friendly staff. In overall good experience and recommend it :)

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Bonelli Bluffs

    Wish we could stay longer this trip

    We chose Bonelli for our shakedown trip in our new trailer (first time RVers). SO quiet. Numerous residents, but spots are mostly keep up nicely. Our rental spot has 3 trees, a picnic table, a firepit, level parking(!) and full hookups. We will be back for sure, especially since it's less than an hour from home.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Awesome Mountain View’s and spacious sites!

    Every friendly people. Nice open sites that are good for people who just want to be isolated. Showers and bathrooms available. No charging unless you can find an open one in the park. Site 27 is a very good site.

  • Julia G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 27, 2025

    Hare School Park

    Overnight parking ✅

    You can overnight park here with your RV without problems.

  • Lianne A.
    Sep. 23, 2025

    Monte Cristo Campground

    Nice Campground but Fire Restrictions!

    Monte Cristo is a nice campground not far from home. My husband and I visited this campsite for the first time just for one night. There was a fire restriction. No bonfires, no cooking on stoves and there was no water due to a leak. The bathroom that I was using I give it a 2 star.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Great Family Vacation

    Perfect weekend getaway for the family! Loved the store and how close to the beach this place was. Will definitely be coming back!!

  • B
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tapo Canyon Park

    Favorite spot near LA

    The Camp Hosts here are Very Friendly and welcoming, the campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon.

  • Lee-Ann C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Steckel Park

    Beautiful location

    The camp host came over shortly after we arrived and was very kind and friendly. I appreciate that they enforce quiet hours! The lots were not very private but they were clean and having full hookups was great. The location is pretty, on a creek. And there’s a playground and aviary which our whole family enjoyed. We’ll plan to go back when it’s not so hot!


Guide to Santa Monica

Santa Monica camping options extend beyond the immediate area, with sites ranging from sea level at beach locations to elevations up to 2,000 feet in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains. The climate remains mild year-round with winter temperatures rarely dropping below 45°F, though wind can be a factor at beachfront sites. Weekday reservations generally have better availability than weekends, particularly at canyon locations.

What to do

Beach exploration: 10 minutes from Thornhill Broome Beach is a rocky area with tide pools. "There are rocks to the left and right that are fun to explore. The plots are deep and noise wasn't really an issue," notes Garrett M., highlighting the accessible nature activities.

Hiking nearby mountains: The Santa Monica Mountains offer extensive trail networks. At Musch Trail Camp, "You can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction. This will add a few more miles to your hike and allow you to make a loop," explains Erik M.

Movie location exploration: Several camping areas were formerly used as filming locations. At Malibu Creek State Park, one camper points out that "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."

What campers like

Ocean proximity: Falling asleep to wave sounds ranks high for campers at Thornhill Broome Beach. "I love falling asleep to the ocean. You're right on the sand. The campfire is in a metal barrel, you have a picnic table and you're on the beach," writes Garrett M.

Wildlife viewing: The area offers significant wildlife watching opportunities. At Malibu Creek State Park, one visitor observed that "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. 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."

Urban convenience with nature access: Many campers appreciate the blend of wilderness with nearby amenities. At Malibu Creek State Park, a camper notes, "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."

What you should know

Airport noise levels: For campsites near LAX, airplane noise can be significant. At Dockweiler Beach RV Park, a camper states, "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..."

Fire restrictions vary: Rules about campfires differ across locations. At Thornhill Broome, fires are permitted in designated rings, with a camper noting, "The host sells firewood for $7 a bundle. Well worth having!" However, at Malibu Beach RV Park, "Woodfires are not allowed but propane fires are."

Temperature fluctuations: Canyon campgrounds can experience significant temperature variations. At Malibu Creek State Park, one camper warns, "I came here during the summer and it was extremely HOT. Typically during the summer season, I like to find campgrounds that have a lot of lush trees so we can be under the canopies and stay cool."

Tips for camping with families

Beach camping accessibility: For families wanting direct beach access, Leo Carrillo State Park offers good options. "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."

Supplies planning: Stock up before arrival at many campgrounds. For Leo Carrillo, a camper advises, "The camp store was handy for forgotten supplies and firewood." Another notes, "There is a Ralph's just up the street, so you'll never be far from anything you'd need."

Site selection for shade: For summer camping with children, shade becomes important. At Malibu Creek State Park, a visitor notes, "There isn't much shade on the actual campgrounds, but a few sites do have partial shade. They come with a picnic table and there are coin-operated showers nearby."

Tips from RVers

Space constraints: Many RV sites near Santa Monica have specific size limitations. At Hollywood RV Park, the spaces are particularly tight: "This isn't a self-park park...the spaces are so close together that they use a cart to park you."

Beachfront RV options: For ocean view RV camping, several parks offer premium experiences. At Malibu Beach RV Park, "We had a Mountain View site but you can still enjoy the view on the ocean. The parking is a challenge when the park is busy."

City access considerations: When visiting Los Angeles with an RV, location matters. A camper at Hollywood RV Park explains, "This seems to be one of the best places to stay with an RV to visit LA, since driving and parking an RV in LA can be challenging and parking an RV in west LA is not allowed. We took an uber. If you stay on the West side of the city it's okay (still 50/60 USD) for a single ride."

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best campgrounds near Santa Monica, California?

The best campgrounds near Santa Monica include Malibu Beach RV Park, which offers easy access to Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Coast Highway. It features ocean views though it's somewhat pricey, reflecting its prime Malibu location. Another excellent option is Dockweiler Beach RV Park, located directly on the beach with spacious sites for larger RVs. Dockweiler offers stunning ocean views and connects to a bike path that runs all the way to Santa Monica and Redondo Beach. While it's adjacent to LAX airport (expect some aircraft noise), its beachfront location and proximity to Santa Monica make it a popular choice. Both campgrounds provide convenient bases for exploring Santa Monica's attractions while enjoying coastal camping experiences.

Is overnight camping allowed on Santa Monica beaches?

Overnight camping is not allowed directly on Santa Monica beaches. The city prohibits sleeping or camping on its public beaches, boardwalk, and pier areas. Instead, visitors looking for beach camping experiences near Santa Monica should consider established campgrounds like Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park, which offers beachfront camping about 15 miles north of Santa Monica along PCH. Another option is Bolsa Chica State Beach Campground, which provides beachfront RV camping with water and electric hookups south of Santa Monica. Both offer legal beach camping experiences within reasonable driving distance while complying with local ordinances. Always check reservation requirements as these popular coastal campgrounds often fill up quickly, especially during summer months.

What state parks offer camping options near Santa Monica?

Several state parks near Santa Monica offer excellent camping options. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground is located just north of Malibu along a beautiful stretch of PCH, offering access to a private beach and gorgeous California coastal views. The campground accommodates both tent camping and RVs, though sites can be close together. Malibu Creek State Park Campground near Calabasas provides another nearby option with drive-in and walk-in sites, featuring water access and toilets. For hikers, Topanga State Park offers Musch Trail Camp with more primitive accommodations. These state parks provide varying amenities and environments, from beachfront to mountain settings, but all require reservations well in advance, especially during peak season.