Camping near Santa Monica, California spans beachfront RV parks with full hookups 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 near Santa Monica receives consistently high ratings from visitors despite the premium prices, with several campgrounds offering direct beach access or within walking distance to the shore 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.
Compare 2 top campgrounds at a time to find your favorite!
Round 1 of 5
$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."
$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."
$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."
"Every “road” in the park is themed with California or Hollywood themed decorations and murals. We were parked right next to a Mister Roger’s mural across from the laundry/bathrooms."
"Trees lovely gardens to walk the dogs. Commerce walking distance. I’m staying 8 more days.✌️"
$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."
"Nice big spots, close to the beach. Very quite. Needs to reserve at California State parks website. Dump station and water fill up on your way out not on the campsite, but thats no issue for us."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$80 - $85 / night
"However, you do get some road noise if you stay on the road side"
"This park is close to the action in Long Beach. Easily walkable or there are always E bikes and scooters to rent right outside the gate. Also, really appreciated that this RV park was gated."
$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."
ScoutGreat camping experience. They have both electric and non-electric sites for campers and Tents. Just a walk or a bike ride to the ocean. The one really cool thing that this park has are Groves of sycamore trees all over and Coastal Oaks like I've never seen before.
TravelerThe only thing to do here is hike and the trails are not well marked. Tried to get to MASH site and almost missed it do to lack of trail markers.
The bathrooms are clean but no soap or way to dry hands.
Visitors center is a hike and only open on weekends if volunteers are available.
RV dump station usage is not included in site fee. Extra $10 per dump
Most of sites are not even close level!
ScoutWe are staying in a site in site with no services which are spacious and shaded. On a Sunday night most sites are empty and our site, away from the road, is pretty quiet The full service sites were mostly full and unshaded and there was a big and loud group.
ScoutA hikers dream . This campground has several trails and there are many others within minutes away. Showers are token however machines are right there. Fire pits on every site as well as concrete picnic tables. Malibu Beach is 15 to 20 minutes away right on Pacific Coast Highway.
Rangers were all amazing. They actually came by last night around 9 PM and told me quiet time was at 8 PM so I guess I had them backwards. I thought it was 8 AM to 10 PM but it’s actually 10 AM to 8 p.m. Firewood is available from the Camp Host who incidentally was amazing in helping and answering a lot of my questions
If I was to critique anything, it would be how short the sites are my rig is 31 feet and I have a I don’t know maybe seven or 8 foot overhang from the last wheel if I didn’t have that there’s no way I would’ve fit and then the distance from here to the side across from me is pretty short so you have to Jimmy in and out if there’s somebody there, but that was the only thing that I could say that was negative and it really isn’t negative it just fact.
GuideThis was one of those campgrounds that just gets the basics right. Easy check-in, level site, picnic table in good shape, and enough privacy that we didn’t feel like we were camping in someone else’s backyard. We had a short walk to water, beautiful sunset views, and surprisingly little noise at night. Would definitely come back for a low-stress trip.
GuideStayed at Site 90, which might be the best in the whole park. Huge space, tons of shade, and a really cool, large sycamore tree. No power or water at the site, but there was a water spigot nearby. We stayed Monday–Friday and it wasn’t overly crowded during the week. Friendly neighbors, lots of families, and none of the classic“LA” rude or loud campers. The camp store was really convenient, and the staff were very nice and helpful. The beach is about a 5-minute walk—our kids loved the tide pools and caves. Definitely check the low tide times before you go. Very limited Verizon service, which is a plus in our book. Overall, a really good experience. The family and I will be back.
RangerThe Views are fantastic sites are rugged but very cool locations, This is mainly a Hike in CG most of the time and better have some serious clearance to get there even when the road is open in summer, BUT very worth it!
TravelerCamping at the beach in LA! Large country campground that has sites designed for motorhomes and sites designed for travel trailers and fifth wheels. It asphalt campsites, but you’re at the BEACH! My only complaints are the electrical was not working properly, (I had to connect to 30A instead of 50A), and people don’t pick up after themselves.
Scoutfirst, as a drop in you can‘t stay more then two nights even if they have room!
second, annually pool maintenance in spring break! without information when checking in, and it’s not a cheap one and i chose it for the pool! no information no discount, had to beg to at least get a poolchair, so much gras to chill no chairs!
third the showers are only dripping and i was the only one showering! again, not a cheap place!
and fourth, WIFI does never connect, really for a campground with this price, every cheap one has better WIFI and some people need it as internationals!
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.
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."
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."
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."
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."
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.
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