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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.
"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."
from $45 - $225 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $65 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $80 - $300 / night
Check Availability"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.✌️"
"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."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $7 / night
Check Availability"Worked for that plus a 7/11 in walking distance was helpful!"
"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."
from $100 - $140 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $80 - $85 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 / night
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ScoutI do recommend. Beautiful, peaceful place. Good folks. It’s right near Magic Mountain theme park and many useful stores nearby: Home Depot, Walmart, Target, genetic stores, movie theaters. I’ll camp here again.
GuideWe had spot 11 which was great (view! Low and thus close to the beach! although it only just fit our small 4P Kelty Late start on the level spot, there was a lot of room.
Toilets are Dixie's which aren't always clean and have banging doors, avoid the campsites close to them. I would also avoid the higher campsites including the rentals, as the hike to the beach becomes annoying.
Did a great hike to Cat Harbor overlook. Tough climb but beautiful.
The walk from ferry to campsite is short (less that 10 minutes) especially for this site (which is closest) but contains a steep hill and rough gravel. There is firewood service (15$) and luggage (10$/item) but we didn't need it. Shop normally has delivery service with temp cooler but was unavailable. Well stocked but expensive.
ScoutLove this place so much that our family canceled reservations at two other places to spend a few extra nights. The views are fantastic, the bathroom and showers are so clean, and the delicious seafood restaurant a walk down the hill is just a bonus. Staff were kind and helpful at check-in. It's a great base camp to explore the LA area. We tent camped here 20 years ago and when we came back this time with our RV it was even better than we remembered.
Scoutdon’t try to reach out to this park via phone with any questions, they won’t answer you. they won’t even answer the phone when their own reservation agents are calling them. gates close strictly at 10 so if you’re camping here make sure to show up by then. showed up at 9:58 after leaving a music festival early to make sure i made it on time, and their staff was immensely rude to me about not making it on time. the morning staff is incredibly nice, apologizing for the problems and giving me advice. the night staff though has a problem and they take it out on their visitors. for how rude they were to me, somehow the campsite across from me showed up at 11pm, so seems like they pick and choose who to give problems. avoid camping here. campsites are very close together and nothing special.
GuideWe have been to this campground quite a few times in the last couple of years and I really love it, personally because it’s really close to home. I also love that it’s first come first serve, which allows us to spontaneously go and enjoy without having to make reservations. I also like the fact that all the campsites have a fire pit and a picnic table, which were very recently replaced so they look very new. They installed metal storage boxes for saving your food overnight, this is super helpful. I love the creek even though the water is freezing cold but it’s truly a favorite. This place is wonderful and even though right now there is no water access until further notice, as long as you know you need to take lots of water for cooking and cleaning up you are good.
ScoutThe place is simple, well maintained and extremely clean. There’s back in sites that accommodate smaller 20ft campers and bigger 30ft campers, with there being some pull through sites that are big enough for RV’s, however no camping with tents allowed. Would recommend against bringing in campers with damage or DIY repairs as they “have to maintain sightly appearance”. Overall great for the price. Extremely clean bathrooms with free showers with a pool and jacuzzi plus a short walk to the beach. Only about a 45 min drive to LA with no traffic. The only bad is the constant noise from the port that doesn’t go away at night.
LegendGeneral: Two sections: RV camping and dry camping
Site Quality: If you have a larger RV and/or need hookups, you will be in a parking space with ZERO privacy between spaces (it is literally a parking space!). If you have a small RV or van conversion (smaller than 19 feet), there is dry camping. Concrete driveway; minimal privacy but a direct view of the beach. You must have a bed, dinette, sink, and small water supply to be in these spots. A concrete picnic table is included in each site.
Bath/Shower: Six-digit codes (that change regularly) needed to enter (and a different one for each bathroom). One all-in-one with a sink, toilet, urinal, and diaper changing station. The other has two shower stalls, two toilets, and one sink. The shower in the one closest to the dry camping area left much to be desired. I couldn’t get the ADA-accessible shower to work, and the other one had a push-button flow that took some time to get warm and had to be repeatedly pushed to complete the shower. Hooks and bench are outside the shower stall, compromising privacy. My biggest disappointment, however, was that there were NO electrical outlets. I took a chance and walked to the other end of the campground (by the entrance and full hookup sites) where I discovered the bathroom was much nicer. Not only did it have electrical outlets, but it looked like the showers were much nicer.
Activities/Amenities: You are right on the beach! There is a paved path for walking, running, or bicycling. Laundry was temporarily out of order when we were there.
There are very limited options for camping in this area, and the price was $55/night for dry camping. You are in the direct flight path of LAX, so have earplugs at the ready if the sound of jet planes overhead is not your thing!
ScoutMy golden shore experience was nothing short of amazing the camping ground was clean. The poop ,electricity and water where working just fine there was enough space for our 40 ft RV. The palm trees added a beach atmosphere. The greatest part was the pool and the jacuzzi they where the cherry on top the pool was clean and the jacuzzi where just right! I absolutely loved it 5 stars.
GuideWe were needing a place to stay for a night after a long day on the road. This place fit the need. Payment was done through a QR code, that was displayed as you enter the RV area, easy to do.
You are along a main road and a Navy Base so I can get loud at times but nothing major. A few people did stroll by in their cars two in bikes but never felt unsafe. There were always three RVs while I was there. Rules were followed.
Easy to get in and out.
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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