Camping near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Camping near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of options to explore.

What to do:

• Hiking: The area is known for its scenic trails. At Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park, one reviewer mentioned, "Great location for beach, biking and hiking. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."
• Beach Access: If you love the ocean, Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park is a great spot. A camper noted, "Really a special spot. Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in Southern California."
• Fishing and Boating: At Lake Casitas Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One visitor shared, "The lake itself is beautiful and right in the middle of the entire recreation area."

What campers like:

• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. A review for Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground stated, "Beautiful campgrounds in a canyon next to the beach. Clean restrooms & showers."
• Pet-Friendly Options: Many campgrounds allow pets. A visitor at Lake Casitas Recreation Area mentioned, "We have 2 poodle mixes... they both ended up with their fur filled with burs and foxtails," highlighting the need for caution but also the pet-friendly environment.
• Scenic Views: Campers love the views. One reviewer at Malibu Creek State Park Campground said, "The sites are nicely spaced out. The sites with the best views are 59, 61 and 63."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds have few amenities. A camper at Emma Wood State Beach noted, "Completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms."
• Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Lake Casitas Recreation Area mentioned, "Seems like a popular place... they nickel and dime a lot of things."
• Noise Levels: Be prepared for some noise. A review for Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park mentioned, "Sound of waves and occasional traffic all night."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots with amenities for kids. One camper at Wheeler Gorge Campground said, "Great campground for kids, we always have a good time."
• Plan Activities: Bring games or outdoor activities. A family at Malibu Creek State Park Campground enjoyed the hiking trails, stating, "Nice, small campground with hiking trails easily accessible."
• Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A visitor at Lake Casitas Recreation Area warned about foxtails, saying, "We have 2 poodle mixes... they both ended up with their fur filled with burs and foxtails."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park noted, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
• Use a Booster for Signal: If you need cell service, consider a booster. One camper mentioned, "I used my WeBoost and got two bars. I was able to stream music, text and some internet."
• Plan for Water Access: Some campgrounds may not have water hookups. A visitor at Wheeler Gorge Campground said, "No running water available; fire ban... a lot of the sites are very close together."

Camping near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, California, offers a unique blend of nature and adventure. Just be prepared for the quirks of each campground, and you'll have a great time!