Camping near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Camping Sites Near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area (122)

    1. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    3 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."

    2. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    35 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    3 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."

    3. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    33 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    2 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."

    4. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    16 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."

    5. Malibu Beach RV Park

    28 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 622-6052

    $80 - $300 / night

    "I absolutely love this campground, it’s perfectly situated in between the Malibu pier area (to your left) Dume, Zuma, and more beaches (to the right), + a lovely small beach across the street… oh let’s"

    "This is a great little campground just north of Malibu, California, and right off of the 101. So yes, the freeway is RIGHT. THERE."

    6. Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    13 Reviews
    Port Hueneme, CA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 989-8407

    "The tent sites are very basic and very close together, but the surroundings are worth it!"

    "This is a wonderful campground right next to the beach however it is only available to the military and their families."

    7. The Lodge at Deer Creek

    2 Reviews
    Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, CA
    2 miles

    $75 - $85 / night

    "The Lodge at Deer Creek is new to the Dyrt and has the perfect location where the mountains meet the ocean.  Check them out and leave a review about your stay on the Dyrt!"

    "Its only a short 5 minute windy road drive from pch and you still get cell service."

    8. Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 370-2301

    $35 / night

    "We arrived in the middle of the night: easy parking short walk and easy access to the campground. The view is fantastic, the site is very close to the highest point of Santa Monica mountains"

    9. Danielson Group Multi-Use Area

    2 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 444-7275

    $150 / night

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Showing results 1-10 of 122 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

770 Reviews of 122 Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Campgrounds



Guide to 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!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers a wide range of camping options, with 122 campgrounds and RV parks near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 53 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area.

What parks are near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.