For those who want to get away from civilization for a weekend, but still want the comforts of home, consider renting a cabin for your Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area camping trip. It's easy to find cabins in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area with The Dyrt. From secluded to easy-to-reach, these California cabin rentals are perfect for any adventurer.
UPDATE as of 10/10/20 Requires military ID and only open for Active Duty for camping at this current time. People can use the Day Use with proper identification
Ventura Beach RV Resort is located just off the 101 freeway in Ventura, California. The resort is a lush 14 acres and offers RV and tent sites ranging from standard to ultra deluxe sites. As well as travel trailer rentals, poolside yurts, and a summer studio. The resort has a refreshing heated swimming pool and inviting hot tub. A recreational room with billiard tables, a flat screen television, an ATM and vending machine. You can also enjoy our playground and half basketball court.
Hammock spots, dipping holes and a fishing stream make Reyes Creek Campground an ideal hideaway. Located near the Sespe Wilderness alongside Reyes Creek you will find renewal and replenishment, Reyes Creek-style.
Trail hiking, fishing, swimming, group camping, mountain biking, hunting, horseback riding, nature viewing, and recreational mining are favored activities. Day trips to higher elevation snow play in the winter is also enjoyed.
This shaded streamside campground located at 3,500 feet elevation boasts an ample supply of riparian oak and cottonwood trees. The creek area is well shaded and runs year-round. Overhead you may catch a glimpse of red-tailed hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may see a California condor!
Located south of Ozena Valley, this campground provides access to the Sespe Wilderness via the Reyes Creek Trail linking to the Piedra Blanc National Recreation Trail. This site is the trailhead for Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Area ideal for hiking or mountain biking.
$150 - $154 / night
With a combination of spectacular view and luxury camping, the "Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway" is a unique glamping experience. Relax and retreat on a sandstone mesa, where nobody will find you at this extraordinary get away. Our 1954 vintage retro-tiny-house-on-wheels, furnished patio, and a shady gazebo offer an unforgettable highlight of your travels.
Please read entire listing and rules. No smoking, no pets, no children, guests must have a car of their own or a rental car. No open fires of any kind: grills, candles etc.
Michael and Julia bought their property in Chatsworth Lake Manor in 2011. They remodeled their home into a Poquito Hacienda. In 2016 they bought "Gypsy" the 1954 Spartan Manor trailer and brought her from New Orleans. It took 3 years to create the special hideaway. Michael and Julia are both self employed and they have 2 large dogs, Bella and Loki who live with them in their home right near the hideaway. They love gourmet cooking, travel, hiking and sailing. Living with a beautiful view and each other is their dream come true!
Learn more about this land:
"Gypsy" the Spartan Manor vintage 1954 24' foot aluminum trailer welcomes up to 4 people. Located high on a cliff in a private neighborhood, Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway is serene and romantic.
With a combination of spectacular view and luxury camping, the "Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway" is a unique glamping experience. Relax and retreat on a sandstone mesa, where nobody will find you at this extraordinary get away. Our 1954 vintage retro-tiny-house-on-wheels, furnished patio, and a shady gazebo offer an unforgettable highlight of your travels.
Please read entire listing and rules. No smoking, no pets, no children, guests must have a car of their own or a rental car. No cable TV. No open fires of any kind: grills, candles etc.
Far from crowds and traffic is the inimitable Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway. Open sky, 360 degree dramatic valley and city views and sandstone cliffs will surround you. . Unplug and enjoy the view, a great novel or your travel companion.
See Pictures! Design Driven Travel! Ready to make sweet memories ??Please check map! Where is Chatsworth Lake Manor? Located in NW San Fernando Valley, it feels remote and for some is too remote.... yet we're close enough for exploring Los Angeles and Ventura. Zip code 91311.
"Gypsy", our 24 ft. 1954 Spartan Manor vintage travel trailer has a private double bed, kitchen and a bathroom with shower. The kitchen has a gas stove top, microwave, toaster oven, coffee maker, refrigerator, pots, pans, cutlery and vintage dinnerware. A custom daybed, dining area and library are in the forward "observation lounge".
Outfitted for private, luxurious relaxation the Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway large cliff-top patio has 2 chaises, 2 armchairs, a loveseat and dining table. Take a nap, enjoy cocktails, tea, coffee or dinner al fresco. The gazebo, with an outdoor double bed is available May 1st to November 1st, or until the rains arrive, then it is tarped. Living spaces are fully electric and have A/C. 1 small bathroom only.
Due to extreme fire hazard, no smoking allowed ANYWHERE in our tinder surrounded neighborhood. You must travel 1 mile to local store to smoke. Vaping ok outside only. Details, other rules, please read all.
Excellent wifi wireless reception provided, 8mb up, 4 mb down, which may not be what you are expecting or what you are accustomed to. Smart 24" TV. Due to no phone land-line we are somewhat off-grid.
The 1 1/2 mile gated driveway is a steep old paved road. Not recommended for road sissies. Gate code access provided. Close to 118 major freeway, and near north end of Topanga Blvd. Free outdoor parking.
IT IS So. Cal., (1 hour from Los Angeles) after all-- so expect Summer Heat!!) This Desert luxury camping experience is sited at natures doorstep. it often reaches over 104 in August and September!
Did you always want to sleep in an Airstream? They are the Mercedes' of the vintage trailer world. Spartans, like an old Bentley, are more collectible due to unrivaled mid-century design, mono-coque aircraft construction and beautiful real wood paneling and cabinetry throughout. Ours is restored and retains its original beauty and function.
All seen only here for our guests delight, Tiny Tiki Retro Hideaway is furnished with one of a kind designer textiles and ceramics, real 1950's decor, and many irreplaceable custom items sourced from recycled, reclaimed and repurposed materials. Please be careful in the Hideaway. Enjoy it respectfully as if it were your own Grandmother's treasured getaway.
Although well equipped, please remember "Gypsy " is about the size of a private train car. The bed is a double size. (75" x 54" ) Cozy living quarters and 'character' are part of the experience, like a Tiny House.
Nearby: In historic Chatsworth town restaurants, bars and shopping are 3 miles drive away. Downtown Los Angeles and Hollywood are 27 miles away. Disneyland is 65 miles away, Universal City 26 miles, and Malibu beaches are 24 miles away; timing is all depending on traffic. Stoney Point world class rock climbing is 15 minutes, Magic Mountain 6 Flags and the Reagan Library are 1/2 hour away.
IMPORTANT:
If you choose this location you must drive a car of your own or a rental. No Ubering. No deliveries. PLEASE NOTE GOOGLE MAPS does NOT get YOU to our property! We need to meet you 1 mile away, so you can follow us up here the 1st time..
There are 6 local watch dogs: 50 yards our Bella and Loki, 100 yards 1 dog, 300 yards 1 other dog; all are fenced in. You will hear dogs barking during your stay here. We are in a pristine wildlife corridor and there are numerous wild animals all around, including rabbits, squirrels, lizards, coyotes and others.
** No Infants, No Kids, No Pets: Children over age 10 only and they must be pre-approved by host prior to booking. Unsafe place for younger children or pets due no containment, no child proofing, wild animals, unfenced cliff and steep terrain.
Please tell us before booking if you want to bring your service animal. Due to the nature of the site your SA could be in danger.
** Sorry, No Self Check In. Personal introduction to the Hideaway will be done by us while welcoming you. Your hosts Julia and Michael live next door. We are flexible and your contentment is important to us, so please visit, ask or call if you have any needs or questions. We hope your stay at the Hideaway a.k.a Tiny Tiki Trailer Zone is super comfortable!
Rules! :
#1 House Rule: Due to extreme fire hazard, no smoking allowed ANYWHERE in our tinder surrounded neighborhood. You must travel 1 mile to local store to smoke. Violators will be asked to leave, and will not be refunded. There are regularly county-wide police enforced bans on outdoor burning of any sort. High fire danger exists during most of the year. There might be a 'red flag' event of sustained high winds (55mph +) or an extreme temperature event (104+ degrees ).
# Quiet after TEN PM.
# No pets.
# No parties.
# All guests must sign personal injury/ liability release and rental agreement.
# Smoking prohibited indoors or outdoors ie no smoking anywhere on our property. >>>Smokers, >> Please do not request booking.
# Not suitable or safe for infants or children. Uneven terrain. Wild animals. Not a contained or a child-proof environment at all.
# No wheelchair access. Multi-level patio. Wooden steps up to trailers.
$269 - $289 / night
Fully electric solar, powered Brand new tiny house…kitchen, bathroom, living room, two sleeping lofts nice view with access to famous hiking trails. Also short drive to PCH.
$150 - $185 / night
Gate may be closed due to High Fire danger. Elevation: 1900-Foot ElevationAmenities: 6 hike-in__campsites- Picnic tables and campfire rings, vault toilets, no piped water.__Seasonal stream water may be available (treat before using). However, water flow may be low or non-existent due to reduced rainfall.Hiking: Just a short hike__to the 50' Millard Falls. __Fees: Camping - Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required. Campsites are first come-first served. No reserving or holding of campsites allowed._ Day use -__Adventure Pass/America the Beautiful Pass Required.Millard Trail Camp may occasionally be closed due to bear activity. Be Bear Aware.
Please note: There are no RV sites only one camper van site. The parking is on a hill and you walk in your gear.
This is a great spot for a group who doesn’t mind getting out of the way of people in exchange for a short hike. Parking is a short but steep hike away from the campsite, and it is unlikely that you’ll see any other campers during your stay. The weather is warm, the sunsets are epic and the views are spectacular looking towards Angeles crest national forest. We do have stoves however open fires aren’t allowed within the city limits, and it is a very high fire area. Stoves and fire extinguishers are available for the cost of fuel as well as full camp gear if you are worried about not having stuff. From the campground you can hike some awesome trails, and be able to really get out in nature. There is water a 100 ft away, and there is a bathtub for the adventurous bather that overlooks the city. There is one restroom as well as one shower stall and a small kitchenette shared with 2 other campsites. We like city locals looking for a place to test out backpacking and camping gear while being 5 min driving distance to a Starbucks.
This LA based bohemian homestead farm is a great camping stop. We have 20 hillside acres nestled in the hills of Sunland / North Los Angeles, CA We have tent only sites with picnic benches, flat soft campsites, no fire pits, but amazing views of the valley and mountains. Great for a short getaway in the LA area.
$50 / night
Welcome to Canyon Country! We are located in the heart of Soledad Canyon Road surrounded by God's beauty! The drive in and out of the Canyon is beautiful no matter what time of year you visit Action Camp
We have a pool open from May to October perfect for family fun! You can go for a hike on the famous Pacific Crest Trail and enjoy a picnic in the mountains on our property. The views are breathtaking! Back at camp, we have a convenience store, playground, , basketball court, tether ball, a lounge, and planned activities every weekend during the summer months. We have 3 bath houses with showers and a laundry facility, and on site security. We are ready to spend the summer helping you make memories with your family and friends!
Some of these features are available at an additional cost.
Our camp is a short drive to California's world-famous theme parks, shopping, dining, theaters, museums, and beaches. Play for the day at Six Flag's Magic Mountain, Hurricane Harbor, or Disneyland. Visit the L.A. Zoo and Getty Museum, or take a tour of Universal Studios Hollywood. Do a little shopping on Rodeo Drive, or head to the beach for a day of fun in the beautiful California sun.
Great memories are waiting to be made at Action Camp. Call today for your daily, weekly, or monthly reservations and share us with your friends.
We welcome PCT Hikers.
Our PCT hikers' safety, security, comfort and satisfaction are of utmost importance
Camping Site ($20/night per hiker)
Swimming Pool (Seasonal)
Coin/App-pay Laundry
Package Holding Service ($10/package)
Follow in the footsteps of the Challenge from Mexico border to Canada
Wonderful American style HIKING cultural experience.
Trek through spectacular fantastic scenery.
From Mexico Border to Action Camp is around 450 miles. You have already accomplished 18% of the total PCT range successfully.
$55 - $132 / night
~ For Over 70 Years The Zorthian Ranch Has Existed As A Haven For Artists & Intellectuals, A Community & Arts Center, And A Natural Respite From The City ~
Conveniently located 15 miles from Downtown Los Angeles and bordering the Angeles National Forest, Zorthian Ranch rests on 45 acres of mountains, valleys, forests, structures, and sculptures. It’s distinctive architecture was hand built by the great Jirayr Zorthian (wikipedia), once a popular and eccentric artist in the area. Vintage vehicles, a variety of farm animals, agriculture, and a diverse landscape provides a lively setting for community happenings, art, music and permaculture. The ranch has also been used as a movie location for over 20 years, with many popular TV shows, movies, and music videos filmed here.
There are several different options for where to camp. For those seeking a quieter experience that is more deeply immersed in the wilderness, there are campsites accessible by foot trail with shaded areas as well as vast overlooks with views clear to the Santa Catalina island. For those looking to car camp, there are also campsites located within the developed portion of the ranch that are accessible by vehicle and nestled within a vibrant garden oasis.
There is extensive wilderness throughout the property with many private trails, all available to our campers. There are several scenic outlooks and open flat rest areas with tables and chairs located throughout our private wilderness trails. Campers can also access a vast network of public trails and sites throughout the San Gabriel Mountains from the Zorthian Ranch property, including Millard Canyon Falls Trail, Sunset Ridge Trail, Mt Lowe Trail, and Echo Mountain Trail.
The dominant plant communities within and adjacent to the ranch form a diverse mosaic consisting of chaparral, coastal sage scrub, coast live oak & Engelmann oak woodland, riparian habitat, and ephemeral wash habitat. The undeveloped foothill and mountainous terrain within the Angeles National Forest to the north is core habitat for large mammals and birds. Wildlife movement within and through the ranch property consists of daily as well as seasonal patterns for both large and small vertebrates. The shaded canyon bottoms with seasonal stream flow provide an important corridor for all wildlife species. There are regular sightings of bobcat, coyote, bear, deer, rabbit, squirrels, and a diversity of birds.
The developed portion of the ranch includes terrain that is steep and uneven in several locations. Several of the pathways are dirt, which means during hot summers there is a lot of dust and during the wet season there is mud! Consider this when packing if you plan to explore the property. Sunscreen, hats, sturdy footwear, and water bottles are all nice things to have handy.
$25 - $60 / night
Scout
Ditto what others say…clean, great noise, pricey $142/night for Sprinter, laundry is being remodeled right now
ScoutCrowded sites, horrible check in, rude people, owner is extremely unpleasant
Traveler
Quiet and nice 2-day stay. Alexi from reception was super nice and courteous. We couldn’t be more grateful to her! Our lot was secluded, private and close to the entrance/exit. The only thing was the unlevel ground we were on. Our RV was a simple 30’ rental without any leveling. Many peacock’s roam around the premises and they can be very intrusive! Playgrounds, zip lining and a massive bounce pad were all on site. Make sure you hike down to the creek!
Traveler
I stayed here for a few weeks and although there was a train that went by several times a day it was very quiet. But, the campground sure needed a lot of work. So many of the buildings were in horrible shape. They all needed repairs and repainted. The laundry was good with easy payment options. If you're passing through it's a nice stop. You're very close to the world famous Vasquez rocks. Big downsize is not having any wifi there.
GuideNice campground. Plenty of things to do. Jump pad, pool, zip line, playground, creek. Front desk staff was exceptional. Few cons. Park was a bit dirty lots of trash around and generally not very clean. Bathrooms were really gross. Facilities were a little run down. Our spot was tiny but most others seem descent sized
Traveler
It’s a spot where you can truly be away. We spent 5 days and didn’t really see a soul. If you like to read , enjoy sunsets, exercise and travel to local spots of interest or just stay put. This is a spot for you. I did see my first rattlesnake and heard the coyotes at night. Very peaceful spot for a long weekend. 5 days was a little much unless you have a car to visit around and did I say it was gated too.
ScoutComing soon
TravelerThis campground had nice facilities, but the general store was minimal due to the old one burning down while trying to dry it out after the flooding. The pool was still closed and there was no pancake breakfast. The bathrooms were clean and in good working order (you need a code to get in). The sites were tightly packed together and there were lots of annoying teenagers running around and music blaring, kids on bikes and scooters, etc. It did quiet down at 10:00ish, so that you could hear the cars rushing along the freeway all night. There was a movie playing that night with free popcorn. The beach and town are a hike from the campground. The site was a double back in, but our sewer hose wasn’t long enough to reach the hookup. Even if we were looking for that atmosphere, the cost was absolutely not worth it. However, we took a tip from another reviewer and went to the Saturday farmers market which was fantastic!
Traveler
As other(s) indicated before - the campsites I saw were right next to the trail leading up to the falls. Beautiful area, trail and falls (especially right now - May 2023) but I definitely wouldn't want to camp here.
LegendThis RV park had some severe storm damage in early 2023, and at this time is partially open. They are still cleaning up and fixing up the place - check their website for updates. They are planning for a soft reopening and a grand reopening soon! They are great at caring for their guests - they have all kinds of amenities, and they have a weekly weekend pancake breakfast.
We love this area - it's right near the Emma Wood State Beach, and just a short walk to downtown Ventura. Main St in Ventura is closed off to vehicles and is a fun place to walk and shop and eat and hang out and people watch. Saturday mornings there is a huge farmers market as well.
Guide
This is a wonderful campground right next to the beach however it is only available to the military and their families. The spots are all paved with most having all the hookups but it is in need of updates. You can’t beat the location though.
ScoutWe are at site 53. Close to restrooms and showers. Our kids love all the extra activities like the playground and jumping pillow. They are too short for the high ropes course but would love to do it when tall enough. The pool isn’t open yet either but they are having a great time with what is available.
Traveler
Reyes Creek was great. The drive was nice, very scenic. The campsite was nice but small. Campsites are very, very close together. Some are smaller than others. Especially closer to the creek are smaller. The bathrooms are very clean for a campsite bathroom. Jade was very helpful and informative. She told us about two trails, we did the lighter one that was very nice. I can see this place being very nice in the summer. The weather on the apps are wrong. You have to google a few things to get the right weather. It was much colder than expected at night, woke up to 29 degrees F and ice on my tent and car windows. Other people with us said they had ice in their tent.
ScoutI love this campground, but reserving a site is a pain since there isn't a site map. Here's the sites in the main loop. Hope you all find this helpful!
GuideThe campsites are in a large park, with trees and lots of space—not your basic parking lot KOA. Peacocks roam the grounds, but were not noisy. There’s a piol and playground, but no laundromat. The restrooms and showers for the Birch sites are up a long flight of stairs, mail be not great for mobility challenged folks
GuideWe spent 8 nights at this KOA in our 35’ fifth wheel. Enjoyed the campground feel, wood fires and kids making noise. It has a nice size pool that was busy each day with families having fun. The day time temperatures were in the 80’s and the nights cooled to a comfortable 65. We were in the Birch loop, site 41, a patio site. A little tough to level, but we got it to work. Enjoyed the peacocks that roam campground.
GuideThis campsite is nice. They have clean bathrooms and shower, a cute store with a lot of necessities in case you forget anything, pretty campsites that are clean and cut. The beach is a 5 minute bike ride and the pier is about 20 mins. Overall really enjoyed the time but imo the prices are too high once it includes your spot, any additional guests, cars, etc.
GuideStayed one night as I headed South. Overpriced - sites are small and close together. The beach is right there but it’s not a long walking beach (but nice). Bathrooms were decent.
VERY WINDY!
ScoutThis place was wonderful. Peaceful, restful and a perfect getaway from the city. Went on a beautiful hike with my son and explored the area. Nice views of the Angeles National Forset Mountains. Definitely going back.
TravelerFirst off, Jade the camp host, has to be one of the nicest people We’ve ever met! Super helpful and informative! We stumbled across this place as our original plan fell apart. Lucked out on a site and enjoyed a quiet, relaxing overnight trip. Sites were clean and kept up, bathrooms were clean and there was a nice little creek, perfect for a stroll.
GuideThis KOA is nestled in the hills of Santa Paula. The KOA is consistent with its name, meaning the kids amenities are all there, trampoline pillow, nice walking trails, walking labyrinth, and of course the adventure course and zip lines which are great activities for all ages. This place also has teepee tents to stay in and wagon coaches with beds to also rent and stay in. Recommend those two things in the summer months. The pool is a nice size too, plenty of room. We went during January and there was also a rushing River that you can get to by a 30yard hike, great for a dip or letting the dogs play. The only downside is that you pay KOA rates and most of there sites are only water and power. They have about 10 sites that have sewer hookups too, and for all the others they have a dump station when you leave. Some trees may be low, be aware pulling through and parking in sites. There are peacocks that roam the campsites freely, they are loud and not scared. Overall we had fun and good weather.
GuideThe host Jade was one of the most friendliest host we’ve ever met. There are raccoons, squirrels and deers around. Nice little creek runs next to campsites and hiking trail. The ghost town was fun, too.
ScoutWell-run place. Very nice shop staffed with knowledgeable people. Very clean and well-manicured grounds. Great for families. Safe. Minimal noise. Feels far from everything, but is only a short drive from LA/SFV. The adjacent town of Santa Paula is a great place to spend time. They’ve got a proper classic downtown with loads of shops and restaurants. Overall, this entire valley is good for the soul. Fertile and green. A hidden gem for sure. I’m the only one tenting here, so it’s been very quiet.
GuideWell maintained KOA. The kids will love it .ZIP Lines, bike track ,pool it also has a labyrinth walking trails for a koa it was expensive
GuideThe Ventura Beach RV Resort is very nice and a short bike ride or walk from the beach or town. Stay away from the sites in the first row closest to the freeway as those tend to flood. If you're looking for a quiet campground this is likely too loud for you. If you're looking for interaction with other friendly campers then you will likely enjoy it.
Scout
Quaint spot that may or may not be currently open, has beautiful hiking and a small spot for picnic
GuideThis is a true jewel of a campground. Not only lots of activities for kids but the views are spectacular of the mountains. Wild peacocks roam this campground. The facilities are well maintained and some being rebuilt after a fire. This location is more expensive than others but the views and facilities are worth it IMO. Warning, currently no dishwashing station and no dumping of grey water except at the dump station at the front of the camp. But otherwise it was amazing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular cabin campsite near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular cabin campground near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is Point Mugu Recreation Facility with a 4.2-star rating from 13 reviews.
What is the best site to find cabin camping near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?
TheDyrt.com has all 11 cabin camping locations near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.
