Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area in California

Looking to find an RV campground or tent campsite near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area that allows dogs? Find the best information on pet-friendly camping near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, including sites, reviews, and tips for getting the most out of your RVing experience. The Dyrt can help you find the perfect pet-friendly campsites that are scenic and easy to access.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, CA (77)

    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    1. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    50 Reviews
    160 Photos
    1142 Saves
    Lake Sherwood, California

    Leo Carrillo State Park's Campground is fully opened. Vehicular access to North Beach remains closed at this time.

    Camping Information: **Max trailer height is 13'6" **

    Visitors will be able to reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date – based on availability and the park’s maximum stay rules.

    Firewood Policy: Burning firewood, Duraflame, and charcoal briquettes is allowed in the fire rings only when fire level permits. Check the sign near the entrance kiosk for the day's fire level.

    Showers: The park has only token-operated showers. The token machines accept ONLY one-dollar bills. Change for larger bills is not available at this time.

    Dogs allowed in day-use areas, campground and North Beach (north of Lifeguard Tower 3). Dogs not allowed on backcountry trails or South Beach (south of Lifeguard Tower 3).

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $45 - $60 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    2. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    35 Reviews
    146 Photos
    1203 Saves
    Lake Sherwood, California

    Thornhill Broome Campground

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $35 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    3. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    33 Reviews
    77 Photos
    942 Saves
    Lake Sherwood, California

    Point Mugu State Park, located in the Santa Monica Mountains, features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons and wide grassy valleys dotted with sycamores, oaks and a few native walnuts. There are more than 70 miles of hiking trails. The beach also features swimming, body surfing and surf fishing. The park includes the jagged pinnacles of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area. Point Mugu camping included La Jolla Group, Sycamore Campground and Thornhill Broome Campground.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $45 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    4. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    45 Photos
    835 Saves
    El Nido, California

    One of the best places for Malibu Camping is Malibu Creek State Park, just 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, features hiking, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding opportunities. Fourteen-mile Malibu Creek is the principal watercourse of the Santa Monica Mountains that ends at Malibu Lagoon. There are 15 miles of streamside trail through oak and sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes. Following the trail along Malibu Creek State Park, the visitor will be treated to spectacular vistas, including volcanic rock gorges, scenic pools, and breathtaking views of the Las Virgenes Valley and Malibu Canyon. Previous to being opened to the public in 1976, the park was used extensively to film numerous movies and TV shows, such as Planet of the Apes and MAS*H. Most of the park's land holdings were donated by Bob Hope, with later significant acquisitions from Ronald Reagan and 20th Century Fox.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $45 - $225 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park

    5. Malibu Beach RV Park

    27 Reviews
    105 Photos
    163 Saves
    El Nido, California

    Malibu RV is set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. Founded in the 1970s, Malibu RV offers RV Sites and Tent Camping, a communal ambience, and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your travels along the California Coast.

    Whether you are a digital nomad, a surfer looking to shack up for the night, or an adventurer looking for an extended stay, we would love to have you.

    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Standard (Tent/RV)

    $80 - $300 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    6. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    38 Reviews
    92 Photos
    447 Saves
    Oak View, California

    Lake Casitas camping offers over 400 sites, so you can choose the camping experience that suits you best. Some sites are lakeside, close enough to hear the lapping water, others are nestled among the trees, and still more are located on hillsides offering splendid views of the sparkling lake.

    We have sites to accommodate tents, tent trailers, campers and RVs, all with picnic tables and fire rings, and some with children's playgrounds close by. Shower houses with bathrooms are located at the front gate and towards the back of the park. We also have a convenient, fenced, dry storage facility for recreational vehicles, boats, canoes & kayaks

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Emma Wood State Beach

    7. Emma Wood State Beach

    26 Reviews
    58 Photos
    376 Saves
    Ventura, California

    North Beach is closed until further notice. Due to major damaged to the entrance road, the park will remain fully closed for repairs. All reservations through June 24th, 2024, will be cancelled and affected parties will be contacted accordingly. There is no anticipated date of reopening at this time. Emma Wood State Beach - Group Camp is open.

    Moderate temperatures help make Emma Wood State Beach popular for swimming, surfing and fishing. Catches include perch, bass, cabezon and corbina. The Ventura River estuary is at the mouth of the Ventura River at the southeast end of the park. It attracts a variety of wildlife including raccoons, songbirds and great blue herons. Dolphins are occasionally seen just offshore. The park also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site. The offshore Channel Islands can be seen from the beach.

    Emma Wood State Beach offers family camping for self-contained vehicles only and group camping is available at Ventura River Group Camp.

    Emma Wood State Beach offers primitive camping for fully self-contained vehicles ONLY. Tents are not permitted. No water, restrooms, electricity, fire rings, or phones or dump station are available. There are 90 campsites, which are not level and may contain a mixture of asphalt, dirt, cobble and ocean debris. Maximum vehicle length is 40 feet, due to small turnaround areas.

    High tides may close the campground at any time. Railroad tracks and Highway 101 are adjacent to the campground which can be noisy. Leashed dogs are permitted in the campground only, and are prohibited on the beach.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    • Trash

    $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility
    Camper-submitted photo from Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    8. Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    13 Reviews
    41 Photos
    157 Saves
    Port Hueneme, California

    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

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    9. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    47 Reviews
    105 Photos
    921 Saves
    Carpinteria, California

    Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria camping offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Although dogs are not allowed on beach, we have a great picnic area where they are allowed to enjoy the outdoors as well. Lifeguards patrol the beach year round and lifeguard towers are staffed roughly from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterprise, or "carpentry shop" here. This was because of naturally-occurring surface tar, which was used to waterproof the canoes.

    Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $45 - $180 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground

    10. Wheeler Gorge Campground

    30 Reviews
    16 Photos
    24 Saves
    Ojai, California

    Overview

    Wheeler Gorge Campground is a great place for families to explore the Los Padres National Forest all year long. Informative tours of the area are led by forest rangers at the nearby visitor center. The campground provides scenic views of a nearby stream, as well as vast mountain vistas.

    Recreation

    The Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail begins at the upper end of the campground. It is a relatively short loop that leads through thick vegetation along the creek banks and to a hillside view of the area. Wildflowers often bloom along the path. The creek flows near some of the campsites and a small swimming hole is frequented near the side of the highway. Fishing is rough in the area and may produce a catch of trout, but the stream is not stocked. Kayaking or canoeing in the creek is not recommended. Educational programs, including ranger-led hikes, are offered year-round.

    Facilities

    The Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail begins at the upper end of the campground. It is a relatively short loop that leads through thick vegetation along the creek banks and to a hillside view of the area. Wildflowers often bloom along the path. The creek flows near some of the campsites and a small swimming hole is frequented near the side of the highway. Fishing is rough in the area and may produce a catch of trout, but the stream is not stocked. Kayaking or canoeing in the creek is not recommended. Educational programs, including ranger-led hikes, are offered year-round.

    Natural Features

    The campground is adjacent to Matilija Creek, and is bordered by a mixed forest of oak and sycamore trees and evergreen shrubbery. Most sites are shaded and summer temperatures reach up to 95 degrees. The campground was originally built by Boy Scouts nearly a century ago, as well as a historical stone home that is also on-site.

    Nearby Attractions

    Ventura and the Pacific Ocean are about 20 miles south of the campground.

    • Pets
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Toilets

    $34 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 77 campgrounds

Recent Dog-Friendly Reviews in Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

679 Reviews of 77 Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • Jon S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Nov. 15, 2024

    Ventura Beach RV Resort

    Ditto no laundry right now

    Ditto what others say…clean, great noise, pricey $142/night for Sprinter, laundry is being remodeled right now

  • vector J.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Nov. 11, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    Thats good

    This location is conveniently situated near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an ideal spot for those looking to explore the city’s many attractions. The facilities are well-kept, with clean restrooms and a friendly staff always ready to assist. However, the noise from nearby https://blockblast.link/ may be disruptive for those in search of a quiet getaway, so it's worth considering if peace and quiet are a priority before booking.

  • Spicy  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Not Worth staying here

    Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort

  • Spicy  N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach
    Nov. 3, 2024

    Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    For $70 a night we Expected More!

    Facilities are run down. This places needs a major make over! Bathrooms are dirty, showers are gross. Sinks to wash dishes are disgusting & right next to dumpsters. You have no privacy and sites are right on top of each other…you’re basically in a parking lot. Barking dogs right next to you can get pretty annoying pretty fast. NOT WORTH the $70 a night fee. I would only stay here here as a LAST resort

  • I B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Oct. 19, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    Nice and friendly Staff, clean site

    Everything was fine. We stayed for 1 night to Visit L.A. . It was clean and the Staff was very nice. We called a night before and got a Site for our RV.

  • Thomas F.
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Oct. 14, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    6/10

    This place offers a convenient location near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an excellent base for exploring the city's attractions. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms and helpful staff who are eager to assist guests. However, Block Blast noise from the surrounding area can be an issue, so those seeking a peaceful retreat might want to consider this before booking.

  • Michelle M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Sep. 27, 2024

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    A beautiful Lake

    This is a nicely maintained municipal water reservoir with a very large lake. No swimming allowed, but boating is. Go figure.

    There are campgrounds with hookups that are only available for RVs. There is one Campground -Indian- that has a mixture of tent and RV sites with hookups available but it was under maintenance when I was here this weekend. So all the rest of the areas that do have hookups do not accommodate my truck and tent rig. And there are no 110V or 30a outlets available for people who are traveling light -with solar and a minimum amount of panels, where you might need to plug in once in awhile- they can't cover you here. Too bad no one thought of that when they were designing this place, because it's an awfully big place with a lot of sites.

    So we're leaving today to find another place to weekend.

    But two nights next to the lake, in the campground called Mallard was lovely as can be. Next time I'll come out with more panels to keep my pair of EcoFlow RiverPro solar generators topped up.

  • Kate
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    pch camping

    we stayed in the tent campsites. beware the tent sites do NOT have electrical hookups. you also have to park and carry your things to your campsite. luckily, they have wheelbarrows to make that easier.

    woodfires are not allowed but propane fires are. there are showers, flush toilets, and water sources in the campground. the bathrooms have a lock and code needed for entry. the campsites are all pretty close together but no one was there when we arrived on a weekday. it didn’t get busy until people started showing up on saturday for the holiday weekend.

    when you first drive in, there is a convenience store up front where you check in.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Wheeler Gorge Campground
    Sep. 21, 2024

    Wheeler Gorge Campground

    Peaceful and Calm!

    We loved camping here. The whole area has a really peaceful and mellow vibe. We reserved site #49 which was plenty big enough for our 26ft class c, but the drive through the campground to get to the site was a little narrow and tight, wouldn't recommend for larger RVs. This end of the campground is right next to the emergency exit, too, but they keep that gate locked, otherwise it would be an easy swoop in. Camp host was really nice, campground was huge, nice that there's a creek running through it which comes in handy in the hot summer months. You have to drive over some creek runoff at parts, no problem.

    There's zero cell reception in this entire area, the roads leading up to the campground as well.

    Fees are $35 or $37 for weekends/holidays. Pricey for what you get and for what we're used to paying for a forest service campground.

  • Kim N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    Great site with no amenities

    Loved the quietness of this campsite. No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site from what we can see. We were in an RV so we didn't mind at all. Went to Sycamore campground to fill up on water. Youre packed right on the beach next to the sand. Combo of tent and rv campers. Wifi is great at this location. We have tmobile

  • Kim N.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dockweiler Beach RV Park
    Sep. 3, 2024

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    beachfront

    Youre packed like sardines but it's beachfront. It's noisy if you have party neighbors but they do turn off the music by 1030 ish so it's enforced. You hear planes flying and tmobile wifi is not great at the campground but good when on the beach front. It's at prime location in LAX so that was nice to go around town. Has full hookups. We would come back again if we need to be near LA area.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Camp Comfort Park
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Camp Comfort Park

    Nice Little Campground

    This is such a nice and small campground, it's low key and seems to be overlooked because there always seems to be sites available.

    We stayed in site #13, which is a weird "pull in" site, which in all the traveling we've done, we've never stayed in one before. So you pull in forward (not back in), because  all your hookups are to the left of the site, on the driver's side.  Which is fine, except that unless you have a long sewer hose, your hose won't reach from the back of your RV to the sewer connection. Luckily there were vacant spots when we left, so we backed into a vacant spot with a  traditional setup and dumped on our way out.

    The best part of this campground is the creek that runs behind it. It's so nice and refreshing on a hot day, and safe for little kids to splash around in. There's also a park, day use area, playground, and some sort of meeting spot adjacent to this campground. The showers were nice (coin operated) and as a full timer I always love to see laundry machines at campgrounds.

    Pricey, but that's just the norm now.  I think our one night was about $50.  Great little place.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
    Aug. 3, 2024

    Faria Beach Park

    Beachy casual

    I'm giving this place 5 stars, because even though it's cramped and packed and awkward to maneuver through, it's got the casual and fun beach vibe that we love about this area.

    You're right on the beach, with easy access to the beach via stairs. This campground is very close to Rincon, but the setup is totally different. Rincon is basically just a parking space on the road, while Faria is a regular campground. The drive down from the main road is pretty steep with a sharp turn, I'm surprised more RVs don't scrape and cause damage on the way down.

    The sites here are very close together, but it doesn't matter. Everyone is friendly and happy and in a good mood. The cafe is fun and seems to be a hangout for bikers riding along Hwy 1. We love it here.

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites

    Haven't stayed, by reservation only for groups

    I haven't stayed in this campground, but I added it to the Dyrt so people can find it as an option if they are searching for large group camping. You MUST call in advance to get permission and reserve for group camping.

    Things to do:

  • Leslie R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Danielson Group Multi-Use Area
    Jul. 29, 2024

    Danielson Group Multi-Use Area

    Haven't stayed, looks a little run down

    I came across this group campsite while on a long hike with a friend. I had no idea it existed, so I'm adding it to the Dyrt so more people can find it if they are looking for a group campsite. You can reserve it for large groups of 10-50 people. Some of the communal areas and fencing looked like it could use some resfreshing. Facilities available: Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, Tent Spaces, and Fireplace.

    I recommend visiting in the spring, when things are greenest, and there are beautiful wildflowers.

  • Laura M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    Jul. 26, 2024

    Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    Love it here

    We come here often, whenever we are in the Ventura area. I used to be crabby about the high cost for just a parking spot along the freeway, but I've grown to love it. You're right on the beach, the weather is always perfect here and the ocean sounds drown out your neighbor's generator.

    No amenities other than trash dumpsters and the occasional recycle bin. Self contained RVs only, no tents.

    Cost is $47 during peak season, plus a $10 reservation fee and $2.50 per day per dog. Sigh - it adds up but it's kind of worth it. No check in required when you arrive, just pull into your reserved spot. No host on site, but rangers do come by often.

    You have to scramble down rocks to get to the beach, or you can walk to Faria campground and access the beach via their stairs.

  • Julian M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    Jul. 24, 2024

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Amazing experience, beautiful sunset

    Great campground, Great spots but unfortunately bit expensive .Very disappointed about the rules regarding fire, but I understood. I left from the campground after the sunset...fire allowed only with courchal...

  • AThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
    Jul. 20, 2024

    Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

    Nice view, not bad, needs work

    We stayed in Loop A on a Thursday night in July. For us, it was a convenient overnight stop. It was a lot less crazy/ crowded than we expected for an LA County campground in the middle of summer! This site is on the lagoon, not the main lake, but had nice views and a good breeze in the heat. Very minimal space, not much shade. But the real issue was that the bathroom stalls in our loop (A) had no doors. I also doubt they are cleaned daily, though it wasn't terrible. Being close to the city, there were a ton of people meandering around, but they all seemed to be doing their own thing (e.g fishing or just walking), few suspicious characters. Lots of families and kids made it feel fairly safe for an urban campground. Not our favorite, but we would stop over here again in a pinch.

  • Elaine H.
    Camper-submitted photo from Dennison Park
    Jul. 16, 2024

    Dennison Park

    Great campground and host!

    I love finding a camping spot last minute and it turns out to be amazing! Dennison Park Campground did not disappoint! Although there are beautiful upper campground spots that Overlook Ojai Valley, I chose, from the choices I had, a spot that looked spacious and offered the most shade. Nestled in the middle of upper and lower campsites, I found it to be a quiet reprieve from our day's activities -- the campfire always the highlight for me. The camp host, Dane, was friendly, helpful, and a joy to chat with. He also gave us some suggestions of other county parks to check out the next time we venture to the Ojia area! We will definitely be back to camp here!

  • merlinda M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Piru Recreation Area
    Jul. 5, 2024

    Lake Piru Recreation Area

    Great campsite

    Campsite was established, picnic table, fireplace, and electricity. Floor is gravel in some areas so bring a rake or broom for tent area. Our site was pretty close to bathrooms that had showers. 1.50 for 8 minutes, uses quarters. Has hot water. Rangers drive by selling wood and ice.

  • cThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Beach RV Park
    Jul. 1, 2024

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Stunning RVpark on a bluff over Malibu beach

    We enjoyed our one night stay we had a great spot overlooking the bay. The owners have a great plan and it looks like they are achieving their goal!

  • Michelle W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Steckel Park
    Jun. 28, 2024

    Steckel Park

    Much better than I expected

    I had a giant campsite overlooking the heavily flowing creek. The creek was so clean and beautiful. The amazing thing is I brush-crashed for hours and didn’t get a single bug bite. The site was a bit messy when I arrived, but the ranger pulled up right as I got there to empty the trash bin. He said the crows scatter the garbage. A family of 2 peahens, a peacock, and 3 babies hung out near the creek. Beautiful birds. After walking around the creek for an hour, I came back to see a few bundles of wood left for me. I think the ranger found them at a site and gifted them to me. Very nice person!

  • Tammy P.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake
    Jun. 19, 2024

    Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake

    Close to the lake, can be very hot during the summer

    It usually stay empty and easy to get a site even in the peak season summer and spring but there is limited shades in most campsites and can get very hot during the days. There are not many trees around, Site 42 has really good shade but be aware of pocky leaves from those trees. My air mattress pop both times we camp there. There is not much around to do except pyramid lake close by which is nice and convenient to get to the water and go fishing or tubing. Also close by six flag.

  • Tippy B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    Jun. 12, 2024

    Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    Million dollar view

    We are road tripping for our honey moon and are letting the gods decide on where we were van camping once a destination has been confirmed. We accidentally ran into this parkway and let me tell you…. You’d be crazy not to stay. Views were amazing to fall asleep to and wake up to.

    You can bring your own wood, have a fire where you camp. Don’t forget your campfire stove, there are porta-potties. As long as your self contained in a RV, car, bus, you are golden. Stay…. It will be a memorable trip. And you can’t beat the price.



Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 50 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?

    TheDyrt.com has all 77 dog-friendly camping locations near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.