Best RV Parks near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Looking for the best RV campgrounds near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area? Find the best sites near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area where you can park your RV with a scenic view. Each RV campsite offers quick access to one or more of Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area's most popular destinations.

Best RV Sites Near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, CA (68)

  • 1.

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    27 Reviews
    68 Photos
    145 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 Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Ventura Beach RV Resort

    2.

    Ventura Beach RV Resort

    12 Reviews
    28 Photos
    97 Saves
    Ventura, California

    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.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park

    3.

    Hollywood RV Park

    7 Reviews
    8 Photos
    54 Saves
    San Fernando, California
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park

    4.

    Hollywood RV Park

    5 Reviews
    8 Photos
    52 Saves
    San Fernando, California
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

    5.

    Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

    12 Reviews
    8 Photos
    221 Saves
    Summerland, California

    The only RV park located in the city of Santa Barbara. We offer convenient, comfortable RV sites and friendly, dependable service. Enjoy the hospitality of our small, family owned urban RV park while you explore Santa Barbara’s countless treasures and oodles of activities. Whether you call it an RV or a caravan, a vacation or a holiday, a park or a campground, we welcome you!

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

    6.

    Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    13 Reviews
    41 Photos
    155 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 Golden Shore RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Shore RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Shore RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Shore RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Shore RV Resort
    Camper-submitted photo from Golden Shore RV Resort

    8.

    Golden Shore RV Resort

    10 Reviews
    8 Photos
    158 Saves
    Signal Hill, California
    • Pets
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $80 - $85 / night

    Camper-submitted photo from Castaic Lake RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castaic Lake RV Park
    Camper-submitted photo from Castaic Lake RV Park

    9.

    Castaic Lake RV Park

    4 Reviews
    3 Photos
    33 Saves
    Castaic, California

    Set 1/2 mile from the Castaic Lake Recreation Area in sunny California, Castaic Lake RV Park is a clean, quiet, and friendly RV Park where families, and retirees alike can enjoy California’s premier recreation lake. The resort is in an urban setting while still maintaining a quiet atmosphere. Castaic Lake RV Park is located just north of Los Angeles and is the ideal location to enjoy the warm weather and excellent water sports on the lake. Guests will find comfortable accommodations and plenty of activities to entertain the whole family.

    Castaic Lake RV Park is just a short distance from Magic Mountain amusement and water park, which is full of giant roller coasters and water slides during the summer. Guests at the RV Park also love spending a day in Los Angeles, or exploring the Southern California coastline. Castaic Lake RV Park is also in the proximity of plenty of shopping, dining, and movie theaters, which are perfect for a night on the town. You’ll also find opportunities for golfing, either miniature golf for the whole family, or championship courses for the more experienced golfer. With so much to do, it would take a long time to enjoy everything this area has to offer, and if you run out of ideas, your hosts at Castaic Lake RV Park will be happy to help you.

    With 2,500 surface acres of water and miles of shoreline between the Upper Reservoir and the Lower Lagoon, Castaic Lake provides many opportunities for year-round recreation for all ages and skill levels such as sailing, water skiing, power boating, swimming, and fishing. Visitors of the lake can also enjoy family & group picnicking, hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The Lower Lagoon area is well-suited to canoeing, kayaking, and float tubes, while the Upper Reservoir welcomes trolling motors and power boats. Anglers can enjoy casting a line from shore or a boat; Castaic Lake is home to large mouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill and rainbow trout. Rainbow trout are stocked on a two-week cycle from October thru May. When you need a change in scenery, head over to the resorts pool and spa to relax.

    When you stay at Castaic Lake RV Park, you choose a perfect home base for all of your recreational activities and sightseeing in the Los Angeles, California area. Whether you have a big rig or tow a smaller trailer, you’ll find the perfect site at Castaic Lake RV Park.

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

    $40 - $68 / night

  • 10.

    Earl Warren RV Park

    4 Reviews
    2 Photos
    43 Saves
    Santa Barbara, California

    Earl Warren RV Park offers the convenience of RV parking in the heart of Santa Barbara. Our park is close to restaurants and blocks from the beach, only a few minutes drive from Downtown. Easily accessible off Highway 101.

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

    $70 / night

Showing results 1-10 of 68 campgrounds

Recent RV Reviews In Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

597 Reviews of 68 Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area Campgrounds


  • Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    September 5, 2024

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    keypad phone

    If you need to reset your VERTU keypad phone https://vertu.com/products/signature-v-ceramic-keypad-phone-black-white/ , follow a simple process to restore its factory settings and refresh its performance. A reset can help resolve issues like slow performance, unresponsiveness, or software glitches. Before proceeding, ensure that you back up all important data, as a factory reset will erase personal files and settings. To reset, navigate to the phone's settings menu, find the reset option under system settings, and follow the on-screen prompts. After the reset, your VERTU phone will return to its original state, ready for a fresh start while maintaining its luxurious design and craftsmanship.

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

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dockweiler Beach RV Park
    September 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Camp Comfort Park
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
    August 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Malibu Creek State Park Campground
    July 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...

  • Camper-submitted photo from Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Dennison Park
    July 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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Piru Recreation Area
    July 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Steckel Park
    June 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!

  • Camper-submitted photo from Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sawmill Campground
    June 15, 2024

    Sawmill Campground

    Forest road camping outside of Yosemite

    Having to find a spot kind of late at night after other spots were full pretty level spot overlooking a meadow and review of the sunset roads a little rough getting back in there used four-wheel drive pulling a teardrop

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    June 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.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    June 5, 2024

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    Nice place but dog owners beware

    Just to be clear, I love lake Casitas. I grew up camping here with my family. The reason I’m writing this review is to warn pet owners about the abundance of foxtails and burs. We have 2 poodle mixes with med-long hair and they both ended up with their fur filled with burs and foxtails. So much that it required a vet visit. This was from a weekend camp in our RV that had a large rug and they have raised dog cots.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hollywood RV Park
    June 1, 2024

    Hollywood RV Park

    As good as it gets for LA

    This quirky campground was safe, and that was what I needed while visiting friends in LA. This isn't a self-park park...the spaces are so close together that they use a cart to park you. On the upside, the bathrooms and showers were clean and plentiful, there was an area at the back of the park that was fenced for pups, and although the spaces were small, the park was landscaped such that you had some privacy. On the downside, the park is right next to the departure/arrival runway for Burbank and so if you don't fancy airplanes, you may not appreciate the noise. There is quite a bit of noise, but then again, you are in downtown Burbank. The owner is quite a character and told me that they even have an entertainment space where they offer musical performances, plays, etc. by local artists. He also mentioned that most of the park's customers were long-term residents that support the local production companies. I'm not sure if I would stay there again, but then again I'm not sure I'm interested in visiting Burbank again either.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Hobson Beach County Park
    May 16, 2024

    Hobson Beach County Park

    Expensive But It’s On The Beach

    I stayed here for one night. Bathrooms were clean. They seem to have a coffee and pizza shack too but they were not open when I arrived. I didn’t use the showers but they have a shower room in addition to bathrooms. It was a quiet night.

    The only negative was the people parked next to me had moved their picnic table into my spot so it made it difficult to back in and use my spot.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Foster Residence Campground
    May 3, 2024

    Foster Residence Campground

    Small Campground but Nice

    Small little campground, easy to get to and across from Foster Park. 

    There are not too many spaces, and it is a little tight, so larger RVs will not fit. 

    I got site 11, which is pretty big, but it's next to the road. At all times of the day, you get a lot of loud motorcycles coming through. 

    It's next to Foster Park, which allows swimming in the river during the summer months. 

    It's also near the Ojai Bike trail, which you can take all the way to Ojai or down to the beach in Ventura. 

    I road up to Lake Casitas and into Ojai, which was a nice short loop.

    There were no issues with safety; it felt pretty safe.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
    May 2, 2024

    Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    Compact Little Campground

    Small little campground adjacent to Sycamore Canyon. This is great for trail runners and mountain bikers. 

    The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs. The facilities are Okay. I don't think there was hot water when I went there. 

    There is no reception for T-Mobile users. However, I used my WeBoost and got two bars. I was able to stream music, text and some internet. 

    It's nice to ride down PCH on this stretch towards Camarillo. You can visit the Missile Park in Point Magu or the Light House in Hueneme.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Faria Beach Park
    May 2, 2024

    Faria Beach Park

    Beach Front Camping At Its Best

    It's a nice little site. It's not too crowded, as there aren't too many sites within the campground. You are packed in like sardines, but this is conducive to every beachfront campground. 

    The place is clean and easy to get to. There are signs to lock your stuff up so it doesn't get stolen. The person next to me said they got their bike stolen the last time they were there. 

    The view is amazing of course. There is nothing else in the area, no shopping.  

    Good area if you plan to ride or run. You could ride up to Santa Barbara from here and run along the beach path.  You could also ride up to Lake Casitas and make a loop out of it.

  • Camper-submitted photo from Rincon Parkway RV Overnight
    March 27, 2024

    Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    Great Coast dry camp.

    Park parallel right on the road. You must be heading southbound. Great for last second check-in online. Best, I've ever had checking in. Sites with lower numbers. Have more sand in front and maybe easier access beach.



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

  • Which is the most popular RV campsite near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular RV campground near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is Malibu Beach RV Park with a 4.4-star rating from 27 reviews.

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

    TheDyrt.com has all 68 RV camping locations near Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, with real photos and reviews from campers.