BRIAN O.
Guide
GuideMalibu Beach RV Park
Great location
Get a spot away from the HWY.
Short walk to the beach and a short drive to Santa Monica Pier.
Dog-Friendly Camping near Santa Monica, CA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Dockweiler Beach RV Park allows fires on the beach while accommodating pets at its oceanfront location. This pet-friendly RV campground provides full hookups with water, sewer, and electricity while offering direct beach access for dogs. Malibu Creek State Park Campground, another pet-friendly option, allows alcohol and pets with picnic tables and drinking water available throughout the grounds. Pets must remain leashed at all sites, with most campgrounds requiring a 6-foot maximum leash length. Both tent and RV campers can bring their dogs, though the spaces at Dockweiler are described as packed like sardines despite the prime beachfront setting. The bathrooms and showers remain clean at both locations, making longer stays with pets more comfortable. The Dyrt provides user ratings for locations near Santa Monica, California.
Malibu Creek State Park offers wilderness escapes with pets just minutes from Los Angeles, with multiple trails accessible for leashed dogs. The park connects to several hiking routes where dogs can explore alongside their owners, though the rock pool areas may be restricted for pets during certain seasons. During summer months, early morning walks are recommended due to the hot, dry conditions that can be uncomfortable for dogs. Nearby beaches provide additional recreation opportunities, with the 20+ mile coastal walking/biking path at Dockweiler Beach particularly popular among dog owners. Campground quiet hours are strictly enforced with noise complaints addressed promptly, an important consideration for campers with pets that might bark. All sites require proper disposal of pet waste, with designated stations available throughout the grounds.
Best Dog-Friendly Campgrounds near Santa Monica (96)
1. Malibu Creek State Park Campground
"The sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything, and because the campground is close to the city it is popular with groups and families."
"Also something to be aware of, they do not allow dogs, big bummer. Years ago, I saw dogs in the park, but the last time I went, they were not even allowed in. Otherwise it’s a very pretty place."
from $45 - $225 / night
Check Availability2. Dockweiler Beach RV Park
"It’s also near Santa Monica and Venice beach. Space is big enough for a bigger RV. The only negative thing is - it is very noise because of the airport right next to it."
"The bike path is in front of the campground and it will take you all the way to Redondo Beach or Santa Monica. Check out the local town of El Segundo."
from $65 - $80 / night
Check Availability3. Malibu Beach RV Park
"Get a spot away from the HWY.
Short walk to the beach and a short drive to Santa Monica Pier.""Easy access to Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Staff is super friendly and accommodating."
from $80 - $300 / night
Check Availability4. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
"Wonderful area with good hiking spots, beach access for both you and your dogs."
"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."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability5. Golden Shore RV Resort
"However, you do get some road noise if you stay on the road side"
"This park is close to the action in Long Beach. Easily walkable or there are always E bikes and scooters to rent right outside the gate. Also, really appreciated that this RV park was gated."
from $80 - $85 / night
Check Availability6. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
"In addition, you're right next to the beach! Dogs are allowed on the beach and campsites, but not allowed on the trails. Park Rangers advised me this was due to rattle snakes on trails."
"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."
from $45 / night
Check Availability7. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park
"Even though you are lined up next to your neighbors, noise just doesn’t carry because the roar of the ocean is so loud! It’s amazing to fall asleep to."
"They don’t smell bad when using them though….. so maybe it was one of the nearby rvs?? Not sure. Love that the beach is dog friendly."
from $35 / night
Check Availability8. Tapo Canyon Park
"This is a very nice campground near everything but still away from it all. No issues parking our 42' 5th wheel here. Clean and quiet despite the peacocks. They can be rather loud when startled."
"Cleanliness: 10/10 Privacy: 0/10 Location: 5/10 nice park but super close to the street and other vehicles. Service: in some areas, one bar (att) Area: close to food etc just right down the hill."
9. Angeles Crest Overlook to LA
"Great view but on the weekend we had multiple cars doing donuts really close to our van. I felt uncomfortable with that."
"This is just a few parking lots that overlook the valley and gives a view of the city skyline in the distance."
10. Gould Mesa Trail Campground
"You can hear cars driving off in the distance but still overall quiet.
- Close to LA. This is about a 15 minute drive then 30 minute hike from my house.
* The stream is great."
"Very beautiful now that the canyon vegetation has grown back in and there are plenty of trails in the area for miles of hiking. Lots of wildlife. Fire rings in camp sites but check for fire permits."
Drive Time
- 3 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 57 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 30 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 1 min from San Diego, CA
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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Santa Monica, CA
1002 Reviews of 96 Santa Monica Campgrounds
- AAndrea L.
ScoutCircle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
Beautiful view
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
James S.
TravelerMalibu Beach RV Park
Gorgeous Views
There's really not a bad spot in this campground. It's a little pricey to camp here but it's Malibu so it's expected. Easy access to Pacific Coast Highway, Santa Monica and Venice Beach. Staff is super friendly and accommodating.
Mara C.GuideDockweiler Beach RV Park
Ocean view
It’s a beautiful spot with ocean view. It’s also near Santa Monica and Venice beach. Space is big enough for a bigger RV. The only negative thing is - it is very noise because of the airport right next to it.
- Berton M.
LegendDockweiler Beach RV Park
Beach, Sunsets, & Airplanes
Dockweilder is an awesome camping experience if you love the beach and airplanes. With LAX less than .5 miles away, you get the pleasure of plane spotting 24/7. The bike path is in front of the campground and it will take you all the way to Redondo Beach or Santa Monica.
Check out the local town of El Segundo. It has some great dining options and looks like Mayberry.
Cell Reception: Great
Andre V.LegendSycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park
Beach Camping plus
The campground may not be anything too special. The sites are close together and the place is usually crowded. But the opportunity to hike in the Santa Monica Mountains then take a swim in the ocean, ending your day by a campfire is the height of SoCal living.
Les R.LegendCanyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
Ranger Review: Matador Camera Case at Leo Carrillo State Park
Campground review (3 of 5 stars)
The Canyon Campground is located on a spectacular stretch of the PCH just north of Malibu. Like most other California State Parks, it is quite expensive. The sites are located in a dusty coastal sage scrub valley, often right on top of each other. This place is packed with RVs and families on vacation during the summer, so don't expect to find peace and solitude here. There are full facilities (e.g., showers, camp store), but the $45 per night fee is the highest we've paid for any camping.
One perk is that you can walk to the beach within minutes. Also, one of the few dog beaches in LA is only a couple minutes drive away. Luckily, dogs are allowed in the campground too. If you can look past your nearby neighbors, the views of the nearby Santa Monica Mountains are charming. It's also only a short drive to some spectacular hiking and bouldering. If you bring your crashpad and shoes, the sandbox and temporal boulders are about a 15-30 minute hike upstream, and you certainly won't have any crowds there! Finally, don't forget to reserve your site far in advance (you can do this online), especially for weekends. Otherwise the rangers recommend showing up at 8AM on a Friday or Saturday to try to snag one of the few walk-in sites or a site from cancelled or no-show reservation.
Product review (4.5 of 5 stars)
As a Ranger for the Dyrt, I get to test products for review for some of my camping trips. On this trip, we tested the Matador camera base layer case and the lens base layer. See our demo video, presented by my husband, the photography pro. These are two phenomenal products that offer some sleek protection for your camera and lenses.
Pros:
- easily removable from bag
- modular designs fit most cameras and lenses
- sleek and unobtrusive
- high-quality and durable material
- super lightweight, adds no weight to carry
Cons:
- no mechanism to clip the camera base layer to the camera or strap, which can be somewhat cumbersome while attempting to take a quick shot
- some larger DSLR cameras may have a small gap on the sides of the base layer that lacks complete protection if the lens is left attached
Overall, these two products provide ample protection while you're trying to snap some great photos in the outdoors. I don't think they provide quite the same level of protection as larger bags with more padding, but that's not what they're aiming for. I felt a tremendous peace of mind having my camera dangling from my neck in the base layer while scurrying down the steep sand dunes, which I certainly wouldn't have felt had I not had the base layer on.
Carlyne F.LegendWaterfront RV Park
Waterfront RV Park, CA
Located in Huntington Beach California. This site is right across the street from the beach. Be careful and aware when staying here. My husband and I had our mountain bikes stolen when sleeping. When we asked for camera footage the owners of the campground claimed the cameras were broken and they couldn’t share the footage. There are many homeless folks living in the area. The showers don’t get hot, but the area is clean. There is a pool and a hot tub and a small dog park. It’s expensive to stay here, but a beautiful spot.
- JJade H.Scout
Lake Piru Recreation Area
Lovely get away
Close to town but no cell signal, this place is amazing! Large camping area and I’ve never felt crowded ! Quarter showers and laundry, and a dog park! Lots of deer in the area and Great Lake to fish at! They also offer some hook ups for the rv campers
Guide to Santa Monica
Tent camping near Santa Monica requires planning for seasonal conditions with summer highs reaching 80-85°F and winter lows around 45-50°F. Many campgrounds in the area enforce strict noise regulations after 10 PM, particularly at sites nearest to residential neighborhoods. The coastal campgrounds often experience morning fog that burns off by midday, creating distinct microclimates between beach locations and those in nearby canyons.
What to do
Beachfront relaxation: 20+ mile coastal path accessible from Dockweiler Beach RV Park connects multiple beaches for walking or cycling. "Right off a very nice coastal 20+? mile walking/biking path. Went to a concert last minute at SoFi just 15 min away," notes PJ M.
Explore tide pools: Marine life viewing opportunities at Thornhill Broome Beach where the rock formations create natural aquariums. "There are rocks to the left and right that are fun to explore," says Garrett M., who appreciates falling asleep to ocean sounds at this beachfront site.
Movie history hiking: Film location tours through former production areas at Malibu Creek State Park, just a short drive from Santa Monica. "The state park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more," writes Ryan W.
What campers like
Urban convenience with natural settings: Malibu Beach RV Park offers stunning ocean views while remaining close to city amenities. "Location, location location! Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff! General store is well stocked and there's a park to lounge or play games on the cliffs edge," reports Tim Z.
Clean, reliable facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-serviced restrooms and shower areas, which campers consistently rate highly. "Campground is beautiful!! Spacious campsites with fire pits, and clean bathrooms (bring your own hand soap). Be aware of the limited hours for entering with a vehicle (8am-10pm)," advises Lizzie C.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Early morning and twilight hours offer chances to see coastal and canyon wildlife. "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear. On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub—making their way to a running creek," shares Ryan W.
What you should know
Airport noise impacts oceanfront camping: Canyon Campground at Leo Carrillo State Park offers a quieter alternative to beachfront options with excessive airplane traffic. "While the campground was quite busy and loud at times, the hike and bike area was rather quiet. Camp store for basic items," reports Tim J.
Seasonal challenges: Summer heat affects inland sites significantly. "I came here during the summer and it was extremely HOT. There isn't much shade on the actual campgrounds, but a few sites do have partial shade. There are some decent hiking trails nearby if you can bear the heat, but all the creeks are dried up so you can't really take a dip," warns Chanel C.
Reservation timing: Most pet-friendly campsites near Santa Monica require booking 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends. "This campground is popular in the summer months and spaces get reserved up to 6 months in advance," notes Jeremy F., regarding the reservation system at beach campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Multi-generational activities: Sycamore Canyon Campground offers family-friendly hiking with ocean access. "My husband, teenage son, grown son and his girlfriend, and I stayed here over Halloween. The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean," recounts Jean.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated children's areas with supervised play equipment. "The campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice," shares Bri B. about family amenities at Tapo Canyon Park.
Educational opportunities: Tide pool excursions provide hands-on marine biology lessons for children. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access- it's about a 10-minute walk from most sites, and you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones," explains Alfred.
Tips from RVers
Space considerations: RV spots at Golden Shore RV Resort provide more room than other coastal options. "Very well maintained campground. The spots are groomed and clean when you come in. Great Long Beach location, a nice bike ride along the beach to Naples and the Queen Mary," notes Theo A.
Limited entry hours: Some campgrounds restrict vehicle entry during nighttime hours. "Be aware of the limited hours for entering with a vehicle (8am-10pm)," cautions Lizzie C., highlighting the importance of timing arrival at gated camping areas.
Dry camping versus hookup tradeoffs: Sites with fewer amenities often provide more space and privacy. "The RV park has a hookup area and a dry camping area. The hookups are full of large rigs, very close one with another, in a parking lot style. The dry camp provides much more space, but only relatively small RVs," advises Ignasi M. about options for different RV sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly
campsite near Santa Monica, CA?
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Santa Monica, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Santa Monica, CA is Malibu Creek State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 44 reviews.
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dog-friendly camping near
Santa Monica, CA?
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Santa Monica, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 96 dog-friendly camping locations near Santa Monica, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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