Best Tent Camping near Santa Monica, CA

Santa Monica, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Santa Monica campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Santa Monica, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

Best Tent Sites Near Santa Monica, California (50)

    1. Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park

    5 Reviews
    Topanga, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (310) 455-2465

    $7 / night

    "If you want a longer hike you can hike up the East Topanga Fire Road and then drop down into Musch Camp on the Backbone Trail from Eagle Junction."

    "Currently closed for repairs though."

    2. Millard Trail Campground

    9 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    23 miles
    Website

    "Cool drive to get to the campground. You drive up and down these hilly roads up the mountain to get there. Once there, there's a parking lot that fits about 20 cars."

    "When you can’t do a 2h hike before setting camp, but you also don’t want to camp close to your car, Millard campground is perfect. The parking lot is just behind the corner out of view."

    3. Antfarm LA

    2 Reviews
    Verdugo City, CA
    19 miles
    Website

    $50 / 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."

    4. Gould Mesa Trail Campground

    5 Reviews
    La Cañada Flintridge, CA
    22 miles
    Website

    "This is a nice hike-in campground with about ten sites available and a privy. Lots of hikers up here on the weekend ( and weekdays too)."

    "Go behind campsite one and you will find a 6 mile hike in and out to two different waterfalls. Really fun and refreshing, limited shade in hike, so a dip at the end is so nice!"

    5. Sage Ranch - Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority

    1 Review
    Brandeis, CA
    19 miles
    Website

    "There is a hiking loop of about 3 miles that encircles the park, with great views all around."

    6. Mount Lowe Trail Campground

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    25 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "No water, fountain is capped now"

    "There's no water right now but that could change after first rain or snow.

    Stayed here last week & it's still great."

    8. Bear Canyon Campground

    3 Reviews
    Altadena, CA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "Crossing the tiny bridge at the west end of Switzer Picinic area(park up top during the weekdays, adds half a mile), you’ll see Switzer Trail Camp."

    "But otherwise a great spot to spend a few summer days away from anyone not hale enough to trek in a few miles."

    9. Valley Forge Trail Camp hike in. no drive

    6 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    28 miles
    Website

    $5 / night

    "Took some friends for their first ever backpacking trip, great intro to the “experience.” Trail camp is in the canyon so it’s an easy 3.5 mile hike in, but a tough hike out of the canyon."

    "Picnic tables and fire rings made food preparing especially easy. It has so much charm!"

    10. Hoegees Trail Camp Campground

    5 Reviews
    Mount Wilson, CA
    29 miles
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    "You can only access this campground by backpacking in. There's about 12 campsites with picnic benches and fire rings. There's a creek that runs through. it's beautiful and feels completely isolated."

    "Hoegee’s is 2 miles hike from Chantry Flats by way of the Lower Winter Creek Trail. The site is named for Hoegee’s resort which stood just upstream."

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Showing results 1-10 of 50 campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Santa Monica, CA

684 Reviews of 50 Santa Monica Campgrounds



Guide to Santa Monica

Tent camping near Santa Monica, California, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure, making it an ideal escape from city life.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities

  • The Millard Trail Campground features basic amenities like toilets and trash disposal, ensuring a comfortable stay while enjoying the scenic surroundings.
  • At Gould Mesa Trail Campground, campers can take advantage of free camping with no permits required, making it a hassle-free option for spontaneous trips.
  • The Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park offers well-maintained facilities, including picnic tables and a restroom, enhancing the camping experience.

Explore local attractions

Tent campers like these nearby activities

  • Hiking enthusiasts will appreciate the trails leading from Gould Mesa Trail Campground, where a scenic six-mile hike takes you to two picturesque waterfalls.
  • The Millard Trail Campground is popular for day hiking, with many visitors passing through, making it a lively spot for those who enjoy meeting fellow outdoor lovers.
  • Campers at Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park can embark on various hiking trails that showcase the stunning landscapes of Topanga State Park, perfect for both beginners and seasoned hikers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Santa Monica, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Santa Monica, CA is Musch Trail Camp — Topanga State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Santa Monica, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 50 tent camping locations near Santa Monica, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.