Best Campgrounds near Topanga, CA

Camping near Topanga, California, offers a unique blend of beach and canyon experiences. With stunning views and a variety of campgrounds, it’s a great spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.

What to do:

• Beach Access: Many campgrounds are close to the beach. For example, at Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park, campers enjoy the beachfront experience. One reviewer said, “Awesome spot for boondocking! Can’t beat camping on the beach.”
• Hiking Trails: Explore the trails around Malibu Creek State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, “Nice, small campground with hiking trails easily accessible.”
• Wildlife Watching: Campers at Wheeler Gorge Campground often spot bears and other wildlife. One camper shared, “They let us know there was a bear in the area...”

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campgrounds like Moro Campground — Crystal Cove State Park offer breathtaking ocean views. A happy camper noted, “Almost every site has an ocean view of some kind.”
• Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at places like Bonelli Bluffs. One review stated, “Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen.”
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds, such as Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach, are great for families. A reviewer mentioned, “My family camps here every year for as long as I can remember.”

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Thornhill Broome Beach, have minimal facilities. One camper warned, “No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms.”
• Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Lake Casitas Recreation Area mentioned, “Crowded on weekends, much less during the week.”
• Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways, like Point Mugu State Park, can have road noise. One camper noted, “The sound of waves and occasional traffic all night.”

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park that allow pets and have picnic tables. A family shared, “Nice short walk to the beach where dogs are welcome.”
• Plan Activities: Bring bikes for trails or beach days. A reviewer at Santa Cruz Campground mentioned, “The trail that goes to the end of the campground is always a fun bike ride.”
• Pack Essentials: Since some campgrounds lack amenities, be sure to bring enough water and food. A camper at Wheeler Gorge Campground noted, “No running water available; fire ban.”

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds, like Malibu Beach RV Park, have limited space for larger RVs. A visitor mentioned, “Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!”
• Be Prepared for Fees: Campers at Lake Casitas noted extra charges for pets. One reviewer said, “We paid online and... getting charged $5 a day extra for pets.”
• Use a Dump Station: Make sure to locate dump stations before arriving. A camper at Bonelli Bluffs appreciated the easy access to dump facilities.

Camping near Topanga, California, is a fantastic way to enjoy nature, whether you're at the beach or in the hills. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!