1 campground with availability next weekend
Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park accommodates both hikers and horses, though it lacks dedicated horse corrals. The camp sits one mile from Trippet Ranch parking lot along the Musch Trail, providing primitive tent-only sites with picnic tables in a fenced area. The campground features flush toilets, running water, and costs $7 per person per night. While reviews mention the clean facilities and well-maintained grounds, equestrians should note that fires are strictly prohibited throughout the park.
Trail riders can access the Backbone Trail system from Musch Camp, connecting to Eagle Junction via the East Topanga Fire Road. The network offers extensive riding opportunities through the Santa Monica Mountains with views of meadows and coastal terrain. Parking for horse trailers is available at Trippet Ranch, though space may be limited during busy periods. Riders should carry water for horses as natural water sources are seasonal and often dry during summer months. The campground's proximity to Los Angeles makes it popular for weekend equestrians seeking accessible trail riding without traveling far from the city.
"It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."
"The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."
Available next weekend
from $45 - $225 / night
"Awesome park, clean, level paved pads with a parking space..nice amenities, small NEX nearby. Wildlife reserve adjacent to the park made it nice for walking the dogs, too"
"Very clean, cement slab, walking paths well lit and near to many areas to explore. Wetlands on the base and birds galore."
"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."
"Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city."
from $7 / night
from $100 / night
ScoutBeautiful spot on seal Beach naval weapons command base. A bit pricey, but has showers and free laundry facilities seems to be on the flight path to John Wayne Airport beautiful grounds must have a DBIDS card to get in and out of base if not military.
TravelerNice spot with great hiking. Limited facilities. No hookups. $1 for 2 minute shower (tokens).
ScoutThe hike-in experience has captivating views and diverse environment. Really felt away from the " concrete jungle" of the city.
Scoutdon’t try to reach out to this park via phone with any questions, they won’t answer you. they won’t even answer the phone when their own reservation agents are calling them. gates close strictly at 10 so if you’re camping here make sure to show up by then. showed up at 9:58 after leaving a music festival early to make sure i made it on time, and their staff was immensely rude to me about not making it on time. the morning staff is incredibly nice, apologizing for the problems and giving me advice. the night staff though has a problem and they take it out on their visitors. for how rude they were to me, somehow the campsite across from me showed up at 11pm, so seems like they pick and choose who to give problems. avoid camping here. campsites are very close together and nothing special.
ScoutGreat hikes all around and close to beaches and city. Good sites were 26, 7, 49.
RangerSmall and not level spots, but OK spreaded. Toilet building is fine (paid showers though).
TravelerThe only thing to do here is hike and the trails are not well marked. Tried to get to MASH site and almost missed it do to lack of trail markers.
The bathrooms are clean but no soap or way to dry hands.
Visitors center is a hike and only open on weekends if volunteers are available.
RV dump station usage is not included in site fee. Extra $10 per dump
Most of sites are not even close level!
TravelerA hikers dream . This campground has several trails and there are many others within minutes away. Showers are token however machines are right there. Fire pits on every site as well as concrete picnic tables. Malibu Beach is 15 to 20 minutes away right on Pacific Coast Highway.
Rangers were all amazing. They actually came by last night around 9 PM and told me quiet time was at 8 PM so I guess I had them backwards. I thought it was 8 AM to 10 PM but it’s actually 10 AM to 8 p.m. Firewood is available from the Camp Host who incidentally was amazing in helping and answering a lot of my questions
If I was to critique anything, it would be how short the sites are my rig is 31 feet and I have a I don’t know maybe seven or 8 foot overhang from the last wheel if I didn’t have that there’s no way I would’ve fit and then the distance from here to the side across from me is pretty short so you have to Jimmy in and out if there’s somebody there, but that was the only thing that I could say that was negative and it really isn’t negative it just fact.
LegendOverall the CG is fine everything you need just fine, Location is okay Beach 5 miles away many trails to hike and the Valley shopping and other Typical So cal things are 20 minutes away and L.A. is 35 minutes away (with no traffic). but That locaion is what makes the death of this place.with over 1 million (not exaggerating) having immediate access to this place and it not over all restful experience, and is just too darn PEOPLY!!
Musch Trail Camp in Topanga State Park offers a rustic camping experience one mile from the Trippet Ranch trailhead. The trail-accessible camp sits at approximately 1,500 feet elevation in the Santa Monica Mountains, with summer temperatures often exceeding 90°F. Winter brings cooler conditions and occasional rainfall, making spring and fall optimal for equestrian camping near Two Harbors, California.
Explore interconnecting trails: From Musch Trail Camp, hikers can access an extensive network of trails including the Backbone Trail. "Musch Camp is an easy one mile hike from the Trippet Ranch Parking Lot in Topanga State Park. 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," notes Erik M. from Musch Trail Camp.
Bird watching opportunities: The meadows near the camp provide excellent bird watching habitat. The surrounding area features diverse coastal sage scrub vegetation that attracts numerous bird species. "There are meadows down the trail on either side of the campground," mentions a Musch Trail Camp visitor, making it ideal for early morning wildlife observation.
Visit nearby beaches: The coastal location makes beach trips convenient. "Great spot for beach day use," writes Jaclyn L. about Malibu Creek State Park Campground, which serves as an alternative base for horseback riding adventures near Two Harbors.
Clean facilities: The maintenance of Musch Trail Camp consistently impresses visitors. "Although it's not the most scenic campground itself, the state park has plenty of beauty to offer on its hiking trails. The facilities and grounds were well maintained," reports Les R. from Musch Trail Camp.
Affordable rates: The camp offers budget-friendly accommodations for trail riders. "Park for $7/night at Trippet Ranch and hike one mile to the campgrounds. It's an easy hike and very quiet," shares Andrea A. about Musch Trail Camp.
Modern restrooms: Despite its primitive setting, the camp features surprisingly well-maintained facilities. "Did not expect the bathrooms to be very clean. They have running water to flush the toilets, and to wash your hands," writes marcos P. about Musch Camp, making it a practical option for horseback riding trips near Two Harbors.
No fires permitted: Fire restrictions apply throughout Topanga State Park, including Musch Trail Camp. All campfires and open flames are prohibited, making alternative cooking arrangements necessary.
Limited cell coverage: Communication options are restricted at the campsite. "There is limited cell service at the campground," notes Erik M. from Musch Trail Camp, so plan accordingly for emergency contact methods when horse camping near Two Harbors.
Midweek solitude: Weekday visits typically offer greater privacy. "Not a single other party at the campsite on a Tuesday in September," reports Les R. about Musch Trail Camp, which can be advantageous for equestrian campers seeking quiet conditions.
Seasonal closures: The campground occasionally closes for maintenance. "Currently closed for repairs," mentioned Andrea A. about Musch Camp in late 2022, so checking current status before planning equestrian trips is essential.
Alternative nearby options: When planning horseback riding trips with children, consider nearby alternatives with more amenities. "The campground was under fire warning all weekend, but faux wood (javalog or duraflame) and charcoal was still allowed. The camphost sold Javalogs, and there were plenty of options at the nearby Albertson's," shares Ryan W. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Children can observe native animals in their natural habitat. "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear," reports Ryan W. about Malibu Creek State Park, offering educational experiences during equestrian camping trips.
Consider summer heat: Plan activities appropriately for seasonal temperatures. "I came here during the summer and it was extremely HOT. Typically during the summer season, I like to find campgrounds that have a lot of lush trees so we can be under the canopies and stay cool," advises Chanel C. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Limited RV suitability: The Topanga State Park area presents challenges for larger vehicles. "Best for tents, tight for RVs," notes Rick L. about Malibu Creek State Park, which serves as an alternative to Musch Trail Camp for those requiring vehicle access.
Grocery proximity: Convenience stores are accessible from some nearby campgrounds. "As a bonus, there is a Ralph's just up the street, so you'll never be far from anything you'd need," mentions Jean about Malibu Creek State Park, which can be valuable information for provisioning longer equestrian camping trips near Two Harbors.
Vehicle entry restrictions: Check park hours before arriving with horses or equipment. "Be aware of the limited hours for entering with a vehicle (8am-10pm)," advises Lizzie C. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular equestrian campsite near Two Harbors, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular equestrian campground near Two Harbors, CA is Malibu Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 46 reviews.
What is the best site to find equestrian camping near Two Harbors, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 4 equestrian camping locations near Two Harbors, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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