Sycamore Canyon Campground, near Malibu, California, is a cozy spot that’s perfect for those who love the outdoors. With its close proximity to the beach and stunning hiking trails, it’s a great base for adventure seekers.

The campground offers a range of amenities, including picnic tables and fire rings, making it easy to enjoy meals outdoors and gather around the fire at night. Visitors have noted that the facilities are generally clean, with token-operated showers available, which is a nice touch after a day of exploring. One camper mentioned, “The campground was very clean & beautiful!”

While the sites are on the smaller side, they’re well-maintained and provide a friendly atmosphere. Many campers appreciate the easy access to biking and hiking trails right from the campground, with some trails offering breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. As one reviewer put it, “Great location for beach, biking and hiking.”

If you’re looking to unwind, the beach is just a short walk away, perfect for catching sunsets or enjoying a day by the water. The campground is also a great spot for wildlife watching, with coyotes and owls making appearances at night. Whether you’re here for a weekend or a longer stay, Sycamore Canyon Campground has a lot to offer for those looking to connect with nature.

Point Mugu State Park, located in the Santa Monica Mountains, features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons and wide grassy valleys dotted with sycamores, oaks and a few native walnuts. There are more than 70 miles of hiking trails. The beach also features swimming, body surfing and surf fishing. The park includes the jagged pinnacles of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area. Point Mugu camping included La Jolla Group, Sycamore Campground and Thornhill Broome Campground.

Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

Lake Sherwood, CA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Lake Sherwood is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Lake Sherwood. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Lake Sherwood

The Best Camping Near Lake Sherwood, California

Can not pick own site and can get really cold through that canyon at night in the winter.  Basically a back up if you can not get a site at Leo Carillo 15 minutes south.

Malibu-Ventura border

Camping at Point Mugu was the highlight of our PCH roadtrip. It is a beach that you literally pitch your tent on the sand, there are port-a-johns for the restrooms, and it can get pretty windy, but the views over the Pacific? Unbeatable. The sound of the surf lulled us to sleep and we woke up to dolphins playing a few yards from shore. The park is right off the highway, but there isn't much PCH traffic in that area at night so it was very quiet. I would highly recommend staying here. Just remember to grab what you need at Ralphs in Malibu before you head out... there isn't anything else around the campground. 

Breathtaking Views

We hiked the trails behind the campground and used the facilities while there. Everything is covered by a forest of sycamore trees that shelter and shade the campground and the bathrooms. 

The trails lead up to a ridge above the ocean that has beautiful vistas and others go across Highway One to the long, wide beach itself. The camping area is small and compact, appropriate for tents, pop-up campers and small RVs. 

The weather is either cool and cloudy (high fog) or bright, crisp and warm. The area is arid and desert like with sand dunes, cliffs and escarpment, and rocky but easy trails. A small dry creek cuts through the campground on its way to the beach. It was practically dry in May, but probably would be flowing during rainy season months of December to April. 

Nice family environment and populated with a lot of day visitors over the weekend. 

Protected wilderness by the sea

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. Otherwise the creeks have gotten pretty dry in the area, still wildlife though. You can road bike up to the famous roadside seafood, or out to agoura on mtn bike through the canyon trail. 

Bird watching galore

Southern California is one of the few places where you can enjoy the beach, the desert, and the mountains all in one day. Camping and hiking at Point Mugu has it all. When I moved to LA 3 years ago, Point Mugu was the first park I visited. There had been a recent fire in the hiking hills, and it was amazing to see the plant life show such a will to survive. The backbone trail ends at this park, and was finally completed in spring 2016 - I strongly recommend hiking part of it, if you stay at Point Mugu.

The one downside: it's really hard to reserve a campsite here for the weekends. I've had to book weeks in advance.

The ocean and the mountains in one place

Driving up the coast of Cali we were determined to find a beach campground! Though I would say this one was a bit pricey, it was exactly what we were looking for. Mountains to our backs and the pacific at our toes. Super friendly hosts, a lot of people who didn't mind Sadie being off leash. Star show rocked at night. Some cute places close by to pick up some grub to cook over the fire! Loved this site- hope to return someday!

Perfect beach camping

This camp site is easy to get to , there is  porta potty a raised  fire ring, breathtaking morning and evening views. you can hear some of the traffic on the PCH behind you but the crashing waves drown in out. There is firewood available from the campground host for $5 dollars a bundle. Little windy at sundown. Make sure to have your tent set back as the tide comes in and will wash all your camping items out to sea. The nearest store is about 10 mins away. 

Loved waking up here! 

We had an amazing two tent set up at Point Mugu with ocean views and bright stars above us. Listening to the sound of the ocean waves as we fell asleep was epic. Wouldn't have wanted this Questival experience any other way!

Questival - Camping 

Loved everything about this site. You have a lot of space and a campfire pit. bathrooms are portable. 

Beach Camping!

Spaces very quite a bit here, but I lucked in a fairly large somewhat private space. They are assigned as you check in at the gate, not reserved in advance like other campsites. I walked to the beach, but due to tides had to run across a very busy highway (PCH 1). At low tide there is a walkway to the beach. The beach itself has a lot of tar which left my feet black for the trip. That was the only downfall. I preferred the campgroud to the beach and would visit again sometime. Note: lots of large groups book this campground for day parties and events. Some even bring catering trucks and tables.

Nice mostly private spaces

Our campsite wasn’t huge, but wow! We hiked a couple of trails and enjoyed beautiful views and the beach was very close! There were some basic showers to wash sand off. I totally recommend this camp if you love the beach and the coast!

Absolute yes on this one!

There are 8 walk-in campsites and 1 group site, all sites have a picnic table with bear box attached, and room for 1 tent. No fires are permitted. There is one pit toilet, and therein is the reason for the drop to 3 stars, the pit has not been emptied, it is full to the top.

Each of the sites in and of themselves is great. Very secluded from each other.

The La Jolla trail is currently closed, you must take the Ray Miller trail up to the overlook trail, it adds a few miles to the hike, but well worth the views of the ocean.

Excellent backpack to a primative campsite

Small sites, many are just in a parking lot where you get 2 normal slots. Near beach but no provided access. You have to go under a highway underpass. No access during high tide. Mosquitoes everywhere. No hook-ups yet it cost $40\. Overflowing dumpsters. Actually saw a bum digging through them in front of my site. Dirty bathrooms. Needs a total renovation.

Run Down, No room

Small quaint BEAUTIFUL not extremely well known. And The Beach...

THE BEACH People.

It’s the best of all worlds. Camping,hiking,animal watching, fishing, Room enough to throw a frisbee or play catch

We fell in love with it in 1979 and never stop going back

E N J O Y

The mountains✔️The woods ✔️Clean toiletsb✔️But then add The Beach THE BEACH 

This is a great campground for anyone wanting to do some camping and mountain biking. 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. Due to the heavy rainfall this past winter, there's heavy vegetation growth along all trails. The campsites are relatively private and well kept. Fire pits have grills on them. Bathroom/showers are dated but well maintained. Good alternative to anyone that usually camped at Leo Carrillo. 

Great place for local camping

We love this place in so many ways! If you love Fall and trees and the California golden sun... this place is the place to be! It has it all in one. We’ve stayed here so many times and still find something new to love about it the next time we stay. Absolutely beautiful place in Summer and in Fall/Winter months the trees and crisp air will not disappoint. Just cross the street and you can surf all day and be by the fire all night. Very well maintained campground, with a perfect little store on premises to aid your every need. Rangers and staff are friendly and very helpful. You’ll pay $10-$45 a night here, either as regular camping (tent/RV) or as a hike and bike. They do accept reservations but walk ins as well. We’ve never had any trouble finding a solid site with first come first serve for those that are last minute travelers. It quite literally has everything you’ll need here (including showers), so you can enjoy your trip without worry! Lots of fun trails for inexperienced hikers and experienced but overall, we just love this place!

Golden Wonderland

Great area with modest temps, trail and beach access. Relaxing environment!

Point Mugu State Park

Point Mugu State Park ( Sycamore Cove has a great day use area on the beach across the street from Sycamore campground. Lots of tables or sand for blankets and umbrellas. About 20% of the tables are in the shade of trees. 
One cool benefit, the day use fee is daily or hourly $12/day or $3/ hour. 
We bought two  hours,  fixed a nice lunch, and took a walk on the beach. 
The beach drops off, gets deep quickly, not the safest waters but swimmable. There are lifeguards. Bathrooms are pit toilets. 

Note:  Both Sycamore campground and Thornhill Broome campground up the road are under “Point Mugu State Beach” when you want to make camping reservations. 

Great day use area, too. 

Spent a Friday to Sunday at Sycamore Canyon. Site 29 was perfect. Lots of space at the site, easily access the beach and hiking trail at end of the camp road. Fire pits available for use, bathrooms and showers. 

Best part was the sunsets in the evening from the beach with the dog at our side. 

Wonderful Weekend Getaway 

My wife and daughter aren’t big fans of camping (yet) but I was able to persuade them to check out camping here in PT. Mugu.  Thornhill is always booked up since it’s right on the beach but I was able to reserve a spot at Sycamore instead.  We camped in June 2020, just when campgrounds were opening up again.

The rangers and camp host were pleasant.  There is firewood available there.  If you forget anything, you can always drive down PCH a few miles to the grocery store.  A short walk from the Sycamore loop campsites takes you under the overpass to the beach.  On the beach, there are numerous picnic tables and porta-potties.

The other campers here are your typical crowds, from big families with children to couples and even sole campers.  Overall people are very considerate in terms of keeping the campground clean and noise levels were respected.  There are plenty of the mature sycamore trees which offer plenty of shade.

Everything you need for happy camping

We stayed here for the weekend in site 50. This was a great campsite! On the end and very secluded. A very short walk to a nice beach. It was not crowded, and most neighbors were respectful, except for the newbies running their generator at all hours! I like this place because you get the woods feeling in the campground, but walk 5 minutes and you are on the beach. Will definitely return soon.

Sycamore canyon

Sycamore campground in Mugu State Park is a great campground close to the beach with large spots to park your trailer and car.

The only downside is that there are no hookups so this is boondocking at its best.

Great campground close to beach

Very cozy and easy campground with bunnies and lots of shade. Good facilities justify the cost. I personally would have preferred something with less people but it is popular for good reason. 

Great facilities 

Tengo 2 niños y nos gusta mucho camping 



Divertido 

Sycamore campground could be so much nicer if sites were not so crowded together. What the hell? There is a lot of land so why are sites crammed in so close. Why would they put sites right next to the bathroom? Why would some of the sites be so tiny it is almost impossible to back a small trailer into? It would be nice (and not costly) to just give more attention to trying to create a better campground. And why so expensive for dry camping in ridiculous jammed together sites. A few of the sites are decent but many are just not acceptable. 

 Not so great camping but lovely beach

Site 10 is most secluded. Foot and bike traffic heavy during the day as trailhead is at end of campground. Token showers and clean restrooms. Lots of wildlife- coyotes and owls at night. I stayed during the week, looks like it gets nuts on the weekends. If the campground is busy, you’ll be parking right next to other campers and the spots are tight. But it’s super beautiful!

Chill during the week

My boyfriend &amp; I stayed at this campground just a little while ago and fell in love with this place! We were in spot 47 and with just a little walk we were able to see the beach and a beautiful sunset! The campground was very clean &amp; beautiful! Definitely will be coming again! 

Perfect spot!!

Loved staying here, lots of bikers &amp; sites were close together but large so it didn’t feel so bad like other places! 
Token showers 

Beautiful area

Stayed at sycamore canyon campground site 26. Nicely maintained campground. Some of the sites are a bit small. Definitely not for larger RVs. Freshly paved roads. Downside is the beach is across the highway, and there is poison oak throughout the campground. 

Nice clea campground

This campsite lies within the state park Point Mugu. There are great hikes just of the camp site with amazing views over the state park and the Pacific Ocean. The campground was full but not too noisy. 

Amazing surroundings

Great location.  Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground.   Sites are close together, though.  

Great location for beach, biking and hiking 

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.

Compact Little Campground

No tmobile wifi. we dropped by to fill up water since we were camping at thornhill Broome. Water refill was free. We didn't  dump there. Can't comment on anything else.

no wifi 

Great ADA spot with plenty of room.  A short walk to the beach across the way but if you take the tunnel it’s even better!!!!


An ADA gem!!

Just came in for the night. Stayed in site #4. Quiet even though the road and beach were 100 yards away. I couldn't get any cell service until I walked out to the road. Site was level and near restroom. My tall van almost clipped the tree on the site. Clean individual bathrooms. Campground was only about 20% full mid-week in November.

Secluded from PCH but still walkable to beach

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. 

Photos of Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

Real photos from real campers