Three miles from grocery stores and minutes from north Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park Campground sits within a former movie set location that hosted productions from MAS*H to Planet of the Apes. The 62-site campground arranges sites in concentric rings, with inner sites positioned near restroom facilities and outer sites offering views of surrounding meadows and cliffs.
Sites feature standard amenities including picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and space for both tents and RVs. Most sites provide some shade, though Ryan W. notes that "sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything." The southern perimeter sites tend to be shorter and border a fence line. Flush toilets and coin-operated showers serve the campground, with hot water available for 50 cents per two-minute token.
Fire roads and hiking trails branch directly from the campground, leading to rock pools, meadows, and remnants of film sets. The Backbone Trail passes through the park, connecting to broader regional trail networks. John R. found "the rock pool is awesome but gets crowded near mid day." Mountain biking is permitted on designated fire roads, while hikers can access both easy walks and more challenging terrain.
The park gate closes at 10 PM, requiring campers to plan evening activities accordingly. Reservations are recommended, particularly during weekends and holidays when the proximity to Los Angeles draws larger crowds. Water levels in creeks vary significantly by season, with summer months typically showing dried conditions. For additional camping options in the region, campers can explore camping near Malibu Creek State Park.
Wildlife sightings include coyotes, bobcats, and various bird species, making this campground suitable for campers who want accessible outdoor recreation while maintaining proximity to urban amenities.
Description
One of the best places for Malibu Camping is Malibu Creek State Park, just 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, features hiking, fishing, bird watching, mountain biking, rock climbing and horseback riding opportunities. Fourteen-mile Malibu Creek is the principal watercourse of the Santa Monica Mountains that ends at Malibu Lagoon. There are 15 miles of streamside trail through oak and sycamore woodlands on chaparral-covered slopes. Following the trail along Malibu Creek State Park, the visitor will be treated to spectacular vistas, including volcanic rock gorges, scenic pools, and breathtaking views of the Las Virgenes Valley and Malibu Canyon. Previous to being opened to the public in 1976, the park was used extensively to film numerous movies and TV shows, such as Planet of the Apes and MAS*H. Most of the park's land holdings were donated by Bob Hope, with later significant acquisitions from Ronald Reagan and 20th Century Fox.
Fee Info
Day Use:
-All day – $12.00 per car, per day
-3 hrs – $9.00 per car
-2 hrs – $6.00 per car
-1 hr – $3.00 per car
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 5 Alerts are In Effect
There are 5 alerts for this campground. Camp safely!
California State Parks wants to thank our park visitors for helping us keep our parks and environment clean. In 2018, State Parks installed new RV dump station collection systems at ten state park units as part of a pilot program to help us protect the environment and are added amenities for our visitors.
Following the success of the initial pilot program in 2018, an additional eleven park units have been added to the program. The service is available for campers, day-use or transient visitors for $10-$20 per use, depending on the location. Please note that visitors with current reservations arriving on or after April 13, 2021, who are interested in using the RV dump stations may be required to pay the use fee. The price per campsite for these state parks does not include the use of a dump station. View the following link: Camping Information
The gates at Malibu Creek are open from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicles of the Angeles District's camping facilities is limited to a total of 30 days in any calendar year.
No fires allowed during Red Flag Warnings.
Occupancy by the same persons, equipment, or vehicles of the Angeles District's camping facilities is limited to a total of 30 days in any calendar year. These facilities include: Leo Carrillo State Park, Malibu Creek State Park, and Point Mugu State Park, including Sycamore Canyon and Thornhill Broome. From March 16 through October 16, occupancy is limited to 7 consecutive days in each of the above campgrounds. Following the 7-day limit, there must be a 48-hour period of vacancy beginning 12 noon on the check-out day to 12 noon of the second day following before the same person, group, vehicles or equipment may occupy that campground. From October 17 through March 15, occupancy is limited to 15 consecutive days in each of the above campgrounds. Following the 15-day limit, there must be a 48-hour period of vacancy beginning 12 noon on the check-out day to 12 noon of the second day following before the same person, group, vehicles or equipment may occupy that campground. To book a Group site you must have at least NINE occupants. For more information, please call (805) 488-5223 or (818) 880-0363.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundMalibu Creek State Park Campground is located in California
Directions
The park is located four miles south of Highway 101 on Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Road. 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
Coordinates
34.0941960804999 N
118.712854437 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 89 usersLast on 3/14/26
VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/14/26- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 3/14/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 89 usersLast on 3/14/26
- VerizonLTESome CoverageVerified by 3 usersLast on 3/14/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 10 usersLast on 3/14/26
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Tent Cabin
- Equestrian
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Showers
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Water Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 28 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 37 min from Oxnard, CA
- 1 hr 37 min from Bakersfield, CA
- 2 hrs 1 min from Santa Maria, CA
