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There isn't much camping in the Malibu area. Actually, there are just eight campgrounds in or near Malibu, and Decker Canyon Camp is closed at the moment.
Reservations are strongly advised for all State Park campgrounds, including Sycamore Canyon, Thornhill Broome, Leo Carrillo, Malibu Creek State Park, and La Jolla Group Camp.
The National Park Service is in charge of Circle X Ranch Group Campground, and reservations are simple to make.
The Malibu Beach RV Park is the only campground that is privately owned. Pay a reservation fee in advance of your visit since it also fills up rapidly.
Searching for Malibu's best camping spots? With the best trails, excursions, hiking, backpacking, camping, and more in and around Malibu, we've got you covered.
Ideal Malibu Campgrounds to Visit
Malibu is the ideal location for intrepid RVers and campers. There are excellent places for camping as well as hiking and a ton of other outdoor activities including tv shows.
Are you considering taking your children on a trip? You're in luck since there are lots of family-friendly things to do in Malibu.
1. Circle X Ranch Group Campground
Situated in the Santa Monica Mountains' gorges beneath Boney Mountain, the Circle X Campground accommodates up to 75 individuals and is a great option for large groups.
From Pacific Coast Highway, travel 5.4 miles up Yerba Buena Road to the campground at Circle X Ranch, which is situated beneath the Ranger Contact Station. Campsites without electricity are limited to tents only.
Regarding fires, wood fires are not allowed in defined places, however charcoal fires are. Make sure to check by calling the local Ranger Station as sometimes during periods of high fire hazard, tougher fire laws are imposed.
In general, dogs on leashes no longer than six feet are permitted on trails and campgrounds within National Parks.
Dogs are only allowed in campgrounds, picnic areas, and on designated beaches at State Parks. To arrange hikes while here, be sure to check out our hiking area on Circle X.
There are a plethora of historic and natural objects (flowers, rocks, and relics) in the campground and adjacent areas of Circle X that are legally protected and cannot be taken or harmed.
Additionally, be advised that there are rattlesnakes, bees, and poison oaks in the campground. To avoid ticks, wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and long pants. Be ready for small crises and wear clothing suitable for the changing weather.
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2. Crystal Cove State Park
A perfect place in contrast to metropolitan surroundings, the sandy beaches, tide pools, rolling waves, deeply wooded valleys, and ridges of the Crystal Cove State Park provide visitors and campers something to look forward to.
One of the greatest surviving expanses of open space and natural shoreline in Orange County is this state park. Bolsa Chica State Beach remains in Orange County.
Between Corona del Mar and Laguna Beach, off the Pacific Coast Highway, is where you'll find the Crystal Cove State Park. Popular among outdoor enthusiasts are its 2,400 acres of backcountry trails and 3.2 miles of shoreline.
The vast uplands to the north and east of the Pacific Coast Highway are popular destinations for hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders.
They can find rustic campsites by following paths across canyons and hillsides. They give you the impression that you are far from the hectic cities and streets.
3. La Jolla Group Camp
Situated inside Point Mugu State Park, the La Jolla Group campground offers an extensive network of hiking trails spanning more than 70 miles.
If that's still not enough, you can access further trails by connecting to Sycamore Canyon via the Ray Miller Trail.
The nearest beach is just a short stroll across PCH at Thornhill Broome. Please be mindful of the strong rip currents in the sea and proceed with caution when crossing.
This campground can accommodate groups of nine to fifty persons. Each party is permitted up to 16 automobiles at the campground. The cost per night for group camping is $225.
Arrival at 2 p.m. and departure at 12 p.m. Getting a reservation doesn't seem to be too difficult, however, it's better to be cautious than sorry!
In terms of dining alternatives, Neptune's Net, which serves fresh fish and burgers, is the closest restaurant to the north end of Malibu, which is located close to Leo and Point Mugu.
For your campfire BBQ necessities and munchies, we recommend making a visit at Vintage Grocer, the closest grocery store. The Chevron in Trancas is the closest petrol station.
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4. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground
This state park features a 1.5-mile beach that's ideal for beachcombing, swimming, surfing, and windsurfing.
This park's gorgeous shoreline conceals tide pools and coastal caves. Backcountry hiking is also available there.
Zuma Beach, one of Malibu's most beautiful and well-known beaches, is situated northwest of the Leo Carrillo State Park Campground. It boasts 130 campsites and a collection of pocket beaches off the Pacific Coast Highway.
RVs, trailers, and tents are all welcome at this state park's campgrounds. Restrooms, a fire pit, picnic tables, and fire rings are all present.
In addition, there are hot showers, a camp store, a campfire center, and a dump station at the Leo Carrillo State Park Campground.
Additionally, you'll note that some locations include electrical hookups. In addition, you'll discover that the campsites have more solitude than most southern beach campgrounds because they are well-shaded by enormous sycamores.
In addition, 130 campsites at Leo Carrillo State Park are suitable for tents, RVs, and trailers. The park features a camp store, a campfire center, and hot showers.
In 2015–16, some locations received electrical hook-ups. More solitude and well-shaded campsites than typical southern beach campgrounds are provided by the oaks that shade them.
From the campground, a trail descends to the beach. Additionally, there is a Hike & Bike location at the south end of the campsite and a Group Camp at the north end.
The Leo Carrillo State Park Campground hosts campfire activities and Junior Rangers during the summer.
Additionally, dogs are permitted in the campground and day-use portion of this state park. They are not permitted on backcountry trails, though.
5. Thornhill Broome State Beach
Due to its rare location near a beach in Southern California, Thornhill Broome is quite popular on weekends and during the high season.
Camping directly on the beach is a unique experience made possible by the 31-foot-long tent sites. A spot will be assigned to you upon arrival at the park. Also, dogs are welcome, but remember to bring a leash!
There's a reputation for powerful rip currents in the sea at Thornhill Beach, particularly in the area of Tower 10.
All year long, lifeguards are on duty, and towers are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day as well as on peak weekends. When swimming or going into the ocean, always exercise common sense.
There are standard rules regarding reservations, party sizes, and State Park access that you should be aware of for any State Park in Malibu where you intend to camp.
A campground may accommodate up to 8 persons and 3 cars at most. Bigger gatherings are referred to as "group camping," and there are additional rules and costs.
You can make reservations up to seven months in advance, but you must do it at least two days in advance once you've chosen your park.
One month at a time, new dates are revealed in blocks. One big benefit of camping is that you can visit any nearby State Park during the day.
The following locations provide access to Malibu: Sycamore Cove, Sycamore Canyon, Leo Carrillo, El Matador, El Pescador, La Piedra, and Malibu Creek.
In terms of dining alternatives, Neptune's Net, which serves fresh fish and burgers, is the closest restaurant to the north end of Malibu, which is located close to Leo and Point Mugu.
For your campfire BBQ necessities and munchies, we recommend making a visit at Vintage Grocer, the closest grocery store. The Chevron in Trancas is the closest petrol station.
6. Decker Canyon Camp
A 38-acre group tent camping area, Decker Canyon Camp is open year-round and situated on State Highway 23, a short distance from the Pacific Ocean in the rugged and rustic Santa Monica Mountains.
150 campers can be accommodated at Decker's four sites combined. Facilities include showers and flush toilets. a picnic table, benches, and spaces for setting up tents are available at each location along with wood and charcoal burners.
Large group activities and volleyball play are accommodated in separate locations. For nighttime events, there's a big circular fire.
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7. Malibu Beach RV Park
The personal property, The Malibu Beach RV Park is a great place to stop for travelers traveling up the coast of California.
For individuals who are not traveling with an RV, it offers a tent-camping space. Pets are allowed in the parking spaces or RV sites, but not in the tent area.
Standard sites at the Malibu Beach RV Park cost between $45 and $190 a night, depending on whether they have an ocean or mountain view during the week.
There are numerous amenities at this RV park. These consist of a convenience shop, barbecues, picnic spaces with tables, a game room, and washers and dryers.
8. Point Mugu State Park
Situated in the Santa Monica Mountains lies Point Mugu State Park. It is a stunning five-mile length of oceanfront that features huge gorges, rocky cliffs, rough hills, immaculate beaches, sand dunes, and verdant valleys. There are numerous locations nearby for swimming and surfing.
You may be able to see whale migrations passing through Point Mugu State Park in the winter. In this state park, there are two campsites.
These are the campgrounds at Sycamore Canyon and Thornhill Broome. The campgrounds at Thornhill Broome and Sycamore are excellent choices for tent camping as well as trailer camping.
9. El Matador State Beach
Three beaches make up Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach, including El Matador Beach. Of the three, El Matador is the most well-liked and nearest to Malibu.
This beach is among the nicest and most picturesque in Southern California, therefore its popularity is well-deserved.
Shadows in the waves and on the beach are created by striking sea stacks. Professional photographers frequently use this location to get shots of bikini models, beachside merchandise, and breathtaking sunsets.
There are rock arches and caverns on the beach up north in the sea stacks. Situated at the base of an enormous flat rock that connects to the base of the bluff, the largest cave faces the ocean.
Low tide is the ideal time to view these natural wonders. You may reach La Piedra State Beach by strolling further north. Stunning glistening houses await you as you stroll south toward Lechuza Beach.
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10. Sycamore Canyon Campground
If you want to enjoy the natural beauty of Malibu, Sycamore Canyon Campground in Point Mugu State Park is a terrific option.
There are 70 miles of hiking trails accessible straight from the campground, and Sycamore Cove Beach is just across the street. From the campground, cross the PCH bridge to reach the beach.
The towers are open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on busy weekends, and lifeguards are on duty year-round.
For additional information about hiking in Sycamore Canyon, see our hiking page. For information about Sycamore Cove, see our beach page.
Dogs are allowed on the beach and campground (leash required), however they are not allowed on the nearby trails.
The beach is crowded in the summer and on certain weekends, and this campground may get quite crowded during prime time! We strongly advise scheduling your visit in advance.
There are standard rules regarding reservations, party sizes, and State Park access that you should be aware of for any State Park in Malibu where you intend to camp.
A campground may accommodate up to 8 persons and 3 cars at most. Bigger gatherings are referred to as "group camping," and there are additional rules and costs.
You can make reservations up to seven months in advance, but you must do it at least two days in advance once you've chosen your park. One month at a time, new dates are revealed in blocks.
One big benefit of camping is that you can visit any nearby State Park during the day. Sycamore Cove, Sycamore Canyon, Point Mugu Beach, Leo Carrillo, El Matador, El Pescador, La Piedra, and Malibu Creek are among the places to enter Malibu.
11. Malibu Creek State Park
The distance between Malibu Creek State Park and downtown Los Angeles is about 25 miles. An easy natural escape in Southern California is this 8,000-acre park in the Santa Monica Mountains.
You can explore the area's rough terrain and miles of trails, which include horseback riding and hiking paths appropriate for mountain biking. Bird watching, rock climbing, and fishing are also popular there.
Are you and other families camping together? For an extra day-use fee, additional vehicles can park at Malibu Creek State Park's overflow parking spaces.
There are built campsites, flush toilets, and hot showers at Malibu Creek State Park. Campers will find this to be a convenient place to spend the night.
12. Malibu Lagoon State Beach
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is home to the Malibu Lagoon State Beach, also called Surfrider Beach.
1951 saw the 110-acre coastline region become a state park. It is currently regarded as one of the state's top surfing beaches.
For those who enjoy the beach, this state beach provides a number of social facilities and events. Malibu Lagoon State Beach is a great spot, you should visit there soon!
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Rules and Safety Advice
At NPS sites, fires are not permitted. Depending on the degree of fire hazard and the surrounding conditions, campfires may not be permitted in California State Parks.
In general, dogs on leashes no longer than six feet are permitted on trails and campgrounds within National Parks. Dogs are only allowed at state parks in designated campgrounds, picnic areas, and beaches.
Laws preserve natural and historic features (such as flowers, rocks, or relics) and prohibit collecting or damaging them.
It is not permitted to harvest or collect wood.
Bring a lot of water and food. (Drinking water from streams is unsafe!)
Recognize and stay away from rattlesnakes, bees, and poison oak.
Wear light-colored clothing, long sleeves, and long pants to protect yourself from ticks.
Be ready for small crises and wear clothing suitable for the changing weather.
Pack a spare set of clothes, a flashlight, and a first aid kit.
Organize your garbage. Utilize the on-site disposal areas, or pack out what you bring in.
Bottom Line
You can look through a number of Malibu camping websites you might discover online to learn more about these campgrounds.
These websites will undoubtedly give you up-to-date, precise information; some even offer direct access to the regions that are described.
Make sure to constantly verify information with the service provider and look for any updates.
Remember that no warranty of any kind, including the implicit warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose, is made with regard to the information given on these websites.