The best camping near Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Castaic Lake adventure.

86% (11 reviews)

Take advantage of lakefront camping a short jaunt from the heart of Los Angeles.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

86%

(11)

Castaic Lake Campground

50 sites In Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

from

$20

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

94%

(94)

Malibu Beach RV Park

298 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Malibu, CA

Malibu RV is set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. Founded in the 1970s, Malibu RV offers RV Sites, Van Sites and Tent Camping, a communal ambiance, and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your travels along the California Coast. Whether you are a digital nomad, a surfer looking to shack up for the night, or an adventurer looking for an extended stay, we would love to have you.

100%

(50)

Camp RainDale

6 sites · Tents30 acres · Santa Paula, CA

There is a road that leads to the site when you enter the gate the road runs between the stream and the mountain there are 4 Camps to choose from so far. Many more on the way and you can ask if you would like to camp somewhere else on the property and we can work it out. The site runs along a flowing stream consisting of paths from camp to stream. There are many trees enclosing the entire camping area.

96%

(91)

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow & sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.

80%

(5)

HIPTRIP Basecamp + Wildlife Habitat

2 sites · Tents3 acres · Santa Clarita, CA

A NATURAL AMPHITHEATER SPACE – come tent-camp under the stars – at the base of desert chaparral rolling hills – on a secluded, flat, circular, primitive camp area 50 feet in diameter – within a three-acre wildlife habitat – along the edge of a quiet suburban neighborhood. ACCESS INCLUDES shaded concrete patio with gas-fired firepit (no wood). 18+ only. No pets. Pee anywhere, but bring your own camp toilet, please. NEARBY – Six Flags Magic Mountain, San Fernando Valley, Castaic Lake, Angeles National Forest, Pyramid Lake, Pacific Crest Trail, Antelope Valley Poppy Preserve, Southern Sierra Mountains, Mojave Desert. Downtown L.A., 60 minutes away. Orange County, 90+ minutes away. ONE HOUR NORTH OF DOWNTOWN L.A. – off I-5 at Newhall Ranch Road. Perfect for overnight stays before heading elsewhere in California – north or south. Friendly onsite host and property owner.

92%

(83)

Nomad-NeXus @ArtFarm Nature Space

35 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Nomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Nature Space offers the best of both worlds: Amazing Nature , bright stars and serenity , a fun creative vibe and good people and blazing fast internet connection for digital nomads and young entrepreneurs who are looking for a space to connect with nature and the world at large all at once, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community , hard work and inspiring moments with inspiring and positive people. ArtFarm Nature space is the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create ! we would love to meet you

98%

(66)

AntFarm LA

6 sites · TentsLos Angeles, CA

NOTE: THIS IS A PARK AND HIKE-IN TENT-ONLY STAY. You must park by street and hike-up. You will not sleep in vehicle/RV.My wife and I built this place with the help of our 2 toddlers, our friends, and our team of shovels.

95%

(42)

Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat

14 sites · RVs, Tents5 acres · Elizabeth Lake, CA

Discover Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat, situated in the serene wilderness of Antelope Acres, California less than 90 mins outside of Los Angeles. Our quaint and peaceful campsite provides a one-of-a-kind outdoor experience beneath the vast night sky. Being less than 4 miles away from the famous flowers Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, 10 miles to the charming Lake Hughes, and 12 miles Joshua Trees in Arthur B. Ripley State Park, Magic Portal is a perfect midpoint to explore all this area has to offer. Our grounds comprise five individual campsites, each outfitted with a solar lamp to help guide your way. There's plenty of space at each site for your tent and/or one vehicle. We also have an outhouse shared amongst the sites. During daylight, soak in the beauty of the Mojave Desert's natural landscape. Watch out for the local wildlife like quail, roadrunners, and jackrabbits. As night cloaks the desert, you're presented with a mesmerizing spectacle of a starlit sky, making it a dream location for stargazers. During the spring you will be immersed in a sea of wildflowers. Adding a unique allure to our campsite is the 'Portal to Nowhere'. This freestanding doorframe amidst the desert makes for a whimsical photo opportunity and a conversation starter. Please note, our amenities are basic to preserve the authentic charm of the surroundings. There no fire pits on site, and we encourage campers to bring along any additional necessities, including extra lighting, for their comfort. Immerse yourself in the calming stillness of the desert, under a canopy of twinkling stars, and make unforgettable memories at our Hipcamp site in Antelope Acres. Book your stay now for an unparalleled camping experience at Magic Portal Stargazer's Retreat. We're just getting started and would love your feedback!

Enchanted Camp Hill

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Val Verde, CA

Cute little mountain in Val Verde/Castaic area about 8700 square feet, less then 1 acre. with a beautiful panoramic view when you climb up the top of the Hill. Very nice for camping, picknic and hiking. Nice and peaciful area, good for religious retreat or prayer mountains too. The Mountains is pretty close to the big city and has Ralph grocery store and Star bucks & restaurants about 10 mins away. And many other activities and mall and Magic mountain less then 20 minutes away.

94%

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Arber-Moore's Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Oak View, CA

Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands. Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land. That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite. We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink. Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites. The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area. Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more. We offer both tent and RV camping. The Majority of our Guests love it here: "Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts! Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area. The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly. Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"

72%

(18)

Nomad NeXus @ Lonesome Ranch

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents9 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Staying with us gives you the best of both worlds. Nature, Serenity and Connectivity. Enjoy the seclusion and privacy of your own little spot in nature knowing that you have an instant community & can still have access to fast internet speed in most places of the ranch thanks to our 2 starling internet networks. Also there are always some awesome, helpful people near by ready to help you with anything you might need. And YES, your always welcome to hop into our sparkling swimming pool, join us at our fun Western Saloon and play billiards, hang out at the bar and meet other campers and ranch hands and join us at our campfire and enjoy all the other cool amenities which make up our ArtFarm community! Most camp sites are just a short 5 minute walk from our main ranch house were you have access to our community kitchen, Showers, air-conditioned co- workspace w unlimited, high speed Starlink internet for all your online work needs, a Movie projector area, indoor fireplace and With tons of hiking and ATV trails there is lots to do and explore and with all the friendly people and projects going on close by at Art Farm you might just get inspired to make some friends or be more creative yourself and start tinkering with your own art or craft projects. As far as supplies, Leona Valley has a well stocked little mini mart, gas and a a great little restaurant called "Jacks Place" with yummy food and amazing draft beer .... all just 10 minutes drive down the dirt road.

95%

(137)

Organic Farm Outside of Bakersfield

12 sites · Tents20 acres · CA

In 2013, I left a corporate career in search of something more meaningful. Yearning to connect consumers back to their farmers, I started a farm in my hometown of Bakersfield Our farm experience offers a no-fuss stay on a real working farm approximately 15 miles south Bakersfield. 20 acres surround you, bounded by the Tehachapi Mountains and within the San Joaquin Valley. Sites are perched on the edge of the pond, stocked with fish. Each site offers a good amount of shade for a portion of the day and has its own picnic table, water spigot and fire pit. Campers provide firewood. There is one shared, plumbed bathroom between campsites and one shared outdoor shower (with hot water). There's no electricity at your rustic home away from home, but the evening stars light up the sky. We have the following sites available: Bring Your Own (BYO) Tent Van Parking (No RVs, Trailers or Trucks with Campers) We are an organic working farm - no pesticides or herbicides are sprayed on the farm or around the camp areas. Depending on the day you stay, we may have more activity than others. We have staff on and off the farm coming and going from the farmers markets we participate in. We have working dogs that love to keep predators away at night by barking if they sense any around. We have roosters that crow, lizards, bugs and insects, bull frogs in the pond, California King snakes, and lots of birds/hawks/owls. We do our best to create an environment for all the creatures to live and thrive in the environment that's natural to them.

91%

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The Lodge at Deer Creek

2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Malibu, CA

At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between mountains and the pacific ocean. Surround yourself with nature and its music on this 25 acre ocean view property. Grab a surf or paddle board and head to the beach or zen out amongst the greenery. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are a beautiful drive along the coast.

The best camping near Castaic Lake State Recreation Area guide

Overview

About

Just outside of Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County, Castaic Lake State Recreation Area offers a huge range of on-site activities, including hiking and biking trails, playgrounds, a visitor center, and plenty of picnic space. However, the biggest draw is the park's two lakes: Lower Lake, ideal for swimming and non-motorized water sports, and Upper Lake, which is generally used for sailing, jet skiing, and fishing. There’s also a campground with 65 sites right by the shore along with restrooms and a dump station, but note that many of the campsites are strictly for RVs.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve a Castaic Lake campsite using the County of Los Angeles online reservation system.
Campsites can be reserved up to 90 days in advance. If planning to visit during the peak summer season or if you have a particular type of campsite in mind, it’s wise to reserve as early as possible to avoid disappointment.
Some paved campsites are strictly for RVs. Permitted RV lengths vary by campsite.
If you can't secure a spot at Castaic Lake, you might have better luck at Oak Flat Campground, a first-come, first-served Forest Service campground a 15-minute drive away.

When to go

Camping is available year-round at Castaic Lake, but the best (and busiest) time to visit is in the summer, when high daytime temperatures make the park an especially attractive option for cooling off. The swimming areas are open seasonally, usually from May or June until the beginning of September, but the weather stays warm for much longer, and temperatures don’t really start to dip until well into autumn.

Know before you go

You can pick up groceries and supplies in the nearby city of Santa Clarita, a 10-minute drive from the park.
There's a shop selling tackle and bait on-site and the lake is regularly stocked with bass. You can bring your own boat or rent one right at the park.
Dogs are allowed at the park, but are not permitted to enter the water.
The park is wheelchair accessible, and has ADA restrooms, campsites (#C05 and #C06), and parking.
All watercraft must pass an inspection prior to launch, and must be completely dry to be inspected.