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The best camping near Leo Carrillo State Park

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

96% (113 reviews)
96% (113 reviews)

Surf, sand, and sea caves tempt in this coastal wilderness.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Leo Carrillo State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Leo Carrillo State Park

94%
(63)

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.
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from 
$45
 / night
90%
(36)

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.
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from 
$75
 / night
100%
(14)

Malibu Mountain

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents13 acres ¡ Malibu, CA
Welcome to Malibu Mountain, 13 acres of natural land at the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains. Bordered on two sides by national parkland, you will find peace and nature in abundance, along with incredible views across the Conejo Valley to the Topa Topa mountains. The Backbone Trail is at the end of the driveway, with the trailheads to Echo Cliffs (rock climbing) and Sandstone Peak just a few minutes drive up the road. PCH is 12 minutes down the mountain for quick access to Malibu beaches and surf spots. The campsite is extremely private and well-insulated from other humans. There is a small community of homes nearby, the closest being about 1/8 mile away. The neighbors are all up on the mountain for the same reasons- peace, serenity, nature, open space, fresh air, and starry skies. Wake up to watch the sun rise over the hills and the mist burn off in the valley below! We purchased the property for our family as an escape from the noise and hustle of modern life. The property is fully off-grid, and someday we'd love to build a cabin and small farm. It's truly an oasis tucked up in the hills.
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from 
$75
 / night
100%
(16)

Camp RainDale

4 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 is 1 Camp site 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 and, activities to do like playing horseshoes in the horseshoe pit.
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from 
$35
 / night
80%
(28)

Firefly Ridge on Sky High Drive

1 site ¡ RV, Tent1 acre ¡ Ventura, CA
Enjoy your own private, wild mountain top covered in protected California Oaks with 360° unobstructed views of nature. 10 minutes inland from the Beach in Ventura. 20 minutes from the center of Ojai. Quiet, dark skies! Off grid. Raw land. Rugged environment. There are multiple flat areas on which to pitch a tent - one grassy area right above where you park that can fit two small 2-person size tents or a few different spots on top of the hill (although the top is a bit rocky, so you’ll be more comfortable with a sleeping pad). The trail up to the top of the mountain from the parking spot is a bit STEEP and takes about 2-3 minutes to walk up to the top (where the best views are). The parking spot can fit a van but no larger vehicles. Pay very close attention to not block the neighbors’ driveways at any time. Our land comes as-is, it is a not a formal ‘campground’, so *WILD CAMPING* rules apply - respect the land, pack in-pack out, no trash left behind. No toilet, so come prepared! (Critical - you leave with *everything* you’ve come with. No digging holes to potty.) The road up to the top of the mountain is essentially a one lane paved road, with some hairpin turns. Google Maps tells you “you have arrived” slightly before you reach the parking space that you can see in the pictures. Please also note in the pics that the parking space is flat once you’re fully in it, but there is a slight angle where you pull in, so longer vehicles may not park perfectly flat. Try to arrive *before sunset* - a few campers have had trouble finding their way in the dark as there are no street lights up there. No open fires or BBQs!! Full fire ban in effect! Be ***extremely*** careful, this region is a High Fire Risk and needs to be protected. Protect these ancient oaks! (Enclosed gas portable stoves / pits ok when used with caution.) Dogs ok on leash but can never be left alone or allowed to bark in excess. No parties or loud music — we have neighbors surrounding us around the mountain top, please *be respectful* and quiet by 10pm. They keep an eye on the place for us and we will hear from them if they are upset about noise, fires or dogs and they will call 911 if there is an immediate hazard or disturbance. Please text us with any questions or issues. Thanks! *Alas, refunds will not be given if the issue is that you didn’t read the description fully - some not-so-kind folks seem to be trying to game the system by complaining about things that are clearly stated and/or pictured - eg, that it is a mountain top / ridge, that there are neighbors at the bottom of the hill, that there is no toilet, etc.
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from 
$30
 / night
98%
(51)

Lacey S.’s Land

1 site ¡ RV5 acres ¡ Malibu, CA
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from 
$100
 / night
94%
(347)

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 !!"
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from 
$69
 / night
100%
(1)

WIldflower Ridge

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents11 acres ¡ Topanga, CA
Pitch your tent in the shade of a sprawling Sumac tree, enjoying views of the mountain side. Be intoxicated by the scent of vibrant purple sage surrounding you on all sides. Be enchanted by the abundance of wildflowers in every direction. Catch views of Black Walnut and California live oak trees.  Relax in our hammock and take in the beauty of the mountain. Eat by camp at our picnic table with chairs to lounge in. Take a nap in the tree on our treehouse platform.  Access a private hike with a 360 degree view featuring Topanga Canyon, Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and San Fernando Valley.  Dog friendly :)
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from 
$55
 / night
100%
(1)

Green Oak Retreat

2 sites ¡ Lodging23 acres ¡ Topanga, CA
Indulge in the luxury of glamping with our exquisite tent that offers a captivating ocean view. Thoughtfully furnished with a king-sized bed, a cozy table for two, and convenient amenities like a coffee maker and filtered water. Accessible via a scenic 15-minute hike, the well-maintained trail features steps where needed. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience with a hot water outdoor shower equipped with soap, shampoo, and conditioner. For added convenience, a VIP porta-potty awaits with running water, lighting, and a fan. The Setton, nestled in an enchanting oak grove, promises an unforgettable stay with a breathtaking ocean vista at the top! 🏕️🌅
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from 
$175
 / night
67%
(3)

Malibu Creek Orchard Retreat

3 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres ¡ Calabasas, CA
A retreat in a steep canyon with beautiful ridgelines in the Malibu Creek area. Private camp spots and hidden trails away from it all, but yet so close. Only 30 Minutes from the Santa Monica Pier or 15 Minutes to the beaches of Malibu, still it feels like being a world away. You wouldn't expect nature to be so pristine and exciting that close to the city.
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from 
$175
 / night
100%
(30)

Prospector Ranch

2 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs10 acres ¡ Thousand Oaks, CA
Chris and Meggan own Prospector Ranch which is an 1800's style ranch located right next door to the acre used for Hipcamping.  The ranch is made up of their home and is also a venue for filming, photo shoots and small events.  When not being used, camping guest are welcome to enjoy the area down around the authentic saloon, use the picnic area under large Oak trees and hike the property. They purchased the ranch 3 years ago and love being outside of the city in the mountains. Star gazing is a must when staying there! The camp site is NEXT DOOR to Prospector Ranch which is our 1800's style ranch tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains, close to beaches, vineyards, amazing hiking, biking to the beach and the city! The wide open empty lot looks out at the beautiful mountains. Enjoy stunning sun sets and Picnic under the grand Oak Trees at the ranch or maybe come by the saloon next door for a cold beverage if we are around. :-). We are happy to point you in the direction for what ever you want to do. There are so many things to do in Thousand Oaks!
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from 
$160
 / night
Booked 1 time

EAGLE ROCK NEST

2 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres ¡ Topanga, CA
The Nest is located at the end of the road very close to Eagle Rock and Santa Ynez waterfalls right off Musch Trail, bordering the state park.we have a toilet and 2 large picnic tables also have some water but not for drinking... amazing views, many hiking trails and lots of bunnies and other animals...
Pets
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from 
$65.50
 / night

The best camping near Leo Carrillo State Park guide

Overview

About

Often name-checked among Malibu’s best beaches, day-trippers, photographers, and surfers all flock to Leo Carrillo State Park. It’s easy to see why—the 1.5-mile stretch of sand is peppered with coastal caves, reefs, and tide pools, and blessed with year-round sun and surf. Once you’ve got your fix of snorkeling, windsurfing, or surf fishing, head inland to trek up to ocean viewpoints or hike along rugged backcountry trails. Camping is an adventure, too. Pitch your tent or park your RV at the sycamore-shaded Canyon Campground, or get back to nature at one of the hike-and-bike campsites

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve one of the 135 developed campsites or hike-and-bike campsites at the Canyon Campground via the ReserveCalifornia website. 
  2. Online reservations open six months in advance. 
  3. Campsites can book up fast, especially in peak season (May-October) and on holiday weekends, so plan ahead and book as soon as possible.

When to go

The sun shines year-round at Leo Carrillo State Park, and it’s possible to swim and surf at any time. Peak season is from May through October, so aim to arrive before midday to avoid the biggest crowds and snag a parking spot. An added bonus for wildlife enthusiasts—gray whales can be spotted from the shore during their spring migration (April and May). 

Know before you go

  • Leo Carrillo State Park is set 28 miles west of Santa Monica, or about a 40-minute drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). 
  • Day-use parking and campsite booking fees apply.
  • All campsites at the Canyon Campground have a picnic table and fire ring, and there are restrooms and coin-operated hot showers nearby. Sites with electric hookups are limited.
  • Park facilities include a visitor center, restrooms, and picnic areas. Lifeguards patrol the beach year-round, and swimming is recommended only in patrolled areas.
  • The area has accessible parking spaces, restrooms, campsites, and picnic sites. Beach wheelchairs are also available.

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