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Musch Trail Camp

96%

8 sites · Tent

Musch trail camp is a small campground located in the eastern part of the Santa Monica Mountains of Topanga State Park. This campground is about a mile hike in from the park’s entrance.

Here, campers can camp in style under eucalyptus trees and enjoy amenities such as water, restrooms, and picnic tables. There are 6 campsites here making it a small, intimate setting in an open area beside the trail.

The campground here is definitely underutilized, so we like to think of it as our little secret.

What this place offers

No campfire allowed

No pets allowed

No showers

Toilets

No potable water

Picnic tables

No sewer hookups

No electric hookups

First come, first served

Tent

Explore 663 campgrounds near Topanga State Park

Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Topanga State Park

Malibu RV Park

93%

(671)

9.9mi from Musch Trail Camp · 125 sites · Tents, RVs

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. Guests must be a minimum of 21 years of age to book and check-in. Must present valid ID/Passport. We love dogs and welcome many breeds; however, our insurance policy does not permit Pit Bull–type breeds or mixed breeds. This is an insurance requirement beyond our control, and we appreciate your understanding. RV sites are designed for RVIA certified Motorhome, Trailers, 5th wheels, Camper vans and Truck Campers. **Please note Enclosures or Tents of any kind are not permitted on RV sites. We accept canopies with mesh side walls and Umbrellas.** **Pets are not permitted in the tent area**

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Arber-Moore's Ranch

92%

(593)

46mi from Musch Trail Camp · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

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 !!"

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

The Lodge at Deer Creek

91%

(169)

23mi from Musch Trail Camp · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between the majestic Santa Monica Mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sunsets and stargazing from this 25 acre ocean view property. During the day you can swim or surf the famous Malibu waves, hike or bike in the mountains, or enjoy shopping at Pt. Dume or Cross Creek. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are just 15 minutes away along the beautiful coast.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Topanga Oasis

96%

(81)

1.8mi from Musch Trail Camp · 9 sites

You will be nestled in a 13 acres with other cottages dotted throughout the property, along with private creeks + trails up the mountain. Visiting this property is a very unique experience, some describe it as “glamorous camping”. No photoshoots, parties or cats allowed. Please read the full description, disclaimer, and reviews, to make sure this is what you are looking for. **************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER: This is quite different from staying in an ordinary hotel. We are really in NATURE here - these are older cottages hand-built by artists in the forest. They are very rustic! It's like living in a mountain village, with other cottages nearby. While we work very hard to keep our places pristine and spotless - if anyone in your group will faint if they see a bug or lizard or little frog inside - then this probably isn't the place for you. Please be very careful booking cottages for someone else - like your parents just arriving from another continent - they might prefer something more conventional. Some folks describe our places as a luxurious form of camping. We make our cottages very comfortable - they have all the basics - electricity - wifi - most have kitchens, bath or shower and comfy clean beds. But they are not like a hotel with perfect walls and a sterile atmosphere. Please look at all the pictures and read all the reviews. We can't offer refunds just because we don't meet the standards of a normal hotel. Most people are charmed by this idyllic and bohemian lifestyle - but it's not for everyone. ********************************************************************* FILM AND PHOTOS SHOOTS: This is an amazing property for photography, and film, with 13 acres of rustic cottages, oak forests and sculpted streams. But please note we have special, and quite reasonable rates for filming, in addition to the normal rental charges. Please let us know ahead of time so we can work out the details. Commercial filming is not permitted without permission. Charming Cabin Ideal for Hikers and Nature Lovers in Topanga, California

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

95%

(186)

41mi from Musch Trail Camp · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

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 and 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.

Pets

Toilets

Potable water

Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

97%

(195)

1.1mi from Musch Trail Camp · 5 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

DEAR HIPCAMPER, "Welcome" To Cross Bull Ranch/CBR Where You Can Unplug & "Disconnect" from Technology & Devices because...WE HAVE A GREAT Connection With Nature HERE ON THE RANCH In 1926 "A Farmer" Named McDougal Came to CA from Santa Fe, NM in Search of A Better Life for He & His Family. Originally 40 Acres The Farm Provided ALL Produce, Dairy, Poultry & Beef to The Topanga Community via The "General Store" Until The End of WW2 IN 1945 when The American Public were Sold Post Military Chemicals as pesticides & fertilizers. It was Then That "Corporations" began Buying Up Fertile FarmLand, Clear Cutting, Mono-Cropping. Creating Corporate "Grocery Store" Chains DESTROYING "The Family Farm." My Son's Father & I Rescued This Land in 1998. It was Derelict. We were Handed A 1' HIGH FILE FULL OF Building Department "Violations" The Oaks were ALL Dying from Lack Of Fresh Air/Oxygen & Sunshine. We Removed (8) 5 TON DUMPSTERS/40 TONS OF GARBAGE INCLUDING: Cars, Car Parts/Tires, Toilets, Jacuzzi Tubs, Dishware, Newspapers, Utensils++. We Picked Up EVERY Chard of Glass from Broken Beer Bottles, EVERY Bottle Cap, EVERY Cigarette Butt. Which ARE NOT BIODEGRADABLE. It was A "Travesty." And... "A Labor Of Love." We IMMEDIATELY "Invested" $5000.00 Clearing & Cleaning, "Healing" The Oaks. With Ropes NOT Spikes. We Bought A Brush Cutter & Cut Down Weeds TALLER THAN ME. At 1st you Couldn't EVEN See The Topography Of The Land. We Renovated an Existing Trailer Adjacent to The Farm House. The "Treehouse Trailer" as We Affectionately Call It Was Ou Home for 7 Years While I Resolved A 1' High File Of Building Violations, Woke at 5:30AM EVERY MORNING To Direct/General Contract A Crew Of Talented Artisans from San Miguel Allende, Mexico NONE Of Which Spoke English (Soy Boriqua) & Who'd NEVER Built or Renovated A House Before. In 2009 after Separation, Divorce & Financial Devastation in '09/'10I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This "Dis-Ease" Ended Up Being "A Gift". It Lead me On "The Red Road" To Getting Baptized in The Native American Church in The Lakota Way, Taking "Refuge" in Tibetan Buddhism, Hosting Shaman & Healers from ALL OVER The World in Plant Medicine Ceremonies, Practicing Permaculture & Preparedness, Creating My Own Line Of "Cross Bull Ranch" Non-GMO Organic Food,Becoming A Certified Somatic Healing (Trauma Release) Practitioner &Ordained Minister.Until November of 2019 I had been Hosting Retreats, Workshops, Weddings++ In "Our Home." Until... covid. Similar to "My Prayer" 10 Yeas Ago Asking "God" To Send Healers Who Needed Land to Support Their Work In Exchange/Barter For me To Receive The Healing I Needed. Again "I Prayed" HARD & Divine InspirationCame To me Similar to "Food Being Medicine," that Pachamama, "Mother Earth" is The MOST Potent Healer. I Decided to "Open Up The Land" To Offer To "Others" to Leave Society & Devices Behind. Ground Themselves. FULLY IMMERSING Themselves, Family & Friends in Nature "Maskless." In Order To Breathe Fresh Air. Filling Their Lungs With Life Sustaining Oxygen & Bathe Themselves in Sunshine which Is A PowerFULL Disinfectant, Recharge "Their Souls" & Stimulating Their Third Eye/"Pineal Gland."Helping Others To Re-Boot & BOOST Their Immune Systems.Which is Of The UTMOST IMPORTANCE "Right Now." I Am Lisa Cianci and... I AM Looking Forward To Seeing YOU Here On The Ranch! Until Then... Take CareStay Safe & Well!

Toilets

Potable water

Wifi

Rancho Los Encinos in Ojai CA

92%

(52)

44mi from Musch Trail Camp · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

We've officially re-opened as of 2025! Come stay at my beautiful land!

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

96%

(126)

32mi from Musch Trail Camp · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

Welcome to Hacienda La Fortuna. 🌿🤎 It offers over 100 acres of beautiful, rugged mountain terrain surrounded by California junipers, oak trees, canyons, and wide-open views. Located in Acton, just about 10 minutes from Vasquez Rocks, our ranch is a peaceful place to disconnect, explore, and experience the beauty of nature. Wake up to beautiful mountain sunrises, spend the day hiking and exploring the open terrain, and end your evening watching an incredible sunset followed by a sky full of stars. With campsites set farther away from the main ranch area, guests can enjoy privacy, peaceful surroundings, and expansive mountain views. There’s plenty to experience without ever leaving the property. Hike and explore our mountain terrain, keep an eye out for native wildlife such as jackrabbits, quail, and owls, or discover pieces of the land’s history, including the remains of an old homesteader’s cabin, a long-abandoned gold mine, and historic arrastres once used by miners. Hacienda La Fortuna is also a working ranch filled with animals. Come visit our horses, goats, ducks, chickens, peacocks, and more, and be sure to meet Benito, our 200-lb, 70-year-old tortoise! 🐢🤎 Guests are welcome to enjoy and admire our animals while respecting their enclosures and ranch rules. At approximately 3,000 feet in elevation, days can be sunny and warm while evenings bring cool mountain air—perfect for relaxing at your campsite and enjoying the peaceful surroundings. Whether you come to camp, hike, explore, enjoy the animals, watch the sunrise or sunset, or simply slow down and reconnect with nature, we hope your stay at Hacienda La Fortuna becomes part of the experience—not just a place to sleep.

Pets

Potable water

Picnic table

Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

98%

(90)

39mi from Musch Trail Camp · 1 site · Tent, RV

Welcome to our tranquil ranch nestled among oak and pine trees with stunning views of the Topatopa bluffs. This site was created for the traveler passing through Ojai in mind—or those looking to visit Ojai in a cost-effective way. It is a spartan set up with the idea that visitors be mainly self-contained and Leave No Trace. While we don't yet have a compost toilet set up, we do provide a potable water hookup for your convenience. Please be mindful of your impact on the land and practice responsible camping during your stay. Pack out all that you bring in. No fires, not even portable ones. There are 4 permanent residents on the land, including me, who live within several hundred feet are in and out of the ranch daily. Our driveway passes near your campsite. So while you have privacy in the trees, you may have smile-and-wave distance interaction with other humans during your stay. There are also neighbors to the East several hundred yards away as well. A one-mile trail winds through the property that you are welcome to enjoy. Let me know if you are interested and I will show you were to find the trailhead. The path leads you to fascinating sites such as a tar caldera, Chumash cupules and mortars on boulders, and a tar marsh where wildlife thrives. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, botanist, birder, hiker, or simply seeking peace, this land offers something for you. We welcome guests to stay for a maximum of three days, but we're open to accommodating longer stays upon request. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world. We look forward to hosting you!

Pets

Water hookup

Potable water

Tiny Home Cabin in the Hills

98%

(43)

17mi from Musch Trail Camp · 1 site

On the hillside of rural Shadow Hills in Los Angeles known as "Horse Country", most residents work in the film and TV industry in an area described as "close but a world away from the studios". With views of the hillside and neighboring horse arenas and barns, you'll forget that you're still in Los Angeles and Disney studios is a mere 15 minutes away!

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Tentsite Over Topanga

96%

(69)

0.7mi from Musch Trail Camp · 1 site

Welcome! Our 'Tentsite Over Topanga' is a lovely private campsite high above the magical Theatricum Botanicum in Topanga Canyon. You will be treated to a sweeping view of the verdant Topanga landscape. Our host, (Peter Alsop) will meet you in the parking lot of the world-renowned Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum, show you where the bathrooms are, and together hike up 300 steps to the camp site. (Campers must be fit enough to make this climb!) Under the support posts of our former tipi, there is a 20 foot circle where 2 or 3 tents can be set up. We have a picnic table there for your convenience. Of course no fires of any kind are permitted, (including 'no smoking' please!). You may want to bring pre-made or delicatessen food and drinks, and come prepared for very warm days and cool nights. It's a very short path from the Tentsite up to the trail's end at the 'big rock overlook', and that's where the trail ends! There are many other wonderful hiking trails throughout Topanga in the nearby Santa Monica Mountains State Parks, ... and the Pacific Ocean beaches are only a :10 minute drive to the South. Many campers come specifically to see one of the fantastic shows at the Theatricum Botanicum, and then head back up the hill behind our outdoor theater and spend the night with family, friends or a special loved one sleeping under the stars over Topanga. This 2024 season we are presenting 5 plays: "Wendy's Peter Pan", Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "A Winter's Tale", Moliere's "Tartuffe" and a new play by Paola Aguilar, "The Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx/Latine Vote". You can look up "Will Geer's Theatricum Botanicum" on you browser and they will have ticket information and dates. We also have a small bakery on the grounds, where one can find excellent baked goods and coffee for sale on most Sunday mornings. Families with young children love seeing the lizards, butterflies, woodpeckers and other small wildlife they spotted around the site. Because a theater operates on the premises , no pets are allowed, and as for your trash, ... we ask that if you 'pack it in, ... please pack it out too!' We seem to have good telephone reception for almost all carriers, but we do not have wireless access. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION: There really is only one small public transportation vehicle available. It's called "the Beach Bus" and it goes from San Fernando Valley, through Topanga to the beach and back again several times a day. Not really sure of their schedule, but you search for it and find out if you are interested. Most people have their own vehicles. MEETING UP? Peter will contact you and make plans to meet with you at the Theatricum and walk you up to the Tipi in the afternoon, (before showtime if you have reserved your tickets. You can come back down and visit to one of Topanga's many local restaurants for lunch or dinner, or just stay at the Tipi and chill. HIKING Our 'Tentsite Over Topanga' has been a pristine area for a very long time. If you'ld like to hike in Topanga, the Topanga State Park is only a couple of miles away. Leave the theater going south, headed toward the ocean. After about a mile and a half, you will see Entrada Road on your left, which will take you along the edge of the park. There is the Dead Horse Parking lot almost as soon as you turn onto Entrada, and a main entrance at the top of Entrada. Dogs are not allowed in the park. And you must be careful about wild life.

Toilets

Potable water

Picnic table

Leap Lab Farm

98%

(63)

32mi from Musch Trail Camp · 1 site · Tent, RV

15 acres of land right nestled up against South Mountain, on an ecologically-minded property where we are building a sustainability education center. From your campsite, you'll have a sweeping view of the Topa Topa mountain range, as well as a birds eye view of our community farm. Site has access to a geodesic dome, a funky spot to hang out, meditate, do yoga, or picnic. There is one electric outlet to plug into, as well as a hookup for water. Behind the site is South Mountain, where you can scramble, look for fossils from the Sespe range (20 million years old) and enjoy some peace and quiet.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Water hookup

More to explore nearby

96%

13 ratings · 10 reviews

March 2018

Super easy for a weekend get away out of los angles. Not super remote and there are hikers walking by in the morning but not a ton. Super beautiful and the times ive been there there have been few other campers so there was lots of room. Definitely recommend!!

July 2017

Potable water is available Fire is not allowed (stove okay) sites are small and not very private When you put the destination on your GPS, dont type "musch hike in camp", type in "Trippet Ranch." This will get you to the parking lot where you can pay for parking and camping permits through the automated machine.

Recommends

· June 2017

If you want a small taste of backpacking and getting out of the city this is it. I've camped here twice while doing a workshop in pacific palisades so I hiked in at night each night . It's safe I believe but a little unnerving ! The first time was so quiet and peaceful . The second time an entire Boy Scout group was camping and running a muck screaming playing tag with apparently no parents taking into consideration the other campers . So it's a gamble but worth it if you happen to be there in a quiet night. I recommend trying to hike up to eagles rock to watch the sunrise . It's incredible. Do NOT follow the google maps . It leads you up an extremely dangerous narrow dirt road on the side of a mountain and I assumed I was being lead to the wrong place so I had to back my van down maybe a quarter mile before being able to turn around . Scariest thing I've ever done . Now I see on here that there are parking spaces and it is a way to get there but I'd recommend just heading to the paved entrance to Topanga park .

June 2017

Went here for my first backpacking experience. Loved it. Paid $10 for parking and $7 for the overnight stay at the parking lot machine, then hiked the mile up to the trail camp. There are about 8 spots, as well as 2 sinks and toilets which are clean as well. Half of the camping spots are a bit shaded, while the others are in sunlight most of the day. I went on a Tuesday night and there were many spots available. The hiking here is also amazing, especially the hike from Trippet Ranch to the trail camp, and then onward to Eagle Rock, where the views up top are amazing. The west side of the trail loop is rather ‘primitive’, which I love. On the other side of the loop is a fire road, with more foot traffic, and its more maintained.

December 2016

Great spot if you're looking to stay near the city and escape for a night. It's a hike-in only camp so no bro's with car stereos blasting and 30 cases of beer! Very quiet with a great hike and perfect sunset view. If you don't have a car and want a big day adventure you can take the bus to the Getty Villa and hike in! (about 3 hours)

December 2016

Perfect middle-ground between an off-the-beaten-track camp site and a glampsite! Great toilet and basin facilities, water taps and near the ranger station (for safety...!). But you gotta hike a bit to get here so can't bring too much stuff. Lovely sunrises and beautiful hikes for the afternoon. Come here to get away from LA for a night. Completely resets you!

July 2016

A quiet and cozy escape! A hike-in trail leads you to a serene little clearing with running drinking water, bathrooms, and I think even horse tie ups. There are 8 sites surrounded by eucalyptus trees and large oaks (my favorite part of the Malibu woods). Wake up and check out the Eagle Rock (I think it's called?) trail--about a mile and a half. Excellent quick getaway if you're itching to escape the city. And hey, if you don't want to pay for parking, you can find some spots near a different entrance (where google maps will take you). Get there early, there are only about 2 or 3 spots.

June 2016

Yeah, this campground is pretty lame, really. It does have nice amenities, but it's so accessible from Topanga Village, it will be the very off night when you find it a secluded secret gem. Last night we had to share the campground with a group of Japanese millennials who threw a mini-Coachella for themselves all night, complete with oonz music on a stereo, led lights and a full cooler of booze they humped up from the parking lot. They would not call it quits, even after repeated pleas from the other campers. Yes, the bathrooms are nice, yes, the downed tree log furniture is cool, but it's also a scrubby, dust-choked douche-magnet. Caveat emptor.

March 2016

Very nice, very serene. Price is currently $7 per person

November 2015

Visting LA but don't have a friend to crash with and aren't a hotel person? (me neither. showers? who needs them.) Musch Camp could be your savior. It is not easy to get there--GPS sends you into a neighborhood with extremely steep, narrow, and windy streets and there is nowhere to park but those steep, narrow, and windy streets if you listen to the robots. DON'T DO IT. Approach from the south, through the actual Topanga State Park, and hike in about 2 miles, where you'll find concrete bathrooms. Hang a right and pitch in one of the 8 sites under the fragrant eucalyptus.