Camping near Malibu, California

Discover and book the best campgrounds, cabins, RV parks, and more.

Camping near Malibu

Soak up the sun alongside surfers and celebs in this seaside community.

Top-rated stays

There's a nice big deck with tons of seating.
99%
(2363)
Cuyama Badlands
20 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents164 acres · Cuyama, CAIf you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians remind us of those who lived before us. This is where the deer and the antelope play.  Our Carrizo Camp is surrounded by the Carrizo Plains National Monument. This is truly a get away from it all camping. The preconfigured trailer will sleep two and the site is provided with water and fresh bedding for each booking. That's it. You, the coyotes and your own private moon. Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets. Our Lodge, Ranch House and Glampsites are available on occasion. This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side. There are two sites where RVs are welcome.  This land was sparsely populated by the Chumash Indian and is evident by the numerous cave painting that remain here in the Caliente mountain. In the era of the California Missions, this land was a part of the Spanish land grants. Currently the property is privately owned and is adjacent to large sections of publicly held lands.
from 
$40
 / night
Wake up early to catch the sunrise--lots of blankets are available to you.
94%
(518)
Blue Sky Center
31 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents267 acres · New Cuyama, CA1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!
from 
$35
 / night
Splitrock Farm and Retreat
98%
(407)
Splitrock Farm and Retreat
9 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents101 acres · Fallbrook, CAAbout Splitrock Farm and Retreat Far Away, Close to Home For more information... Visit our website www.splitrock.camp Instagram page @splitrockfarmandretreat. Tag your photos #splitrockfarmandretreat #SplitrockFAR #farawayclosetohome Or, contact the Camp Host through Hipcamp direct message or the direct line 760-645-5431. Splitrock Farm and Retreat started in January 2021 after a global search of a place to set roots, live off the land, and create an amazing place for recreation, relaxation, and rejuvenation. Splitrock Farm Splitrock was part of a 160-acre avocado farm that prospered from 1970 to 2017, generating over 1million pounds of avocados per year until the previous owners switched off the water in 2017. Ben purchased 101 acres in 2021 with plans to harvest the dead avocado trees for firewood and replant with organic, sustainable crops such as grapes, citrus trees, and flowers. Splitrock Retreat Splitrock's attraction comes from its unique groves, magnificent granite boulders, and sweeping vistas. Mixed within the avocado groves are several ancient groves and solitary trees that include 200 foot tall pines, hundreds of old oaks, and soaring palms. Freckled throughout the hillsides are thousands of humongous granite boulders, offering a prehistoric feel to the landscape. Above all, Splitrock offers unrivaled views. Over 40 miles of coastline includes views to Point Loma, the Carlsbad power station, and the Pendleton Hospital. To the northeast are views of near 11K foot snowy peaks of San Jacinto and San Gorgonio, with rolling hills of De Luz and Fallbrook in the foreground.
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$55
 / night
Get Lost Inn - Cabin Rentals
94%
(72)
Get Lost Inn - Cabin Rentals
32 sites · Lodging1 acre · Running Springs, CAIf you need a cabin in the San Bernardino mountains, come stay at a cozy mountain retreat perfect for any season - Skiing/snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, fishing, or just relaxing. We have six cabins to choose from Green Valley Lake, two in Big Bear, two in Running Springs, and one near Lake Arrowhead! We look forward to hosting your stay at one of the cabins!
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$158
 / night
Glampifi
100%
(2)
Glampifi
8 sites · Lodging100 acres · Aguanga, CAMultiple Stages and Chill areas between Redshank forest trails, Giant Boulders & Majestic 360 degree views make this place Magic! Rent a fully setup VIP Glamping tent with a memory foam bed for two people with a blanket. (Please bring your own blankets in the winter) A sanctuary in a living desert, tucked in between rolling hills with majestic views of Mount Palomar & 360 degree views of rolling hills. Come and walk the land to see its natural treasures; wildlife, flora, massive boulders, cacti, white sage, oak trees, thousands of redshank trees, willows and some manzanita. A sweet energy and you will feel a sense of home. Night sky lights up, clear and lovely. Beautiful starry nights in our serene secret hideaway. This space is maintained in its natural raw landscape as much as possible. This is what the land has looked like for thousands of years. Our goal is to offer a space for our guests to connect with themselves in a private space. Suitable for families & couples who wish to experience a truly unique space. 30 minutes away is The Temecula Wine Country where you can visit beautiful wineries for lunch and a tasting. 30 minutes to Pachanga Casino 30 minutes to Cahuilla Casino 20 minutes from Elim Hot Springs Resort Anza Borrego Mount Palomar Multiple Hiking Entertainment: Calendar of Activities and Entertainment such as; Secret Dinner Shows, Musicians, Art, Cooking classes, Sound Baths and more! Wellness Services: Body, Mind, and Spiritual Fine tuning through Muli-Modalities and herbal remedies. Enhance your stay with one of our immersive experiences, available as add-ons. If you are interested, please inquire! We are located in a beautiful raw landscape and because of this we want to produce minimal environmental impact. This means that the glamping tents do not have electricity. As well, we are located in a desert climate so depending on weather conditions it can get cold outside in the evenings and early mornings. Please pack accordingly Pets are not suitable for this property.
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$185
 / night
Pismo Sands RV Resort
Booked 6 times
Pismo Sands RV Resort
83 sites · Lodging, RVs12 acres · Oceano, CAOff the beaten path, yet near the beach, the caves, kayaking, shell-collecting, surfing, fishing, and all the reasons you come to California’s Central Coast. It’s beautiful here. It’s natural. And it’s just perfect for you. Come in your RV and stay as long as you like – you don’t have to leave!Conveniently located near the Halcyon Road exit of US 101, Pismo Sands RV Resort offers 133-level, paved, full hook-up sites with 20/30/50 amp electric. Our pull-thru and back-in sites will accommodate RVs of up to 40 feet in length. FREE WiFi and cable TV are available at every site.Pismo Sands RV Resort also features four fully-equipped vacation cottages for 4-6 folks who want the resort experience without the RV. These cottages are roomy and fully furnished. Bedding and towels are provided. The kitchen is equipped with a dishwasher. You’ll have a regular-sized bedroom, sofa bed, bathroom with shower, outside deck with patio furniture, and flat-screen TVs in the living room and bedroom. While in the area, visit Hearst Castle, taste wines, see Dinosaur Caves, take a butterfly tour, go hiking, fishing, or horseback riding, play golf, or try a Hummer tour of the dunes. Enjoy all the new and exciting experiences Pismo Beach has to offer. YOUR AFFORDABLE RATE INCLUDES…• Immaculate restrooms and showers • Some sites are ADA accessible • Modern laundry facility • Controlled access gate for safety • Smooth, paved streets for easy walking • Roomy enough for all slide-outs • Patio and picnic table at every site • FREE WiFi and cable TV • Grass areas • Dump station • Onsite management and management office • Use of all the deluxe Amenities• We’re pet friendly!• Sorry, no tent camping• RV Check-in 1 p.m. & Check out at 12 p.m
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$73
 / night
The tent that we slept in... fabulous in every way!
99%
(565)
Twisselman Ranch
15 sites · Lodging, Tents200 acres · Santa Margarita , CATwisselman ranch is a 6 generation working cattle ranch that has been in the family since the 1800’s. We all enjoy this wonderful place and hope to share our experiences with others. Voted BEST HIPCAMP Glamping in the United States to visit in 2021 & 2022!! Come Glamping & experience our Rual Retreat here at Twisselman Ranch. We are located about 1 hour east of Paso Robles California a short drive off highway 58 and about 1.5 hours west of Bakersfield. Carrisa Plains is known for its beautiful display of wild flowers in the spring time, incredible sunny days, and spectacular wildlife viewing. The ranch is also located a short 29 min drive from the Carrizo Plain National Monument and Las Padres National Forest. Tule elk, prog horn antelope, and valley quail are just some of the animals you may encounter on our ranch. The pond is full of fish (bass, blue gill & sun perch) so don’t forget your fishing poles (catch & release). -We have beautiful 2 stall hot water showers, and three stall restroom including handicap stall. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY Our communal kitchen has : a large gas bbq grill, 3 smaller gas grills as well as gas burners & sink. **Cleaned & Sanitized DAILY. There are several counter high prepping tables around the kitchen (please clean up your cooking essentials & food after each meal as everyone shares this space). Campfires - We are an ember free site year round due to wildfire risks & insurance purposes. We do however have propane fire pit rentals for $20 per night. - great for roasting s’mores & the ambience of camping. Please do not cook any meals on them. All cooking is to be done in the communal kitchen area. The summer days can get pretty toasty and the winter nights can get very chilly so check the weather before your stay and plan accordingly. Don’t forget your swim suits as we have soaking troughs for you to cool off in. -Also please note we are located an hour from the nearest town, no stores or gas stations. Please come fully equipped with your own utensils, cooking essentials, food and beverages. We sell ICE!! $5 per 5lb bag. We are off grid, there is no electricity, all lights are battery or solar powered. You may want a flashlight or headlamp for walking around at night. We have wildflower honey, jerky, beef sticks & hats for sale straight from the ranch to our local community & visiting guests. If your interested in purchasing during your stay please visit Twisselman Ranch . Com be sure to specify in comment at check out that your a guest. Cellular Service - Verizon is the only dependable steady service out here as we have a Verizon tower on the ranch. All other service is spotty if existent at all. We are a self check-in site. Upon arrival show yourself to the site following welcome note directions. Check in is anytime after 3pm, but no later than 9pm unless arranged with us (a $20 late fee will apply after 9pm). Check out is 11am on the day of departure. Instagram @temblormountainpacktrain #temblormountainpacktrain #camptheranch #twisselmanranch
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$60
 / night
The Creek at Spirit Walk
99%
(261)
Spirit Walk - Private Retreat
10 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Wofford Heights, CAPrivate ADULT ONLY camping. With a central outdoor kitchen and dining area, group fire pit, & a bathroom with a composting toilet, sink, & shower. Seasonal creek. Quiet and private. We have a small cabin (The Playhouse) and 15 campsites. No Pets, No Smoking ADULTS ONLY. Spirit Walk is a quiet meditative place. It is not a conducive environment for young children. Thank you for understanding. Lake Isabella, the Kern River and historic Kernville are just 5 minutes down the road. All Hipcamp proceeds go directly back into the land in the way of forest maintenance, a tree planting program and improvements to the facilities.
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$59
 / night
Hideout Mountain Glampsites
100%
(13)
Hideout Mountain Glampsites
38 sites · Lodging, RVs40 acres · Julian, CASan Diego Mountain Lodge, presented by Hideout Mountain, is a beautiful escape to nature, sprawled out over 40 acres of land in Santa Ysabel, CA. With a combination of offerings ranging from glamping in our vintage RVs, RV sites with full hookups, and campsites, to a luxury experience in our remodeled cabins each with a fireplace. Gather and share ideas with fellow guests in our community areas which include hammocks, picnic tables, and firepits. What makes Hideout Moutain a magical place? The breathtaking views of Lake Henshaw and the surrounding wildlife preserve stretching as far as the eye can see. We also have a one-of-a-kind restaurant and bar on the property, Josie's Hideout Saloon. We are located just a few minutes drive away from downtown Santa Ysabel and Julian, with easy access off Hwy.
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$75
 / night
Morning walk & amazing sunrise!
99%
(306)
Panoramic Desert Views
24 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Morongo Valley, CAMorongo Valley is nestled between Joshua Tree National Park and Palm Springs. Situated about 2,000 feet higher than the valley floor, it's typically 10-15 degrees cooler here, so we can enjoy the beauty of the high desert plants, wildlife, and views without the oppressive heat. Only 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park and only 10 from the Big Morongo Canyon Preserve, this property offers a vast assortment of native desert plants, wildlife and GIANT boulders sprawling over 10 well-kept acres. With an amazing view of all of Mount San Jacinto's glory, your own private chunk of land and unbelievable star lit nights, our campsite will not disappoint. The property is a great jumping off point for any of the many things to do in surrounding area. Bring your bikes, boots, binoculars and books to reconnect with nature, your friends and with us (if you so choose). Let us know what you're into and we'll try to give you some inspiration on where to go and what to do. Super laid back atmosphere with a central communal area if you're feeling social, and plenty of space to keep to yourself too. We've got a shaded pool table, cornhole boards, a stereo, a cooler and more. Need something? Let us know. Want something? We might have that too. As for us, we've been living in the desert for 30+ years and purchased this property just over a decade ago. We've done countless upgrades over the years and adding campsites to share with you is our latest venture. Let us know how we can make it even better! All that we ask is that you respect the environment, our few neighbors and your fellow campers. *Note: There is about 1/4 mile of dirt road that is 100% passable. Just be aware that it is considerably easier to navigate larger vehicles with a little daylight. Plan accordingly.
from 
$20
 / night
Camp Arroyo Grande
97%
(691)
Camp Arroyo Grande
21 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents29 acres · Arroyo Grande, CAWelcome to Camp Arroyo Grande! Come enjoy our sprawling 29-acres that feature beautiful ocean views, peaceful oak woodlands, and plenty of rustic charm. All this is conveniently tucked into the hillside just steps away from the charming village of Arroyo Grande with restaurants and shopping. Featuring 11 cabins and lodges, in-ground pool, hiking trails with ocean views, meeting facilities, commercial kitchen and outdoor amphitheater, there is something to meet almost any need, from a quiet family get-away to a large group retreat. The property is also home to many youth groups and non-profits, continuing a 135-year legacy as a community center and retreat. The historic Tabernacle building has been hosting church and schools gatherings, weddings, family reunions and events since 1897. Arroyo Grande is a small coastal town with historic, suburban, and rural elements. It is one of the cities on the Central Coast known as the "Five Cities". Welcome!
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$35
 / night
SoCal Camping
91%
(23)
SoCal Camping
39 sites · Lodging20 acres · Kernville, CAThe cabins are situated in The Sequoia National Forest, overlooking the majestic rapids of the Kern River. Come and hike, bike, dip in the river, or simply kick back and take in the 360 of sky scrapping mountains (even glimpse Mount Whitney!) At once a silver mine along the Kern River, now converted to a fun recreation spot for adventure seekers
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$159
 / night

Outdoor stays for every style

Find your new favorite spot.

Value Prop
Value Prop

With roughly 20 miles of coastline within its city limits, Malibu has long been popular with celebrities, but you don’t need to have played a starring role in a Hollywood hit to enjoy this coastal community. Malibu is home to some great beaches, from El Matador State Beach—known for its sea caves—to Zuma Beach, popular with surfers. Point Dume State Beach offers fantastic ocean views and is a great place for rock climbing. If you want to make a night of it, you’ll find plenty of parks offering camping in the area, including Leo Carrillo State Park and Malibu Creek State Park.

Where to Go

Southern California Coast

Stretching all the way to the border with Mexico, this expanse offers the quintessential California beach experience, with surfing, sunbathing, and plenty of sunshine. While most beaches here are only for day use, a few do offer camping, including San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas and Silver Strand State Beach, just south of San Diego.

California’s Central Coast

Up the coast from Malibu, California's Central Coast offers miles of gorgeous coastlines, without the SoCal crowds. Here you'll find sandy summertime favorites such as Avila Beach and Morro Bay Strand as well as dramatic, cliff-lined stretches—including the famously picturesque Big Sur.

The San Bernardino Mountains

If you need a bit of respite from the Southern California heat, consider heading inland to the San Bernardino Mountains, the largest forested area in this part of the state. This pretty area is characterized by a mix of deciduous and evergreen forests and offers plenty of great camping opportunities, particularly in the Big Bear Lake area.

When to Go

Malibu is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique perks. Summer is the obvious choice, with hot weather and long sunny days, though overcast days early in the season are to be expected. Spring and fall both offer warm weather with fewer crowds, and autumn swells keep Malibu's beaches popular with surfers. If you visit in the wintertime, make sure to bring binoculars—gray whales are known to migrate through the waters off of Malibu from December until April.

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