Beach camping near Malibu

Head to Malibu for year-round beach camping.

95% (682 reviews)

United States
—
California
—
Malibu

95% (682 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Malibu

Community favorites near Malibu

Public campgrounds near Malibu

Mountains cascading in the marine layer in the early morning

100%

(11)

Circle X Ranch Group Campground

1 site · RV, Tent In Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

100%

(7)

North Beach Campground

91 sites · RVs, Tents In Emma Wood State Beach

100%

(5)

Millard Trail Camp

6 sites In Angeles National Forest

100%

(9)

Bear Canyon Trail Camp

3 sites In Angeles National Forest

100%

(2)

Anacapa Island Campground

7 sites In Channel Islands National Park

100%

(9)

Santa Barbara Island Campground

10 sites In Channel Islands National Park

100%

(5)

Middle Lion Campground

8 sites · RVs, Tents In Los Padres National Forest

Looking down stream as we stand in the dry river bed. We're actually standing on the Valley Forge trail here, it cuts through the dry stream.

100%

(10)

Valley Forge Trail Camp

6 sites In Angeles National Forest

"Hammock-friendly meadow, creek running through the camp."

100%

(3)

Idlehour Trail Camp

3 sites In Angeles National Forest

We saw a lot of beautiful sunsets on our trip across the country, but nothing quite compared to finally arriving at the coast to this.

95%

(114)

Canyon Campground

130 sites · RVs, Tents In Leo Carrillo State Park

100%

(2)

Oak Flat Campground

27 sites · RVs, Tents In Angeles National Forest

100%

(4)

West Fork Trail Camp

7 sites In Angeles National Forest

Stories from the community

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Had a great time. Nice place, sweet hosts. Will definitely return

Weekend Trip to Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

Lisa was a really good host. She was super friendly and welcoming and made it easy to arrive unassisted. I brought my two young daughters and they loved swinging on the rope swing and exploring the dry creek bed. We had a nice propane fire pit. (No real fires allowed). And when we needed bug spray I drove 5 minutes to pick it up and come back. feels removed from LAand yet not at all removed from civilization.

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Great open space with lovely view of the surrounding hills. I would totally stop in again. Dog friendly.

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

We loved tent camping on Catherine’s ranch! Our group was 3 mothers (and one father) and 3 toddlers in 3 separate cars, so finding a site to accommodate all of us was very difficult. Catherine had no problem. We all fit with room to spare at FORD Tractor Site. It was all the way at the end of the property so it was private and cozy. We are sure to come back soon :)

3 nights at Arber-Moore's Ranch

Great campground!! Vivian and her husband were so helpful and pleasant. The campground was so nice, beautiful landscape, an amazing shower and very clean porta potty.

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

We had a great stay in our camper van. It is beautifully situated between Ventura and Ojai. It served as a great basecamp for exploring and adventuring locally. Our first day, we drove down to the coast and joined a kayaking expedition out to the Channel Islands National Park. After a full day out on the ocean, the camp shower was lovely. And the drive back from Ventura was easy. The next day we were set up for a full day of exploring the completely charming town of Ojai. Both nights were quiet. Other campers were respectful. Lot was level enough not not need leveling blocks for the van. If you are not an early riser, the roosters may be an annoyance, but for us 50-year-old-morning-people, it was charming. Recommended.

3 nights at Arber-Moore's Ranch

Great campsite and excellent host. Would definitely come back.

1 night at Arber-Moore's Ranch

Great and peaceful place to stay. We stayed at place nr. 2 with a RV

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Very convenient, 5 minutes from the main strip in Ojai. It was a pretty basic, but they provide everything that you need (bathroom, hot water for a shower, potable water) and they also provided firewood. Perfect bang for your buck camping.

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Very nice, well-maintained sites in the backyard of a fun farm property with lots of animals and greenery. Sell firewood bundles onsite, and even have a nice outdoor shower!

Weekend Trip to Tentsite Over Topanga

Special location, views, surrounded by sky. Completely above it all and drenched in solitude. Lots of steps but it felt like a short hike. Gracious host.

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

Beautiful place to camp by the creek! Catherine was a very helpful host!

2 nights at Arber-Moore's Ranch

This was the perfect spot to bring two 3-year olds for their very first camping trip. Vivian and Dave were very accommodating and accessible for any questions we had. The ranch animals were a hit with the kids the location was close to town and the playground. The bathrooms and site were well maintained.

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Riverside #2 was a great spot! We didn't realize that the site would have water and power, which was an added bonus. Vivian and her family were very warm and welcoming. It was also conveniently located to explore Ojai and the surrounding areas. Highly recommended!

June

April 2025

Weekend Trip to Prospector Ranch

It was so cold we couldn't sleep at all. The heater helped very little.

Weekend Trip to Prospector Ranch

We stayed on the property in Our 22 foot camper van. The site we picked was under the large oak tree next to the communal gathering area. A special treat was staying next to the Pony pasture The Saloon was so authentic. We plan to visit again

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

Truly amazing time at Catherine’s site. Plenty of shade, near the creek. The kids loved seeing the chickens and horses! Highly recommend for families

Weekend Trip to Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

Lisa set us up again for an amazing visit to her place this past weekend. We had warm heaters and clean bathrooms and made full use of the amazing space. The kids had a great adventure with the swing and running through the trails on the hill. What's great about the location is with how easy it is to get the central are in Topanga. On Saturday afternoon we took a field trip to the coffee shops, restaurants and had a great hike at Red Rock Canyon Park thanks to a recommendation from Lisa. We will all be returning back to Lisa's again this summer.

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Great folks and easy location with nice and clean amenities. Hearing the frogs at night was quite soothing.

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

Incredible spot!! So nice to be able to just roll up a super nice view. Chris is a great host and has tons of good stories!! Definitely coming back!

6 top beach campgrounds near Malibu

93%

(484)

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 !!"

92%

(64)

Rancho de Granville

6 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Oak View, CA

Sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the friendly horses and the curious chickens! This was the original stage coach stop between Ventura and the small community of Nordoff (Ojai) the old bunkhouse and barn remain!

90%

(88)

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.

97%

(294)

Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Topanga, CA

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! ALSO PLEASE KNOW 2 YEARS AGO THIS APRIL 1ST I INVESTED IN CREATING "3 MILES OF HIKING TRAILS" ONSITE WITH "Breathtaking Views!" WonderFULL TO HIKE AT SUNRISE, SUNSET. ANY TIME! You Can Find Us @crossbullranchtopanga On Instagram! PERFECT FOR 1ST TIME CAMPERS, FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN & VETERAN CAMPERS TO PRACTICE & HONE THEIR SKILLS IMMERSED IN NATURE YET CLOSE TO ALL THE CONVENIENCES OF... "Home." CBR is A Secluded 16 Acre Eco-Village, Rural Rustic Permaculture & Preparedness Retreat & International Healing Center within Walking Distance to "Topanga Living Cafe" (TLC) & "Cafe' 27". Grab a Bullet Proof Coffee or Oat Milk Latte' with a Wonderful Organic Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch. "Pack Up" & "Head Out" for A Day of Adventure hiking trails, offroad mountain biking The Canyons or cycling along the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoy swimming in seasonal fresh water pools, food foraging, boogie/paddle boarding & surfing The Waves Of Topanga State Beach. While returning to Cross Bull Ranch/CBR Stop Off At The "Topanga General Store" or "Topanga Gourmet" to Pick Up Provisions to "Chill Out" Under The Stars at Your Campsite or One Of Our "Human Nests!" If You're "Lucky" It Will Be Low Fire Danger & We Can Make Smores in The Main Fire Pit Together! Enjoy The Sights, Sounds, Smells, Beauty & "Majesty" of Nature, Enjoy A Drink & A Nice Dinner at "Endless Color," "Then Canyon Bistro" or... The World Renoun "Inn Of The Seventh Ray" in Town. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Sunday Brunch! Or Perhaps "IF" You're In Need Of "Healing" Set Aside 2 - 3 hrs. for Yourself and... Book A "Shamanic Somatic Healing Session" or "Plant Medicine Ceremony" Customized JUST FOR YOU with Your Hostess, Lisa. Details BELOW. Surprise loved ones or take a solo trip to Celebrate Life, Holidays, B'Earth Days, Anniversaries, Multi-Generational Family Gatherings, Reunions+++ ALL while... Safely "Social Distancing in Nature." Cross Bull Ranch was Originally A Chumash Indian Village. 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 Farm Land, 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" $25,000.00 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 Out 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/'10 I 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 Inspiration Came 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 Care. Stay Safe & Well!

95%

(146)

Redwoods Bend Retreat

14 sites · Lodging, Tents38 acres · Orick, CA

The Redwoods Bend Retreat is a place to get away from it all. Located on the Yurok reservation right on the Klamath River just outside Orick, CA, we are "off the grid", through a Redwood forest and over a mountain down into the Klamath River valley. We have a 5 acre meadow, and orchard with 50 trees, peaches pears, apples, cherries, plums, pluots, apricots and grapes. We are right on the Klamath river. It's a great place to come and recharge your internal batteries. There is no cellphone service and none of our sites have internet service. Our Main House was built in 1952 and retains the flavor of the 50’s. It houses a kitchen, dining hall, a living room, two bedrooms and a bathroom with a bathtub and shower. Our log-built Lodge overlooks the Klamath River with 3 bedrooms, a full kitchen, bathroom and wrap-around covered porch. Our Pumpkin and Blue Cottages. They are close to the double Yellow Shower house and toilets, and they have hot and cold running water, a propane cooktop, and a wood stove for heat. We do NOT have refrigeration, and our solar batteries or generator provides us lights at night. Campers who use our Cottages may use their own sleeping bags, but we have beds with mattresses and pillows and clean bedding. We also have an Upper Barn bedroom and half-bath rental. Our two-story Riverview Yurt appeals to folks who want a full kitchen, a private shower and flush toilet overlooking the Klamath river from our 50 x 50 foot upper deck. Luscious to sit outside and watch the river flow by during the day, and to let the water lull you to sleep at night. For families (up to 8), folks who like to fish, or old friends who just want a very special get-away. Each of our six campsites have a picnic table and a fire pit. Our Maple River, Grotto River and Pepperwood River sites overlook the gorgeous Klamath River. Our Morning Meadow, Orchard Meadow, and Deer Meadow sites are close to our 5 acre meadow where blacktail deer graze in the evenings. We have a Yellow double Shower House with two separate sides, each with a toilet, sink and shower and on demand hot water, so folks don't have to wait. There's also a new Camp Shower at the corner of the orchard for our campers, along with two outhouses for camper use, one at the bottom of the road down to the meadow, and another in the woods just past Deer Meadow Camp. We see lots of wildlife; silver foxes, a bald eagle and a family of river otters downstream, vultures, blue heron, occasionally an osprey will fly overhead clutching a freshly caught salmon and call to each other to brag about it! There are rare sightings of timid black bears who run from humans, but sometimes can be seen grazing in the meadow with the black-tail deer. We're surrounded by old logging trails made by the lumber companies 80 years ago when they clear cut the old growth redwood on our side of the mountain, and now it's completely reforested with 200 ft tall Doug Fir, Madrone, Cedar, Oak, other pine species and Pepper wood trees, and we have written permission from the Green Diamond company to allow guest to hike on their adjacent properties.

100%

(36)

Prospector Ranch

5 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Thousand Oaks, CA

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!

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

100%

(11)

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Malibu, California

96%

(29)

Emma Wood State Beach

San Buenaventura (Ventura), California

92%

(226)

Angeles National Forest

La Crescenta Montrose, California

96%

(63)

Channel Islands National Park

Isla Vista, California

95%

(445)

Los Padres National Forest

Mission Canyon, California

95%

(114)

Leo Carrillo State Park

Lake Sherwood, California

95%

(58)

Point Mugu State Park

Camarillo, California

90%

(15)

Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

Castaic, California

Other options near Malibu

Castaic Lake RV Park

11 sites1 acre · Castaic, CA

Nestled just 1/2 mile from the stunning Castaic Lake Recreation Area in sunny California, Castaic Lake RV Park stands out as a serene and welcoming destination for families and retirees seeking a peaceful retreat. This RV park offers a unique blend of urban convenience and tranquil surroundings, making it an ideal spot to enjoy California's premier recreation lake. Located north of Los Angeles, guests can bask in the warm weather while indulging in a variety of exciting water sports. Castaic Lake boasts an impressive 2,500 surface acres of water and miles of picturesque shoreline, providing endless opportunities for year-round outdoor activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. Visitors can partake in sailing, water skiing, power boating, swimming, and fishing. The park also features family-friendly picnic areas, hiking trails, biking paths, and equestrian routes. For those looking to paddle, the Lower Lagoon is perfect for canoeing, kayaking, and float tubing, while the Upper Reservoir accommodates trolling motors and power boats. Anglers will find a diverse range of fish, including largemouth bass, striped bass, catfish, crappie, bluegill, and rainbow trout, which are stocked bi-weekly from October through May. When it's time to unwind, guests can relax at the

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Beach camping near Malibu guide

Overview

The best part about beach camping in Malibu isn’t the views (though those are pretty stellar)—it’s the fact that you can camp here year-round. Though temperatures do drop in winter (even in this part of Southern California nighttime lows can reach the 30s and 40s), beach camping and waking up to surfers catching waves is still enjoyable with the right gear. Just know competition for campsites can be tough and you’ll want to plan ahead when you can—Malibu beaches are highly coveted destinations for people all around the world and some are only open for day use. About an hour’s drive from Los Angeles, Malibu beach camping can mean bypassing Zuma Beach for the nearby Leo Carrillo State Park and Beach campground, where campers can find ocean views, tent sites and RV sites, or opting for a private Hipcamp stay with amenities like fire rings and restrooms. While in town, take a drive down the Pacific Coast Highway hit the Malibu Farmers Market, and grab a bite at the Malibu Pier. You’ll also find fabulous biking and hiking trails in the Santa Monica Mountains just inland and at parks around Malibu, such as Point Mugu State Park (try Thornhill Broome) and Malibu Creek State Park.