The best pets off leash campgrounds near Malibu, California

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.

92% (283)

Top-rated campgrounds near Malibu

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.

92% (283)

Top-rated campgrounds near Malibu

1. Topanga Oasis

99%

(38)

10mi from Malibu · 4 sites · Lodging

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

2. AntFarm LA

98%

(100)

31mi from Malibu · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Looking for a quick escape from the city for a peaceful place to recharge? AntFarm LA offers a private, quiet retreat in nature where you can disconnect from the buzz of city life with the convenience of the city nearby. Hand-built with love and a couple of shovels by our family and friends, this hike-in, tent-only site is the perfect oasis for locals and visitors alike. As you embark on the short hike up, you will experience breathtaking views, shaded trails, and a sense of calm as you arrive at your campsite. You’ll enjoy stunning sunsets, sunrises, and the tranquil sound of birds chirping—an idyllic backdrop to clear your mind. We’ve thoughtfully added a few comforts so you can enjoy nature without completely leaving modern conveniences behind. Take advantage of amenities like a refrigerator, sink, a bathroom with a flushable toilet, and a shower to refresh after a day of exploring. We also have a few electrical outlets and WiFi if you need to stay connected online or charge your devices. If you want to howl at the moon, we have some more remote hike-in campsites available. Send us a message for details. Out of respect to our neighbors, we do not allow car camping in our parking lot. Car or RV sleeping is permitted on our Van Pad site only, although we do not provide RV hookups. To preserve the quiet, off-the-grid atmosphere we’ve created, we ask that you respect our noise curfew of 10PM. We look forward to having you stay!

3. Camp RainDale

98%

(245)

33mi from Malibu · 6 sites · Tents

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.

4. Airstream in Angeles Foothills

100%

(1)

32mi from Malibu · 1 site · Lodging

Enjoy a unique and minimalist stay in a 2018 Airstream International 25ft Parked in a private side driveway of a quite cul-de-sac street, surrounded by an acre of Oak Trees. The Airstream is stocked with most basic kitchen and bathroom items for your convenience. A Queen size bed, separated shower and bathroom, fridge, freezer, gas stove and oven, Dinette table, 2 Samsung TVs, Smart Blu-Ray player for streaming movies as well. Free Wi-Fi. Park in the driveway right next to Airstream. NO CAMPFIRES.

5. Ocean Breeze

33mi from Malibu · 1 site · Lodging

WONDERFUL CALIFORNIA COASTAL LOCATIONS NEARBY Amazing location for ALL THE MOST LOVED SURFING, HIKING, BIKING,, ADVENTURE ENTHUSIAST, near Carpinteria and Santa Monica and OJAI! Camp anywhere you want at the nearby beaches and OJAI, Santa Monica Mountains and beyond! —why only camp at one place when you have hundreds of locations nearby to choose from!!! Then come home to a cozy living room and fireplace! And the King sized bed is aahhhmazing! Glamping can be fun, too!!! Enjoy the OCAEAN BREEZE!! And when the suns out PalmTree sunsets from your balcony! Aloha!

6. Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

83%

(6)

36mi from Malibu · 1 site · Lodging

This 1968 Shasta Camper, located in a small garden within an urban neighborhood, sleeps up to four people, with additional space to set up tents if desired. It has a few amenities—some more rustic than others—including AC, refrigerator and freezer, stovetop (oven does not work), sinks, shower, internet, and coffee maker. Located just ten minutes from the Port of Long Beach and the Port of San Pedro, it’s a great launch point for cruise-goers. With swimming beaches only twenty minutes away, it’s an ideal option for a low-cost vacation. Help yourself to the freshest fruits, vegetables, and legumes from the garden, and watch the bees, butterflies, and grasshoppers happily pollinate, creating opportunities for new growth. The property is securely locked, and the entrance is video-monitored for your safety (and ours). It’s important to note that the camper (not a glamper) is vintage, and the convenience of the urban neighborhood can sometimes come with a variety of neighborhood sounds—though it can also be extremely quiet at times. Due to the desert climate, ants may accompany the pollinators and enter the camper if food or beverages are left out. The garden is shared with our home, so some privacy may be compromised when we tend to it.

7. Onward Oceans

44mi from Malibu · 1 site · Lodging

Onward Oceans, located at Ballast Point in Cat Harbor on Catalina Island, is a serene waterfront retreat offering a unique off-grid experience. The rustic facility, accessible by ferry or private boat via Two Harbors, provides an ideal waterfront setting for those seeking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the most exceptional natural marine environment on the California coast. Accommodations at the center include comfortable bunks housed in glamping tents. Guests may also bring and pitch their own tents on the grounds. Bathrooms, running water, and cooking facilities complement a unique ecological experience right in the heart of the most bucolic natural harbor on the island, where hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, and an abundance of endemic nature await just outside the door Onward Oceans' natural waterfront setting and the island’s rugged, remote landscape offer a unique opportunity for adventure, retreat, celebration, and deepening.

8. Seaside Acres

44mi from Malibu · 1 site · RV

Escape to a rare 14-acre private paradise where the mountains meet the sea! Our sprawling, secluded property offers panoramic ocean views that are simply unmatched. You'll be camping completely surrounded by rolling hills and rugged peaks, yet you can watch the sun sink into the Pacific every evening. This is a classic, rustic Hipcamp experience—perfect for nature photographers, stargazers, surf chasers, or anyone who craves true quiet and privacy.

9. Pink Palace at Storybook Farms

67%

(3)

49mi from Malibu · 4 sites · RVs

Learn more about this land:Dry creek bed a little hike down the hill. Surrounded by animals and hillsides we are afforded a beautiful sunrise and sunset daily. See the stars and hear nature just 10 miles away from overcrowded civilization and light pollution.

Camper favorites near Malibu

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Airstream in Angeles Foothills

100%

(1)

32mi from Malibu · 1 site · Lodging

Enjoy a unique and minimalist stay in a 2018 Airstream International 25ft Parked in a private side driveway of a quite cul-de-sac street, surrounded by an acre of Oak Trees. The Airstream is stocked with most basic kitchen and bathroom items for your convenience. A Queen size bed, separated shower and bathroom, fridge, freezer, gas stove and oven, Dinette table, 2 Samsung TVs, Smart Blu-Ray player for streaming movies as well. Free Wi-Fi. Park in the driveway right next to Airstream. NO CAMPFIRES.

Ocean Breeze

33mi from Malibu · 1 site · Lodging

WONDERFUL CALIFORNIA COASTAL LOCATIONS NEARBY Amazing location for ALL THE MOST LOVED SURFING, HIKING, BIKING,, ADVENTURE ENTHUSIAST, near Carpinteria and Santa Monica and OJAI! Camp anywhere you want at the nearby beaches and OJAI, Santa Monica Mountains and beyond! —why only camp at one place when you have hundreds of locations nearby to choose from!!! Then come home to a cozy living room and fireplace! And the King sized bed is aahhhmazing! Glamping can be fun, too!!! Enjoy the OCAEAN BREEZE!! And when the suns out PalmTree sunsets from your balcony! Aloha!

Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

83%

(6)

36mi from Malibu · 1 site · Lodging

This 1968 Shasta Camper, located in a small garden within an urban neighborhood, sleeps up to four people, with additional space to set up tents if desired. It has a few amenities—some more rustic than others—including AC, refrigerator and freezer, stovetop (oven does not work), sinks, shower, internet, and coffee maker. Located just ten minutes from the Port of Long Beach and the Port of San Pedro, it’s a great launch point for cruise-goers. With swimming beaches only twenty minutes away, it’s an ideal option for a low-cost vacation. Help yourself to the freshest fruits, vegetables, and legumes from the garden, and watch the bees, butterflies, and grasshoppers happily pollinate, creating opportunities for new growth. The property is securely locked, and the entrance is video-monitored for your safety (and ours). It’s important to note that the camper (not a glamper) is vintage, and the convenience of the urban neighborhood can sometimes come with a variety of neighborhood sounds—though it can also be extremely quiet at times. Due to the desert climate, ants may accompany the pollinators and enter the camper if food or beverages are left out. The garden is shared with our home, so some privacy may be compromised when we tend to it.

Onward Oceans

44mi from Malibu · 1 site · Lodging

Onward Oceans, located at Ballast Point in Cat Harbor on Catalina Island, is a serene waterfront retreat offering a unique off-grid experience. The rustic facility, accessible by ferry or private boat via Two Harbors, provides an ideal waterfront setting for those seeking to disconnect and immerse themselves in the most exceptional natural marine environment on the California coast. Accommodations at the center include comfortable bunks housed in glamping tents. Guests may also bring and pitch their own tents on the grounds. Bathrooms, running water, and cooking facilities complement a unique ecological experience right in the heart of the most bucolic natural harbor on the island, where hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, and an abundance of endemic nature await just outside the door Onward Oceans' natural waterfront setting and the island’s rugged, remote landscape offer a unique opportunity for adventure, retreat, celebration, and deepening.

Seaside Acres

44mi from Malibu · 1 site · RV

Escape to a rare 14-acre private paradise where the mountains meet the sea! Our sprawling, secluded property offers panoramic ocean views that are simply unmatched. You'll be camping completely surrounded by rolling hills and rugged peaks, yet you can watch the sun sink into the Pacific every evening. This is a classic, rustic Hipcamp experience—perfect for nature photographers, stargazers, surf chasers, or anyone who craves true quiet and privacy.

Pink Palace at Storybook Farms

67%

(3)

49mi from Malibu · 4 sites · RVs

Learn more about this land:Dry creek bed a little hike down the hill. Surrounded by animals and hillsides we are afforded a beautiful sunrise and sunset daily. See the stars and hear nature just 10 miles away from overcrowded civilization and light pollution.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

F

Fred

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

Just passing through town and stayed here for 10 hours of solid sleep. Easy access and right off the freeway.

E

3 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

Lena’s camper was comfy, clean, and well located for my stay in Long Beach! The host was kind and communicative, and I really enjoyed my stay! It’s a little more camping than hotel room, but you can’t beat the value for the location. I will definitely be back!

C

Colin

November 2025

With pets

4 nights at Topanga Oasis

Really wonderful spot in a magical part of Topanga! Trails just feet from the front door, nice secluded outdoor spot in front of cabin. David was responsive and kind. I'll be back!

R

Randi

November 2025

2 nights at Topanga Oasis

We absolutely loved the property! The grounds are vast, magical, and green. Our friends rented several cabins which I’d highly recommend for big group. Check in was easy, our cabin was cozy clean, and stocked with coffee which was an unexpected plus.

B

Brett

October 2025

Tent

4 nights at AntFarm LA

This is a great camping situation. In the wild next to the big city. Nice shower, flush toilet, kitchen and lovely tent sites and campers. Not glamping but not a perfect time of camping.

e

esther

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

It’s beats sleeping on the ground that’s for sure! Very cute and comfortable. The host was easy to work with and very communicative. Definitely will book again.

e

esther

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

Definitely beats sleeping on the ground. Super cute and comfortable. The host is very understanding and very communicative. It’s one I will definitely come back and visit.

s

skylar

September 2025

Tent

5 nights at AntFarm LA

i was in town (from maine) for a convention, and wanted to stay somewhere quieter and cheaper than an LA hotel. this was perfect for that, tucked away in the mountains, it felt like a really nice relaxing place to return to at night. the drive was also pretty scenic for an out-of-towner. i didn’t do much exploring of the land, but what i saw was really cool! robin was very accommodating. im a hammock camper, so when i was planning my trip, i was calling around to different campgrounds to confirm whether they had trees i could hammock in. robin switched right over to facetime and showed me the places where i could hang, and even updating his listing so that i could be sure i was booking the right spot. the amenities are what i would’ve expected for what i paid for. the kitchen area was MORE than i expected, but it is certainly rustic. the bathroom was a bit dirty (ants galore on the ant farm!) and incredibly tiny, with no where to set stuff down. the light also didn’t work, so i used my headlamp. the shower was the sketchiest part, it low key felt like i was gonna fall through the floor. don’t expect the ritz, and maybe avoid the shower if you can, and you’ll be fine. 10/10 host 9/10 location 5/10 amenities

G

Grace

August 2025

Tent

With kids

3 nights at AntFarm LA

Fun and eclectic spot with super friendly host. Such a great location too because you are in the forest but also quick access to the city. Kind of wild but we stayed here and commuted to Disneyland. And it worked! Fun place :)

Meg

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Topanga Oasis

Cute, serene, straightforward little cabin in beautiful surroundings. 3 minutes from town and easy to find! Thanks for a great stay.

M

Mark

August 2025

Weekend Trip to Topanga Oasis

Wonderfully located. Had everything i required. Definitely would stay again!

Haley

July 2025

Tent

13 nights at AntFarm LA

Really kind & welcoming host, Robin. Gorgeous land & such an amazing nearby getaway for LA area. An owl woke me one morning! Just a dreamy, safe, lovely spot all around!!

D

Danica

July 2025

With pets

2 nights at Topanga Oasis

Staying on David's property reminded me of what it was like to go to summer camp as a kid. There's probably about 10 different units on his compound that give it a sense of communal living (minus the mess hall). The heart of Topanga is well represented at the compound, from the proximity to nature to the eccentric artistic touches. Loved having a home base we could access hiking trails from and decompress with our pup.

M

June 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to AntFarm LA

Robin is an exceptional host! Right from the start he promptly communicated with me, accommodating my requests and made sure we had everything we needed. We were really pleased with our stay here, everything we needed a mile or 2 away. A great place to walk dogs off leash too. Thank you Robin, we'll be back!

J

Jos

June 2025

Weekend Trip to Topanga Oasis

The MOST AMAZING & MAGICAL PLACE in the mountains!!! You will Love it! Very beautiful & peaceful! David the Host is the #1 host of all time!!!

Emily

May 2025

Tent

4 nights at AntFarm LA

My boyfriend and I stayed at the sunset terrace campsite for 4 nights and it was absolutely amazing. Robin was a great host, the views were incredible, there was a hot shower and refrigerator to use, and the location next to the 210 fwy made it so convenient to visit my family during our stay. It was a memorable stay and I really appreciate the whole set up.

A

Alfonso

May 2025

Tent

3 nights at AntFarm LA

A beautiful way to spend a few nights down in here. The host is friendly and gives a great run down of everything I needed. If you’re looking a nice camping with a beautiful view this is the spot.

D

Deb

April 2025

Tent

4 nights at AntFarm LA

Robin is a great host, passionate about helping people connect to the land and each other. The land is beautiful, great views, wide variety of vegetation and steep rewarding trails. And the smell of the sage brush and other native plants is amazing. The tent sites are very rustic. There is one small shower (nice hot water!) and a small kitchen equipped with a mini camp stove to be shared by all. These are also rustic, with sand on the floor etc. I stayed at the "Patch of Forest" site and recommend it for quiet if your tent is nice and small.

J

Justin

March 2025

Tent

1 night at AntFarm LA

Such a great little retreat in LA! I'll definitely stay again when I'm in town.

Gabriel

March 2025

16 ft car

Group trip

Weekend Trip to AntFarm LA

What a beautiful oasis! Robin is amazingly chill and a gracious host. Definitely a delightful time for everyone!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best pets off leash camping near Malibu guide

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.