The best river, stream, or creek RV sites near Santa Monica

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If you're looking for an outdoor adventure near Santa Monica, California, Hipcamp offers over 2000 options for RV camping near river terrain. With options as low as $5 per night and an average price of $44 per night, you're sure to find the perfect spot to park your RV and enjoy the great outdoors. Some top campsites with hyperlinks include Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), and Holcomb Valley Ranch (470 reviews). Popular amenities include toilets, pets, and trash, while popular activities range from snow sports and climbing to biking. Start planning your RV camping trip today!

91% (346) 32 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Monica

Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

1. Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

97%
(310)
9.1mi from Santa Monica · 7 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
Campfires
Showers
from 
$90
 / night
Malibu Creek Orchard Retreat

2. Malibu Creek Orchard Retreat

90%
(20)
13mi from Santa Monica · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A retreat in a steep canyon with beautiful ridgelines in the Malibu Creek area. Private camp spots and hidden trails away from it all, but yet so close. Only 30 Minutes from the Santa Monica Pier or 15 Minutes to the beaches of Malibu, still it feels like being a world away. You wouldn't expect nature to be so pristine and exciting that close to the city. Prior to check-in guests will need to sign the property’s lease agreement which requires a $300 fully refundable security deposit hold on the travellers credit card. For larger groups of five guests and more the deposit will be 50% of the total rent.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$250
 / night
Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

3. Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

96%
(117)
34mi from Santa Monica · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:A vast expanse of oak trees, California Junipers and rugged, mountainous land running with jackrabbits, quail, and owls that is just 3 miles from Vazquez Rocks and the PCT, our ranch transports you. From the tent campsite, you look out for 20 miles and see nothing but nature across small mountains and canyons all the way to the peaks of Angeles National Forest in the distance. The campsite is a large flat area. For a trailer or RV it's a great place to park and the view is towards wide open spaces. With a tent or if you want more pure nature, you can drive out onto the property further towards the small ruin of the old homesteader's cabin or beyond. The property has a long-abandoned gold mine and circular arrastres where miners used mules to break up rocks. Nearby Acton has pick-your-own apples/pears/peaches at Bloom farms. We are at 3000 feet with strong sun during the day and cool mountains air at night. The camping is set away from structures, but if you want to stroll, closer to the ranch buildings, we have friendly small goats you can visit if interested and horses and a donkey to say hello to across the corral fence. 
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
$43
 / night
Leo Carrillo State Park

4. Leo Carrillo State Park

95%
(114)
State park 26mi from Santa Monica · 131 sites
Surf, sand, and sea caves tempt in this coastal wilderness.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Angeles National Forest

5. Angeles National Forest

92%
(228)
National forest 28mi from Santa Monica · 791 sites
Experience the beauty of nature without having to stray far from Los Angeles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

6. Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

98%
(69)
47mi from Santa Monica · 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
from 
$51
 / night
Cali Lake RV Resort

7. Cali Lake RV Resort

34mi from Santa Monica · 41 sites · Tents, RVs
Cali Lake RV Resort stands out as a unique getaway nestled in a serene canyon within the Angeles National Forest, just outside Los Angeles, California. This family-owned and operated resort offers a peaceful retreat while being conveniently located near popular tourist attractions. Set on a picturesque lakefront property, guests can enjoy stunning mountain views that locals affectionately call Canyon Country. Our resort is the ideal destination for families seeking to unwind and reconnect with nature. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and breathtaking sunsets, Cali Lake RV Resort is just five minutes from Santa Clarita, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can explore nearby natural features, swimming holes, and a variety of outdoor activities, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. In addition to its natural beauty, Cali Lake RV Resort has become a favored location for Hollywood movie and TV show productions. We are happy to accommodate film and music video projects, providing a unique backdrop for creative endeavors. For more information or to schedule a tour of our resort, please reach out to our management office at +1 (661) 492-8118. Our dedicated staff lives on-site and is always available to assist with any questions or needs you may have during your stay. Experience the tranquility and charm of Cali Lake RV Resort, where
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$35
 / night
Pink Palace at Storybook Farms

8. Pink Palace at Storybook Farms

67%
(3)
42mi from Santa Monica · 4 sites
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.
Pets
from 
$27
 / night
Point Mugu State Park

9. Point Mugu State Park

93%
(64)
State park 34mi from Santa Monica · 117 sites
Sandy beaches and mountain hikes await.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
McGrath State Beach

10. McGrath State Beach

82%
(17)
State park 46mi from Santa Monica · 133 sites
Discover the natural splendor of McGrath State Beach.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Crystal Cove State Park

11. Crystal Cove State Park

98%
(66)
State park 49mi from Santa Monica · 59 sites
Explore tidepools or hike through the backcountry at this multifaceted beach park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

If you're looking for an outdoor adventure near Santa Monica, California, Hipcamp offers over 2000 options for RV camping near river terrain. With options as low as $5 per night and an average price of $44 per night, you're sure to find the perfect spot to park your RV and enjoy the great outdoors. Some top campsites with hyperlinks include Cuyama Badlands (1681 reviews), Down-to-Earth Ecoshire (552 reviews), and Holcomb Valley Ranch (470 reviews). Popular amenities include toilets, pets, and trash, while popular activities range from snow sports and climbing to biking. Start planning your RV camping trip today!

91% (346) 32 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Monica

Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

1. Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

97%
(310)
9.1mi from Santa Monica · 7 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
Campfires
Showers
from 
$90
 / night
Malibu Creek Orchard Retreat

2. Malibu Creek Orchard Retreat

90%
(20)
13mi from Santa Monica · 3 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A retreat in a steep canyon with beautiful ridgelines in the Malibu Creek area. Private camp spots and hidden trails away from it all, but yet so close. Only 30 Minutes from the Santa Monica Pier or 15 Minutes to the beaches of Malibu, still it feels like being a world away. You wouldn't expect nature to be so pristine and exciting that close to the city. Prior to check-in guests will need to sign the property’s lease agreement which requires a $300 fully refundable security deposit hold on the travellers credit card. For larger groups of five guests and more the deposit will be 50% of the total rent.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$250
 / night
Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

3. Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

96%
(117)
34mi from Santa Monica · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Learn more about this land:A vast expanse of oak trees, California Junipers and rugged, mountainous land running with jackrabbits, quail, and owls that is just 3 miles from Vazquez Rocks and the PCT, our ranch transports you. From the tent campsite, you look out for 20 miles and see nothing but nature across small mountains and canyons all the way to the peaks of Angeles National Forest in the distance. The campsite is a large flat area. For a trailer or RV it's a great place to park and the view is towards wide open spaces. With a tent or if you want more pure nature, you can drive out onto the property further towards the small ruin of the old homesteader's cabin or beyond. The property has a long-abandoned gold mine and circular arrastres where miners used mules to break up rocks. Nearby Acton has pick-your-own apples/pears/peaches at Bloom farms. We are at 3000 feet with strong sun during the day and cool mountains air at night. The camping is set away from structures, but if you want to stroll, closer to the ranch buildings, we have friendly small goats you can visit if interested and horses and a donkey to say hello to across the corral fence. 
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
$43
 / night
Leo Carrillo State Park

4. Leo Carrillo State Park

95%
(114)
State park 26mi from Santa Monica · 131 sites
Surf, sand, and sea caves tempt in this coastal wilderness.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Angeles National Forest

5. Angeles National Forest

92%
(228)
National forest 28mi from Santa Monica · 791 sites
Experience the beauty of nature without having to stray far from Los Angeles.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

6. Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

98%
(69)
47mi from Santa Monica · 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
from 
$51
 / night
Cali Lake RV Resort

7. Cali Lake RV Resort

34mi from Santa Monica · 41 sites · Tents, RVs
Cali Lake RV Resort stands out as a unique getaway nestled in a serene canyon within the Angeles National Forest, just outside Los Angeles, California. This family-owned and operated resort offers a peaceful retreat while being conveniently located near popular tourist attractions. Set on a picturesque lakefront property, guests can enjoy stunning mountain views that locals affectionately call Canyon Country. Our resort is the ideal destination for families seeking to unwind and reconnect with nature. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and breathtaking sunsets, Cali Lake RV Resort is just five minutes from Santa Clarita, making it a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Visitors can explore nearby natural features, swimming holes, and a variety of outdoor activities, ensuring a memorable experience for everyone. In addition to its natural beauty, Cali Lake RV Resort has become a favored location for Hollywood movie and TV show productions. We are happy to accommodate film and music video projects, providing a unique backdrop for creative endeavors. For more information or to schedule a tour of our resort, please reach out to our management office at +1 (661) 492-8118. Our dedicated staff lives on-site and is always available to assist with any questions or needs you may have during your stay. Experience the tranquility and charm of Cali Lake RV Resort, where
Pets
Campfires
Full hookups
from 
$35
 / night
Pink Palace at Storybook Farms

8. Pink Palace at Storybook Farms

67%
(3)
42mi from Santa Monica · 4 sites
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.
Pets
from 
$27
 / night
Point Mugu State Park

9. Point Mugu State Park

93%
(64)
State park 34mi from Santa Monica · 117 sites
Sandy beaches and mountain hikes await.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
McGrath State Beach

10. McGrath State Beach

82%
(17)
State park 46mi from Santa Monica · 133 sites
Discover the natural splendor of McGrath State Beach.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Crystal Cove State Park

11. Crystal Cove State Park

98%
(66)
State park 49mi from Santa Monica · 59 sites
Explore tidepools or hike through the backcountry at this multifaceted beach park.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

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