Tentsite Over Topanga

96%

42 reviews

· Topanga, Los Angeles, California · 11 acres

Hosted by Peter A.

Tent site

· 6 guests max

Hike-in

Hike-in to this Hipcamp.

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.This hike-in tentsite is located uphill from the world renowned Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. After a day of playing at the beach (7:min away) come back into Topanga and hike up to your private Tentsite get-away overlooking Topanga Canyon. This is a great way to surprise a loved one or take a solo trip to experience the beauty of this pristine area. The Theatricum is closed from mid-October thru March. Please note that the hike up to the Tentsite Over Topanga is 300 steps so please plan accordingly! The Theatricum has just recently changed our CoVid Safety requirements to require that all adult staff, actors and audiences are vaccinated, ... so that rule will also affect the campers who come onto the property. Please only book this site if you and the adults in your party have been vaccinated. Thanks!

What to expect

Tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

6 guests max

Toilet available

Flush toilet. Toilets are available at the Theatricum before you hike up to the Tipi.

No campfires

Absolutely NO FIRES in this area!

No pets

Potable water available

Bottled water or jugs

Bins available

Trash bin. Pack it in, pack it out please!

Picnic table present

There is a small table and 2 chairs under a nearby Manzanita tree.

No showers

There are sinks in the Theatricum restrooms, but no facilities to bathe.

Cooking equipment absent

ABSOLUTELY NO FIRES ALLOWED IN THIS AREA!! No cook stoves. Pack in prepared food and beverages.

No wifi

Hot Tub absent

No playground

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Check out: Before 11:00 AM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Access: Hike in

Cancellation policy: Super Strict

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 9 months out

No wheelchair access

Max 1 vehicle

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

Reviews

96% Recommend57 ratings · 42 reviews

Perched high above Topanga Canyon, this campsite offers an escape into nature with breathtaking views and a touch of local culture. Peter, the host, is beloved for his friendliness and helpfulness, making guests feel welcome and informed. The site is a bit of a trek, involving a climb of about 300 steps, so pack light and be ready for a workout. While the setting is serene and ideal for stargazing, some guests noted the presence of road noise and fire ants as minor drawbacks.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Tent · Group trip

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.

Destiny L.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

A serene tent site with a view!

Tent · Group trip

We loved this campsite! Peter was very friendly and a great communicator, and the tent site was exactly as described. The view was incredible and the atmosphere very serene. We will come back :)

Julie B.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

One of a kind experience

Tent

Peter was a fantastic host. He met us at the base of the mountain and hiked us to the campsite. He’s really fun to talk to and has a very joyful personality. Peter recommended we see a show at the will greer botanicum which is at the base of the mountain. We saw the show Tartuffe & it was fantastic! Peter is great at communicating ahead of time, and reminded me a few times to call him if I needed anything at all. The campsite itself is very beautiful & private, overlooking the Topanga mountains. Truly a special and memorable experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a unique camping experience!

Daniel H.

10 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent · With kids

We had a wonderful weekend at this lovely campsite high above the magical Theatricum Botanicum. Peter was the ideal host, communicating all the details before phone before our trip and taking us on an extensive tour of the property before showing us the site. The setting of the campsite is incredibly beautiful, perched atop a low mountain with views of the verdant landscape every direction. The space is rudimentary but well set-up for basic tent camping. It was hot during the day and cold at night, even in the end of June, so definitely come prepared for both temperatures. But also come prepared for a fantastic show at the theater (if you’re seeing one), hungry for excellent baked goods and coffee at the cafe on the property (check hours first, they are only open certain days), and a night of sound sleep under the stars. We came with young kids and they loved it too - especially the lizards, butterflies, woodpeckers and other small wildlife they spotted around the site. If you’re a light sleeper, bring earplugs for the occasional sound of cars on the mountain road far below. And don’t expect a vast area of trails to explore - those are all just a short drive away, as is the beach. Come for a wonderful camping experience at a unique property with some of the nicest and most welcoming people around. Highly recommended!!

Connor S.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· July 2023

Tent · Group trip

Peter is a great host! He was communicative and very welcoming. He greeted us and even helped carry our gear up all the stairs. The site itself is nice and has a great view. The hike up the stairs is tough but manageable— pack lightly. You can hear some noise from the nearby road at the site but it’s negligible compared to the great bird songs and nature around. We had a great time and would recommend.

Lucy R.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2023

Shakespeare in the Oaks

Tent

This is one of the most unique places in the US to camp. It is such an incredible experience to enjoy a Shakespearian style play in a splendid outdoor theater and then retire to a secluded campsite above Topanga Canyon. Peter is a wonderful host and really makes this an immersive cultural experience.

Greg R.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2023

Tent

The history of the property is amazing. The views are tremendous. You do need to be in shape to walk vertical stairs, and then some. But well worth the walk. Very interesting history, a part of the T he’s just something he’s just something he’s just something his or something Topanga Canyon culture.

Mk C.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2022

Tent

Peter is very helpful and easy to reach.

Donna B.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2022

Tent

We really enjoyed our stay at the top of the stairs with a view over the canyon. It was beautiful and everyone was so kind. What a wonderful Hipcamp experience.

Kendra J.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2022

Funn Family Campout

Tent · With kids

Staying at the Theatricum in Topanga was a delight and adventure. Even with the LA lights glowing over the Malibu hills there was great stargazing. Peter was a great host to us and our kids. Will Greer Theatre was a great discovery and we hope to get back for a performance. Staying one night was a teaser.

Jaime H.

3 years on Hipcamp

Not recommend

· July 2022

Lovely in theory but not in reality

Tent

Peter is the nicest host in the world. Greeted me and walked me up the arduous climb of 300 feet to the teepee. I knew it was a climb theoretically, but in real-time, it was something else entirely. The theater below is gorgeous. The grounds below and the Canyon Bakery are amazing. But the teepee is missing a door, and the place is crawling with fire ants that invaded our space and bit me at least three the first night. Those are painful bites. We ended up lugging all of our stuff down the hill at 11 pm on our second night and sleeping in our car in the theater's parking lot to escape the ants.

Arrowyn A.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2022

Tent · Group trip

I loved being able to stay here! Was looking for someplace safe and away from LA for a beach trip with friends and this worked amazing! Beautiful views, quiet woods! Would definitely recommend sneakers for the walk up and down, a bit of a hike and a few cactus relatives bit definitely worth it!

Jamie S.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2022

Camping over the theater!

Tent · With kids

Peter has created a beautiful hilltop respite here. Loved our time on the hill atop the beautiful canyon, under the stars. We saw a show at the theater and walked up after. We'd set up our beds beforehand, so all was cozy and ready. Really fun to feel like you leave the backdoor of the theater and head for a special adventure - the kids loved it. Peter is an amazing guy, and really helps make you feel welcome in Topanga.

Chris K.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2022

Tent

Beautiful spot above the Theatricum Botanicum theatre. Peter is super helpful and friendly and we really enjoyed our stay. Do take note that the campsite is up the mountain from the theater audience so you have to carry all of your stuff up the giant hill - about 300 stairs! Also, there is a teepee on the spot and that is really the only place to sleep, there is no other space to set up a tent on the site. Luckily, the teepee is large enough to set up a tent inside of. The hike is steep, but it is worth it for the lovely view.

Rachael C.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2022

Tent

Very nice views of Topanga Canyon and the sun coming up. Had the perk of live music thanks to the Topanga Days festival. Would be perfect to see one of the Theatricum Botanicum's plays and then walk up to your camp site afterwards.

Andrew W.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2022

Tent · Group trip

Great spot!

Allison B.

5 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2022

Topanga magic

Tent

I loved the remote and simple nature of the tipi/tent in this amazing and historic property!

Sari S.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2022

i love this place!

Tent

Peter the site host was so kind and helpful, i enjoyed the tour on the way up the steps. It is a climb, but so worth it. Incredible view and overall experience. I am trying to move 5 mins away, and i will still gladly pay to camp and meditate at this magical place…. i love spiders and lizards so make sure to watch out for big tan spiders that like to hang out in creases of rolled up tent flaps (they’re not aggressive but are about half dollar sized) so you aren’t surprised and feeling need to squish them. you’re in their house : ) and please don’t step on lizards that hide under tarps and packs on the ground. ✌️🫀

Michael H.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· March 2022

An Enchanted Escape

Tent

Peter is just a national treasure. What a kind and sincere host who also is a gifted writer of children’s songs and applied psychology. Theatricum Botanicum is a gem as well! The hike really makes you appreciate “being here now” when you finally reach your secluded site. Pack light, no fires, enjoy the amazing views! This stay was just what I needed for a little soul reset.

Taylor H.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2021

Peter was super nice! Campsite was a bit of a hike but it was beautiful. Would love to come back.

Elliot G.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2021

What a magical experience! Peter was so communicative and kind.....he even helped us bring our equipment up to the site! We had the privilege of seeing an evening show at the gorgeous outdoor theatre....it was phenomenal! definitely book tickets ahead of time to get the full experience. This spot is medicine for the soul. Thanks for everything, Peter!

Karly P.

4 reviews

Not recommend

· September 2021

This property is so beautiful! But it’s a challenging campsite. As the owner says there are lots of stairs leading up to the site and it’s not for the faint of heart. The bathroom is very far and there’s no access to water up at the tent site. Otherwise the view is beautiful and it’s very peaceful up there which is in sharp contrast with the busy road down below. The car traffic and noise was intense and it was nonstop all night. To me this place is not ideal for camping but it definitely has its own perks.

Eva W.

3 reviews

Recommends

· September 2021

Lovely well situated for the fit

Had a lovely stay at the tentsite over Topanga. Situated high above the beautiful and quaint Theatricum Botanicum it is definitely a steep hard walk up to the site but feels bealthy to get your heart rate up doing it and the view up top is awesome. Pete was a great host telling us some of the history when he met us to show us the site and was available on the phone if anything cropped up during the stay like advice on local nature. It is situated a short car ride from busy Topanga Village and the ocean with great restaurants, and a short walk, being mindful of fast moving cars, alongside route 27 to a couple of good breakfast spots. Highly recommend. Juat hope it'll be available for our next trip :)

Steven H.

2 reviews

Recommends

· August 2021

Beautiful!

Group trip

Peter was super easy to communicate with and made our stay easy! If we didn’t already have other plans we would have gone to one of their plays! The theater looked absolutely beautiful. The campsite has an amazing view too!

Evan U.

3 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2021

Gorgeous spot. I would recommend it for folks who do not have a ton of stuff as there’s a climb to get to the campsite. Beautiful views! The host, Peter, is friendly and accommodating and easy to contact. We were able to fit both a 4-person and a 3-person tent inside the tipi frame.

Anita R.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· June 2021

Quiet, relaxing, contemplative, pea

Loved waking early to the roosters and humming birds, the aroma of native plants, the orchestra of birds and the sunrise painting silohuettes of trees on my tent. Lovely place to be in nature near the beach. Nourishing for my spirit and imagination. Good exercise getting up and down the mountain!

Scott W.

3 reviews

Recommends

· May 2021

Perfect spot to truly unplug.

Perfect getaway spot to truly unplug and enjoy the beauty of Topanga. I stayed for two nights to do a self guided meditation retreat. Not much else to do up there except enjoy the view. Although you do get some road noise, it’s a great place for some solitude with no distractions. It’s very simple. Just a flat spot with some teepee poles and a couple of chairs. That’s literally it. There is a bathroom quite a walk down hill.

Taided B.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· May 2021

The camp spot is in a very beautiful location, and Peter is a great host. Just make sure to keep in mind that you will have to carry all of your supplies up 300 stairs, bring a backpack for your stuff!

Joaquin C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2021

Awesome stay!

Great site! The teepee platform is big enough to easily fit two 2-person backpacking tents side by side. It's a bit of a trek up there so I wouldn't recommend sandals. The view from the top is beautiful and the theater itself is really neat. Peter was so accommodating and even got out of bed late to show us to the site.