Best Camping in and near Topanga State Park

96% (13 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Topanga adventure.

Wilderness in the middle of L.A.—The best day hikes + the Pacific Ocean at your feet.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Topanga State Park

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Public campgrounds in the park
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Stay at a public campground in Topanga State Park

Eagle Rock is about a mile hike from the camp it's a bit steep at parts but the view is definitely worth it!

96%

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Musch Trail Camp

8 sites In Topanga State Park

from

$7

/ night

Top-rated campgrounds near Topanga State Park

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Malibu Beach RV Park

298 sites · RVs, Tents20 acres · Malibu, CA

Malibu RV is set on a coastal bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Malibu, California. Founded in the 1970s, Malibu RV offers RV Sites, Van Sites and Tent Camping, a communal ambiance, and a reprieve from the hustle and bustle of your travels along the California Coast. Whether you are a digital nomad, a surfer looking to shack up for the night, or an adventurer looking for an extended stay, we would love to have you.

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Green Oak Retreat

5 sites · Lodging23 acres · Topanga, CA

Indulge in the luxury of glamping with our exquisite tent that offers a captivating ocean view. Thoughtfully furnished with a king-sized bed, a cozy table for two, and convenient amenities like a coffee maker and filtered water. Accessible via a scenic 15-minute hike, the well-maintained trail features steps where needed. Immerse yourself in the outdoor experience with a hot water outdoor shower equipped with soap, shampoo, and conditioner. For added convenience, a VIP porta-potty awaits with running water, lighting, and a fan. The Setton, nestled in an enchanting oak grove, promises an unforgettable stay with a breathtaking ocean vista at the top! 🏕️🌅

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WIldflower Ridge

2 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Topanga, CA

Pitch your tent in the shade of a sprawling Sumac tree, enjoying views of the mountain side. Be intoxicated by the scent of vibrant purple sage surrounding you on all sides. Be enchanted by the abundance of wildflowers in every direction. Catch views of Black Walnut and California live oak trees. Relax in our hammock and take in the beauty of the mountain. Eat by camp at our picnic table with chairs to lounge in. Take a nap in the tree on our treehouse platform. Access a private hike with a 360 degree view featuring Topanga Canyon, Pacific Ocean, Catalina Island, and San Fernando Valley. Dog friendly :)

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EAGLE ROCK NEST

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents10 acres · Topanga, CA

The Nest is located at the end of the road very close to Eagle Rock and Santa Ynez waterfalls right off Musch Trail, bordering the state park.we have a toilet and 2 large picnic tables also have some water but not for drinking... amazing views, many hiking trails and lots of bunnies and other animals...

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Red Tail Ridge

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents20 acres · Topanga, CA

20 acres of beautiful land. 360 views of mountains and ocean from every point on the property. There are many flat areas and nooks for camping found throughout the property, as well as a yurt, a double-decker bus, and an airstream. You enter through a iron gate and first come onto a big central flat pad with ocean views overlooking Saddle Peak and the San Gabriels. There are two 40 foot shipping containers on the flat pad, one of them is a fully functioning kitchen with windows looking out towards the ocean. There is wooden furniture outside so you can lounge and enjoy the views in front of the kitchen. If you continue down the drive to the right of the central flat pad, you come down to a point that looks straight towards Saddle Peak. On the way to the point you will find a double-decker Crown bus and an Airstream that can accommodate campers. At the end of the point there is a 20ft diameter traditional Mongolian yurt complete with wood fire stove and wraparound deck. If you go back up to the central flat pad and continue on down the drive to the left, you will find more beautiful and secluded spots down by the well house. There are a few meadows to explore as well as the ever present view of the ocean. There is plenty of wildlife around the property including deer, bobcats, hawks, owls, ravens, foxes, rabbits, and much more... On this vast property there are regular camping and RV spots as well as a yurt, a double-decker bus, and an airstream for campers.

Butterfly Gaia Dome

1 site · Lodging70 acres · Topanga, CA

Follow the stone-steps to the grand entrance of our unique 16' Gaia Dome, where an arched doorway welcomes you into a magical hobbit home straight out of a fairy tale. Custom-carved artwork and a warmly lit entryway invite you into the rounded space, featuring cathedral ceilings adorned with a custom-built round skylight that illuminates the interior with shifting colors throughout the day. In the Gaia Dome natural light floods the space. This enchanted dome gives lots of beautiful lighting with textures all around you. The skylight above paints earthy tons across the wall. Natural rock sticks out of the wall, creating a great place for photo's. Enjoy expansive mountain views from both the front door and the rounded window nook, providing a tranquil mountain temple experience. The many custom crafted details, including a wooden lotus mandala floor, walls built around a large boulder, and a built-in queen bed lend an air of enchantment to this truly one-of-a-kind space. Dome guests be immersed in nature, trees, and wildlife. Stunning landscapes from every angle, a seasonal waterfall that suspends from the property’s peak, and numerous scenic locations within the property are just a few of its draws. The property is located on 70 acres of nature preserve in Topanga mountains.

Deer Temple Hidden In The Woods

1 site · Lodging70 acres · Topanga, CA

Nestled in the embrace of nature, our custom-built cabin offers an idyllic retreat from the bustle of the city. Step inside the 120 sq ft deer cabin through a hand-carved front door from the custom-built front porch, where you'll be greeted by hardwood floors, a queen bed with a hand-carved Mongolian headboard, and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of the natural surroundings. The deer cabin is located on a property spanning over 70 acres in beautiful Topanga Canyon, our breathtaking cabin will immerse you in nature, trees, and wildlife. Stunning landscapes from every angle, a seasonal waterfall that suspends from the property’s peak, and numerous scenic locations within the property are just a few of its draws. Mountains surround the cabin, making you feel miles away from the city. Yet our location is only a stone’s throw away from Topanga Village and 10 minutes from PCH. Our estate offers privacy and land in abundance, but also the convenience of close proximity to amenities. The variety of vegetation throughout the grounds creates multiple microclimates on the property, creating different environments and landscapes. From lush, green, mossy fern banks along the natural creek, to expansive grasslands studded with boulders and sculptural trees. Meditative nature paths wind up the mountainside, leading to the breathtaking seasonal waterfall.

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Malibu Mountain

3 sites · RVs, Tents13 acres · Malibu, CA

Welcome to Malibu Mountain, 13 acres of natural land at the crest of the Santa Monica Mountains. Bordered on two sides by national parkland, you will find peace and nature in abundance, along with incredible views across the Conejo Valley to the Topa Topa mountains. The Backbone Trail is at the end of the driveway, with the trailheads to Echo Cliffs (rock climbing) and Sandstone Peak just a few minutes drive up the road. PCH is 12 minutes down the mountain for quick access to Malibu beaches and surf spots. The campsite is extremely private and well-insulated from other humans. There is a small community of homes nearby, the closest being about 1/8 mile away. The neighbors are all up on the mountain for the same reasons- peace, serenity, nature, open space, fresh air, and starry skies. Wake up to watch the sun rise over the hills and the mist burn off in the valley below! We purchased the property for our family as an escape from the noise and hustle of modern life. The property is fully off-grid, and someday we'd love to build a cabin and small farm. It's truly an oasis tucked up in the hills.

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Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum

2 sites · Tents9 acres · Topanga, CA

Long before he founded Theatricum Botanicum, Indiana native Will Geer was well-known for his work on the New York stage, in film, and on radio. By the mid-1950’s, he had relocated permanently to California and had established a successful Hollywood career. His future looked bright. But after being called to testify before the U.S. Congress’ Committee on Un-American Activities, he suddenly found himself blacklisted by the major studios with no viable means of income. For Geer and his young family, the McCarthy Era had arrived. Relocating to an acreage in Topanga, California, Mr. Geer established a theatre for similarly blacklisted actors and folk singers on the property. Because he held a degree in botany (one of his life long interests) the theater was named for a landmark botany text book, Theatricum Botanicum, which means, quite literally, “a garden theatre.” In the years to come, Geer cultivated not only theater, but a bountiful garden that enabled him and his wife, actress Herta Ware, to earn a living from the sale of vegetables, fruit, and herbs. With the success of television’s “The Waltons” in 1973, Geer discovered renewed popularity with his portrayal of Walton family patriarch, Zebulon Walton. Now he re-gathered his family (many of whom were working actors in regional theatres across the country) and together they formed a non-profit organization, Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum. In those heady days, audiences flocked to free workshop performances of Shakespeare, folk plays, and concerts featuring such well-known artists as Pete Seeger, Arlo Guthrie, Della Reese, Burl Ives, and many more. After his death in 1978, the family (led by their mother, Herta Ware) and a small troupe of dedicated actors tirelessly dedicated their energies to transform Theatricum into a professional repertory theatre, with educational programs and musical events incorporated into its programming. Since 2016, Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum has been a member of The Folger Shakespeare Library Theatre Partnership Program. Today, under the creative supervision of Artistic Director Ellen Geer (Will’s daughter), Theatricum has blossomed into a vital creative force that has been recognized internationally for its interpretation of Shakespeare’s work. In addition to an annual summer season of 5 repertory plays, Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum offers year-round classes to actors of all ages, hosts live music concerts, nurtures budding playwrights, and successfully reaches schools and students across the Greater Los Angeles County with the aim of making live theater bloom for generations to come. Our 2023 theatrical season opens to the public with Wm. Shakespeare's "MacBeth" in June, along with "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Queen Margaret’s Version of Shakespeare’s War of the Roses". In July we open "A Perfect Ganesh" written by Terrence McNally, and we run all 4 plays through early October. It's also our 50th Year Anniversary so we have a number of special events happening ~ check our web site for more information. We close the Theatricum in early November. . You can find play descriptions, dates, times and prices at the Theatricum's web site, www.theatricum.com.

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Malibu Creek Orchard Retreat

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Calabasas, CA

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.

100%

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Camp RainDale

6 sites · Tents30 acres · Santa Paula, CA

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.

91%

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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.

The best camping near Topanga State Park guide

Overview

About

Breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, 30 miles of great hiking and trails for mountain bikers—and you're still within the city limits of Los Angeles? What?!

Yes, this gorgeous state park is the largest wildland within the boundaries of a major city. It has about 16,000 acres that take you through dramatic canyons filled with oaks and sycamores. Hike Los Liones Canyon if you want a challenge (bring plenty of water!), or stick to the fire roads that run through the park for a smoother path.

This blissful respite from the city closes at sunset, so plan for day hikes here. Walk the Backbone Trail along the top of the Santa Monica Mountains to marvel at the beauty of Southern California, then stop in the tiny mountain village of Topanga or the posh suburb of Pacific Palisades to grab a bite to eat.

Mountain bikers and even horses are welcome on the fire roads. To get started, use the parking lot at Trippet Ranch, accessed from Topanga Canyon.

When to go

The best time to visit Topanga State Park is during spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the natural beauty is at its peak. Summer can be hot and dry, while winter may bring rain and cooler weather, affecting trail conditions.

Know before you go

Check for trail closures due to weather or maintenance before your visit.
Park hours are from 8am to sunset, plan your activities accordingly.
Remember, dogs are not allowed on trails to protect the park's wildlife and habitat.
Drinking water is available, but it's wise to bring extra supplies.
For any filming or photography, a permit is required; contact the park's film permit coordinator.