Best camping in Mandalay State Beach, CA 2025

Stories from the community

Amazing location next to the Rocky Mountain, with city views and an active farm. Responsive hosts too. I recommend coming while there is still light out, though it is navigable at night.

james

1 week ago

2 nights at Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

Glamping at Cross Bull Ranch was a dream! Lisa is such a wonderful and accommodating host who made our experience truly special.

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

Just spent an amazing weekend camping at Leap Lab Farm with friends! The spot offers a peaceful escape in the Santa Paula hills, surrounded by nature and beautiful views. The hosts are super welcoming and have done a great job maintaining the farm despite recent fire damage. We loved the cool dinosaur exhibit and outdoor art really added a unique vibe. The campsite was spacious and clean, with a dome and electrical hookups that made our stay comfortable without feeling too “glamping.” Nights were perfect for stargazing under clear skies. Leap Lab Farm is great for groups and families alike there’s plenty to explore and enjoy for all ages. If you want a laid-back, nature-filled camping experience with some fun farm charm, this is the place. We left feeling refreshed and already planning our next visit!

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Loved Songdog Ranch’s land so much! Will be going back in the future!! The site we chose was super spacious and had a great view of the land, sunset, and stars at night. Especially if you are from the city this spot is perfect for seeing a starry night! We got to meet Jen and Jim; they were super nice and welcoming! The shop on property was perfect for ice and anything small you may have forgotten to pack or didn’t think you needed before getting to your site. The back of the property leads into OHV property for your off roading desires! While we didn’t part take in OHV it was awesome to be able to explore the property and surrounding areas while we were beating the heat! Also, if you didn’t know Lompoc is close enough for you to see launches they may be doing, so we got to see a satellite launch our first night. When staying here definitely look up if there are going to be launches during your stay! Lastly, depending on your cell service provider the service CAN be spotty at times but was enough to text and call if needed. This was a perfect opportunity to have an unplugged weekend!

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Their place was absolutely amazing. We loved it there! It’s just enough to be camping, but enough amenities is to be comfortable. Plenty of shade and water available and not too crowded.

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

Private space near a community, which is refreshing. The dome is useful and nice to be around. Lots of airplane action from the small airport. Beautiful overlook. Close to Ventura.

Jos

2 weeks ago

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!!!

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Super nice hosts. The sites are not perfect. Most of them have very little coverage and are very exposed to sun. Shower is great. Site #1 is definitely the best.

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I booked this camp site last minute as halfway point between destinations and it ended up being one of my favorite camp sites ive ever been to. The host made sure to make her way out and greet us and the views were amazing

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Our family and friends loved the song dog ranch double fire site. We loved the space/the privacy/ and the soaking tub. The kids enjoyed hiking/ playing in the tub. The ranch is very well cared for and beautiful! We will definitely be back.

Weekend Trip to Malibu RV Park

The staff and location were amazing. Clean and cared for. High volume and a little tight but it all worked our perfect.

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Driving through on a road trip. Parked here for the night. It was great. Lots of space. Scenery is beautiful. The hot shower was fantastic and so far the only port-o-potty that smelled nice. Came out to greet us to make sure we had all we needed. Thank you Vivian for the wonderful hospitality.

Weekend Trip to The Lodge at Deer Creek

This was our second time staying on Chris’ land. Its one of our favorites on the coast. Incredible view! Secluded , quiet, and easy to access.

Weekend Trip to Campsite 3 & 4

Fantastic! So many stars in the night sky! We appreciated the great communication and answering all of our questions quickly. Highly recommend. We arrived after dark and the signage made finding our campsite easy. So peaceful! Thank you

Sarah

2 weeks ago

2 nights at Harmony's Glamping

What a beautiful spot! Pretty incredible how secluded you can feel, just 20 minutes outside of town. My husband and I booked the yurt for three nights to rest and unplug. When we got there (and lugged our belongings to the yurt), we found it dirty with no bedding. I messaged harmony who quickly gave me a call to let me know she has upgraded us to the dome by the river. The space was awesome- decorated very nice, a private hot shower and best of all, right on the river with a hammock over the water where I spent several hours reading and listening to the sound of the water. There was no one else on the property so we had the place to ourselves! Things I would have liked to have known beforehand: - while we read the warnings about the road, we made it just fine in our Prius. Just go slow and you’ll be fine. -there were no kitchen supplies in the yurt or the fairy dome (contrary to what the listing said) so make sure you bring pots, pans, oil, salt, pepper, plates, cups and silverware. -the toilets are port-o-potties they haven’t been emptied in a looooong time. -there are lots of critters! While unpacking we found a baby rattlesnake which made me fearful to let our dogs out of my sight! There were lots of (giant) spiders in the fairy dome and there were big mice running around the camp at night so make sure you bring everything inside. It is camping, after all! - we weren’t able to get all the way to the waterfall with our three legged dog but the walk was beautiful.

3 nights at Malibu RV Park

The campground was clean and well-maintained. The description online is accurate. The employees and management were all helpful and courteous. The facilities (bathroom/ shower)” were better than most campgrounds.

2 nights at Cuyama Badlands

2nd time here! Our absolute favorite campground so far that we have tried with Hip Camp. But we did enjoy our first trip back in Spring more than during now in the Summer. We will definitely be back when the wildflowers are back and the wind isn’t as crazy. We spent the entire time fighting off strong gushes of wind all day that covered everyone and everything in dust all day long but that is not fault of the campground. All part of the experience! Can’t wait to be back with more friends!

2 nights at Malibu RV Park

Found myself outside at Malibu Beach RV Park. This is one of our top performers, and for good reason. The location can’t really be beat. We enjoyed unobstructed ocean views, full hook-up’s, hot showers, cute common areas and trails, as well as a short walk to the beach. The fact that they’re dog friendly is a cherry on top. My only negative feedback is that there is a lot of dog poop. This could be resolved with better groundskeeping/ additional bags around the property. This little city is slowly recovering from the devastating fire late last year. We made delicious meals, sun bathed, and played the longest game of Uno I’ve ever played in my life!! The new deck has something called “shuffle hands” as a wild card..don’t do it.

4 nights at Harmony's Glamping

Harmony was an excellent host, so far the best I’ve had the pleasure of meeting. She was very understanding and accommodating. Her property is beautiful and the waterfall was absolutely amazing and well worth the hike, however it’s definitely a more advanced hike. I will definitely be taking my kids back again.

1 night at Arber-Moore's Ranch

Provided great instructions upon arrival. Stay was private and peaceful. Location was great and close to Ojai!