Camping near Santa Monica

A 3-mile long bike/blade path and a historic 1922 carousel are a few of Santa Monica's treasures.

96% (1110 reviews)
96% (1110 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Santa Monica

Value Prop
Value Prop

Camping near Santa Monica guide

Overview

Ah, big, beautiful, beachfront Santa Monica. West of downtown Los Angeles and 18 miles south of Malibu, this coastal city is home to the iconic pier. It also boasts the equally legendary Muscle Beach. RV campers can explore the coastline of Santa Monica Bay at Dockweiler State Beach RV Park.

For prime tent camping, head north on Pacific Coast Highway to Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu. The large canyon campground has 140 spots for tents and RVs. The beaches are brimming with tidepools and caves begging to be explored. Hit the moderate 5.9-mile Yellow Hill Fire Trail for wildflower and Channel Island viewing.

If you’re headed to Malibu Creek State Park, make sure the campground has reopened. As of May 2019, only the park’s backcountry and day-use areas are open. The Woolsey fire of November 2018 took a tragic toll on parts of this region.

No visit to California’s coast is complete without time spent in the Santa Monica Mountains. Hike, bike, or ride your horse along 500+ miles of public trails crisscrossing the land. Some of the steepest climbs reward with 360-degree views of the Pacific Ocean.

Need a challenge? Tackle the 65-mile (one way) Backbone Trail, LA’s premier long-distance trek. You can’t camp on the trail, but it makes a great day hike. The best ocean views are found on the Ray Miller Trail at Point Mugu State Park. Head to Inspiration Point at Will Rogers State Historic Park for easy access and some Hollywood history.

Safety at Hipcamp

Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Inclusion Policy
Hipcamp Hand

Safety partners

Recreate Responsibly

About us

Hipcamp is the most comprehensive resource for beautiful private campsites.

Discover and reserve tent camping, RV parks, cabins, treehouses, and glamping.

Download the Hipcamp App

Hipcamp is created with ❤️ and hope for our future.