Best Camping in and near Point Mugu State Park

96% (57 reviews)

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

Sandy beaches and mountain hikes await.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Point Mugu State Park

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

Thornhill Broome Campground

In Point Mugu State Park

La Jolla Valley Walk-In Camp

In Point Mugu State Park

Danielson Multi Use Area

In Point Mugu State Park

96%

(57)

Sycamore Canyon Campground

113 sites · RVs, Tents In Point Mugu State Park

La Jolla Group Campsite

In Point Mugu State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Point Mugu State Park

94%

(89)

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.

91%

(41)

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.

100%

(44)

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.

100%

(18)

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.

94%

(362)

Arber-Moore's Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Oak View, CA

Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands. Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land. That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite. We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink. Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites. The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area. Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more. We offer both tent and RV camping. The Majority of our Guests love it here: "Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts! Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area. The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly. Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"

82%

(30)

Firefly Ridge on Sky High Drive

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Ventura, CA

Enjoy your own private, wild mountain top covered in protected California Oaks with 360° unobstructed views of nature. 10 minutes inland from the Beach in Ventura. 20 minutes from the center of Ojai. Quiet, dark skies! Off grid. Raw land. Rugged environment. There are multiple flat areas on which to pitch a tent - one grassy area right above where you park that can fit two small 2-person size tents or a few different spots on top of the hill (although the top is a bit rocky, so you’ll be more comfortable with a sleeping pad). The trail up to the top of the mountain from the parking spot is a bit STEEP and takes about 2-3 minutes to walk up to the top (where the best views are). The parking spot can fit a van but no larger vehicles. Pay very close attention to not block the neighbors’ driveways at any time. Our land comes as-is, it is a not a formal ‘campground’, so *WILD CAMPING* rules apply - respect the land, pack in-pack out, no trash left behind. No toilet, so come prepared! (Critical - you leave with *everything* you’ve come with. No digging holes to potty.) The road up to the top of the mountain is essentially a one lane paved road, with some hairpin turns. Google Maps tells you “you have arrived” slightly before you reach the parking space that you can see in the pictures. Please also note in the pics that the parking space is flat once you’re fully in it, but there is a slight angle where you pull in, so longer vehicles may not park perfectly flat. Try to arrive *before sunset* - a few campers have had trouble finding their way in the dark as there are no street lights up there. No open fires or BBQs!! Full fire ban in effect! Be ***extremely*** careful, this region is a High Fire Risk and needs to be protected. Protect these ancient oaks! (Enclosed gas portable stoves / pits ok when used with caution.) Dogs ok on leash but can never be left alone or allowed to bark in excess. No parties or loud music — we have neighbors surrounding us around the mountain top, please *be respectful* and quiet by 10pm. They keep an eye on the place for us and we will hear from them if they are upset about noise, fires or dogs and they will call 911 if there is an immediate hazard or disturbance. Please text us with any questions or issues. Thanks! *Alas, refunds will not be given if the issue is that you didn’t read the description fully - some not-so-kind folks seem to be trying to game the system by complaining about things that are clearly stated and/or pictured - eg, that it is a mountain top / ridge, that there are neighbors at the bottom of the hill, that there is no toilet, etc.

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(12)

Leap Lab Farm

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Santa Paula, CA

15 acres of land right nestled up against South Mountain, on an ecologically-minded property where we are building a sustainability education center. From your campsite, you'll have a sweeping view of the Topa Topa mountain range, as well as a birds eye view of our community farm. Site has access to a geodesic dome, a funky spot to hang out, meditate, do yoga, or picnic. There is one electric outlet to plug into. Behind the site is South Mountain, where you can scramble, look for fossils from the Sespe range (20 million years old) and enjoy some peace and quiet.

95%

(234)

Harmony's Glamping

10 sites · Lodging90 acres · Mission Canyon, CA

Nestled along a spring fed creek in the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors while staying cozy in a Yurt, Teepee, or one of our Geo Domes. Each is secluded with a hot shower, propane fire pit, camp kitchen and a comfortable queen bed. Wake up to the sound of the birds chirping and the creek rippling. Hike to our very own 30' ft waterfall where you can take a dip, lay out and catch some sunshine. The trail is rugged so be ready to boulder and use your hands in some places. Our wood burning hot tub is freshly filled every time, and right along the creek for a natural hot/cold plunge experience. We also offer morning yoga, and relaxing massages for a fully rejuvenating experience. Enjoy some nearby experiences all within 30 minutes: -Cold Springs Tavern, historical stagecoach stop, live music and delicious BBQ -Wine Tasting in Solvang or on Stearns Wharf -State Street, Downtown Shopping and Restaurants -Beaches, LedBetter, East Beach, Butterfly, Hendry's Beach (Dog Friendly) -Painted Cave, a cave full of Indian paintings -Hikes, SaddleRock, Lizards Mouth, Hot Springs Please note that a high clearance vehicle is recommended! This is a mountainous bumpy dirt road with steep sharp corners. A regular car can make it, just be warned you may bottom out a couple times. We do have a Jeep Wrangler available for rent on site. ($80 a day) You can add it onto your booking under extras. We are not liable for any damage to you or your vehicle when entering our property, so do so at your own risk. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions. Text or Call: 805-698-8623 IG:@harmonys_glamping

Saved 97 times

Camp Site in Malibu with a View

2 sites · RVs2 acres · Malibu, CA

Learn more about this land:Situated along the Malibu coast, the site is a component of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. It's within 1.5 miles (2.4 km) of the beach. The site offers nearby swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing, and beachcombing. Beachgoers can explore tide pools, sea caves, and reefs. Inland there is a campground and backcountry hiking trails.

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(3)

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! 🏕️🌅

100%

(4)

Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent13 acres · Ojai, CA

Welcome to our tranquil retreat nestled among oak and pine trees, offering a serene getaway with stunning views of the Topatopa bluffs. Our site is the perfect place to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, with five ephemeral creeks meandering through the 13-acre property. As a Leave No Trace environment, we ask that all guests come fully self-contained. 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. Take advantage of the one-mile trail that winds through the property, leading you to fascinating sites such as the caldera of a tar volcano, ancient Chumash cupules and mortars on boulders, and a tar marsh where wildlife thrives. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, hiker, or simply seeking peace, our retreat offers something for everyone. 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 at our secluded oasis. We look forward to hosting you!

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Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents16 acres · Topanga, CA

DEAR HIPCAMPER, Make Sure You CLICK "Show More" SPECIAL OFFER BELOW! PLEASE KNOW NOW IS "The Best Time" To Visit Our Beloved Canyon With The "Road Closure." There's Hardly ANY Thru Traffic. MANY OF US Taking Walks With or Without Our Dogs, Riding Bikes & Horses On Canyon for 1st Time in Decades Since NO Cars Speeding By! "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! URGENT/IMPORTANT PLEASE KNOW THAT IN AN EFFORT TO INCREASE REVENUE TO INVEST IN & IMPLEMENT MUCH NEEDED REPAIRS ON THE LAND AFTER THIS YEAR & LAST'S DEVASTATING TORRENTIAL RAINS, LAND/ROCKSLIDES, MUDFLOWS & SUBSEQUENT IDEFINITE "Road Closure" AS OF TODAY MARCH 20th, 2024 I AM MAKING "A Special Offer" JUST FOR YOU! ALL HIPCAMPERS WHO BOOK 2 NIGHTS ON CROSS BULL RANCH/CBR BASE "Campsites" WILL RECEIVE A 3RD NIGHT FREE. SO, "IF" YOU BOOK FRIDAY & SATURDAY ON THE HIPCAMP PLATFORM TO VISIT US, EXPLORE THE RANCH AS WELL AS "Our Beloved Canyon & Beach" Thursday or Sunday WILL BE FREE YOU JUST NEED TO LET ME KNOW WHICH DAY YOU PREFER TO BE YOUR 3RD NIGHT, THE NIGHT PRIOR OR AFTER THE 2 YOU BOOK & I CONFIRM ONLINE AND I WILL IMPLEMENT AN "Owner's Block!" PLEASE NOTE: OFFER EXCLUDES New "CBR Glamping Site." LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU HERE ON "The Ranch!" Xx ALSO PLEASE KNOW 2 YEARS AGO THIS APRIL 1ST I INVESTED IN CREATING "3 MILES OF HIKING TRAILS" ONSITE WITH "Breathtaking Views!" WonderFULL TO HIKE AT SUNRISE, SUNSET. ANY TIME! You Can Find Us @crossbullranchtopanga On Instagram! PERFECT FOR 1ST TIME CAMPERS, FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN UNDER 10 (Children Under 3 Camp FREE.) & VETERAN CAMPERS TO PRACTICE & HONE THEIR SKILLS IMMERSED IN NATURE YET CLOSE TO ALL THE CONVENIENCES OF... "Home." CBR is A Secluded 16 Acre Eco-Village, Rural Rustic Permaculture & Preparedness Retreat & International Healing Center within Walking Distance to "Topanga Living Cafe" (TLC) & "Cafe' 27". Grab a Bullet Proof Coffee or Oat Milk Latte' with a Wonderful Organic Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch. "Pack Up" & "Head Out" for A Day of Adventure hiking trails, offroad mountain biking The Canyons or cycling along the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoy swimming in seasonal fresh water pools, food foraging, boogie/paddle boarding & surfing The Waves Of Topanga State Beach. While returning to Cross Bull Ranch/CBR Stop Off At The "Topanga General Store" or "Topanga Gourmet" to Pick Up Provisions to "Chill Out" Under The Stars at Your Campsite or One Of Our "Human Nests!" If You're "Lucky" It Will Be Low Fire Danger & We Can Make Smores in The Main Fire Pit Together! Enjoy The Sights, Sounds, Smells, Beauty & "Majesty" of Nature, Enjoy A Drink & A Nice Dinner at "Endless Color," "Then Canyon Bistro" or... The World Renoun "Inn Of The Seventh Ray" in Town. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Sunday Brunch! Or Perhaps "IF" You're In Need Of "Healing" Set Aside 2 - 3 hrs. for Yourself and... Book A "Shamanic Somatic Healing Session" or "Plant Medicine Ceremony" Customized JUST FOR YOU with Your Hostess, Lisa. Details BELOW. Surprise loved ones or take a solo trip to Celebrate Life, Holidays, B'Earth Days, Anniversaries, Multi-Generational Family Gatherings, Reunions+++ ALL while... Safely "Social Distancing in Nature." Cross Bull Ranch was Originally A Chumash Indian Village. 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 Farm Land, 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" $25,000.00 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 Out 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/'10 I 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 Inspiration Came 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 Care. Stay Safe & Well!

The best camping near Point Mugu State Park guide

Overview

About

If you can’t decide between a beach day or mountain hike, Point Mugu State Park is the destination for you. Five miles of sandy beaches, rugged dunes, and rocky bluffs fringe the shores north of Malibu, where you can swim, body surf, snorkel, or try your luck surf fishing. For a change of scenery, set out for a hike in the Santa Monica Mountains or Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area—there are 70 miles of hiking trails to choose from, and some afford spectacular ocean views. One day isn’t nearly enough, so snag a spot at one of the two beachside campgrounds.

Notable campgrounds

Best for beachside views: Thornhill Broome Beach Campground has 46 primitive tent/RV sites right by the beachfront.
Best for family campers: Sycamore Canyon Campground has 57 shady tent/RV sites with hot showers and a dump station.

Tips for snagging a campsite

You can reserve campsites at Point Magu’s two campsites online via ReserveCalifornia.
Online reservations open six months in advance.
Campsites can book up fast, and it’s not unusual for sites to be booked as soon as they become available, especially for weekends and holidays. Plan ahead and reserve as early as possible.

When to go

California weather means camping is a year-round activity at Point Mugu State Park, although the campground at Thornhill Broome is subject to closures during the rainy season (December through March). Summer is the most popular time for the beach, but it’s easy enough to escape the crowds in the surrounding mountains. Wildflowers bloom in the highlands from February through April, and dolphin and whale sightings are most common through winter.

Know before you go

Point Mugu State Park is in the Santa Monica mountains, 14 miles west of Malibu or about a 20-minute drive along the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1).
Daily parking fees are charged, and camping reservation fees also apply.
Park facilities include restrooms and picnic areas. Sycamore Canyon Campground has token-operated showers, a kiosk, and a dump station.
There are lifeguard patrols at Thornhill Broome, Sycamore Cove, and Point Mugu beaches in summer.
The park features accessible campsites and restrooms. The Sycamore Canyon Trail and Sycamore Cove Day Use Area are also accessible, and beach wheelchairs are available by advance booking.

Nearby attractions

Experience coastal camping bliss at Faria Beach Park. Set up camp near sandy shores, enjoy beach activities, and relish breathtaking sunsets. Embrace the laid-back beach lifestyle, listen to the soothing ocean waves, and create unforgettable memories in this beachside paradise.