Camping in Malibu, CA, US: 12 Best Campgrounds 2024

United States
—
California
—
Malibu

96% (1759 reviews)

Popular camping styles for Malibu

Under $50

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Available this weekend

93%

(433)

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 !!"

AntFarm LA

6 sites · Tents20 acres · Los Angeles, CA

NOTE: THIS IS A PARK AND HIKE-IN TENT-ONLY STAY. You must park by street and hike-up. You will not sleep in vehicle/RV. My wife and I built this place with the help of our 2 toddlers, our friends, and our team of shovels.

91%

(80)

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.

Rosemead Near Los Angeles

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Rosemead, CA

Experience Los Angeles from the comfort of your own RV! Our lot in Rosemead, CA, provides the ideal base for exploring the city. Enjoy the privacy and convenience of parking on our secure property, free from the unpredictability of Airbnb or hotels. With amenities including free water, electrical hookups, and wifi, as well as 24/7 security cameras, you can relax and feel at home. We also offer flexible monthly rental options for extended stays.

93%

(372)

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.

12 top campgrounds near Malibu

93%

(372)

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.

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.

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 !!"

Rosemead Near Los Angeles

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Rosemead, CA

Experience Los Angeles from the comfort of your own RV! Our lot in Rosemead, CA, provides the ideal base for exploring the city. Enjoy the privacy and convenience of parking on our secure property, free from the unpredictability of Airbnb or hotels. With amenities including free water, electrical hookups, and wifi, as well as 24/7 security cameras, you can relax and feel at home. We also offer flexible monthly rental options for extended stays.

AntFarm LA

6 sites · Tents20 acres · Los Angeles, CA

NOTE: THIS IS A PARK AND HIKE-IN TENT-ONLY STAY. You must park by street and hike-up. You will not sleep in vehicle/RV. My wife and I built this place with the help of our 2 toddlers, our friends, and our team of shovels.

100%

(5)

Topanga Oasis

3 sites · Lodging13 acres · Topanga, CA

You will be nestled in a 13 acres with other cottages dotted throughout the property, along with private creeks + trails up the mountain. Visiting this property is a very unique experience, some describe it as “glamorous camping”. No photoshoots, parties or cats allowed. Please read the full description, disclaimer, and reviews, to make sure this is what you are looking for. **************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER: This is quite different from staying in an ordinary hotel. We are really in NATURE here - these are older cottages hand-built by artists in the forest. They are very rustic! It's like living in a mountain village, with other cottages nearby. While we work very hard to keep our places pristine and spotless - if anyone in your group will faint if they see a bug or lizard or little frog inside - then this probably isn't the place for you. Please be very careful booking cottages for someone else - like your parents just arriving from another continent - they might prefer something more conventional. Some folks describe our places as a luxurious form of camping. We make our cottages very comfortable - they have all the basics - electricity - wifi - most have kitchens, bath or shower and comfy clean beds. But they are not like a hotel with perfect walls and a sterile atmosphere. Please look at all the pictures and read all the reviews. We can't offer refunds just because we don't meet the standards of a normal hotel. Most people are charmed by this idyllic and bohemian lifestyle - but it's not for everyone. ********************************************************************* FILM AND PHOTOS SHOOTS: This is an amazing property for photography, and film, with 13 acres of rustic cottages, oak forests and sculpted streams. But please note we have special, and quite reasonable rates for filming, in addition to the normal rental charges. Please let us know ahead of time so we can work out the details. Commercial filming is not permitted without permission. Charming Cabin Ideal for Hikers and Nature Lovers in Topanga, California

Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent13 acres · Ojai, CA

Welcome to our tranquil ranch 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. There are 4 permanent residents on the land, including me, who are in and out of the ranch daily, and our driveway passes near your campsite. So while you have privacy in the trees, you may have smile-and-wave distance interaction with other humans during your stay. A one-mile trail winds through the property that you are welcome to enjoy. Let me know if you are interested and I will show you were to find the trailhead. The path leads 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, botanist, birder, hiker, or simply seeking peace, this land offers something for you. 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. We look forward to hosting you!

91%

(114)

ArtFarm Movie Ranch & Nomad NeXuS

41 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents12 acres · Leona Valley, CA

Nomad-NeXus @ ArtFarm Nature Space offers the best of both worlds: Amazing Nature , bright stars and serenity , a fun creative vibe and good people and blazing fast internet connection for digital nomads and young entrepreneurs who are looking for a space to connect with nature and the world at large all at once, bridging the gap between Nature and Technology, Freedom and Community , hard work and inspiring moments with inspiring and positive people. ArtFarm Movie Ranch and Nature space is the perfect location for all your artistic needs and the perfect space for Digital Nomads and Creative entrepreneurs to immerse themselves in Nature while enjoying the benefits of an instant community of inspired people who love to connect, collaborate and create ! we would love to meet you!

Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

8 sites · RVs, Tents62 acres · Lake Hughes, CA

Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow & sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.

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%

(31)

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.

100%

(39)

Acton Oasis

3 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents2 acres · Acton, CA

We are a BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ friendly location. Our family home is conveniently located just off of Highway 14, along Sierra Highway, in Acton, CA. We offer parking in our large driveway with hookups for electricity and well water. You can save money by boondocking if you don't need to plug in or use well water -- just add it as an extra. Please fill your tanks with potable water and/or bring drinking water. Our well water is very hard so we filter. No black water disposal. There are no toilets, laundry, or other amenities. We currently do not have garbage disposal, but will again soon. No smoking or fires allowed. No exceptions. This is a high risk fire area. No leaking vehicles. A $400 fee to cleanup any vehicle leaks. No working on vehicles on the property.

Dog-friendly getaways

96%

(12)

Rosemead Near Los Angeles

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Rosemead, CA

Experience Los Angeles from the comfort of your own RV! Our lot in Rosemead, CA, provides the ideal base for exploring the city. Enjoy the privacy and convenience of parking on our secure property, free from the unpredictability of Airbnb or hotels. With amenities including free water, electrical hookups, and wifi, as well as 24/7 security cameras, you can relax and feel at home. We also offer flexible monthly rental options for extended stays.

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.

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 !!"

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.

AntFarm LA

6 sites · Tents20 acres · Los Angeles, CA

NOTE: THIS IS A PARK AND HIKE-IN TENT-ONLY STAY. You must park by street and hike-up. You will not sleep in vehicle/RV. My wife and I built this place with the help of our 2 toddlers, our friends, and our team of shovels.

Star Hosts in Malibu

98%

(207)

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.

Topanga Oasis

3 sites · Lodging13 acres · Topanga, CA

You will be nestled in a 13 acres with other cottages dotted throughout the property, along with private creeks + trails up the mountain. Visiting this property is a very unique experience, some describe it as “glamorous camping”. No photoshoots, parties or cats allowed. Please read the full description, disclaimer, and reviews, to make sure this is what you are looking for. **************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER: This is quite different from staying in an ordinary hotel. We are really in NATURE here - these are older cottages hand-built by artists in the forest. They are very rustic! It's like living in a mountain village, with other cottages nearby. While we work very hard to keep our places pristine and spotless - if anyone in your group will faint if they see a bug or lizard or little frog inside - then this probably isn't the place for you. Please be very careful booking cottages for someone else - like your parents just arriving from another continent - they might prefer something more conventional. Some folks describe our places as a luxurious form of camping. We make our cottages very comfortable - they have all the basics - electricity - wifi - most have kitchens, bath or shower and comfy clean beds. But they are not like a hotel with perfect walls and a sterile atmosphere. Please look at all the pictures and read all the reviews. We can't offer refunds just because we don't meet the standards of a normal hotel. Most people are charmed by this idyllic and bohemian lifestyle - but it's not for everyone. ********************************************************************* FILM AND PHOTOS SHOOTS: This is an amazing property for photography, and film, with 13 acres of rustic cottages, oak forests and sculpted streams. But please note we have special, and quite reasonable rates for filming, in addition to the normal rental charges. Please let us know ahead of time so we can work out the details. Commercial filming is not permitted without permission. Charming Cabin Ideal for Hikers and Nature Lovers in Topanga, California

Rosemead Near Los Angeles

5 sites · RVs, Tents1 acre · Rosemead, CA

Experience Los Angeles from the comfort of your own RV! Our lot in Rosemead, CA, provides the ideal base for exploring the city. Enjoy the privacy and convenience of parking on our secure property, free from the unpredictability of Airbnb or hotels. With amenities including free water, electrical hookups, and wifi, as well as 24/7 security cameras, you can relax and feel at home. We also offer flexible monthly rental options for extended stays.

Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent13 acres · Ojai, CA

Welcome to our tranquil ranch 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. There are 4 permanent residents on the land, including me, who are in and out of the ranch daily, and our driveway passes near your campsite. So while you have privacy in the trees, you may have smile-and-wave distance interaction with other humans during your stay. A one-mile trail winds through the property that you are welcome to enjoy. Let me know if you are interested and I will show you were to find the trailhead. The path leads 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, botanist, birder, hiker, or simply seeking peace, this land offers something for you. 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. We look forward to hosting you!

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.

Nearby parks

Explore the area’s public lands.

Mountains cascading in the marine layer in the early morning

100%

(11)

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Malibu, California

96%

(29)

Emma Wood State Beach

San Buenaventura (Ventura), California

92%

(224)

Angeles National Forest

La Crescenta Montrose, California

96%

(62)

Channel Islands National Park

Isla Vista, California

96%

(436)

Los Padres National Forest

Mission Canyon, California

Point Mugu State Park

Camarillo, California

We saw a lot of beautiful sunsets on our trip across the country, but nothing quite compared to finally arriving at the coast to this.

96%

(113)

Leo Carrillo State Park

Lake Sherwood, California

95%

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Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Malibu, California

94%

(112)

Carpinteria State Beach

Carpinteria, California

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping near Malibu guide

Overview

With roughly 20 miles of coastline within its city limits, Malibu has long been popular with celebrities, but you don’t need to have played a starring role in a Hollywood hit to enjoy this coastal community. Malibu is home to some great beaches, from El Matador State Beach—known for its sea caves—to Zuma Beach, popular with surfers. Point Dume State Beach offers fantastic ocean views and is a great place for rock climbing. If you want to make a night of it, you’ll find plenty of parks offering camping in the area, including Leo Carrillo State Park and Malibu Creek State Park.

Where to go

Southern California Coast

Stretching all the way to the border with Mexico, this expanse offers the quintessential California beach experience, with surfing, sunbathing, and plenty of sunshine. While most beaches here are only for day use, a few do offer camping, including San Elijo State Beach in Encinitas and Silver Strand State Beach, just south of San Diego.

California’s Central Coast

Up the coast from Malibu, California's Central Coast offers miles of gorgeous coastlines, without the SoCal crowds. Here you'll find sandy summertime favorites such as Avila Beach and Morro Bay Strand as well as dramatic, cliff-lined stretches—including the famously picturesque Big Sur.

The San Bernardino Mountains

If you need a bit of respite from the Southern California heat, consider heading inland to the San Bernardino Mountains, the largest forested area in this part of the state. This pretty area is characterized by a mix of deciduous and evergreen forests and offers plenty of great camping opportunities, particularly in the Big Bear Lake area.

When to go

Malibu is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique perks. Summer is the obvious choice, with hot weather and long sunny days, though overcast days early in the season are to be expected. Spring and fall both offer warm weather with fewer crowds, and autumn swells keep Malibu's beaches popular with surfers. If you visit in the wintertime, make sure to bring binoculars—gray whales are known to migrate through the waters off of Malibu from December until April.