Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - Camping

California State Parks Campgrounds

Open

Open All Year

Phone

818-880-0350

Details

There are 4 California State Parks in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Their facilities vary. Most require reservations.

Circle X Group Campground (10-75 people)

Open

Open All Year

Phone

805-370-2300, Ext. 1702

Details

Reservation Required. Located on Yerba Buena Road in Malibu. Has trails leading to the highest points in the Santa Monica Mountain Range. Drinking water, pit toilets, tent spaces are available. Pets are permitted

Campgrounds you can reserve online

Leo Carrillo Sb Campground

Mileage:2 mi

Description: Season for Peak Fees: 03/01 to 11/30 The beach was named after Leo Carrillo, a popular radio and TV performer, who also served on the State Park and Recreation Commission. He was related by blood and marriage to a long line of distinguished original Californians. The park has 1.5 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, wind-surfing, fishing and beachcombing. The beach also has tidepools, coastal caves and reefs for exploring. Nature walks and campfire programs are offered (call the park for schedules) and a small visitor center has interpretive displays. Giant sycamores shade the main campgrounds. The Park also features hiking upland. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: Varies, Lo Season: Varies
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Point Mugu Sp Campground

Mileage:8 mi

Description: Season for Peak Fees: 03/01 to 11/30 Point Mugu State Park, located in the Santa Monica Mountains, features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches and sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons, wide grassy valleys dotted with sycamores, oaks and a few native walnuts. There are more than 70 miles of hiking trails. The beach also features swimming, body surfing and surf fishing. The 13,300-acre park includes the jagged pinnacles of the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: Varies, Lo Season: Varies
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Malibu Creek Sp Campground

Mileage:11 mi

Description: Season for Peak Fees: 03/01 to 11/30 Just 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, the park has over 4,000 acres, featuring hiking, fishing, bird watching and horseback riding opportunities. There are 15 miles of streamside trail through oak and sycamore woodlands and chaparral-covered slopes. Twenty-five-mile Malibu Creek in the park is the principal water-course of the Santa Monica Mountains - from Boney Mountain to Malibu Lagoon. The park was the center of Chumash Native American life for centuries and was once used to film numerous movies and TV shows, such as Planet of the Apes and M*A*S*H. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: Varies, Lo Season: Varies
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Mcgrath Sb Campground

Mileage:23 mi

Description: Season for Peak Fees: 03/01 to 11/30 McGrath State Beach is one of the best bird-watching areas in California, with the lush riverbanks of the Santa Clara River and sand dunes along the shore. More than 200,000 species of birds can be found in the area. A nature trail leads to the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve. Two miles of beach provide surfing and fishing opportunities, however, swimmers are urged to use caution because of strong currents and riptides. The park offers campsites by the beach. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: 8am-10pm, Lo Season: Varies Park Gate Hours: 8am-10pm YEAR Round - No access after closure.
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Emma Wood Sb Campground

Mileage:28 mi

Description: Season for Peak Fees: 05/15 to 09/15 Moderate ocean temperature at Emma Wood State Beach makes the area a great place for swimming, surfing and fishing. Catches include perch, bass, cabezon and corbina. A freshwater marsh at the southwest end of the beach attract raccoons, songbirds and red-tailed hawks. The beach also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site. There is a grassy area for groups and a campground for hikers and bikers. The beach offers a view of Anacapa Island - and occasional dolphins. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: 8am-10pm, Lo Season: Varies FRI/SAT
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Holiday Group Campground

Mileage:37 mi

Description: None
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Wheeler Gorge Campground

Mileage:37 mi

Description: Located on a year round stream bordered by trees running the length of the campground. Most sites are shaded. Summer temperatures range from 75-95 degrees. There is a nature trail adjacent to the campground. Roads are paved. Restrooms are provided. Campground is open all year round. Maximum of 8 people per site. Distance from ocean is 30 miles. No kayaking. Stream not stocked.
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Carpinteria Sb Campground

Mileage:41 mi

Description: Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterprise, or "carpentry shop" there. The tribe had chosen the location because of naturally-occurring surface tar which was used to seal the boats. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchin. Park Kiosk Hours:, Hi Season: 8am-10pm, Lo Season: 8:30am-6pm Season for Peak Fees: 03/01 to 11/30 Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, Carpinteria State Beach offers a mile of beach for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. The Spanish named the area Carpinteria because the Chumash tribe, which lived in the area, had a large seagoing canoe-building enterpirse, or "carpentry" shop there. The tribe had chosen the location because of naturally-occuring surface tar which was used to seal the boats. Seals and sea lions can be seen in the area December through May, as well as an occasional gray whale. Tidepools contain starfish, sea anemones, crabs, snails, octopi and sea urchins. For those with RVs the tow vehicle or second vehicle may have to park in another location. Fees include entry for one vehicle and one legally towed vehicle or trailer, any extra vehicles shall be charged per night at the park. Due to congestion on park roads, free passes for deliveries or passenger drop off are not permitted. Campsite occupancy is limited to 8 people, except group sites. Camping is not permitted on the beach. Call ahead for a beach wheelchair. Generator hours are 10 am to 8 pm. DOGS ARE PROHIBITED ON THE BEACH! During peak season this park has a maximum stay limit of 7 consecutive nights. Once the consecutive night limit has been reached, the person(s), equipment, and/or vehicles(s) must vacate the campground for a period of 48 hours before returning for another stay. Park Hours: High Season/March 1-November 30: 8 am to 10 pm Low Season/December 1-February 28/29: 8:30 am to 6 pm
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Lightning Point Group Cg Campground

Mileage:47 mi

Description: Open April 1st through November 15th, weather and fire conditions permitting. Lightning Point Campground is located 25 miles southeast of Palmdale and 35 miles north of the San Fernando Valley. Lightning Point is off Angeles Forest Highway, and 8 miles west of Mill Creek summit on the Santa Clara Divide Road (3N17). The campground is at an elevation of 6,100 feet amid Jeffery Pines, Scrub Oaks, and Manzanita. It will accommodate groups of up to 240 campers. There are 6 sites which have group-sized barbeques and tables, 26 single horse corrals, and large gathering areas.
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Mcgill Campground

Mileage:53 mi

Description: Approximately 1 hour drive from greater Los Angeles area. Elevation makes campground temperatures 15-20 degrees cooler than the Los Angeles Basin. Views of valley from roadway leading to the campground. Night sky viewing is excellent from this campground. ELEVATION: 7200ft
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Note: All mileage numbers are "as the crow flies"