Best Camping Near Malibu, CA

Discover the ultimate Malibu camping adventure: pristine beaches, scenic hikes, and nearby campgrounds for an unforgettable experience.

2

Nearby Campgrounds

194

Nearby Camp Sites

4.3

Average Camper Rating

Best places to camp near Malibu, California

2 Campgrounds Within 100 Miles

Things to do near
Malibu, California

  • Zuma Beach - A popular spot in Malibu, Zuma Beach offers long stretches of sandy shores perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. It's a great place to enjoy the California sunshine and watch the waves.

  • Point Dume State Beach - Known for its stunning cliffs and panoramic ocean views, Point Dume is ideal for hiking, rock climbing, and whale watching during migration seasons. The beach also features tide pools that are fun to explore.

  • Malibu Lagoon State Beach (Surfrider Beach) - Famous for its excellent surf breaks and scenic beauty, this beach is a favorite among surfers. It’s also a great spot for bird watching at the nearby lagoon where Malibu Creek meets the Pacific Ocean.

  • Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area - Just a short drive from Malibu, this expansive area offers numerous hiking trails with breathtaking views of both mountains and coastline. Popular trails include Solstice Canyon Trail and Sandstone Peak Trail.

  • El Matador State Beach - Known for its dramatic sea stacks and hidden coves, El Matador is one of Malibu's most picturesque beaches. It's perfect for photography enthusiasts or anyone looking to enjoy a quieter beach experience.

  • Leo Carrillo State Park - This park features 1.5 miles of beach with tide pools, coastal caves, and reefs perfect for exploring. It also has campgrounds if you want to extend your stay overnight amidst nature.

  • Topanga State Park - Located within the Santa Monica Mountains but close enough to be considered part of Malibu's attractions list; it offers over 36 miles of trails through open grassland ridges and deep canyons with spectacular views over Pacific Palisades.

  • Paradise Cove - A beautiful private beach known for its iconic pier featured in many movies and TV shows. Paradise Cove offers beachfront dining at Paradise Cove Café where you can enjoy fresh seafood while taking in stunning ocean views.

Ways to camp near Malibu, California

RV Camping
Visit

RV Camping

RV camping at KOA campgrounds offers clean, level sites with full hookups, laundry facilities, and pet-friendly amenities. Enjoy the comforts of home while exploring over 500 locations across the U.S. and Canada.

Cabin Camping
Visit

Cabin Camping

Cabin camping at KOA offers a cozy outdoor experience with options like rustic Camping Cabins and fully-equipped Deluxe Cabins. Enjoy nature with amenities such as beds, electricity, and private bathrooms.

Tent Camping
Visit

Tent Camping

Tent camping offers a blend of traditional camping with modern amenities. Enjoy level sites, hot showers, clean restrooms, and options like electric hookups and patios for a comfortable outdoor experience.

Extended Stays Camping
Visit

Extended Stay

KOA campgrounds offer extended stay options that allow extended stay campers to enjoy amenities like upgraded Wi-Fi and on-site dining, whether you’re a snowbird, or just want to enjoy the outdoors longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy exploring BLM land and visiting the Lavender Garden for a relaxing experience.

The Gilman Ranch Museum is a great place to learn about local history and heritage.

The San Luis Obispo Farmer's Market is held on Thursday nights and Saturday mornings, offering fresh produce and local goods.

The McMurtrey Aquatic Center offers fun water activities for families to enjoy together.

You can visit the Mineral Hot Springs for a soothing and natural hot spring experience.

The Harris Ranch Restaurant is renowned for its delicious meals and welcoming atmosphere.

You should visit Olde Port Beach for a serene beach day with beautiful views of the ocean.

You can enjoy playing golf at one of the nearby golf courses in the area around Malibu.

Plan a trip to Malibu, California

Plan a trip to Malibu, California

Planning a camping trip to Malibu, CA is an adventure waiting to happen! Nestled along the stunning Pacific Coast, Malibu offers a perfect blend of beachside relaxation and outdoor excitement. Here’s your guide to making the most of your visit and enjoying the surrounding areas.

Best Time of Year to Visit

Malibu is a year-round destination, but spring and fall are particularly delightful with mild temperatures and fewer crowds. Summer brings warm weather ideal for beach activities, while winter offers cooler temperatures perfect for hiking.

Weather Expectations by Season

  • Spring: Mild days with cool evenings; ideal for hiking and exploring.
  • Summer: Warm days perfect for beach outings; pack sunscreen!
  • Fall: Pleasantly warm with crisp evenings; great for outdoor dining.
  • Winter: Cooler but still enjoyable; bring layers for comfort.

What to Pack

Packing smart ensures you’re ready for anything:

  • Clothing: Light layers, swimwear, comfortable hiking shoes, rain jacket (just in case).
  • Camping Gear: Tent or RV essentials if not staying in KOA cabins.
  • Beach Essentials: Towels, sunblock, hats, sunglasses.
  • Outdoor Gear: Hiking boots, binoculars (for wildlife watching), reusable water bottles.

Important Considerations

  1. Reservations: Book your KOA campground early—spots fill up fast during peak seasons.
  2. Activities: Plan ahead whether you want to surf at Zuma Beach or hike in the Santa Monica Mountains.
  3. Local Attractions: Don’t miss out on visiting iconic spots like Malibu Pier or Point Dume State Beach.
  4. Safety First: Always check local weather forecasts before heading out on hikes or beach trips.

Nearby KOA Campgrounds

Staying at one of these nearby KOAs ensures comfort and convenience:

  1. Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday – Close enough yet nestled away from city hustle.
  2. Bakersfield KOA Journey – A bit further but worth it if you're exploring more inland attractions like Sequoia National Forest.

With this guide in hand, you're all set to enjoy an unforgettable camping trip in Malibu! Whether it's soaking up the sun on pristine beaches or trekking through scenic trails—Malibu has something special waiting just for you!

Nearby Locations

Blog posts related to camping near Malibu, California

12 California Beaches You Need to Visit Image
12 California Beaches You Need to Visit March 21, 2025
Best Scenic Drives in Every State | Scenic Road Trips | KOA Camping Blog Image
Best Scenic Drives in Every State | Scenic Road Trips | KOA Camping Blog October 10, 2024
Tour the 13 Newest KOAs for 2015 Image
Tour the 13 Newest KOAs for 2015 March 12, 2019
View Blog
Family Eating Outside of Airstream
KOA Rewards Logo

Save money when camping near Malibu, California with KOA Rewards

If you like camping, then you will love being a part of the Kampgrounds of America KOA Rewards Program. Designed with campers and outdoor enthusiasts in mind, KOA Rewards is both a discount and rewards program. From earning rewards while camping to receiving discounts at select merchants, our loyalty program is designed to help you save money in a few different ways.

Learn More & Purchase

Reserve Your Stay Today!

Unwind at a campground near Malibu, California, and enjoy the outdoors where camping is fun and for everyone, and s'mores are always on the menu.

Find Your KOA Stay