Malibu Creek State Park Campground

4.26

255 reviews

1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

Quick Facts

1,200 ft

Price

$45 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

1,200 ft

Price

$45 - $55/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

63 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Malibu Creek State Park Campground

$45.00 - $55.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $45 to $55 per night depending on site selection and amenities. Additional charges for firewood bundles ($9 for 1 bundle or $25 for 3...

Standard Site Fee$45.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

(818) 880-0367interp@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

4.26

Satisfactory

Based on 255 reviews

196 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowershiking

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of Malibu Creek State Park Campground are highly mixed, highlighting clean facilities and scenic trails but also frequent issues like cockroach infestations, close campsite spacing, and noise disturbances."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

Malibu Creek State Park Campground

1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

Driving directionsFrom the 101 exit on Las Virgenes Road. Go south on Las Virgenes Road (toward the ocean) Continue straight. Park entrance will be on the right, a little past the Mullholland Drive intersection.

Access is via paved roads; Las Virgenes Road is a well-maintained route. Seasonal closures may affect trails within the park during rain or high-fire-risk conditions.

Nearby places

Malibu - 10 miles, 20-minute drive

Los Angeles - 25 miles, approximately 40-minute drive

Santa Monica - 20 miles, 35-minute drive.

Nearby supplies

Albertson's supermarket within a few minutes' drive

additional camping supplies available in nearby Calabasas.

Best Time to Camp at Malibu Creek State Park Campground

Experience the full drama of Southern California's climate, where summer days blaze with temperatures that can soar above 100°F, perfect for creek-side adventures and shaded afternoon siestas. Winter nights transform the landscape into a crisp wonderland, with temperatures occasionally dipping below 30°F—ideal for campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. For those seeking the sweet spot, spring wildflowers and fall's golden light create the perfect backdrop for outdoor exploration in comfortable temperatures.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season: great trail access but daytime temps >100°F, crowds and insects cited.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Cooler, less crowded months (fall) noted as ideal; trails and scenery remain strong.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers milder temps and fewer crowds; hiking and scenery highlighted positively.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round; cold nights (low 30s) and occasional closures for fire/weather reported.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: June through September, with cooler months in spring and fall being less crowded.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Park is open year-round but may close temporarily due to high-risk fire conditions or severe weather events.
Current Alerts: Current park closure due to the Franklin Fire; reopening date unknown.

About Malibu Creek State Park Campground

Escape to a hidden oasis where the rugged beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains meets the tranquil waters of Malibu Creek. Just a short drive from the bustling streets of Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park Campground invites you to pitch your tent or park your RV among more than 55 thoughtfully designed sites, where morning light filters through ancient oak canopies and evening brings a symphony of wilderness sounds. Four fully accessible sites (#12, #30, #44, and #54) ensure everyone can experience this natural sanctuary.

Malibu Creek State Park Campground caters primarily to tent and RV campers, with options for group camping.

Historical SignificanceWalk in the footsteps of history where the Chumash people once made their home among these rolling hills and flowing waters. In more recent times, these dramatic landscapes caught Hollywood's eye, serving as the backdrop for the beloved TV series M*A*S*H and the iconic Planet of the Apes films. Every trail and vista tells a story, from ancient indigenous heritage to silver screen magic.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full drama of Southern California's climate, where summer days blaze with temperatures that can soar above 100°F, perfect for creek-side adventures and shaded afternoon siestas. Winter nights transform the landscape into a crisp wonderland, with temperatures occasionally dipping below 30°F—ideal for campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. For those seeking the sweet spot, spring wildflowers and fall's golden light create the perfect backdrop for outdoor exploration in comfortable temperatures.

ElevationPerched at 1,200 feet above sea level, the campground offers a refreshing mountain retreat where cooler temperatures and cleaner air provide relief from the coastal fog and valley heat, all while maintaining easy access to both mountain and beach adventures.

Natural Features and SceneryDiscover a landscape sculpted by time and volcanic forces, where towering rock formations rise like ancient sentinels above groves of majestic oaks and riparian corridors lined with whispering sycamores. Along the life-giving waters of Malibu Creek, watch for graceful deer stepping through dappled sunlight, hawks circling overhead on thermal currents, and the occasional skunk or rabbit rustling through the underbrush at twilight.

Geological RegionMarvel at nature's artistry in this unique geological wonderland where chaparral-cloaked hillsides give way to shaded oak and sycamore woodlands, all punctuated by dramatic volcanic rock formations that tell the story of the earth's fiery past. Follow Malibu Creek as it carves its way through this diverse terrain, carrying mountain waters on their journey to the Pacific at Malibu Lagoon, creating a living ribbon of biodiversity through the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in allowed starting 2 PM.

Check-out

Check-out required by 12 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Sites allow up to 8 guests.

Groups

The group camping site accommodates up to 60 people.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are organized in a circular setup with 63 spaces; spacing varies with some tent sites being close together.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Reserve California website or by calling 1-800-444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites available first-come, first-served; users recommend booking online for better options.

Cancellation PolicyCancellations permitted according to Reserve California policies; users noted inflexibility in changing sites upon arrival.

AccessibilityAccessibility features include accessible campsites (#12, #30, #44, #54), Anne Skager Trail, and accessible picnic areas. The campground also offers accessible restrooms and the campfire center.

Site SizeSites vary in size, with some accommodating larger setups like RVs and trailers. However, multiple reviews note that some sites are tightly packed.

PrivacyPrivacy is limited due to the close proximity of campsites. Reviewers mention, "individual campsite spaces are very small. No campsite separation/privacy.

Total Campsites63 campsites

Recommended SitesAvoid site #49 due to a large yellow jacket nest. Pack warm layers for winter camping and ensure tent protection against stubble/rocks on the ground.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Malibu Creek State Park Campground is known for its scenic hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and close proximity to historical and cultural sites such as the M*A*S*H filming location. Activities include hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, and rock climbing.

HikingNumerous trails cater to different skill levels, ranging from easy hikes like Rock Pool and Century Lake to moderate ones such as the M*A*S*H site trail. User review highlights include, "Lots of hiking trails to explore," and, "The $2 trail map is worth it."

ClimbingClimbing opportunities may be available in nearby natural areas such as rocky outcrops, boulders, or cliff faces. Visitors should bring appropriate gear and check local regulations or park guidelines before attempting any climbs.

FishingFishing is allowed for anglers with valid licenses, although certain areas like lower Malibu Creek and Malibu Lagoon prohibit it. No detailed fishing feedback was provided in user reviews.

SwimmingSwimming areas include Rock Pool, although high bacteria levels are noted as a concern. Diving and jumping from rocks are prohibited.

BikingBiking trails are available within the park. No specific trail details or difficulty levels are provided.

Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include deer, bunnies, skunks, hawks, and ground squirrels. "Took a trail over the hill about dusk and saw a small herd (12) deer bedding down in a field," one user recounts.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsCockroach infestations reported frequently by users; occasional sightings of scorpions, skunks, and yellow jackets.

Active AlertsCurrent park closure due to the Franklin Fire; reopening date unknown.

Fire PolicyFires allowed only in metal rings provided; restrictions vary based on fire danger levels.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest hospital: West Hills Hospital & Medical Center, approximately 11 miles away; Police station: Lost Hills Sheriff's Station, about 6 miles away; ranger station onsite at Malibu Creek State Park.

Trash & RecyclingTrash must be packed out by campers. Recycling bins are not explicitly mentioned.

Water FeaturesMalibu Creek runs through the park; Century Lake and Rock Pool are short hikes away.

Camp HostCamp host located at site #8, sells firewood bundles and Duraflame logs; mixed reviews on their availability.

Weather at Malibu Creek State Park Campground

Reviews

4.3

255 reviews

Satisfactory

Malibu Creek State Park Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Malibu Creek State Park Campground are highly mixed, highlighting clean facilities and scenic trails but also frequent issues like cockroach infestations, close campsite spacing, and noise disturbances.

Review Summaries

Based on 255 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean bathrooms and showers, well-marked trails, abundant wildlife sightings, and convenient access to hiking routes.

Based on 255 reviews

Common Concerns

Cockroach infestations, noise disturbances, lack of campsite privacy, occasional shortages of toilet paper, and token-operated showers being seen as an inconvenience.

Based on 255 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Carry extra toilet paper, bring a tarp for tent setup due to rugged ground, and pack warm clothing for cold nights. "The $2 trail map is worth it," according to users.

Based on 255 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Winter reviews mention cold nights reaching low 30s, while summer reports highlight high daytime temperatures exceeding 100°F. Noise levels and insect activity are recurrent across all seasons.

Based on 255 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The campground itself is actually really nice and well taken care of, the cleanliness of the bathrooms was especially impressive," and "Major cockroach infestation! We killed at least 20 of them...

Based on 255 reviews