How much does camping cost at Malibu Creek State Park Campground?

Camping fees at Malibu Creek State Park Campground range from $45-$55/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Malibu Creek State Park Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Malibu Creek State Park Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Malibu Creek State Park Campground before I book?

Yes! Malibu Creek State Park Campground has 19 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Malibu Creek State Park Campground?

Malibu Creek State Park Campground is open June through September, with cooler months in spring and fall being less crowded.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Malibu Creek State Park Campground?

Yes, Malibu Creek State Park Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Malibu Creek State Park Campground have?

Malibu Creek State Park Campground has 63 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Malibu Creek State Park Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Malibu Creek State Park Campground?

Malibu Creek State Park Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Malibu Creek State Park Campground?

Popular activities at Malibu Creek State Park Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Climbing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Malibu Creek State Park Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Malibu Creek State Park Campground?

Fire policies at Malibu Creek State Park Campground: Fires allowed only in metal rings provided; restrictions vary based on fire danger levels.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.28

255 reviews

1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

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

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

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

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Reserve California

Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

Malibu Creek State Park Campground

1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302

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.

Weather at Malibu Creek State Park Campground

Current alert: Current park closure due to the Franklin Fire; reopening date unknown.

Best Time to Camp at Malibu Creek State Park Campground

Fall delivers the most comfortable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F from October through November and crisp nights. Summer days can exceed 100°F, making creek-side spots essential for relief. Winter nights occasionally drop below 30°F. Fall also brings lower wildfire smoke risk compared to peak summer, better trail conditions as crowds thin, and ideal light for photography. Pack warm clothing for cold nights year-round.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall has the most comfortable temps (mid-60s to low-80s) and is less crowded.

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.

About Malibu Creek State Park Campground

Malibu Creek State Park Campground sits in the Santa Monica Mountains near Calabasas, offering 63 sites among oak and sycamore woodlands along Malibu Creek. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and groups, with nightly fees ranging from $45 to $55. Clean facilities and trail access earn consistent praise, but expect tight spacing between sites and occasional cockroach problems.

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

Historical Significance

The Chumash people once lived among these hills and waterways. In the 20th century, the dramatic rock formations and creek corridors served as filming locations for the M*A*S*H TV series and Planet of the Apes movies.

Weather and SeasonsFall delivers the most comfortable conditions, with daytime highs in the mid-60s to low-80s°F from October through November and crisp nights. Summer days can exceed 100°F, making creek-side spots essential for relief. Winter nights occasionally drop below 30°F. Fall also brings lower wildfire smoke risk compared to peak summer, better trail conditions as crowds thin, and ideal light for photography. Pack warm clothing for cold nights year-round.

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 SceneryVolcanic rock formations punctuate chaparral hillsides that transition into shaded oak and sycamore groves. Malibu Creek carves through the terrain at 1,200 feet elevation, creating riparian corridors that support deer, hawks, rabbits, and skunks. The creek flows westward toward the Pacific, forming a biodiversity corridor through the Santa Monica Mountains. Morning light filters through oak canopies. The landscape takes on warm, golden tones in fall.

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.

Scenic ViewsSurrounding peaks provide stunning sunset and sunrise views, and trails lead to iconic filming locations like the M*A*S*H site.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer hotel-style lodging, focusing on tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesThe campground offers interpretive exhibits and historical sites, including the Sepulveda Adobe and M*A*S*H filming location.

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 layoutThe 63 sites arrange in a circular loop with variable spacing. Some tent sites pack tightly together with minimal separation. Bring a tarp for rugged ground conditions. Privacy between sites is limited across the campground.

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.

Best CampsitesSites #12, #30, #44, and #54 offer full accessibility features. Site #17 provides shade and space for a hammock. Site #62 gets mentioned for scenery. The $2 trail map sold on-site is worth buying according to multiple campers.

Need help booking Malibu Creek State Park Campground?

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Amenities available

Malibu Creek State Park Campground features a range of amenities catering to both tent and RV campers. The campground includes token-operated showers, potable water pumps near campsites, flush toilets, fire rings, picnic tables, and a dump station for RVs. According to numerous user reviews, the restrooms and showers are consistently clean, although some complaints about toilet paper shortages are noted. One reviewer mentions, "The bathrooms were nice, but every free campsite I've been to has been a far nicer experience." Showers require tokens, with $1 providing 2 tokens, equating to 4 minutes of hot water. Cold showers are free.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

I manage this campground

RV details

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.

Hiking

Climbing

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

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.

Cell CoverageReviews do not explicitly confirm cell phone service, but the proximity to Los Angeles suggests potential availability.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

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

Site-Specific Reviews

Spot #49 has a yellow jacket infestation. Campsite #17 is noted for shade and a hammock-friendly setup.

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

Accessibility Features

Four accessible campsites (#12, #30, #44, #54), accessible restrooms, and the Anne Skager Trail are features catering to visitors with disabilities.

Based on 255 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed in the campground but prohibited on trails, limiting pet-friendly activities.

Based on 255 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Go if

Site #17 wins for shade and hammock space. Fall weekends are the sweet spot: mid-60s to low-80s days, thinning crowds, golden oak light, and a short walk to the M*A*S*H trail or Rock Pool.

Skip if

Cockroaches show up in enough reviews to be a pattern, not a fluke. Add site #49's yellow jacket problem, zero privacy between sites, and $45-55/night for a tent spot that's basically elbow-to-elbow, and light sleepers or bug-averse campers will leave unhappy.

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Circle X Ranch Group Campground

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Circle X Ranch Group Campground sits in the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area near Malibu, offering tent, RV, and primitive camping with access to Sandstone Peak and the Grotto trails. Operated by the National Park Service, the campground serves groups looking for a base camp for hiking, biking, climbing, and wildlife viewing in coastal chaparral terrain. Reviewers remember coyote songs at night and the privacy of the setting.