Sycamore Campground

Star4.54
416 reviews
9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Quick Facts

36 ft

Price

$45/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

56 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website
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Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Sycamore Campground
$45.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Campsite fees are $45 per night, applicable to standard sites. Additional reservation fee of $8.25 applies. Senior discounts and disability discounts...
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Standard Site Fee$45.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$50.00
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
310-457-8144angelescamphost@parks.ca.gov
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What Campers Say

4.54

Top-Rated

Based on 416 reviews

496 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanshowerslocationhiking

Some mention

noise

"Mixed reviews highlight the campground's pros and cons. Positive aspects include proximity to the beach, scenic views, clean bathrooms (in some cases), and friendly staff. Negative reviews note overcrowding, noise, broken amenities, and limited enforcement of quiet hours. Privacy is limited, and some sites are small and closely packed."

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Campground Map

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Sycamore Campground

9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265

Driving directionsThe campground is located 15 miles south of Oxnard on Highway One. Visitors should access Sycamore Canyon Campground via Pacific Coast Highway (PCH).
Accessible via paved roads on Highway One. No entry permitted after 10 PM. Access gates open at 8 AM and close at 10 PM.
Nearby places
Oxnard (15 miles), Santa Monica (30 miles), Ventura (approximately 25 miles)
Nearby supplies
Nearest locations for supplies include Oxnard and Ventura for groceries, camping equipment, and fuel. No direct camp store available at Sycamore Canyon Campground, although firewood and shower tokens are sold onsite.

Best Time to Camp at Sycamore Campground

Experience the gentle embrace of Southern California's coveted coastal climate, where mild temperatures create year-round camping comfort. Summer days bring reliable sunshine and dry conditions perfect for beach activities and hiking, while winter transforms the landscape with refreshing rains that awaken the canyon's vibrant greenery. Morning fog often rolls in from the ocean, creating an ethereal atmosphere that burns away to reveal brilliant afternoons. Be prepared for occasional gusty winds that carry the fresh scent of sea salt through the canyon.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Warm, sunny weather but crowded and noisy in peak season; reviewers note busy camps.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Late fall cited as a quieter, more peaceful time to visit with good weather.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers quieter visits and mild weather; some seasonal maintenance and insects noted in warm months.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 12% in CA

Open year‑round with mild coastal climate; winter is pleasant though not for winter sports.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season typically includes summer months (May through September).. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Sycamore Canyon Campground is open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Some restrooms and showers are occasionally out of service; tidal surges may restrict beach access.

About Sycamore Campground

Tucked away in a breathtaking coastal canyon where ancient sycamores create a natural cathedral, Sycamore Canyon Campground offers the perfect blend of mountain serenity and ocean adventure. This hidden gem invites you to explore winding hiking trails through dense, verdant foliage by day and fall asleep to the distant rhythm of Pacific waves by night. A convenient underpass beneath Highway One connects your mountain retreat to pristine beaches, making it easy to transition from forest shade to sun-soaked sand in minutes.
Sycamore Canyon Campground provides options for tent camping, small trailer camping, and RV camping, though reviews indicate it is better suited for tent campers ('If you are a tent Camper this campground is probably great. For anyone in an RV I would suggest looking elsewhere').
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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
Picnic tables

Activities you can enjoy

Point Mugu State Park and Sycamore Canyon Campground offer diverse recreational activities for campers. Hiking is a major draw with over 70 miles of trails, including nearby hikes like Mugu Peak Trail (moderate) and Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop (easy). Additional activities include biking, beach access, wildlife viewing, and mountain biking. Swimming is possible at the beach, though conditions vary ('Waves were small, but water was rough, picking up a lot of sand in the waves'). Wildlife viewing features species such as deer and marine life ('Listened closely at night and you can hear the waves crashing!'). Cultural and educational programs are not explicitly available.
HikingHiking opportunities are abundant, with well-maintained trails leading to scenic views. Popular trails include Mugu Peak Trail and Scenic and Overlook Trails Loop. Reviews highlight accessibility from the campground ('Lots of trails to enjoy the scenery') and diverse terrain with some creek crossings ('Nice hikes thru Sycamore Canyon. During our visit the creek crossing trail at several places, were running, knee-deep and moderate speed').
SwimmingSwimming is available at the nearby beach, though reviews advise caution due to rough water conditions ('Waves were small, but water was rough, picking up a lot of sand in the waves').
BikingBiking opportunities are well-received, with trails catering to various skill levels. Reviews highlight easy access to biking trails from the campground ('Perfect for bikes') and enjoyable terrain ('Great blend of trails, wooded areas and the beach').
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing is popular, with species such as deer frequently sighted ('Saw about 10 different deer 🦌'). Marine life sightings include dolphins and whales ('You can see seals and dolphins often').
Beach activitiesBeach activities include swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing. Access to the beach is via a trail that crosses under the highway, though high tide may restrict access ('Beach access was interesting as you have to go under a bridge and you can see the waves crashing').
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsMosquitoes and poison oak are prevalent. Flooding can occur during rainstorms. High tides can make beach trails inaccessible.
Active AlertsSome restrooms and showers are occasionally out of service; tidal surges may restrict beach access.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Sycamore Campground

Reviews

4.5
416 reviews
Top-Rated
Top-Rated
Sycamore Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
Mixed reviews highlight the campground's pros and cons. Positive aspects include proximity to the beach, scenic views, clean bathrooms (in some cases), and friendly staff. Negative reviews note overcrowding, noise, broken amenities, and limited enforcement of quiet hours. Privacy is limited, and some sites are small and closely packed.
Review Summaries
Based on 416 reviews

What Campers Love

Guests praise the scenic location, proximity to the beach, clean bathrooms (in some cases), and hot showers. Wildlife sightings and access to hiking trails also receive positive mentions. 'Bathrooms...
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Based on 416 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints focus on noise levels, lack of privacy, overcrowding, broken showers, and inconsistent maintenance. 'Tent limits (if there are any) were not enforced.' 'Worst campground imaginable - no...
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Based on 416 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Plan visits during off-peak times for quieter experiences. Check weather before tent camping and bring bug spray to avoid mosquito issues ('the insane! number! of! mosquitoes!'). Carefully select...
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Based on 416 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months are crowded and noisy, while late fall and early spring offer quieter experiences. Mosquito populations and issues with maintenance are more pronounced during warmer months.
Based on 416 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We love this place because you're secluded in the valley surrounded by Sycamore trees and mountains, but you can literally walk to the beach.' 2. 'Bathrooms cleaned and maintained in mornings...
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Based on 416 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Highly recommended sites include 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 17, 29, 30, and 45 for their privacy and proximity to amenities. Site 45 is praised for its shade ('Our site was 45 and it had shade all day')....
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Based on 416 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA accessible bathrooms and showers are available, but detailed feedback from users with disabilities is not provided.
Based on 416 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed on leashes in campgrounds and day-use areas. Dogs are reported to have enjoyed the beach and surrounding nature ('Wonderful place to camp and enjoy the beach with your dogs.')....
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Based on 416 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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