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Leo Carrillo Campground

4.0 (64 reviews)

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Marcella N.

Such a cool spot! Nice shaded areas, where you feel tucked away but you're literally walking distance to the beach. Loved exploring the sea caves. Quiet at night and so peaceful. Such amazing wildlife, too. Their staff are also so friendly and nice. Bathrooms are excellent and clean. Flush toilets and running sinks!

Campfire/grill
Sunny M.

Clean Family friendly Walking distance to kid friend beach Our site had lots of shade/trees Bathrooms were super clean/flush toilets Shower Only thing that we didn't like-ants. Ants galore.. They were everywhere and all over our things. But not too many flying bugs since near the ocean. Would definitely return. Maybe other sites would have less ants?

Paula B.

Dry campgrounds, literally! Hardly any water spigots! Also the vegetation is dry, yet they allow fires! The store is overpriced! The beaches here are beautiful!

Camp ground
Paula R.

This is our second year coming here and we really like it here. We come in our pop up trailer with family and they have their pop up trailer too. The sites are plenty big with a fire ring which allow for wood burning. Some sites are dry camping but other have water and electricity hook ups. We bring our generator which you're allowed to use from 10am-8pm. They have a store on site with a few items like fire wood, ice, chips, ice cream, coffee, t-shirts and other miscellaneous items. Showers and restrooms are available throughout the campground as are water spigots. South beach is less than half mile and we walked every morning for low tide and to look at the tide pools. North beach isn't too far and is great for booogie boarding. Great time just watch out for the squirrels and yellow jackets.

In front of the store
Amado O.

Great place to camp! Quite and peaceful nights! We stayed at spot 5. It has electricity no water or sewer. There is a dump station near by if you need to dump and refill with water. The roads are wide enough to back in and park in your spot. When you open your trailer door you are not directly next to your neighbor, like in some RV trailer campgrounds. These spots are wide and open. Bad things, lots of dirt no grass. Be ready to sweep all day, at least you'll smile while sweeping. You are in a pice of heaven. It was windy when we went and it was blowing. Seemed to blow everyday. We were here the 3rd week of July. Lots of hiking trails or just beach trails. The beach is very rocky so bring water shoes if you don't want your feet to hurt the next day. Lots of creatures to see in the rocks once the tie goes out. This is a Photographers dream come true. Lots of good lighting and scenery. Also do not leave any food or trash unattended as there are lots of squirrels. We saw our neighbors table get ransacked by squirrels and birds. It happen so quick. Put everything away or they will find it. There was no dog poop bags supplies like most other campgrounds we've stayed at. We payed extra to bring the dogs but did not get the doggie bags. Gave it a five star cause even with the "bad stuff", it's a beautiful place and big wide camp spaces. It feels like wood and beach camping at the same time. We booked for January 2021! Can't wait to go back!

This is the place to camp if you want to invite 20 friends and blast your music and make your neighbor's life miserable. I never saw a Ranger, so there is no rule enforcement. Most of the sites are overgrown so leave your RV at home. Get the picture? San Elijo SB this is not! This is, hands down, the worst run park in the system! The mud damage from the rains of a few years ago is still a problem! If you like dirty bathrooms, you're in luck. Never again for me! I had a reservation in July for 4 nights and left after only one night. I'm retired and have over 20 reservations for camping, the condition of this State Park is unacceptable!

Rafeek Y.

We have been to this campground a number of times and enjoyed each one of our visits. The beach is a quick walk, or an even quicker drive from the campground. The bathrooms and showers are cleaned every morning (not sure if this is still the case with COVID). Bring some $1 bills to get tokens for the shower. If you forgot to bring something with you the store in the middle of the campground probably has it. Ice, snacks, cleaning supplies, some camping equipment, etc. Don't leave any food out or the squirrel will come visit your campsite.

Leo Carrillo Campground, Malibu, CA (May 21-23, 2018)
Jenni M.

Leo Carrillo Campground is inside the Leo Carrillo State Park which is part of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area near Malibu, CA. Emile J. writes that he can't "believe the bad reviews... don't listen to the cry babies." Usually I can side with this point of view. But when a park ranger zips past my trailer and truck as fast as he did flinging rocks and not being safe with children playing and riding their bicycles in the area, it pisses me off. Our fire pit was full to the brim with ashes and screws and nails. Having to pick up so much trash in our area was disappointing as well. Many sites are nicely shaded, but they allow camper trailers that are too big for certain spots. There are many pros... the beach & hiking opportunities nearby. Dogs allowed. On-site store that sells nice hard firewood bundles at $7.33 apiece. Token showers available. Electric hookups & dump station. Good for tent campers too. 2018 Challenge #96

Bren L.

Went camping here and it was pretty cool. The camps are close to each other so you can hear when someone is being loud. The hiking was awesome. We went before the fires so everything I shot was distroyed in the Woolsey Fire. I love camping here. You're pretty close to the beach so you can just walk, what? 1-2 miles and you're on sand. I loved the sunrises and the sunsets were amazing. I definitely recommend. There are bathrooms and showers. And not the hotel kind. There a little store in there in case you forget something or need something. You can also drive out of camp and go to Starbucks down the road or to the grocery store. We had a weird chipmunk issue. Those little rascals ate through some rubber covers and tried to get to our snacks. So leave nothing outside. Put everything in your car if you're gonna leave your camp. Zip EVERYTHING up if you leave or else you're gonna get one of those fuckers eating your stuff. We took a mosquito candle and left it near the fire. We also brought a sage bundle to ward off some critters. Over all I had a great time. Enjoy!

Ben A.

As roadside campgrounds go, this one is one of the better in the state. Considering it's proximity to greater Los Angeles, the insular effect of the Santa Monica Mountains create the illusion of wild out here along the Pacific coast. Still, the secret is out, and this place is almost always at capacity. Campsites tend to be large, with parking for two or three vehicles each. There is partial shade at just about every site, along with a fire pit. As with all campgrounds, certain sites are more preferable than others. Despite being so close to civilization and the beach, for that matter, this campground has a wooded feel to it. Maples, sycamores, oaks, and other shade trees create a symphony of wind and leaves when the afternoon breezes hit the canyon. Songbirds, lizards, and snakes join an ever-growing population of ground squirrels. Early risers might enjoy spotting a mule deer, coyote, or mountain lion... although these larger animals tend to stay away from the noise of camp. That said, keep an eye on your pets, especially at dawn and dusk. The camp has a small store in the middle, along with flush toilets and shower facilities. If you don't have a lot of time to get away, and can manage to find a reservation for a spot, this is not a bad alternative for a quick turnaround overnight on the weekend. Summer is pretty impossible, but there are occasionally sites available in the off-season if you don't plan ahead like me. With just a short walk to the beach, and longer walk/hike opportunities in the adjacent mountains, this is a nice spot to take your significant other who has not yet found their inner appreciation for the outdoors. Don't worry, Cochise, you'll change her mind on camping yet.

Excellent grill that swung out for log placement
Niki T.

Took my adult daughters and their children here for an inaugural camping trip. The showers and bathrooms were awesome. Fully stocked with toilet paper and some even had mirrors. The fire ring had a very workable grill and the trees provided more than adequate shade. A very nice water spicket provided cold clean water at every site. It was so close to the beach that we could have walked had we not brought so much beach equipment. Word to beachgoers. It is very windy so do not bring umbrellas or beach tents. We lost a tent when a support snapped due to wind. It is also very rocky so be sure and wear beach/swim shoes in the water. Those who did not got cut up on the rocks. The campground was very clean and had trash receptacles close by. We will be back for sure! Great place to bring families. Only wished the noise rule was enforced. We had loud drunk parties next to us that lasted until midnight. Would really have like some quiet after 10 pm.

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Love nature and serenity! A Beautiful place on earth to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city!

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Ask the Community - Leo Carrillo Campground

Do they allow camp fires there? And do they have campfires there?

Wood campfires are allowed and the have fire rings at each site. They also sell firewood at the store if you forget to bring your own wood. It's just a few bucks more to buy it there.

Does anyone know when the campgrounds are scheduled to reopen? They were temporarily open for the week leading into Memorial Day 2019.

Hi Peter, I just went to Leo Carrillo on Friday. The campground looks great considering how badly damaged it was. It is only open for the Memorial Day weekend and will reopen hopefully around June 8th, according to the park rangers.

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Review Highlights - Leo Carrillo Campground

The camp store is pretty well stocked with the basics and the prices are pretty reasonable for the area.

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Point Dume State Beach

Point Dume State Beach

4.7
(336 reviews)
7.9 mi

We've all heard of PTSD…read more... You know, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. But have you heard of PDSB?? (I'll break this one down in a bit) Well, if you've read any of my other reviews of the picturesque beaches in Southern California, your PTSD of "here we go again, another review about white sandy beaches, moderate temp. waters and picture perfect sunsets" by Lance L. just might kick in. But bear with me, because this review, you're definitely not gonna want to skip. So what is PDSB you ask? Well Point Dume State Beach of course! Yes, one of Malibu's finest & for good reason too! Sure, when everyone thinks about beaches in Malibu... For those with families, It's usually Zuma Beach, but that's where EVERYBODY goes and because of this, it's ALWAYS packed! And of course, there's where all the surfers go.... Surfrider Beach, hence the name! But Surfrider is for hangin' 10 and you just might get a big stare down by the locals. But Point Dume State Beach or PDSB as I know you will now refer to it is about to be your new favorite. Here's why: A pay lot which sounds like it sucks to have to pay just to go to the beach, but the minimal cost ($6-$15 depending the season) is worth it. The lot is literally parallel to the beach and once you park, you are right on the sand! In addition, Point Dume State Beach, although smaller than Zuma is pretty decent because it's not as well known about so you will definitely find a place to plant that umbrella and set up your beach towel to watch the kids play, throw a football around or work on your tan lines. As far as Safety, Not only is lifeguard towers right on the sand, but a lifeguard headquarters office is also onsite, so if something goes south, help is very nearby. Point Dume State Beach does have fairly maintained, public restrooms that's are serviced regularly by the beaches and harbors maintenance team as well as a few porta-potties onsite for use. The beaches themselves are clean and do not have a lot of trash, debris or tar like some of the beaches that I've been to up North on the Ventura County Side (Oxnard & Ventura beaches). And the best part, some of the best sunsets you can catch on this part of the coastline. Besides the actual beach, you can actually hike from the beach side itself up the Point Dume hiking trail to get an even better view or jump off the cliff if you dare. But.... Please, Please, Just make sure you are a solid swimmer if you are a real swimmer thrill seeker as the water near the cliff is rocky and the currents are very unforgiving. There are always calls for service where Lifeguards, Firefighters and the Sheriff's department are on scene performing rescues, but unfortunately, sometimes are unsuccessful and people have tragically drowned. So maybe leave the Olympic style diving into the Big Blue to the pros. And now that you probably have actual PTSD from me telling you how you could actually die if you aren't careful.... Maybe just shake it off and get some PDSB instead and enjoy the Best of Malibu from the safety of your seat right on the sand! "Life's a Beach, Enjoy it!"

Walking on the sunny Beach. No need to make chatter. If you…read moredon't start conversations you are pretty much left alone to enjoy the views.

Photos
Overlooking the beach
Overlooking the beach
Point Dume
Point Dume
Well to PDSB!!! Malibu!!!

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Zuma Beach

Zuma Beach

4.4
(518 reviews)
6.8 mi

A beautiful stretch of beach that's always a must. Along the famous highway 1, it's a nice big…read morebeach thats for perfect day outing. Parking wise, there's street parking along PCH, paid parking lot on PCH, street along the beach as well as another paid lot on the beach. Depending on the time, parking is a bitch as it's always full. It's a pretty wide stretch of beach so there's plenty of spaces for laying out and so on. One side has all the volleyball court. We arrived around 11:30 and luckily found street parking along the beach. It was nice out, sunny and a good amount of people along close to the water. We found a spot and made ourself comfortable. There was a good half dozen or so school buses parked where the volleyball courts are. Either a summer camp or school is back in session and it was a beach day. The odd thing, after an hour we arrived, the clouds started to roll in. Within minutes, it went from sunshine to overcast and gloomy. Stayed like that for a good hour and half. Even looking out to the hillside, it was so gloomy that you couldn't see down the beach. When the clouds burned off, it was back to beautiful beach weather. Lifeguard towers were in full force. We did notice that security on four wheelers were patrolling. They did questioned some people. It's a beautiful stretch of beach if you haven't been. The water was beautiful and looked clean but the waves were on a different level. They were pretty massive so lifeguards were on full force. People did go in the water but not a lot. To make it more magical, there were schools of dolphins swimming close by the shore. Even more fun, you could see them basically surfing the waves. That brought everyone on their feet trying to get the perfect picture. There's a good amount of restrooms and showers. It was actually clean which is a major plus. There's also a little lagoon that's a hangout for all the seagulls and pelican. Sand was soft and hot. Beach was clean, water was clean so it's was a good experience. It's a must if you haven't been.

One of the famous beaches in Southern California for its big parking lot and large stretch of…read morebeach. The parking is so close to the beach that taking your stuff to the beach is so convenient. No need to walk for long. There are lifeguards on duty and many public restrooms and showers. The fee for parking is $8 weekdays and $15 on weekends. You can also park on the PCH but not easy to find on the weekends. A great spot for families with small kids.

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Fancy car meet up vibezzzzz va-Roooooommmmmm
Fancy car meet up vibezzzzz va-Roooooommmmmm
Chasing sunsets!
Chasing sunsets!
Ahhh My Goodness!!!

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Ahhh My Goodness!!!
Malibu Lagoon State Beach

Malibu Lagoon State Beach

4.3
(108 reviews)
14.6 mi

Malibu Lagoon State Beach Park turned out to be exactly what I needed today. I came with my two…read moregirls, and from the moment we pulled into the parking lot, the day just felt easy. Parking is $3 an hour or $12 for the day, and the park is open 7am until sundown. After parking, it's about a seven‑minute walk along a peaceful path before the beach opens up in front of you. Most of the shoreline is protected wetlands, which actually makes the whole place feel calm and untouched. Even with the protected areas, there's still plenty of sandy space to set up a chair, stretch your legs, and settle in with a good book. My girls had a blast searching for seashells and honestly, they found some pretty amazing ones. The kind you don't expect to see unless you're on vacation somewhere far away. The waves were the highlight for me. They crash with this deep, steady rhythm that almost talks to you. When I closed my eyes, it felt like they were saying: relax, slow down, enjoy. And I did. The sun felt warm on my skin, and the breeze was just enough to keep everything comfortable. It's one of those places that reminds you how good it feels to pause for a moment and just be present with your kids, the ocean, and the day.

You'll be doing a little hike to get to the beach, and it's a very well kept one, although the…read morerestrooms are porta potties. There's lots of rocks, but several areas with rock free sand.

Photos
Surfers Having a good time
Surfers Having a good time
Catching some waves
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At Sebi's birthday at #MalibuLagoonBeach! #DebutDanceDistrict @BryantCabrera

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Leo Carrillo Campground - beaches - Updated June 2026

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