Malibu Creek State Park Campground
4.2864 reviews1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas, CA 91302
Malibu Creek State Park Campground
$45.00 - $55.00
Campsite Fees
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
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 bundles) and $2 trail maps apply.
About this 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.
Campsite details
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.
Sites SizeSites vary in size, with some accommodating larger setups like RVs and trailers. However, multiple reviews note that some sites are tightly packed.
Sites 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 CampsitesAvoid 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 are praised for accessibility; site #17 has shade and space for a hammock; site #62 is noted for its scenery.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in allowed starting 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out required by 12 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay is 7 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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonPark is open year-round but may close temporarily due to high-risk fire conditions or severe weather events.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Dump station
Firewood available
Flush toilets
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."
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.
Cultural and Educational ProgramsThe campground offers interpretive exhibits and historical sites, including the Sepulveda Adobe and M*A*S*H filming location.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fires allowed only in metal rings provided; restrictions vary based on fire danger levels.
- Quiet hours from 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsCockroach 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.
Weather forecast
57
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 79%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 4.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Nearest 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.
Good to know
Peak season datesJune through September, with cooler months in spring and fall being less crowded.
Trash and recyclingTrash must be packed out by campers. Recycling bins are not explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresMalibu Creek runs through the park; Century Lake and Rock Pool are short hikes away.
Common complaintsUsers frequently mention cockroach infestations, lack of privacy between sites, and noise issues from inconsiderate campers.
HostCamp host located at site #8, sells firewood bundles and Duraflame logs; mixed reviews on their availability.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
4.3
64 reviews
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
Clean bathrooms and showers, well-marked trails, abundant wildlife sightings, and convenient access to hiking routes.
Cockroach infestations, noise disturbances, lack of campsite privacy, occasional shortages of toilet paper, and token-operated showers being seen as an inconvenience.
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.
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.
"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...
Show more
Spot #49 has a yellow jacket infestation. Campsite #17 is noted for shade and a hammock-friendly setup.
Four accessible campsites (#12, #30, #44, #54), accessible restrooms, and the Anne Skager Trail are features catering to visitors with disabilities.
Dogs are allowed in the campground but prohibited on trails, limiting pet-friendly activities.
Last updated July 31, 2025