Thornhill Broome Campground
4.6458 reviews9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Thornhill Broome Campground
$35.00 - $50.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$50.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$225.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard site fees begin at $35, and premium waterfront sites can go up to $50. Additional fees include a $12 parking fee for day use and a reservation fee charged at $8.25 for group campsites.
About this campground
Imagine falling asleep to the rhythm of crashing waves and waking to the golden glow of dawn over the Pacific – at Thornhill Broome Beach Campground, this dream becomes reality. This rare gem allows adventurers to pitch their tents directly on the sandy shore, creating an intimate connection with the ocean that few campgrounds can match. As evening approaches, the western sky transforms into a canvas of brilliant oranges and purples, offering front-row seats to nature's nightly spectacular.
Thornhill Broome Beach Campground offers various camping setups, including tent camping and RV sites. Primitive facilities are a defining feature.
Historical SignificanceNestled within the greater tapestry of Point Mugu State Park, Thornhill Broome serves as a gateway to the remarkable Santa Monica Mountains ecosystem. While the beach itself may not bear ancient monuments, it stands as part of a larger landscape that has witnessed centuries of human interaction with this dramatic coastline, from indigenous peoples to modern-day adventurers seeking solace by the sea.
Weather and SeasonsThe coastal climate here dances between gentle and dramatic, keeping visitors engaged with nature's changing moods. Winter and spring bring invigorating winds that sweep across the beach at 20-30 mph, filling the air with salt spray and energy. These seasonal gusts create perfect conditions for kite flying and wind sports, though they remind campers to secure their gear. During storm season, powerful tides occasionally reshape the beach, temporarily limiting access but showcasing the raw power of the Pacific in unforgettable ways.
ElevationPositioned at the meeting point of land and sea, Thornhill Broome sits precisely at sea level, offering an unfiltered connection to the ocean's rhythms. This beachfront location means campers experience the full sensory immersion of coastal camping – from the feel of sand beneath their feet to the taste of salt in the air.
Natural Features and SceneryWhere golden sand meets azure waters, Thornhill Broome creates a natural amphitheater of coastal beauty. To the west, the endless Pacific stretches to the horizon, while the dramatic peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains rise like ancient sentinels to the east. The beach itself tells many stories – smooth sandy stretches perfect for barefoot walks alternate with fascinating rocky outcrops that harbor tide pools and marine life. This dynamic landscape offers endless opportunities for beachcombing, wildlife observation, and quiet contemplation as pelicans glide overhead and dolphins occasionally grace the waters just offshore.
Geological RegionThornhill Broome showcases the geological drama of California's coast, where the western reaches of the Santa Monica Mountains meet the relentless Pacific. This dynamic intersection has created a landscape of sandy beaches punctuated by weathered rock formations and protective ocean bluffs. The ever-changing tidal sand berms demonstrate nature's constant reshaping of the shoreline, while the surrounding coastal ecosystem supports a rich diversity of plant and animal life adapted to this unique environment where mountain meets sea.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo explicit accessibility features for campers with disabilities mentioned.
Sites SizeSpots are noted to be approximately "12'x31'" and "large enough for 4-5 big tents and 3 vehicles" (User Review by Shannon Rogers; User Review by Emily Santos).
Sites PrivacySites are described as close together, offering limited privacy. "Yes, spots are close together but it's gorgeous so it's fine" (User Review by Shannon Rogers).
Total Campsites31 campsites
Recommended Campsites"Sites 1-5 are quieter and slightly more secluded," while "higher-numbered sites provide better sandy beach access."
Best CampsitesHigher-numbered campsites are preferred for sandy access to the beach, while lower-numbered sites closer to the ocean may have rocky terrain and berms.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in begins at 2:00 PM.
Check-out
Check-out ends at 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
- Maximum stay allowed is typically a few nights
- exact duration is unclear.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Each standard site accommodates up to 3 vehicles and multiple tents.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutCampground layout consists of linear beachside sites running parallel to Pacific Coast Highway, with spaces accommodating tents and RVs.
Open and Closed SeasonThornhill Broome Campground is open year-round; however, seasonal conditions may affect availability.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through ReserveCalifornia online or by calling 1-800-444-7275.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival around 10 AM increases the chances of securing a site.
Cancellation PolicyCancellation policies are managed via ReserveCalifornia; penalties may apply depending on timing.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Thornhill Broome Beach Campground provides direct beachfront access, offering activities such as beachcombing, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing.
Hiking"Nearby trails don’t allow dogs, so we wound up at Grotto Trail off Yerba Buena Rd" (User Review by Marcus Gomez). Popular trails in the Point Mugu area include Mugu Peak Trail and Scenic Overlook Trails.
Fishing"Fishing was fun, best at incoming high tide" (User Review by klutchdust).
SwimmingSwimming is accessible directly from the beach; however, tide conditions may impact accessibility.
Biking"Biking trails like Sycamore Trail lead to Thousand Oaks" (User Review by jeff Larivee).
Wildlife viewing"So many seals and dolphins" were observed during visits (User Review by Laura C.).
Beach activitiesDirect beachfront camping allows for activities like sunbathing, beachcombing, and enjoying sunsets.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Fire pits are available and campfires are allowed, subject to fire level alerts.
- Quiet hours are No explicit quiet hours stated, but highway noise and ocean waves can be prominent.
Hazards
General hazardsMajor hazards include flooding due to high tides and storm surges, strong coastal winds, and proximity to Pacific Coast Highway, which generates significant traffic noise.
Active alertsActive alerts include a warning about frequent flooding from storm surges, high tides, and rising sea levels, potentially affecting access and usability of facilities.
Weather forecast
59
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 90%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 7.9 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
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 emergency services include hospitals and police stations in Oxnard, approximately 15 miles away, and ranger stations within Point Mugu State Park.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not explicitly stated but summer months are likely popular.
Trash and recyclingTrash disposal is available via dumpsters distributed along the campground road. One user noted that no recycling facilities are explicitly mentioned.
Proximity to water featuresDirectly adjacent to the Pacific Ocean; some sites are within 10 steps of the shoreline.
Common complaints"No services, only dumpsters and port-o-toilets," "highway noise," and "porta potties were gross and messy" were frequent complaints from user reviews.
HostCamp hosts are available and noted for being friendly and helpful. "Hosts sell firewood for around $8 per bundle."
Campground Map
9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, CA 90265
Driving directionsThe beach is 15 miles south of Oxnard on Highway One.
Access to Thornhill Broome Campground is via Pacific Coast Highway (Highway One). Seasonal flooding and storm surges sometimes affect access roads, and maximum vehicle/trailer combined length is strictly enforced at 31 feet due to limited turnaround space.Nearby places
Oxnard (15 miles), Thousand Oaks (approximately 20 miles), Santa Monica (approximately 35 miles)
Nearby supplies
The closest store is approximately 20 minutes away
basic supplies like firewood are sometimes sold by camp hosts.
Camper Reviews
4.6
58 reviews
Thornhill Broome Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews highlight the campground's beachfront location and mesmerizing sunsets but note the lack of modern amenities such as flush toilets and showers.
Review Summaries
"Amazing sunsets over the ocean every night" (User Review by Dylan Mattina). "Sites are large, room to spread out" (User Review by Pam Paterra). "Camping directly on the sand" is a unique feature...
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Criticism includes "gross and messy" porta-potties (User Review by Emily Santos), "highway noise" impacting the experience (User Review by Marcus Ramirez), and "wind gusts ruining tent camping"...
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Users recommend checking the weather for wind conditions, booking in advance as spots fill quickly, and noting site-specific conditions like berms and rocks impacting beach access.
Winter experiences are noted to be windy and cold, while summer visits emphasize the beauty of the oceanfront and warm weather.
"Best beach campground we've ever been to" (User Review by Dylan Mattina). "Beautiful sunset and sunrise!" (User Review by _Weekend Camper). "Nothing else can compare" (User Review by Leigh Lee...
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"The sites on the left side facing the ocean, so the lower numbered sites, had about a 6' berm down to the water, and where the waves came in was all rocks, not sand" (User Review by Shannon Rogers)....
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No explicit reviews mentioning accessibility features.
"Dog-friendly campground" noted by multiple users (User Review by Brian Kernochan).
Last updated July 20, 2025