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Pt Mugu/Big Sycamore Canyon
Overview
Point Mugu State Park’s Big Sycamore Canyon offers a distinct coastal experience in Malibu, California. Nestled within a lush canyon across from the Pacific Ocean, this campground provides a serene natural environment shaded by mature sycamore trees. It serves as a primary gateway to over 70 miles of scenic hiking trails, making it a premier destination for those who prefer the rugged beauty of the Santa Monica Mountains. The surrounding 14,000-acre park encompasses five miles of oceanfront, providing a diverse landscape of rocky bluffs and sandy beaches for visitors to explore during their stay.
Location & Surroundings
Situated on the landward side of the Pacific Coast Highway, the park feels worlds away from the bustle of the nearby city. The sycamore-lined canyon creates a sheltered microclimate that is often cooler and calmer than the exposed shoreline. While the RV sites are tucked into the valley, the ocean is accessible via a safe pedestrian tunnel under the highway, leading directly to the sandy shores of Point Mugu Beach. The surrounding peaks of the Santa Monica Mountains provide a dramatic backdrop for every campsite, offering a sense of seclusion and wilderness.
Amenities & Park Features
As a state park facility, the amenities focus on the essentials of outdoor living. This is primarily a dry camping destination with no electrical or water hookups at the individual sites. However, visitors have access to communal potable water, picnic tables, and fire rings for evening gatherings. The park includes central restrooms and coin-operated showers for guest convenience. While there are no sewer hookups at the sites, a sanitation dump station is located just a few miles away at the Thornhill Broome beach area to service RV tanks before or after your visit.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw for visitors is the Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, a popular route for both hikers and mountain bikers that winds through the heart of the mountains. During the winter months, the sycamore grove often becomes a sanctuary for migrating Monarch butterflies, creating a magical atmosphere for nature photographers. Additionally, the nearby Boney Mountain State Wilderness Area offers challenging treks for experienced hikers. For a change of pace, the upscale dining and coastal boutiques of Malibu are just a short drive south along the scenic coast.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is ideal for nature lovers and hikers who value direct access to trailheads and a quiet, wooded atmosphere over resort-style luxuries. Because there are no hookups, it is best suited for self-contained RVers who enjoy a primitive camping experience in a stunning location. It is a perfect choice for travelers seeking a basecamp for exploring the natural wonders of Southern California while staying in a protected, quiet canyon environment that feels entirely disconnected from the urban sprawl of Los Angeles.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
G DUB
Maybe three best camping spot ive been to in awhile. You are like a 5 minute walk to the beach. Id you pay for camping you get free beach access. There are fire pits, picnic tables and lif guards. You can hear the waves when sleeping. Its right off of PCH. A cool quaint camping ground with lots of good hiking. I will be coming back here for sure. Camping spots are huge, has hot showers and clean bathrooms.
Mat Ramos
My kids love this campground and being a short walk down to the beach makes it even more amazing. Sites are clean and bathrooms well stocked with tp.
Ricardo Villalobos
Sycamore Canyon is fantastic, affordable, family friendly campground with beautiful views and access to a secluded beach and numerous hiking trails. For surfers, it’s a five minute drive to County Line (across from Neptune’s Net). Get out there!
Cassy Welborn
The campground is close to the beach, has large campsites, has large parking spaces at most campsites, has fire pits, and is clean. It's a great place to camp. My kids loved meeting new friends and playing from morning until well into the evening. If you want to get to the beach you either have to cross highway 1 or go under it at low tide. It is rocky under the bridge making it a little difficult to pass to the other side.
V Scaccianoce
I live in Redondo Beach, south of LAX and this is one of my favorite Campgrounds, close by, in Malibu near Point Magu. Just across Pacific Coast Highway from the beach in a canyon with coastal access safely under PCH. Sites are $45 per night with a one time service fee for your entire stay under $9. Each site has a picnic table and fire pit with a grill. Nice clean restrooms and pay showers. No hookups but there are clean drinking water spouts available near your site. Very friendly rangers. They even drove around each campsite offering bundles of firewood for $10, cash only.