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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
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.
Tina Marie
We love this campground. Beach is accessible, nice hiking trails. Be careful of poison oak when hiking and at some campsites, caution signs posted. Restrooms and showers maintained daily.
R Jackson
Hidden gem with bonus hiking trails and a fantastic beach just across the street. Campsites are close to each other but bathrooms were very clean, unlike the beach side. Tip, if your visiting for the day, just park on PCH (ocean side). If ya go into either parking lot, it'll be a few bucks. Bonus, there was water available at the site.
Marisol Barron
We stayed Aug 24-26, 2025, camp site #1. Very quiet at night we heard the waves crashing against the rocks, crickets and an owl. We also saw a fox run through our site. The place is very relaxing. Bathrooms and showers are clean. Firewood available for purchase for $10 a bundle, the tokens for the shower are both cash only. Love this place.
Michael Stuart
I love camping but this campground is not it. Campsites are VERY close together. The worst part is my neighbors were blasting music & talking loudly until past midnight, when quiet hours supposedly start at 10pm. For $45/night plus an $8 “convenience fee,” quiet hours should be enforced by the park staff. I’ve stayed in much more quiet and spacious campgrounds for much less.
Cyn Gutz
I love this campground. For me, it's convenient because it's not too far from my house, which is nice for quick, reset, get-away trips. It's across the highway from the beach, so at night, once the traffic has quieted, and the weather is right, you can hear the waves. There are restrooms with token showers which have been very clean the times I have used them. Some of the spaces are close to each other, but I feel like there's enough room for privacy. There is also day use parking, which is nice if you have someone visiting you while you camp or want to visit the beach park across the highway, Sycamore Cove. Overall, this is one of my favorite campgrounds to visit.
Sungmin Kim
This campground has it all—beautiful scenery, easy access to an awesome beach, and kind, professional park rangers. At night, you can enjoy stargazing accompanied by the soothing sound of crashing waves. One downside is that the shower at one site was broken, so we had to walk to a more distant one.
Rob Bradley
Stayed here back around 2013 and it looks like nothing changed whatsoever given the rest of the reviews. Had to spend an hour picking up all the trash at my campsite before I even felt comfortable pitching my tent and setting up to cook. The hot showers didn't work and the drain was clogged on top of that with an inch of standing water as well. Toilets were filthy
Stephen Halpern
Beautiful location, friendly atmosphere, great hiking trails, and we love being in nature. RV and 10 camping. No hook ups, so be prepared for Boondocking.