LA- Beach Camping: Point Mugu, Sycamore Canyon Campground

Beach Camping Under Sycamore Trees

Point Mugu State Park - Sycamore Canyon Campground

Located in the far western Santa Monica Mountains, this park features five miles of ocean shoreline with rocky bluffs, sandy beaches, sand dunes, rugged hills and uplands, two major river canyons, wide grassy valleys and a shaded campground filled with Sycamore trees. Camping below the bluffs provides additional shade in the afternoon. It is a beautiful spot, a short walk to the beach and many options for hiking. Bike riders will love Big Sycamore Canyon Trail, transversing the Santa Monica Mountains.

Directions: Google Map

Tent and RV sites: 

• Tent sites: 23 - 33
• RV sites: 42, 52, 53, 56

Parking: 

• Sycamore Cove, Mugu Beach, and La Jolla Canyon parking lots open at 8am and close at sunset.

• Sycamore Canyon campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm. No entry after 10pm.

• Click here for carpool opportunities. Please carpool!

• Fees include entry for 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle or trailer, additional vehicles may be charged per night at the park. Although your site may hold 2 or more vehicles, your reservation only covers 1 vehicle.

• Day use and overflow parking is available at the following rates:

• • All day – $12.00 per car, per day

  • 3 hrs – $9.00 per car

  • 2 hrs – $6.00 per car

  • 1 hr – $3.00 per car

Point Mugu SP spans from the western

limits of Malibu and into Ventura County.

Schedule of Events:

Thurs, Sep 24

• 2:00 pm - Check-in
• 6:00 pm - Meet and Greet - bring snacks to share. Dinner on your own
  
• 7:00 pm - Group campfire; bring firewood. (In the event wood fires are banned, propane tanks may be available to fuel propane fire rings).
• 8:00 pm - "Sounds of the Night" a quiet - slow paced night walk. Bring a UV flashlight if you have one. We will be listening for and perhaps seeing  our nocturnal friends. 

Fri, Sep 25

• 7:00 am - Lite Continental breakfast/coffee 
• 10:00 am - Depart for morning hike (Point Mugu Scenic Trail to Great Dune View Trail Out and Back (2.24 miles, moderate)   
• Lunch: on your own
• Afternoon: Relax at camp or at the beach
• 6:30 pm - Potluck (bring a dish to share)
• 7:00 pm - Campfire/Movie
  

Sat, Sep 26

• 7:00 am - Lite Continental breakfast/coffee 
• 10:00 am - Hike: Ray Miller Backbone Trail (5.4 miles, moderate) Bring lunch and plenty of water, sun protection, etc.
• Lunch: on your own
• Afternoon: Relax at camp or at the beach
• 6:30 pm - Potluck (bring a dish to share)
• 8:00 pm - Dance Party under the Bridge

Sun, Sep 27

• 7:00 am - Limited Continental breakfast/coffee
• 12:00 pm - Check out/Leave No Trace
  
• tbd - Possibly stop off at El Matador Beach on the way home. Your campground parking pass covers parking for this beach. 

*-Check campground white board for updates and hike/outing details.

Climate: 73/57 degrees.  View weather forecast: Click here

Amenities: Showers - The park has only token-operated showers. The token machines accept ONLY one dollar bills, and you will receive 2 tokens for a dollar. Change for larger bills is not available.

Pictured is one of our reserved campsites, all of which are shaded by the sycamore trees.

What to Bring: The Ten Essentials, Meet and Greet item, Potluck item, and other considerations:

• Warm sleeping gear – It can get cool at night, so bring a warm sleeping bag, extra blankets, or whatever you need to stay comfortable.
• Camping chair – Highly recommended for meals, campfires, and relaxing around camp and at the beach.
• Beach towel and umbrella – If you plan to spend some time at the beach, a beach towel and umbrella are sure to come in handy. The beach is just a few minutes walk from our reserved campsites.
• Warm and cool weather clothing – Malibu should have warm and sunny weather, but evenings cool down quickly, weather can change throughout the day, so layers are best.
• Comfortable hiking shoes – Especially important if you plan to join any of the area hikes. Shoes should have good traction.
• Drinks and water – Bring everything you need, including drinking water. According to the website potable drinking water is currently available, but that can always change.
• Party Outfits 
• Firewood – Pick up firewood at a grocery store or hardware store on your way up in a larger town. We will want plenty for the weekend. 

Pets: Pets are welcomed but must be kept on leash in campground and day-use areas. Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets. Pets are not permitted on park trails.