How to Camp On the Beach in Malibu, California

Sleeping under the stars in the great outdoors is rewarding enough. Add to it the sea air and an ocean view, and it’s hard to imagine camping anywhere else. This is especially true when you camp on the beach in beautiful, sunny Malibu, California.

Instructions

1. Reserve a camping spot at Reserve America online (see Resources). Click on “Find a Camping Spot” then fill out the necessary info. Under “Park Name” use “Point Mugu SP” or “Leo Carrillo SB,” both of which have camp sites right on the beach.

2. Pack clothes for both warm and cold weather. That means anything ranging from a bikini top to a winter coat. Even during the summer months, it gets chilly at night, especially if there’s a storm.

3. Take firewood with you, as most of these campsites have a fire pit. Most of these pits have a grill attached, but you’re better off bringing your own propane grill if you have one. Otherwise, bring a scrubber and disinfectant for cleaning off the fire pit grill.

4. Invest in big plastic bins to keep your dry foods in. The seagulls aren’t shy about digging into bread, chips or anything else you might have lying around, so paper or plastic bags just won’t do.

5. Make sure you pack your rain fly for the top of your tent. You’ll need it at night to keep condensation from forming on your tent’s inside walls, and of course to keep you dry in the event of a rainstorm.

6. Double-check that you have plenty of stakes for holding down your tent. The winds can get very strong on the beach. Without heavy-duty stakes holding tents down, they can blow down the beach.

7. Be careful not to stake your tent too close to the water. Otherwise, when the tide rolls in, you could be rolling back out with it.

8. Bring a pair of binoculars and a camera. The coastline in Malibu is a popular spot for dolphins, seals and sea lions. It's an experience you’ll want to be able see and capture as up-close and personal as possible.

Tips & Warnings

• When reserving your campsite at Reserve America, make note of the "Services and Amenities" for your particular campsite, from parking to picnic areas to showers.

• Alerts and Important Information specific to your campsite are also included on the Reserve America website, such as how many vehicles you can have at the campsite and what time the gates close.

Resources

• Reserve America