Malibu Creek State Park

A cool experience with 6 to 10 mile hikes

Driving to and sleeping at a campground

Ideal for first-timers

Discovering Mesa Peak and Hollywood relics at Malibu Creek State Park

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Last updated

July 31, 2024

Trip · 3-day camping trip

For · Families and new campers

Vibe · Moderate and fun

Reservations · Yes, reserve a site at Creek Campground

Drive · 30 minutes from LA

Ideal dates · March to May

Pets · Welcome at camp, but not on trails

‍Malibu Creek State Park (MBSP) has been called the "Yosemite of Southern California," and this 8,200+ acre park delivers. It's known for its volcanic rock gorges, Sepúlveda Adobe, a 19th-century ranch house, and Malibu Creek that flows through the park. It also has 35 miles of hiking trails, three natural preserves, and is part of the greater Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area, which is the nation's largest urban national park. Quite a few highlights for a park that's only a 30-minute drive from downtown LA.

Official State Park Website

Camping Information

Directions to Campground

‍Main image credit: N/A

Prep Itinerary Gear Food

Stuff to know

Bears don't hang out at Malibu Creek, but be mindful of critters. Store any food in your car overnight and whenever you leave camp
There are seasonal campfire restrictions so check with the camp host when you arrive to see if you can build a campfire.
If you're just visiting for the day, here's a rundown of parking fees: All day – $12.00 per car, 3 hrs – $9.00 per car, 2 hrs – $6.00 per car, 1 hr – $3.00 per car.
Snakes have been spotted in the park, especially around springtime. Stay on trails, and if you see one, slowly walk around, and away from it.

Check the weather

Mesa Peak Trail in Malibu Creek State Park

Where to camp

Creek Campground

Each campsite comes with a:

Picnic table
Fire ring
Space for up to 8 people
Three parking spots
Drinking water (on site)
Showers (coin operated)
Flush toilets (on site)

This is the only campground at Malibu Creek SP and it's packed with plenty of creature comforts while only being a 10-minute drive to a grocery store. Sites are available by reservation, and you'll have access to drinking water, restrooms, and coin-operated hot showers (Bring $1 bills!).

Check-in: After 2 PM · Check-out: Before noon‍

View Campground Map‍

Nightly Rate: $45

Reserve your campsite

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Itinerary

Day One

*Malibu Creek State Park. Credit: Trailspotting*

Leave LA by 11 AM and stop by Erewhon Market in Calabasas

Shoppers love their fresh-pressed juices, prepared meals, and organic produce
Located at 26767 Agoura Road in Calabasas
Open Monday to Saturday from 7 AM to 9 PM · Sundays at 8 AM
Last pit stop · Shell - 4831 Las Virgenes Road in Calabasas

Arrive and check in to Creek Campground

Set up camp, wander around the campground and relax

Take a hike around Century Lake on the Forest and Cage Creek Trails

This easy 3 mile loop takes you around Century Lake where you can view filming spots for the Planet of the Apes along the lakeside.

Return to camp for din-din

Prep and enjoy dinner back at camp
Stargaze and swap some of your favorite campfire stories

Malibu Creek SP was established in 1974 and the majority of the park's lands were donated by entertainer Bob Hope.

Day Two

Make breakfast and get ready for the day

Fill up on water (at least 2L per person), pack snacks, sunscreen, sunglasses, sun hat, bug spray, and your lunch!
Hike 4.2 miles with 1,251 feet of elevation gain from camp to Mesa Peak
From camp, take Tapia Spur Trail to Mesa Peak Trail. It's a tough, steep hike, but enjoy some spectacular views of LA's coastline

Enjoy a morning hike to Rock Pool via Crags Road Loop

This easy 2.1 mile loop takes you along Malibu Creek out to Rock Pool. You can expect shaded parts and some nice vistas along the trail.

Have lunch back at camp

Take an easy afternoon stroll on the Anne Skager Trail

This 0.8 mile out and back trail is easy and accessible
You’ll get to wander past desert landscapes and near Stokes Creek for an enjoyable and easy afternoon hike.