Malibu Creek State Park Camping: What to Expect (With Kids)

Malibu Creek State Park camping is a great option if you’re looking for a nature-filled getaway near Los Angeles, especially with kids. Here’s our experience and a few things to know before you go.

🏕️ Malibu Creek State Park Camping Experience

My kids enjoy sleeping in the tent a lot, and for that reason we do backyard camping every now and then. It had been a while since we did a real outdoor camping trip, so we decided it was time. We weren’t specifically planning Malibu Creek State Park camping, but sometimes the best trips happen when plans don’t go exactly as expected.

📅 Planning Our Camping Trip

With camping, the thing is that good campsites book in advance — way in advance. We were hoping to camp at Carpinteria State Beach, a family favorite of ours, but unfortunately it was fully booked.

My kids love water, so we tried looking at other beach campsites in the Ventura and Los Angeles area, but everything was taken.

We wanted to go camping so badly that we started looking anywhere we could find a spot. Luckily, one spot opened up at Malibu Creek State Park, and we quickly booked it. One of our friends also decided to join us for the overnight trip.

We usually do our camp booking on ReserveAmerica, which is very easy to use and updated regularly. If you’re planning Malibu Creek State Park camping, it’s a good idea to check availability early or keep checking for last-minute openings like we did.

Campsites in California, especially near the beach, tend to get booked months in advance, so a little flexibility with location and dates really helps.

👉We didn’t have a specific season in mind, but spring and fall are usually great times to camp in this area when the weather is more comfortable.

🎒 What We Packed for Our Overnight Camping Trip

Since it was just an overnight trip, we kept packing simple. We brought:

• Tent

• Sleeping bags

• Extra clothes (especially for the evening when it gets cooler)

• Snacks

• Marinated food for BBQ

• Water and drinks

• Insect repellent

• Toiletries

• Flashlights (very helpful at night)

• Games

🔥 Our Camping Experience at Malibu Creek State Park

After setting up our tents, we took the kids to Malibu State Beach, and they had a blast. By the time we returned, they were completely drained and very hungry.

We did a simple BBQ, and later the kids enjoyed making s’mores over the fire, which is always their favorite part.

The kids went to sleep early, and the adults stayed up a little longer enjoying hot chai, snacks, and some much-needed catching up.

👉“If you enjoy trips like this, you might also like our California to Texas road trip”

 

⚠️ Things to Know Before Camping at Malibu Creek State Park

If you are planning to camp there, although it’s in Malibu, it has a wilderness feel. It doesn’t feel like a typical beach campsite, which actually makes it quite peaceful and different.

The bathrooms were clean but a bit of a walk depending on where your campsite is. Also, the ground is dug up in several places by gophers, so you need to watch your step at night, especially if you’re walking with kids.

Since it has more of a natural setting, it’s quieter and less crowded compared to some of the beach campsites in the area, which we really liked.

One thing to keep in mind is that there isn’t a lot of shade in some areas, so it can get warm during the day depending on the season. Also, cell service can be spotty, which can actually be nice if you’re looking to disconnect for a bit.

If you’re planning to do a campfire or BBQ, it’s always a good idea to check current fire rules or restrictions before your trip.

Campsites here tend to get booked quickly, so it’s best to plan ahead or keep checking for last-minute openings like we did.

 

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

•  Is Malibu Creek State Park good for camping with kids?

Yes, Malibu Creek State Park is a great option for camping with kids, especially for a short overnight trip. It has open space for them to explore and a quieter, nature-filled setting compared to busier beach campsites.

• How do you book camping at Malibu Creek State Park?

Campsites can be booked through ReserveAmerica, which is the official booking platform for California state parks. It’s best to check early or keep looking for last-minute openings like we did.

•  Is there cell service at Malibu Creek State Park?

Cell service can be spotty in parts of the campground. It can actually be nice if you’re looking to disconnect, but it’s something to keep in mind if you need to stay connected.

•  Do campsites at Malibu Creek State Park have shade?

Some campsites have limited shade, so it can get warm during the day depending on the season. Bringing extra cover or choosing a shaded spot (if available) can help.

• Can you have a campfire at Malibu Creek State Park?

Campfires and BBQs are usually allowed in designated areas, but rules can change depending on weather conditions. It’s always a good idea to check current fire restrictions before your trip.

• How far in advance should you book Malibu Creek State Park camping?

Campsites here tend to get booked quickly, especially on weekends. Booking a few months in advance is ideal, but you can sometimes find last-minute availability if you keep checking.

⭐Is Malibu Creek State Park Worth It?

It is an ideal campsite for hikers, bikers, and even star watchers. If you’re looking for a nature-filled experience that’s still close to the city, Malibu Creek State Park is definitely worth considering — especially for a short family camping trip.

If you’re planning Malibu Creek State Park camping with kids, this is a simple and enjoyable option for a short getaway close to nature.