Canyon Campground

Open — Open year-round for reservations through ReserveCalifornia. Campground gates open 8am to 10pm daily with no entry after 10pm.

About

Canyon Campground is the primary camping area within Leo Carrillo State Park, nestled in a sycamore-shaded canyon just across Pacific Coast Highway from the beach. The campground features 135 developed campsites that accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs up to 31 feet in length. Select sites offer electrical hookups with 20, 30, and 50-amp service available. The natural canyon setting provides ample shade and a sense of seclusion despite being close to coastal amenities. A pedestrian underpass beneath PCH connects the campground directly to the park's 1.5 miles of scenic coastline, offering convenient access to swimming, surfing, tidepooling, and exploring coastal caves and reefs. The campground is well-equipped with modern amenities including flush toilets, coin-operated showers (accepting one-dollar bills only), drinking water, an RV dump station, and a camp store offering supplies and equipment. Dogs are welcome in the campground on leash. Junior Ranger and campfire programs are offered during summer months. The park provides excellent hiking opportunities including backcountry trails leading to Nicholas Flat Natural Preserve. Campground gates operate from 8am to 10pm daily with no entry permitted after 10pm. Reservations are available year-round through ReserveCalifornia, with same-day bookings possible based on availability.

Directions

Located 28 miles northwest of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). From the 101 freeway, exit at Kanan Road and go south. Turn right onto Mulholland Highway, keep left to continue on Encinal Canyon Road, turn left to stay on Encinal Canyon Road, then turn right onto CA-1 N. The park entrance is 2.3 miles ahead on the right.

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