Canyon Campground
Open year-round. The campground is currently operating normally. Some hiking trails within the park (Nicholas Flat Trail, Nicholas Pond Trail) may have intermittent closures for the ADA Trail Restoration Project through spring 2026. Reservations available through ReserveCalifornia up to six months in advance.
Coastal Flood Warning issued October 9 at 2:18PM PDT until October 11 at 3:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...For vulnerable south-facing beaches, especially Long Beach and Malibu, damaging sea-water flooding is likely. For all other beaches and harbors, minor coastal flooding is expected. High surf of 4 to 7 feet is also expected with strong rip currents. * WHERE...Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, until 3 PM PDT Sunday. For the High Surf Advisory, from 6 AM to 10 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...For vulnerable south-facing beaches, sea-water flooding can damage beach roads and structures, especially around the time of high tide. For all other beaches and harbors, shallow and minor sea-water flooding can impact beaches and walkways. For all beach areas, significant erosion is expected. There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Sunday carries the widest range of coastal flooding outcomes due to chances of rain, wind, low pressure tidal enhancements, and swells from multiple directions. Coastal flooding impacts on Sunday could be similar to other days, or greatly enhanced. High tides of 7.3 to 7.6 feet will be common each morning. This warning may be extended past Sunday, or converted to a Coastal Flood Advisory through Tuesday.
High Surf Advisory issued October 9 at 2:18PM PDT until October 11 at 10:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...For vulnerable south-facing beaches, especially Long Beach and Malibu, damaging sea-water flooding is likely. For all other beaches and harbors, minor coastal flooding is expected. High surf of 4 to 7 feet is also expected with strong rip currents. * WHERE...Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches. * WHEN...For the Coastal Flood Warning, until 3 PM PDT Sunday. For the High Surf Advisory, from 6 AM to 10 PM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...For vulnerable south-facing beaches, sea-water flooding can damage beach roads and structures, especially around the time of high tide. For all other beaches and harbors, shallow and minor sea-water flooding can impact beaches and walkways. For all beach areas, significant erosion is expected. There is an increased risk for ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Large breaking waves can cause injury, wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats near shore. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Sunday carries the widest range of coastal flooding outcomes due to chances of rain, wind, low pressure tidal enhancements, and swells from multiple directions. Coastal flooding impacts on Sunday could be similar to other days, or greatly enhanced. High tides of 7.3 to 7.6 feet will be common each morning. This warning may be extended past Sunday, or converted to a Coastal Flood Advisory through Tuesday.
Temporary Closure of Main Entrance at Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa
Starting August 25, the main entrance to Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa will be closed for gate installation, but the area and hiking trails remain open with alternative parking at Wendy Trailhead. Entrance will reopen on August 28.
About
Canyon Campground occupies a scenic canyon setting within Leo Carrillo State Park, where the Santa Monica Mountains meet the Pacific Ocean. Located 28 miles northwest of Santa Monica on Highway 1, the campground provides easy beach access within a five-minute walk. The 135 campsites are spread across open coastal sage scrub terrain, with mature sycamore trees offering natural shade throughout the camping area. The campground features three combination restroom/shower buildings dispersed throughout, with token-operated hot showers accepting dollar bills only. Some sites offer electrical hookups with 20, 30, and 50 AMP service available. An RV dump station and potable drinking water are on site. A camp store near the campground entrance provides basic supplies. Every campsite includes a picnic table and fire ring for campfires when permitted. Seven campsites meet ADA accessibility standards (sites #2, #4, #33, #47, #57, #79, and #119), featuring accessible parking and routes to the restroom facilities. Pets are welcome in the campground. The park encompasses 1,600 acres with coastal bluffs, tide pools, sea caves, and several hiking trails connecting to the broader Santa Monica Mountains trail system.
Directions
From Santa Monica, drive 28 miles northwest on Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). The park entrance is on the right, 25 miles north of Malibu Pier.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | Yes |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | Yes |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $45 - $60 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 31ft |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | — |
| Pull Through Sites | Yes |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (310) 457-8143 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!