Leo Carrillo State Beach
35000 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265, United States
Overview
Leo Carrillo State Beach is located just off the Pacific Coast Highway, less than 50 miles west of Los Angeles. Primitive individual, group, and family camping is allowed at the park.
Canyon Campground features 135 sites, some of which are equipped with a choice of 20-, 30-, and 50-amp hookups. There is no potable water, and the only sewer option is a dump station. Campers, motorhomes, and trailers must be under 31 feet in length with a maximum height of 13.5 feet. Drinking water, restrooms, and paid showers are available.
Dogs are allowed on the beach in some areas. Although the park is open all year, the spring and summer months are the most popular.
Best Campsites at Leo Carrillo State Beach
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Leo Carrillo State Beach Campground.
Closest to the Beach: Sites #1, #101–110
- Close to the dump station, showers, and restrooms
- Short walk to tidepools on the South Beach
- Quick access to all area trails
- Downside: noise from the main entrance
Extra Privacy: Site #40
- More distance from sites on the same side of the road
- Closer to phone station and nature trail
- Short walk to the campfire center
- Downside: farthest from beach access
Electric Hookups: Sites #104–133
- 20-, 30-, and 50-amp hookups
- Close to the beach and trails
- Quick access to camp store, restrooms, and showers
- Downsides: noise from the main entrance and limited privacy by the camp store
Unique Experiences
- Take a leisurely walk along 1.5 miles of beautiful beach to visit coastal caves and enjoy the sun.
- Invite a friend for some beachcombing, or explore the nearby reefs and tidepools to watch the local wildlife.
- Take your dog out for a romp on the sand and a dip in the water to cool off after a few rounds of fetch.
- Reconnect with nature, read a book, or have a family picnic in the shade of the giant sycamores surrounding the campgrounds.
- Lace up your hiking boots and hit the backcountry trails for a hike in the serene natural environment.
Leo Carrillo State Beach Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
31 FeetMax Length of Stay
30 daysMax people per site
8Max vehicles per site
1 vehicle, and 1 trailer or towed vehicleFires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
Yes, but not on trailsLeo Carrillo State Beach Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesTo make a reservation, check availability at www.reservecalifornia.com or call 1-800-444-7275. A nonrefundable reservation fee of $7.99 will be assessed. Sites without hookups are $45, and hookups are an additional $15. Individual sites are allowed up to 8 guests, 1 vehicle, and 1 trailer or towed vehicle. Additional vehicles cost $12 per day.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
The group site at Canyon Campground is a tent-only area that can accommodate up to 50 guests with a minimum reservation size of 9 people. Reservations cost $225 per night, and there is an additional $7.99 reservation fee. Each stay includes parking in the group lot for up to 12 vehicles. Reservations can be made at www.reservecalifornia.com or by phone at 1-800-444-7275.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Changes and cancellations can be made by phone at 1-800-444-7275 or by visiting www.reservecalifornia.com. Cancellations made any later than 6 p.m. the day before arrival will be charged $7.99 and the cost of the first night. The $7.99 reservation fee is non-refundable.
Leo Carrillo State Beach Campground Cost
Sites without hookups
$45Sites with hookups
$60Activities
Surfing / Windsurfing
Swimming
Fishing
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Trash
Campfire Rings
Picnic Tables
Cell Service
Wifi
Alcohol
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Leo Carrillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo stands out from other area campgrounds because of its 50-amp power and dog-friendly policies that allow dogs on the beach in some locations. However, other campgrounds offer full hookups with 30-amp power, multiple group sites, or amenities like laundry. Leo Carrillo's Canyon Campground is a middle-of-the-pack option in terms of cost and features.
Doheny State Beach
Doheny State Beach doesn’t offer any hookups for RVs and trailers, so dry camping is the only option. RVs and any other vehicle over 25 feet must pay $30 for oversized day-use parking. Doheny’s group camping site can only accommodate up to 40 guests. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpentaria has full hookups with 30-amp power, so Leo Carrillo's main advantage is that it has 50-amp power as well. Carpentaria's group sites can run as low as $180 for a cheaper stay, but the smaller ones can only accommodate up to 25 people. Between 3 and 5 vehicles are allowed at each group site compared to 12 at Leo Carrillo. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan only allows dry camping, but the rest of the camp has similar amenities to Leo Carrillo, including restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and campfire areas. El Capitan can support much larger RVs ranging up to 42 feet in length. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
South Carlsbad State Beach
Unlike Leo Carrillo's campground, South Carlsbad offers water and sewer hookups. However, its electricity offerings are limited to 30-amp power. South Carlsbad also has laundry, Wi-Fi in the direct vicinity of the office, and propane. Non-hookup sites are $30–$50, and full hookups are $60–$100.
For group camping, South Carlsbad’s group site can accommodate RVs and trailers instead of tents only. Dogs are not allowed on the beach.
