Family Camping & Surfing at Leo Carrillo
There’s no better place for a first family camping trip than the wild, wave-kissed coastline of Leo Carrillo. Just off Pacific Coast Highway. It’s a slice of old California…sea caves, tidepools, and waves for every level. This trip reminded us that the best adventures don’t require flights or complex logistics, just a tent, some sunscreen, and a little curiosity.
BASE CAMP - LEO CARRILLO STATE PARK
🔍 Get Out & Go
Surfing (right-handers for intermediates, beginner-friendly breaks nearby)
Swimming
Hiking
Beach combing
Tidepool exploring
Sea cave adventures
Fishing
Wildlife Watch
whales, dolphins, rabbits, bobcat, coyotes and snakes
🗒️ Trip Planning
Location: 35000 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Reservations: Up to 6 months in advance via California Parks
Sites: 130 campsites, 2 cars / 8 people max per site
Open: Year-round
🏕 Basecamp
Flush toilets
Hot coin-operated showers
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Camp store (stocked with toys, snacks, beer, firewood)
✍️ Trip Report
A quick and easy family camping trip to sleep under the stars and explore over a mile of prime Malibu beaches. Leo Carrillo is highly recommended for families taking the kids out on their first overnight camping trip. This is a family friendly campground where you can explore the tidepools, play pirates inside sea caves and scramble up the rocky slopes to declare yourself king of the mountain. This is a place where you can put your wetsuit on at your campsite and follow an easy path under PCH out to the surf. The long, funky, right handers that peel in are perfect for the intermediate to advanced surfer while the beach just north of the point is more suitable for beginners. After a day at the beach you can use the coin operated showers to rinse off and get ready to watch the sunset from the shoreline. The tall sycamores provide shade and climbing opportunities for the kids. A convenient and well stocked camp store offers firewood, toys, snacks, beer and camping supplies.
BEACH COMBING
VAN LIFE
TIDE POOL EXPLORING
🌱 Seed Planting
This trip gave our kids their first taste of freedom outdoors. Next stop might be a short backpacking trip in San Jacinto, or maybe climbing in Malibu Creek. It planted a sense of confidence and comfort in nature that’s hard to get at home.
⛰️ Trailblazer Essentials
Compact Camp Table (Outdoor Dad Favorite)
📍 Local Favorites
Leo Carillo State Park | Malibu, California