Camping in California: Malibu Creek State Park

Malibu Creek State Park & Campground

Malibu Creek State Park is over 8,000 acres of beautiful scenery that is truly spectacular.. There are 15 miles of streamside trail through oak and sycamore woodlands and chaparral-covered slopes. After a good rain, namesake Malibu Creek comes to life. The park is a famous filming spot seen in M*A*S*H, Planet of the Apes, and over 100 other Hollywood productions.

Malibu Creek slopes from west to east through the middle of the park. The creek was dammed in the early 1900s to form the seven-acre Century Lake. Numerous small seasonal creeks empty into Malibu Creek from the highlands.

What makes the park so great?  Dramatic, jagged peaks, stunning canyon vistas, oak woodlands, rolling hills of tallgrass, a large volcanic swimming hole, world class hiking and running trails, fishing, kayaking, biking and rock climbing and more!  

While visiting, you may get a glimpse of the abundant wildlife enjoying the habitat we strive to keep safe. Please join us in our efforts to preserve and protect this magnificent park.Here's what else you may find:

Reptiles & amphibians:  salamanders, newts, toads, frogs, turtles, lizards and snakes including the Southern Pacific Rattlesnake

Birds:  loons, boobies, cormorants, herons, egrets, vultures, geese, ducks, hawks, eagles, falcons, quails, terns, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, owls, ravens, larks, sparrows, cranes, thrush, bluebirds, wrens and swallows

Mammals:  bats, raccoons, skunks, badgers, coyotes, foxes, bobcats, mountain lions, squirrels, chipmunks, gophers, mice, voles, rabbits and deer. We saw a lot of deer there on our trip. 

Campground: There are 63 campsites (tent and trailer campsites). Check-out time is noon. Quiet hours are 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Camp fires are permitted only in the metal fire rings provided. Wood may be used during low fire danger conditions, and charcoal during medium fire conditions. No fires are permitted when fire risk is high.

 

Want to make a reservation?

Reserve America

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Camping In California: Doheny State Beach Campground

Doheny State Beach Campground 

Doheny is located in the city of Dana Point, California and is one of California's most popular state beaches and attracts almost one million visitors per year. Doheny has a day use surfing beach at its northern end and a five-acre lawn with picnic facilities and volleyball courts. 

The state beach is divided into three areas. The area north of the creek is reserved for day use, with a landscaped picnic area equipped with picnic tables, barbecues and re rings. Ample parking is available. Protected tide pools are located in the very north end of the beach. Visitors can observe a wide variety of coastal marine life. Please remember that the tide pools are protected, so do not touch or trample. The campground located south of the San Juan Creek has 118 developed family campsites and a developed group campsite. 

Doheny is a great family campground, perfect for the family camp trip in the summer. You can go surfing or learn how to surf (newtssurfschool.com), fishing, tide pools, volleyball, picnic tables, and much more.  

Reservation Tips

• Park selections

• Date you wish to start camping

• Type and size of camping equipment

• Number of people that wil 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

How to Make a Reservation

Whether you are a first time camper or an experienced enthusiast, you’ll find that California State Parks offers quality camping facilities in beautiful surroundings. Most state park campgrounds are open year-round, and some offer discounts for off-season camping.

Reservations for California State Parks facilities are handled through Reserve America. Please consult that website for fee information and availability. Before you make a reservation, have the following information available. The reservation system allows campers to plan ahead and secure their campsites, thus reducing long waiting lines and turn-aways at park entrances.

Online: The link to Reserve America and the phone numbers that follow include all campgrounds that provide the convenience and service of reserving a campsite. Online reservation and other helpful information on camping is also available at CA State Parks.

By Phone: Call For Reservations at 
TEL: 1-800-444-PARK (7275) 
International Callers: TEL: 916-638-5883 
TDD: 1-800-274-7275

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How to plan a camping/surf trip

How to Plan a Camping/Surf Trip

Throwing a sleeping bag, a tent and your surfboards into the back of a car and hitting the road without a care in the world is one of the greatest adventures. But putting a little time and energy into planning your camping/surf trip helps ensure a safe and exciting trip rather than a disaster. 5 easy and simple steps to help make your trip a one to remember. 
Step 1. Have a plan: Know where you want to go, how to get there and what will do there.
Planning this will help you out in the long run. Make a plan to what campsites (hotel, place you lay your head) you will be staying at, and call ahead to make a reservation and/or check availability. Make sure you have a map or GPS to help guide yourself to the desired location (always having a backup map of the area and know where the gas stations are at). Try to have an idea of what you want to do when you get to the desired location; whether thats exploring the local area, surfing, fishing, or just camping.Step 2. Make a list: Know what you need from your trip and some extras. 
It helps to visualize a day at camp, hour-by-hour. Have an idea what you want to do when you get to the campsite. Organize by: kitchen, equipment, clothing, food, car essentials. Always plan for inclement weather. If you need help with your check list, check out Newt’s Surf Co. (www.newtssurfco.com/travel-guide). Always have a medical kit and double check your list!!!Step 3. Plan out your meals: Make sure you have a plan for every meal. 
It is both a cost effective and smart to plan out ever meal for your trip; because you are human and have to eat. Just understand that the more you eat out somewhere the more money you will spend on the trip. If you're trying to keep the cost of the trip lower, bring food along with you on your trip (Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches are a best friend to the road tripper). It is always recommended to to try the local hotspot restaurant or the local cuisine. Step 4. Have your transportation (Car, RV, etc.) ready to go for your trip.
If your planning to travel a great distance to your campsite or desire location; I would always recommend having that vehicle double check before you leave. Take it down to the local automotive shop, tell them of your desired plans and they will let you know their professional opinion. There is nothing worse than breaking down and having to cancel your trip. Once, they give the go ahead, start loading your vehicle with all the equipment (equipment, food and water on your checklist).Step 5. Start your trip and bring a camera!
When you feel ready and prepared, go for it, head out for your trip. Always bring along a camera, to capture those special moments of the trip. Remember the trip is what you make it, if you make it a fun and exciting time then you have a great trip. Good luck and don't forget to share those pictures with your friends and family.

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