Leo Carrillo State Park Campground California
35000 West Pacific Coast HighwayMalibu, California 90265
310 457-8143
Lat / Long:
Leo Carrillo State Park campground has 135 campsites for tents, trailers and RVs (up to 31 feet) just a smidge inland from from the beach. There are 46 campsites with electrical hookups including: 3, 5-12, 16, 20, 23, 25, 27, 104-115, 117-121, 123-133, 135-137 and 139.
All campsites are reservable with the exception of the hike & bike campsites. The hike & bike sites are first-come first-serve and located close to site #1. The group campsite (up to 50 people) is located at the back of the campground.
Campground amenities include a camp store, drinking water, flush toilets, outside showers, trash collection and a dump station. Overflow parking for campers is available in the day-use parking lot. Firewood is also available for sale at the camp store. The maximum capacity is 8 people per campsite. Check in is 2pm and check out is 12pm. Cell service is good.
Leo Carrillo State Park – Area Recreation
The park has 1.5 miles of beach just perfect for a little beach combing, sunbathing, swimming, surfing, snorkeling, windsurfing, surf fishing and wildlife viewing. Be sure to check out the tide pools and coastal caves for pirate treasure if you get the chance! The park also features back-country hiking, nature walks and campfire programs. Highway 1 is also a popular cycling route, offering spectacular views. If you are in the market for a bike, check out the best hybrid bikes under $200.
Thornhill Broome Beach campground and Sycamore Canyon campground are two other options. Both are also located in Point Mugu State Park about 6 miles north on Highway 1.
Make a Reservation for Leo Carrillo State Park
Leo Carrillo State Park Availability Alerts
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Create Campsite Availability AlertBest Campsites
7, 8, 14, 15, 22, 24, 26, 30, 50, 54, 60, 61, 63, 64, 66, 69, 71, 73, 75, 80, 82, 83, 84, 90, 109, 127
Regions
Campsite Types
- ADA
- Group
- Hike/Bike
- RV
- Tent
- Trailer
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
50
# of Campsites:
135
# of RV Campsites:
46
Amenities
- BBQ Grills
- Camp Store
- Campfire Center
- Campground Host
- Campsite Tables
- Cell Service - Good
- Concession Stand
- Drinking Water
- Dump Station
- Electrical Hookup
- Fire Pit
- Fire Rings
- Firewood Available
- Grills
- Group Camping
- Ice
- Overflow Parking
- Pets OK
- Picnic Tables
- Recycling Center
- Restrooms (Flush Toilets)
- Showers
- Trash Collection
- Visitor Center
Activities
- Beach
- Beach Access
- Beach Combing
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Boating (non motorized)
- Fishing
- Kayaking
- Nature Trails
- Ocean
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Skin Diving
- Snorkeling
- Stargazing
- Surf Fish
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Tide Pools
- Visitor Center
- Walking Trails
- Whale Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
- Wind Surfing
Leo Carrillo State Park Photos
Leo Carrillo State Park Comments & Reviews
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83 Replies to “Leo Carrillo State Park”
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CAMPSITES IS GREAT OUTDOOR IS PERFECT
I heard that the max is 8 person per site to sleep over at
Leo Carrillo camp site.
What about a group of 14?
I mean all the sites are reserved by now and
we expect more people from other country.
Is there any way we could pay more for extra persons so that they could sleep over legitimately?
Please advice
Hi Sonki, CampsitePhotos.com can’t officially answer your question about adding more people to a site (above 8) at Leo Carrillo, but we’re pretty sure they will not allow that. You can try calling the park/campground directly to ask: 310 457-8143
A group up to 50 can camp at the BACK of the campground, call for your reservation.
Me and my family what to go camping together on July 13-15 2018 you guys still have space it 35 person and children.
Hi Karla,
Visit the Leo Carrillo State Park campground page. Then click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to check availability and make reservations. Generally Leo Carrillo State Park campgrounds are booked through the summer and well in advance.
Hi! I would like to camp in Leo Carillo in a place near the beach. It is possible? Can you suggest me a place where to make a reservation for the 23-25 of August? How much it is? Thank you very much!!!!
CampsitePhotos is not associated with the campgrounds listed on our site. We provide the photos of each campsite, campground info and link to reservations.
Leo Carrillo State Park campground is about 1/2 mile inland from the beach. The closest campsites to the beach are 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106 and 107. Go to our Leo Carrillo State Park campground page and click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to check availability, pricing and make a reservation. Leo Carrillo State Park campground is very popular though and usually sells out 6 months in advance of your date of arrival.
Leo Carrillo is a fabulous place to go beach camping. We love just being able to walk across the campground over to the beach. Our grown kids as well as the grand kids have a blast. Swimming during the day tide pools and then camp fires. Keep checking the web sight we just got lucky and were able to get in this past weekend with our family and we were all happy campers.
My family and neighbors enjoyed many many days at Leo Carillo. Our husbands worked and travelled . What to do with the kids with school out, husbands busy, and no money? Leo Carillo or San Clemente. Sunday mornings husbands would drive caravan and we would set up campsites. Kids swam, surfed, hiked . (No alcohol or drug) Dads returned friday afternoon and Sunday morning we all packed up and left. These kids are all 60 more or less and worried about their second home during these fires. Janetmeaston
I went by Leo Carrillo campground om12/15/18. It was very sad to see the damage from the fire. They are working on clearing up the campground and rebuilding. Hopefully they will reopen soon.
Yes it is sad Laurel.
We plan on reshooting the campground and getting campsites photos of each site once it opens again.
One of the best places to camp. Does anyone know when it’s set to reopen for camping?
Hi Victoria,
No information yet on when Leo Carrillo State Park campground will reopen. Hopefully later this summer. We will post an announcement as soon as we hear.
I was able to make a reservation or Leo carillo this weekend. is the park open or is that a mistake?
HI Brett,
We removed the ‘closed’ notice for Leo Carrillo State Park campground, however the California State Park page still has this notice on their site:
May 20th 2019: The majority of the Leo Carrillo SP campground and day use areas will be opening for the Memorial Day Weekend starting May 24th and reclosing for additional repairs on May 28th. Campsites can be reserved by going to: reservecalifornia.com. In addition, other than the Nicholas Flats ADA trail, the Leo Carrillo SP backcountry trails will also open on May 24th and remain open.
We did call the California State Park office and the said to call ReserveCalifornia to confirm that it’s open. If you did get a reservation, it’s probably open.
Brett,
Do you have any current photos of the campground or can you describe the site? We had reservations for November 2018, but were cancelled due to the fire. We are hoping to book again for this November, but we want to know, in advance, what the campsite looks like now.
Thank you.
Hi Kaylean,
Great timing with your question. We just took new campsite photos for Leo Carrillo State Park campground and they are available to view on the campground page. We will also post an update on our blog in the next few days. Basically the fire did not burn in the campground, but did burn the vegetation on the hills around the campground.
Hello,
Leo Carrillo is now open. Yeah! I was wondering if the pictures you have posted are from the new sites or are they still the old pictures before the tragic fire?
Thank you for all the pictures you post for campgrounds. I use them almost 100% of the time. I appreciate the time and effort made to do this!
Hikergirlee
Thanks for the kinds words Linda, and glad CampsitePhotos.com has helped with your camping travel!
Our photos of Leo Carrillo State Park are before the Woolsey fire, but the campsite #s and photos are correct. We will be reshooting the campground later this year so that campers will have a better idea of the vegetation, etc. around the campsite.
How current are the photos on ReserveCalifornia now? Are they from after the Woolsey fire?
Hi Jonathan,
Our Leo Carrillo State Park campsite photos were taken after the Woolsey fire and soon after the campground reopened. I’m not sure about ReserveCalifornia, but those are probably pre-Woolsey fire.
Planning to camp at Leo Carrillo next week. Which is more current, your photos or the website’s?
Hi CamperMama,
Our Leo Carrillo State Park campsite photos were shot in June, 2019. I’d reckon to guess CampsitePhotos.com has the most current photos of Leo Carrillo State Park campground!
Can you tent camp on RV site?
Hi Jayne,
Yes, you can tent camp on an RV site at Leo Carrillo State Park.
What is the number of the group site?
Hi Jessica,
Unfortunately we do not have photos of the Leo Carrillo State Park group camping area. I’ll schedule a photographer to get the shots in the next month or so and we will post.
I am trying to reserve camp site 14 and I do not see that site on your map. Is site 14 still there?
Hi Kristina,
Campsite #14 is definitely at Leo Carrillo State Park. It is probably not showing up on ReserveCalifornia’s reservation system/map because some sites are held as first-come first-serve and won’t be listed with ReserveCalifornia.
Good Morning,
Which sites have electrical hookups? Also do you have a PDF copy of the site
map?
Hi Madison,
I recommend clicking on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button. This will direct you to ReserveCalifornia and that site should indicate which sites have electric hookups.
Hello,
I’m trying to make reservation and amenities says (BBQ No).
Does that mean we can’t do bbq ?
Hi John,
You can BBQ on the fire grate or pedestal BBQs (if a campsite has one), or on your own BBQ.
Making sure the campsites are still open. We have a reservation coming up but there was someone who posted on a site that they weren’t.
Hi Angela,
Leo Carrillo State Park campground is open. Have a great trip!
I have reservations in a couple of weeks, site 114. Can we fit 3 tents on the site? Wondering if it’s spacious enough.
Hi Kathy,
Yes – you have room to fit 3 small to medium sized tents at Leo Carrillo State park campsite #114. The site has a maximum of 2 vehicles and 8 people.
Good afternoon, I have reservations for the labor day weekend comkng up will Leo Carillo be open with social distancing guidelines also will restrooms be available? Thanks in advance 🙂
Hi Connie,
As of today, Leo Carrillo State Park campground will be open for camping over Labor Day and the restrooms will also be open. Some social distancing guidelines are in place. Group camping, hike/bike-in campsites and the nature center is closed. Day-use parking, beaches, camp store, and trails are open.
Hello we booked campsite #3 at Leo Carrillo. Its says it was Gas Water and Electricity?? It’s the only campsite that says this, all the others just say electricity. Do you know if this is true? Also, it says its okay for up to a 31 foot RV, which is fine, but in your pictures it looks like some very long hanging branches over the parking area. Do you know what the overhead clearance is? Is this site suitable for a travel trailer?
Great questions Nick!
I’m not aware of campsite #3 also having gas & water. That may be a mistake on the ReserveCalifornia site. It does have electric hookups though. The photo was also recently taken last winter, so it is current. Hopefully they cut that low hanging branch away because the clearance looks to be not more than 10 feet in a few spots. You can try calling the campground directly at 310-457-8143 to see if they trimmed that tree.
I heard the showers are closed, should we bring a portable shower to clean off from the beach?
Hi Daniel,
Yes, showers are closed at Leo Carrillo State Park (due to Covid restrictions). Bringing a portable shower would be a good idea!
Hello there – quick question: When I booked, it said 3 vehicles permitted per campsite (with extra charges beyond the first vehicle)… is that indeed the case? Spot 75 looks pretty tight to fit 3 vehicles.
HI T-Hale,
You are correct. You are allowed 3 vehicles in campsite 75, but your camping fee only covers 1 vehicle. There will be an extra per vehicle charge per night. Campsite #75 can fit 3 smaller vehicles (small SUVs, sedans) but it may be tight (as you say), if one of the vehicles is a truck.
What are the best sites for RVs? I have a 29′ class A, and I want to be sure I can open my awning. It would be nice to be near some shade, but not trees that hang too low. Perhaps not too long of a walk to the beach, for us older folks. I realize this is a family campground, but if there is a quieter area I would love to know about that too. Yes I’m asking a lot! LOL Thank you.
Hi Ricky,
I think your best best is to go for campsites 89-99, 103-105, 107 or 109. All are toward the west and closest to the trail that leads to the beach. All can fit your 29′ RV and have room extend your awning. You can click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button and check availability, pricing, site parking pad size and make a reservation at ReserveCalifornia.com. Best of luck and have fun!
Does anyone know if the max occupancy of 8 people applies to children? All our children are 8 and under and our 1 year old will put us at 9 total…
Hi Susan,
The maximum capacity per campsite at Leo Carrillo State Park campground is 8 people (adults and children). However the camp host makes the final call and may be a little more of a rule-follower in the Covid times. However, if your 1-year old puts you at a total of 9, I’m pretty sure it won’t be a problem.
Do any of the sites have ocean view, or can one hear the sound of the surf at any particular site? Is the sound of Hwy 1 prominent? Thanks!
Hi Theresa,
None of the campsites at Leo Carrillo State Park have an ocean view and you can’t hear the ocean/surf from any of the campsites. Traffic noise from Highway 1 is minimal, but campsites 101-118 may hear more than the other campsites.
Just came back from a weekend at Leo Carrillo. Everything seems mostly back to normal from the 2018 fire, BUT be aware there is no longer the group site. It was badly damaged in the fire and has not been rebuilt.
Will site 105 fit a 11 foot trailer? Clearance on website says 20 feet but there is a big branch going across campsite.
Hi Jane,
Yes, your 11 foot trailer will fit in Leo Carrillo State Park campsite #105. That large branch is high enough and towards the back. Your trailer will fit fine if parked to the right side of the parking pad. Have a great time!
Also regarding site 105 will slide be able to open if parked all the way to right? Can’t tell how large the Boulder is on this site.
Hi. Do any of the campsites at Leo Carrillo have views? views of the ocean? And if so, which sites?
Hi Elle,
None of the campsites at Leo Carrillo State Park have an ocean/water view. The closest campsites (1, 2, 102 and 104) are about 1/2 mile from the beach and can be reached via the Beach Access trail (back under the freeway).
Hi there,
We have #132 hook up site booked this weekend. It doesn’t even look like there is a paved driveway for our car and trailer? Is is just a dirt site on the side of the main road? Thanks!
Hi Z,
Campsite #132 has a parallel parking area for the campsite. There is room to park your vehicle and trailer in the paved parking area. No need to use the dirt for parking (not allowed anyway).
is it possible to car camp in the day lot if there are no camp sites as available?
Hi Holly,
Unfortunately you’re not allowed to camp over night in the Leo Carrillo State Park day-use parking lot.
Never been there, have a 27ft trailer, would like a nice shady spot do you a nice spot in mind and & what number site,
Hi Wayne,
Leo Carrillo State Park has a number of nice shady campsites that will accommodate your 27 foot trailer. I recommend browsing the campsite photos to find ones with nice shade, then you can double check the size of the parking pads on ReserveCalifornia.com.
I’m camping here this weekend and have been desperately trying to find out what to do if my group plans to exceed the 3 car per campsite limit. Is there any general parking that we could pay for overnight? Please let me know!
Hi Dani,
Yes – overflow parking is available for campers in the day-use parking lot of Leo Carrillo State Park.
Found campsite 78 and 80 for September 2020. When booking it says there is no fire ring. Ive been here before and there were rings. Did they remove them?
Hi Deanne,
The photos for Leo Carrillo State Park were taken right after the campground was repaved and spruced up after the fires. There were fire pits in campsites 78 and 80 (mid 2020) and I have not heard if they have removed them since.
Hi, have showers re-opened for use? Also, it appears that bathrooms are scarcely spread out. Can we cross over without intruding on another camper or must we stay on the path?
Hi Arlo,
It is best if you take the path to the restroom rather than cutting through someone’s campsite. The restrooms are easy to access. And I’m not sure if the showers are back open. You can try calling the park to check: 310 457-8143
Hi, is Leo Carillo Campground fully reopened now? The website seems to indicate “partially reopened”. We have site #126 reserved for mid march so hoping it’s available. Thanks
I will be camping in site 12…can I fit 3 tents there?
Hi Connie,
Looks like you can fit 3 tents (depending on size of tents) on that site – toward the back. You can have up to 3 vehicles and 8 people at the site. Parking spur is 17 feet wide by 31 feet deep.
thank you…We look forward to going
does each campsite have water for clean up on site?? I will be getting site 122
Hi Malia,
Leo Carrillo State Park campsites do not have water (at each site), but there are water spigots scattered throughout the campground. The restrooms also have running water.
Can I have a tent and and trailer at one of the rv sites?
Yes you can!
Can we fit 3 tents on the site 1? and Also wondering if the 3rd car can be parked overnight at the parking lot..
Hi Jennie,
You can have 3 tents on campsite #1 depending on the size of the tents. I’d say three 2-4 person tents would fit. You can have up to 8 people at the site. And you can park a third vehicle in the day use parking lot. Make sure it has a campsite sticker on it though.
Hi,
Is there first come first serve campsites at Leo Carrillo? If so, when would be the best time to show up?
Hi Denisse,
All campsites are reservable with the exception of the hike & bike campsites. The hike & bike sites are first-come first-serve and located close to site #1.
I camped in #89, it used to be the best site there, but is now unusable. I have crossed Leo OFF my list. There is little maintenance and I never saw a Ranger. The site across from me had 5 vehicles all day and all night. Sites 80 ~ 89 are unusable. Now if you want to show up with 20 of your friends and blast your music and make your neighbors life miserable, this is the place to camp! I did see one employee that all he did was carry a shovel and walk around all day. If you RV many of the sites are overgrown and impossible to park in.