Malibu Creek State Park

Introduction of Malibu Creek State Park

Only 25 miles from downtown Los Angeles, Malibu Creek State Park offers hiking, bird viewing, fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and horseback riding options.

The main waterway of the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek, is fourteen miles long and terminates in Malibu Lagoon. On hills covered in chaparral, there is a 15-mile streamside walk that passes through oak and sycamore trees. The visitor will be treated to amazing sights, including volcanic rock gorges, picturesque ponds, and beautiful views of the Las Virgenes Valley and Malibu Canyon, by following the route along Malibu Creek.

For generations, this region served as the hub of Chumash Native American culture. The Sepulveda Adobe, one of the park’s most notable attractions, was built in 1863 on property that had once been a part of an early Spanish land grant. Despite being repaired in 2003, the Woolsey fire in 2018 tragically destroyed this historic building. Another adobe was constructed by renowned LA attorney Johnny Mott beside Malibu Creek in the early 1900s. It is now referred to as the Mott Adobe ruins and all that is left of it is the striking stone fireplace. President Herbert Hoover was arguably the most notable regular visitor to the Mott Adobe.

The park was heavily utilised for filming several motion pictures and television programmes, including Planet of the Apes and M*A*S*H, before it was made available to the general public in 1976. 20th Century Fox, which bought the former Crags Country Club for on-location filmmaking and television production, sold the park the majority of its property holdings. Numerous projects have been shot here over the years, including the iconic M*A*S*H TV programme and the original Planet of the Apes movie.

Malibu Creek State Park Campsite

Malibu Creek State Park Group Campground

For parties of up to 50 persons, a special camping may be leased at Malibu Creek State Park. This site has a parking lot that can hold up to 16 cars and is a quarter mile from the camping area. There are a few bathroom structures with hot water showers and enough area for bigger parties to gather outside and enjoy the scenery.

Malibu Creek State Park Campground

Showers and bathrooms are included in this 63-site campsite. It’s a tad tough in the campground. It also includes a few wheelchair-accessible sites and is near to hiking trails and the main park areas. Perhaps more importantly, many people think it’s beautiful and refer to it as an unexpected paradise. Wheelchair accessibility is prevalent among the locations. Generators are permitted during specific hours and RVs up to 30 feet are welcome. If you need to clean your tanks, there is a disposal station on site. Dogs are allowed inside the park but must be kept inside your RV or tent at night. They are also not allowed on any of the trails.

First-come first-served

Malibu Creek State Park Campground

The primary campsite has a reservation-only policy. However, a lot of California’s state parks still provide first-come, first-served camping or permit walk-ups if space is available. Call in advance to confirm that there are still spaces available if you didn’t make a reservation. There are two central facilities with showers that are handicap accessible, and there are 63 campsites available.

Malibu Creek State Park Activities

Bicycling

Due to the abundance of steep terrain, notably on Bulldog Road and Mesa Peak Motorway, Malibu Creek is a wonderful location for professional mountain bikers (where there are fewer hikers). Crags Road, the primary hiking track through the park, is enjoyable for beginners. On two wheels, riders wanting an added challenge can traverse the dry creek bed that runs between Century Lake and the M*A*S*H set.

Hiking

Everyone can find something on the park’s paths, from beginners to those searching for genuine difficulties. The hard paths climb the valley cliffs while the simple trails meander through the valleys.

Historic Sites

Although this park has a lengthy history, it is most well-known for serving as the backdrop for several films and TV series, such as Planet of the Apes and M*A*S*H. Many historical artefacts may be seen by visitors, and they can also tour the M*A*S*H set.

Picnicking

All across the park, there are wonderful picnic areas for visitors.

Horseback Riding

The former Reagan Ranch’s long, gently undulating hills offer a traditional riding experience. You can spend as much time on the trails as Ron and Nancy did. The rest of the park has fantastic riding that ranges from simple to difficult. The former Reagan Ranch is going to be turned into an equestrian complex with camping areas and trailer parking.

RVing

There are four RV spots at the park.

Water Sports

Check with park officials for details about swimming and other water sports.

Transportation

Driving

Malibu Creek State Park is just around 30 miles from downtown Los Angeles, which is a surprising distance. RV travellers from Los Angeles may access Las Virgenes/Malibu Canyon Route, the road that goes into the park’s main entrance, via either the Ventura Freeway or the Pacific Coast Highway. The park is a short weekend vacation for individuals looking to get away from the city for a day or two because it is also accessible to other significant cities in California. The park is around 37 miles southwest of Santa Clarita via US-101 and about 70 miles northwest of Irvine via 1-405.
RV drivers won’t have any trouble navigating the park’s asphalt roads and parking alongside them to go hiking. There is a lot of parking because the Mulholland Highway flows through most of the park. Additionally, there is plenty of parking close to the campground and park entrance. All California state beaches and parks are accessible for a one day cost.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.