Canyon Campground
Shaded by giant sycamores and located at the foot of the Santa Monica Mountains, Canyon Campground can get pretty crowded, but for all the right reasons!
Available campgrounds nearby
Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near Leo Carrillo State Park
More to explore nearby
Other campgrounds in Leo Carrillo State Park
Your guide to camping in Canyon Campground
Overview
Biking
Leo Carrillo offers its fair share of biking trails where you can get down n dirty and shred the surrounding hills. A list of trails that are available for biking can be found here with ranging elevations that quell any biker’s desires. Bringing a bike is also a clutch move for cycling your way around the campground and to the beach. We aren’t advocating this over walking FYI, as the sites are just a short ride from the beach.
Fishing
Fishing is another option available, and assuming you’ve snagged your CA Fishing License (and are above 16), then the plentiful amounts of calico bass, surf perch, sheephead, halibut, and white sea bass are waiting!
Hiking
While on your visit, take a quick escape from the campground on one of the surrounding hikes that encompass the sites. Ranging from gentle to some more energetic walks, there are plenty of scenic routes for everyone. You can check out anything from the Yellow Hill Fire Trail (with some sweet panoramic views of the beach and potential sightings of the far Channel Islands distantly floating out at sea) to the steeper Nicholas Flat Trail (which meanders through some sweet seasonal plants and flowers). You can check out a great list of hikes in the area here.
Wind sports
Following the trend of all dem water activities, Leo Carrillo State Park offers great kiteboarding and windsurfing options for the run of the mill marine enthusiast. You can find some actual in-depth kiteboarding info on the area here. For lessons and all things adventure in the scope of water activities, check out Captain Kirks. These are definitely some dangerous but rewarding activities, so make sure to stay safe no matter which you choose.
Surfing
With a great break and long rides possible, Leo Carrillo is a local front runner. Beware of some territorial locals as well as some rocky surf, but if you can get past that then you are in for a fantastic day on the water. Both Sequit Point and nearby Staircase and County Line beaches are great choices, but be sure to check out the surf report before heading out.
Swimming
It may be rocky, but that can never dampen a swimmer’s spirit! Well yah, while it is rocky, visitors love to take the beaches and take some dips in the ocean, and we can’t blame them. We recommend only swimming in areas with lifeguards, but definitely don’t hesitate to hop into the water.
Wildlife watching
Head out to Leo Carrillo during prime whale watching season (April & May) as the gray whales return north. If watching these majestic cows n’ calves venture close to the beach isn’t enough to tickle your marine mammal fancy, maybe the dolphins, harbor seals, and sea lions will satisfy that itch. But wait, there’s more!! Yes, Leo Carrillo is also known for its tide pools. During those pesky low tide times (pesky because we never seem to be there when the tide is low…), you could come across some sweet communities of sea stars, anemones, mussels, crabs, and your normal run-of-the-mill tide pool creatures. But wait, there’s even MORE!! How can we talk beaches without mentioning our favorite pelicans, gulls, grebes and cormorants that consistently glide overhead. Check out the rocky outcroppings for some resting pelicans and cormorants and just hang out on the beach enjoying the squawking overhead.
- Canyon Campground
