Thornhill Broome Campground, Malibu California

Ready To Camp Right On The Beach In Southern California?

A Drive Through Campground Review

While we were visiting family in Oxnard, I took the van out to drive down the coast one day. As I was driving I saw a line of vans and RV’s right along the beach. I turned around and discovered it was a campground. I drove up to the ranger check in booth. The campsite was full, but he said I could take a look around.

There is only one road to get into and out of the campground. It is basically one sand covered asphalt road that parallels Highway 1 on one side and the ocean on the other. As you enter the campground the beach is on your right. On the right side of the road are the 31 foot long and 12 foot wide numbered parking spots for the campsites.

It has a very primitive look and feel if that matters to you. One other potential drawback is that the sites are very close to each other. There is some road noise, but from what I could hear, the ocean waves pretty much drown out the car noise.

I think it would be worth a stop next time we are in the area. If you like the ocean, check out some of our other ocean side campground reviews. Albion River, Caspar Beach, Washburn, West Pinewood, Grestle Cove and Pacifica Stae Beach.

Location Location Location

If you are looking to camp right on the beach, this campground has you covered. You park your van on the asphalt parallel to the beach. You step out of your van right onto the sand. The water is not more than 50 feet from your vehicle.

Campsite Reviews

The campsites are in one long line along the beach. Since I was just driving through I didn’t walk the campground to review the sites. From what I can tell though, the lower numbered campsites will have less campground traffic. Also keep in mind that there is no shade at all so be sure to bring a canopy of some sort.

Open Season

Open year round, but due to sea level rise and tidal surges, the campground is subject to frequent flooding. Check with the park for current conditions.

Amenities

69 campsites 17 of which are tent only first come first served.
Gates open at 8am and close at 10pm. No entry after 10pm.
2 vehicles and 8 people per site. A trailer counts as one vehicle.
You can use the dump station at Sycamore Canyon.
Pet friendly.
A few water spigots.
Check in 2pm. Check out 12pm
Truck and trailer combined up to 31 feet.
Van/RV up to 31 feet.
Maximum trailer height is 13′ 6″.
Porta Potty bathrooms.
Fire pit and picnic tables at each site.
This campground can be subject to flooding with storm surges and high tides.
No day use at this site.

Fees

$35 regular camping.
$33 senior camping.
$17.50 camping with disabled pass.
$12 additional vehicles.
$195 annual pass.
$9 firewood.
$2 trail map.

Campgrounds And Parks In The Area

Reservations

Reserve California
1-800-444-7275
Reservations can be made 48 hours to 6 months in advance.

Cell Signal

Verizon – 2-3 bars

Thoughts

While the campsites are fairly close to each other, I would definitely stop here for a couple of days. If you like the ocean and falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing, I would definitely put this destination on your list.

This is a beautiful part of California’s coastline situated right in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Brings your bikes, fishing gear, hiking boots, paddle boards, kayaks and surfboards. This is the perfect area for so many outdoor activities.