Sycamore Canyon Campground

Nestled at the foot of the Santa Ana mountains, Sycamore Canyon Campground offers 58 tent sites that are a brief walk from Sycamore Cove Beach and with close access to hiking trails in the Boney Mountains State Wilderness Area. Most sites have abundant shade thanks to the overarching foliage, and each is equipped with a barbecue and a picnic table. On the western edge of the campground, Sycamore Canyon Road leads into the heart of the Santa Monica mountains, showcasing the sparse sage scrub, chaparral, and sycamore savannah.

With restrooms and showers, Sycamore Canyon is luxurious for a campground, but these are relatively common in Southern California. More noteworthy is the close access to wilderness and the calm shores of the Pacific Ocean just across the Pacific Coast Highway. Sycamore Cove Beach includes a day use area with picnic tables and restrooms, and it is patrolled by lifeguards.

On paper, Sycamore Canyon Campground is an excellent place to call home when escaping the city for a weekend at the beach. It can get crowded, however, especially on holiday weekends when the campground may be fully reserved, so make plans early and be prepared for campground noise that might continue into the campground’s quiet hours.