Thornhill Broome Beach Campground, near Point Mugu State Park, is a primitive campground right on the beach, providing visitors one of the most genuine beach camping experiences in Southern California. In fact, this is the only area where tent campers can set up right down to the water line, which means you can set up your tent anywhere on the beach. (See Reference 4)
Point Mugu State Park
The 15,000-acre Point Mugu State Park is 15 miles south of Oxnard, and north of Malibu on Pacific Coast Highway. Five miles of Point Mugu State Park is along the beach, and it also extends inland, offering campers more than 70 miles of trails in the Santa Monica Mountains. Campers have a choice of three campgrounds at Point Mugu State Park: Sycamore Canyon, La Jolla Canyon Group Camp and, the most popular, Thornhill Broome Beach Campground. (See Reference 3)
Thornhill Broome Beach
At Thornhill Broome Beach Campground, you'll find sites where campers and RVers (no hook-ups) have picnic tables and fire rings. The only shower is cold and outdoors, but there are chemical toilets. (See Reference 1) Be sure to pack everything you will need, since the nearest convenience store is 12 miles from park. (See Reference 2) If swimming is your forte, pick a site between one and 10, since they are the closest to the lifeguard tower. If you plan to hike La Jolla Canyon, the higher numbered campsites are your better choice.
Nearby Sites
Sycamore Canyon Campground, shaded by sycamore trees, is a 58-site developed campground complete with hot showers, flush toilets, fire rings and picnic tables but no RV hook-ups. Since it is located on the inland side of busy Pacific Coast Highway, you can get to the beach by walking under the highway.
La Jolla Canyon Group Camp is also on the inland side of Pacific Coast Highway, across from Thornhill Broome Beach. This tent-only campground has picnic tables, grills, fire rings and restrooms. (See Reference 1)
Activities
The attraction of Thornhill Beach is being able to park right on the beach. Hikers will enjoy the many miles of trails in La Jolla Canyon, including the 6.5-mile Sycamore Canyon Trail. The area features sandy shores and rocky bluffs, offering visitors swimming, fishing and body surfing opportunities. (See Reference 1) There are also trails at Point Mugu State Park for hiking, horseback riding and bicycling, and the park has Wi-Fi service. (See Reference 5)
Considerations
During the winter months, the wind blows strong along this section of the Southern California coast. The surf along this rocky beach is usually very rough and exposed to open ocean swells, so if you are not an experienced swimmer it is advisable to pass on this activity on all but the calmest days. Campground occupancy is limited to a total of 30 days in Point Mugu State Park campgrounds. (See Reference 4)
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