Thornhill Broome Beach Campground is a nearly two mile long scenic oceanside campground in Southern California’s Point Mugu State Park. The campground is located north of Malibu, just off of the Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1), and is sandwiched between the road and the surf. Thornhill Broome Beach is popular with RV campers, but since it has large sandy campsites tent camping is also available. While all of the campsites are located on the sand, most of the campsites are elevated and separated from the rest of the beach, and the incoming tide, by a few feet (several feet at some campsites) of rocks to keep the water out of the campsites.
Thornhill Broome Beach offers ocean swimming, but there are significant rip tides and currents which create spectacularly powerful waves that crash on the beach. Wildlife is abundant at the campground as well. There are seagulls and squirrels that visit the campsites, as well as dolphins, seals, and whales (in late winter and early spring) that can easily be seen from the beach and campsites. The Channel Islands are visible to the north of Thornhill Broome Beach.
There are 66 primitive campsites at Thornehill Broome Beach Campground. Each campsite includes a picnic table, fire barrel, access to port-a-potties, running water, and an open air cold-water beach shower. Firewood is available for sale from the campground host near the entrance. Leashed dogs are allowed in the campground and on the beach.
Thornhill Broome Beach Campground – Bottom Line
Thornhill Broome Beach Campground is easily one of our new favorite beach campgrounds. The campground is very scenic and relaxing, but also provides access to a number of activities, including the ones you would expect at the beach, as well as hiking trails located just across the highway at the day use area, which is accessible via a tunnel under the road. Day use is not directly allowed at the beach, so traffic along the campground’s main strip is low.
The campsites are all fairly large, with enough room for 3-5 tents, depending on size, and room to park at least 3 vehicles. Nearly all of the campsites lack any significant natural barriers to provide separation between the campsites, the campsites are very large so you are not right on top of your neighbors like many oceanside campgrounds. But be prepared to see and sometimes hear your neighbors, also do not expect any shade, there is none at Thornhill Broome Beach.
The best campsites are located at the north end of the campground, this is where they tend to put the tent campers, away from most of the RV campers. The best campsite is campsite is number 66, which is one of the few campsites with vegetation to separate it from the rest of the campsites. It is also located somewhat on a small bluff, which is largely covered in bushes, but has a clearing in the middle that provides a great view of the ocean, mountains, and islands. If you pitch your tent in front of the clearing it makes it a very private place to sit and watch the ocean. The next best campsites are 63-65. These campsites are large and quiet.
The bottom line on Thornhill Broome Beach Campground at Point Mugu State Park is go. It is a great beach camping destination, but be sure to make a reservation, especially during the summer camping season.
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Thornhill Broom Beach Campground Features
| Campground Type: | Organized, Primitive |
| Number of Campsites: | 66 Campsites |
| Cost: | $35/night, $8 online reservation fee |
| Use Level: | High |
| Dogs Allowed: | Yes |
| Fire Rings: | Yes |
| Drinking Water: | Yes |
| Toilets: | Yes – Port-a-Potties |
| Showers: | Yes – Open-air beach shower |
| Trash/Dumpsters: | Yes |
| Hiking Access: | Yes – Across the PCH at La Jolla Canyon day use area |
| Beach/Lake Access: | Yes |
| RV/Trailer Length: | 31 Feet |
| RV/Trailer Amenities: | None |
| Cell Phone Service: | Yes |
| Wifi: | None |
| Operating Season: | Campground Open Year-round |
| Other: | Firewood available for sale at Campground Host |
Getting There
| Address: | |
| Geo Coordinates: | 34.082077, -119.033421 |
| Nearest City/Town: | Malibu, California |
| Elevation: | 5 Feet |
| Location: | Ventura County, California |
| Paved Road Access: | Yes |
| Proximity to Stores: | 14 Miles to Malibu |
| Directions: |
From Malibu, drive 15 miles north on the Pacific Coast Highway (California Highway 1) Thornhill Broome Beach Campground will be on your left. |
Connect
| Phone: | (310) 457-8143 | Facebook: | ||
| Web: | California State Parks | Twitter: |
| Reservations: | Reserve America |
When To Go
Summer – The peak time for Thornehill Broome Beach Campground is summer, but the beach is amazing, so get a reservation.
What To Do
Hiking – There are several trails that are great for day hiking accessible from the La Jolla Day Use Area, which is accessible via tunnel under PCH. Be sure to check out Mugu Peak and bring plenty of water with you if you hike during the summer.
Nature Watching – Whales can be visible during their migration season in the winter. Otherwise dolphins and seals are often present and easily seen just past the breaking waves.
Relax on the beach – The campground is right on the beach and is great for just relaxing and watching the waves.
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Thornhill Broome Beach Campground Pictures
