Leo Carrillo State Park, a California State Park located near Agoura Hills, Calabasas and Camarillo

LEO CARRILLO STATE PARK

LEO CARRILLO STATE PARK
35000 W. Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, California 90265

The park has 1.5 miles of beach for swimming, surfing, windsurfing, surf fishing and beachcombing. The beach also has tide pools, coastal caves and reefs for exploring. Giant sycamores shade the main campgrounds. The park also features back-country hiking.

Nature walks and campfire programs are offered and a small visitor center has interpretive displays. During the summer, children's programs are available.

History of the Area

The park was named after Leo Carrillo (1880-1961), actor, preservationist and conservationist, served on the California Beach and Parks commission for eighteen years, and was instrumental in the state's acquisition of the Hearst property at San Simeon. He was related by blood and marriage to a long line of distinguished original Californians. Leo's greatest fame came from his portrayal of Pancho, the sidekick to Duncan Renaldo's Cisco Kid, an early 1950's TV series.

Camping

- Standard Campsites: These offer picnic tables, fire pits and restrooms with coin-operated showers.
- Group Campsites: Ideal for large gatherings or events.
- RV Camping Sites: Equipped with electric hookups but no sewer service.
- Hike & Bike Site: A special area designated for cyclists and hikers only.

Swimming

Leo Carrillo State Park offers ocean swimming at its beach, with lifeguards on duty during peak summer months. The park's rocky coastline is also popular for exploring tide pools rather than traditional swimming activities. Visitors should be aware of strong currents and riptides; caution is advised when entering the water. Swimming in the backcountry or streams within Leo Carrillo State Park is not recommended due to environmental concerns and safety issues.

Fishing

Visitors can enjoy surf fishing along the scenic coastline, targeting species like perch, bass, cabezon and occasional rockfish. Fishing from tide pools is prohibited to protect marine life; however, anglers may cast lines off rocky outcrops during low tides for a chance at calico bass or mackerel. Always check current regulations before heading out as rules and accessible areas might change seasonally.

Location

Leo Carrillo State Park is located near Agoura Hills, Calabasas and Camarillo

Nearby Parks

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Malibu Creek State Park

Picnicking

Leo Carrillo State Park offers shaded picnic areas with tables and grills near the beach for family-friendly outings.

Trails

- Yellow Hill Fire Trail: A 7.5-mile round trip trail, moderately difficult with steep inclines and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

- Nicholas Flat Trail: This is a challenging 6.8 miles long hike that offers beautiful wildflower displays in springtime and breathtaking ocean vistas year-round.

- Leo Carrillo Beach Access Pathway: An easy half mile walk from campground to beach; suitable for all skill levels including families with children or elderly hikers.

- Arroyo Sequit Loop to Deer Leg Trail: Approximately four miles long, this moderate loop features diverse vegetation types such as chaparral, oak woodland and riparian habitats along its route.

- Willow Creek Backcountry Trails - These trails are not well-marked but offer solitude away from more popular routes; length varies depending on chosen path.

-Campground Nature Walks - Short walks around campgrounds designed specifically for educational purposes about local flora/fauna; lengths typically less than one mile each.

-Nicholas Pond via Malibu Springs Road- Roughly six-mile out-and-back trek featuring pond views at end point; considered strenuous due to elevation changes throughout journey

-Mulholland Highway Scenic Drive - Not technically hiking but worth mentioning because it provides access points into park's backcountry areas while offering scenic overlooks across Santa Monica Mountains range

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews

July 24 showers beach area. by Joe Daquino

Not working having moms with kids washing them in the sink after the use of restroom hands and feet. Not good Health Dept Matter.Your showers have not worked for around 4 years.

September 10 tree fallen across Malibu Springs Trail by Ernie

Today, 10 Sept. 2013, about a mile up from Mulholland Dr., my fellow hikers and I encountered a tree that had fallen across the Malibu Springs Trail. Passage around this is quite difficult. I suggest that a crew be sent there with a chain saw to clear the trail. Ernie Scheuer, Sierra Club Hike Leader

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Area Campgrounds

Malibu Beach RV Park
25801 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA

Nearby Hotels

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Directions

The park is located 28 miles northwest of Santa Monica on the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1.)

Nearby Parks

Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

Malibu Creek State Park

California State Parks

California State Parks