Leo Carrillo State Park wilderness guide
State Park · CA

Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park offers a unique combination of beach and coastal activities along the scenic California coast, known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

State Park2,5133+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area2,513
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About Leo Carrillo State Park

Leo Carrillo State Park offers a unique combination of beach and coastal activities along the scenic California coast, known for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Leo Carrillo State Park is located in the Santa Monica Mountains within Los Angeles County, California. Spanning both beachfront and inland areas, this state park provides a diverse landscape where visitors can enjoy sandy shores, tide pools, and rocky coastal features. Its coastal climate supports unique ecosystems including kelp forests and coastal sage scrub. Named after actor and conservationist Leo Carrillo, the park has a historical significance, serving both recreational and educational purposes. Visitors can engage in a variety of activities such as surfing, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. Leo Carrillo is notable for its extensive tide pools teeming with marine life, as well as lush backcountry trails offering a glimpse into the California wilderness. The park's popularity is bolstered by its picturesque setting, accessible campgrounds, and proximity to Los Angeles.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Leo Carrillo State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Tide pools along Sequit Point revealing colorful marine life.✦ Unique sandstone formations providing excellent photography opportunities.✦ The famous tunnel where films and TV shows have been shot.✦ Staircases leading to hidden coves perfect for exploration.
Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Leo Carrillo State Park

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Leo Carrillo State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Leo Carrillo State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Leo Carrillo State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Leo Carrillo State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in Leo Carrillo State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Leo Carrillo State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Leo Carrillo State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Day-use fees apply; No permit required for general access.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Leo Carrillo State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Leo Carrillo Campground

Located within walking distance to the beach, offers facilities and hookups for a comfortable camping experience.

Reserve on Recreation.gov
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Leo Carrillo State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Sea Ranch, California
⌖ 8.02 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Sea Ranch, California

Sea Ranch is a peaceful coastal town along Northern California’s rugged Pacific shore, perfect for hiking bluff trails, coastal biking, paddling quiet waters, and spotting whales. It’s ideal for travelers wanting a quiet, nature-focused outdoor adventure.

Late Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Newbury Park, California
⌖ 9.80 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Newbury Park, California

Newbury Park offers outdoor lovers scenic trails, mountain biking routes, and abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in the Santa Monica Mountains. Ideal from fall to spring, it’s a convenient base for exploring Southern California’s natural charm.

Fall through Spring
Explore Town
Westlake Village, California
⌖ 9.95 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Westlake Village, California

Westlake Village, CA offers gentle hikes, scenic bike routes, and serene paddling on Westlake Lake. With access to the nearby Santa Monica Mountains, it’s a great year-round destination for outdoor lovers seeking calm nature and suburban comfort.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Thousand Oaks, California
⌖ 10.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Thousand Oaks, California

Thousand Oaks, California offers outdoor lovers easy access to scenic hiking, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing across extensive open spaces. Mild weather makes it a great destination for spring through fall adventures.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Agoura Hills, California
⌖ 12.07 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Agoura Hills, California

Agoura Hills offers accessible trails through the Santa Monica Mountains with hiking, biking, horseback riding, and bird watching. Close to Los Angeles, it’s ideal for day trips or weekend escapes amid oak-studded hills and scenic ridgelines.

Fall through Spring
Explore Town
Camarillo, California
⌖ 13.15 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Camarillo, California

Camarillo offers outdoor lovers gentle hills, coastal breezes, and miles of trails perfect for hiking, biking, and paddling. Its mild weather and accessible parks make it an ideal year-round spot to enjoy Southern California's natural charm.

Fall and Spring
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Leo Carrillo State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

3 Lesson Surf with Stingray Package
ADVEXPEDITION
Malibu, California
SurfADV Bookable

3 Lesson Surf with Stingray Package

Sharpen your surfing skills with Malibu Surf Coach’s 3-Pack Sessions, featuring expert video feedback and personalized lessons along Malibu’s legendary coastline. Learn how this unique coaching series promises measurable progress and confidence on the waves.

Surf$100 of your 3rd lessonCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Sunset Ocean-View Trail Ride from Connemara Ranch
ADVEXPEDITION
Malibu, California
HorseADV Bookable

Sunset Ocean-View Trail Ride from Connemara Ranch

A 1.5-hour luxury oceanfront horseback ride in Malibu — this guide explains what to expect, who it suits, and the practical details for booking.

HorsePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Malibu Private Surf Lesson [1–8+ Students]
ADVEXPEDITION
Malibu, California
SurfADV Bookable

Malibu Private Surf Lesson [1–8+ Students]

Discover the thrill of catching waves with personalized surf lessons at Malibu's Broad Beach. Perfect for all skill levels, this experience blends expert coaching with iconic surf culture—an unforgettable coastal adventure awaits.

SurfYour Private Surf Experience – Solo or Group [Starting at $140]Certified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Surf with Stingray Experience 2-hours
ADVEXPEDITION
Malibu, California
Guided TourADV Bookable

Surf with Stingray Experience 2-hours

Join a private Malibu surf session with expert coaching and personalized video analysis. Perfect for paddlers ready to take their skills to the next level, all in a legendary California setting.

Guided TourAll agesCertified Outfitter
From$250
Book Trip
Sea, Skin and Space: A Private Six‑Hour Naked Panga Along the Coast
ADVEXPEDITION
Los Angeles, California
Guided TourADV Bookable

Sea, Skin and Space: A Private Six‑Hour Naked Panga Along the Coast

A private, customizable 6‑hour naturist boat tour for adults that pairs a Panga Plus speedboat, nude snorkeling and a secluded clothing‑optional beach—this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Private Lesson
ADVEXPEDITION
Agoura Hills, California
HorseADV Bookable

Private Lesson

Discover personalized horseback riding lessons at Malibu Creek Riding Academy, set amidst Malibu’s stunning scenery. Perfect for all skill levels, experience tailored instruction in a safe environment that connects you with the region’s rich natural beauty.

HorseOne-on-One with the InstructorCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Enamels, Powder Wafers, and Freeze and Fuse Workshop (2 Day Class) - Intermediate Class Day 2
ADVEXPEDITION
Westlake Village, California
WorkshopADV Bookable

Enamels, Powder Wafers, and Freeze and Fuse Workshop (2 Day Class) - Intermediate Class Day 2

Turn powdered glass and enamel into three finished pieces during a focused two-day workshop in Westlake Village. This intermediate fused-glass class teaches enamel techniques, powder wafers, and freeze-and-fuse methods—ideal for makers who already have an introduction to fused glass.

WorkshopAges 7+ • 2 Day Class - Intermediate - Making 4 projectsCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip