Malibu, California. We couldn’t have picked a better first stop than The Outpost at Malibu RV Park, and if you’re looking for stunning views, ocean breeze, and all the essentials without breaking the bank, this is your spot.
🏕️ Outpost RV in Malibu – What You Really Need to Know
Camping in Malibu sounds like a dream — and Outpost RV Park along the Pacific Coast Highway definitely delivers those ocean views. But before you book, here are the real-world tips and things we learned during our stay.
🛒 Grocery & Supplies
There are two grocery stores just 7 minutes down the PCH — a Ralphs and a Whole Foods. We stocked up at Ralphs with meals for two days and re-iced our coolers while we were there.
💻 How We Booked (and Saved!)
We used Hipcamp.com to book our reservation and were shocked at how much cheaper it was than calling directly. A young man at the RV park quoted us over double what we paid on Hipcamp — so definitely book online and save your money!
🌊 Every Spot Has a View
Every single RV site here comes with an ocean view, so don’t splurge on premium “view” spots. Save your cash — you’ll see the Pacific no matter where you park.
🧺 Laundry & Dishwashing
Laundry is available but pricey — $4 to wash and $2.50 to dry. That’s $6.50 total per load, so make it count.
Bonus: You can do dishes in the laundry room using the double sink.
🐾 Closest Dog-Friendly Beach
The nearest dog beach is Leo Carrillo Beach, about 20 minutes up the road.
Important if you’re in a tall van or RV: If your vehicle is over 8 feet, you can’t park in the beach lot. Our van is over 9 feet tall, so we parked along the street and got our steps in.
Parking in the beach lot (if you fit) is $12/day.
⛽ Don’t Get Gas in Malibu
Seriously — Malibu has the most expensive fuel we’ve seen. In July, diesel was over $6 per gallon. If you’re low, just put in enough to get you to Santa Barbara or the next town where prices are more reasonable.
💤 Quiet Hours & Vibe
Quiet time starts at 10 PM, and the park is very chill and respectful. It seems like a mix of travelers and long-term RV residents, so the vibe is mellow and laid-back.
💸 What It Costs
- $125/night
- No frills, but the location and views make up for it
🌊 Unmatched Ocean Views at Every Site
One of the best things about The Outpost is that every single site offers breathtaking ocean views. You don’t have to splurge on a “premium” location—they’re all premium. So save your money and dont book “The View.” Whether you’re waking up to the sound of waves or enjoying a golden-hour sunset from your van’s back doors, the views alone make this stop a 10/10. You’re literally perched right off a cliff with direct beach access—a rare find in pricey Malibu.
🐶 Dog-Friendly & Comfortable for Everyone
We travel with our pup, and finding dog-friendly locations is always at the top of our list. The Outpost checked every box:
- A clean and secure dog run with doggies bags and waste.
- Walking trails nearby
- Plenty of space for pets to chill out at your site
The vibe was super relaxed and welcoming. It wasn’t crowded or chaotic, just peaceful with other friendly vanlifers and travelers enjoying the same beautiful slice of coast.
🚿 Amenities That Make a Big Difference
When you’re on the road full-time, good facilities matter. The Outpost came through with:
- Clean showers and restrooms
- An on-site laundry room
- Full hookups (power, water, sewer) for both vans and RVs
- Grassy area for kids to play with volley ball, string lights
- bbq picnic area
Everything was well-maintained, and it made our stay that much more comfortable. After a few days on the road, that hot shower hit differently.
🍽️ Seafood & Supplies Just Steps Away
One of the biggest surprises was how convenient everything was. Just a 2-minute walk from the park, slightly off the beaten path, there’s a local seafood restaurant with ocean views and delicious meals. It felt like a hidden gem.
Even better—The Outpost’s front desk has a small market stocked with pretty much everything you’d need. From snacks to essentials to cute local goods, it was so helpful to not have to leave the area for anything.
💰 Is It Worth It? 100% Yes.
🏖️ Just Across the Street: A Beach Lover’s Dream
Tucked away behind a simple access point across the Pacific Coast Highway, this beach was quiet, clean, and completely underrated. There were no big crowds, no vendors, no chaos—just peace.
What made it even better? No seaweed piles, no trash—just smooth, soft sand under our feet and clear shoreline stretching as far as the eye could see.
💎 Beach Treasures Galore
This spot isn’t just for sunbathing—it’s a treasure hunter’s dream. We found:
- 🪨 Unique rocks and natural patterns tucked into tidepools
- 🟡 Polished beach stones and coral pieces
- 💎 Genuine seaglass! (yes, the real deal!)
- 🐚 Shells and little treasures the kids couldn’t get enough of
Our family spent hours just walking, collecting, and soaking in the salty air without distraction.
Even our pup had the time of his life sniffing around and running through the sand. The gentle waves made it feel safe enough for kids and dogs to play at the edge without worry.
This beach isn’t marked with big signs or tourist maps. It’s right across the street from the RV park, and a short walk brings you to one of Malibu’s most peaceful coastal escapes.
Malibu is known for luxury, but this park gives you a taste of it without the high-end price tag. For the views, location, amenities, and peaceful vibe, it’s a total steal. Whether you’re in a van, RV, or trailer, we can’t recommend The Outpost enough. It’s budget-friendly, unforgettable, and sets the tone for the ultimate Pacific Coast adventure.
For our 2 day stay total was $290.
$125 per day plus tax
📍 Quick Facts
- Location: Malibu, CA (right off the PCH)
- Views: Oceanfront from every site
- Dog-friendly: Yes! Dog run on site
- Beach access: Direct trail from RV park
- Hookups: Full (water/electric/sewer)
- Facilities: Showers, laundry, restrooms
- Nearby: Seafood restaurant (2-min walk), market on site
- Wi-Fi: Yes, and strong.
Follow along as we continue our #Vanlife4Less journey down the coast! Next stop coming soon. Until then, save this spot—you’ll want to stay longer than planned. 💚🚐🌴
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