Malibu Creek State Park

From 1972 to 1983, the rugged landscapes of Malibu Creek State Park served as the fictional Korea for the iconic TV series M*A*S*H. Today, this 8,215-acre wilderness in the heart of the Santa Monica Mountains offers Los Angeles visitors an escape into oak woodlands, volcanic rock gorges, and the famous Rock Pool—all just 25 miles from downtown LA. With over 35 miles of trails, a scenic campground, and Century Lake, Malibu Creek delivers movie-set magic alongside world-class hiking.

What makes Malibu Creek truly special is its remarkable diversity. Within a single hike, you’ll traverse sun-drenched chaparral, descend into cool oak forests, pass century-old redwood groves planted by homesteaders in 1910, and reach volcanic rock formations that once doubled for exotic locations in dozens of Hollywood productions. The park has seen more film crews than almost any other location in California—from Tarzan movies in the 1930s to Planet of the Apes and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.

Fast Facts About Malibu Creek State Park

Nestled in the Calabasas foothills where Las Virgenes Canyon opens into the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park represents one of California’s most valuable wilderness preserves. The park was established in 1974 after the state acquired the legendary 20th Century Fox Ranch, where countless films had been shot since the early days of Hollywood. Today, it serves as both a natural sanctuary and a living museum of entertainment history.

Parking & Day Use Fees

Malibu Creek uses an hourly parking system that gives you flexibility whether you’re stopping for a quick one-hour stroll or spending the entire day exploring. The all-day rate is reasonable for California, and the fee gives you access to all day-use areas including the main trailheads, picnic areas, and the visitor center. A bonus: your day-use fee allows re-entry to any California State Park the same day, so you can combine your visit with nearby Point Mugu or Leo Carrillo State Beach.

Pro tip: Pay via the PassportParking app to avoid the line at the kiosk and add time remotely if your hike runs longer than expected.

The M*A*S*H Filming Site

For fans of the beloved TV series, this is a pilgrimage site. The 5-mile round-trip hike along Crags Road takes you to the exact meadow where Hawkeye, Hot Lips, and Radar spent 11 seasons performing surgical miracles in a fictional Korean War field hospital. The outdoor set—originally built for the 1970 film—was used continuously until the series finale in 1983, which remains one of the most-watched broadcasts in American television history.

Today, the site is a peaceful clearing surrounded by oak trees, with interpretive panels explaining the show’s history and production details. Several rusted jeeps and ambulances remain from filming, gradually being reclaimed by nature. It’s a surprisingly moving experience to stand where television history was made, watching the golden California light that cinematographers fought to capture before the sun dipped below the Santa Monica Mountains.

Best Hiking Trails

With over 35 miles of trails winding through diverse ecosystems, Malibu Creek offers adventures for every fitness level. Beginners can enjoy the flat, shaded paths along the creek to the Rock Pool and Century Lake. Intermediate hikers will love the M*A*S*H site loop with its gentle hills and film history. For those seeking a serious workout, the Backbone Trail—part of the 67-mile trans-Santa Monica Mountains route—delivers punishing elevation gains with reward views from Malibu to the Channel Islands.

The trails here showcase the remarkable biodiversity of the Santa Monica Mountains ecosystem. You’ll encounter coast live oaks draped with Spanish moss, groves of California sycamores shading the creek bed, and surprisingly lush riparian zones that contrast sharply with the Mediterranean chaparral on the exposed hillsides. In spring, the grasslands explode with wildflowers—California poppies, lupines, and shooting stars carpet the meadows.

The Rock Pool

The Rock Pool has been an LA institution since long before the park was established. Generations of Southern California families have made the easy 1.5-mile hike to this natural swimming hole, where Malibu Creek has carved a basin into the volcanic rock at the outlet of a scenic gorge. The pool is shaded by towering sycamores and California bay laurels, creating a cool sanctuary even on the hottest summer days.

Swimming here feels like discovering a secret oasis—and on weekdays, you might have it nearly to yourself. Weekends and holidays are a different story; the Rock Pool becomes a popular gathering spot for picnickers and swimmers from across the LA basin. If you’re hoping for a peaceful swim, aim for early morning on a Tuesday or Wednesday. And please note: while the setting is spectacular, rangers strictly enforce the no-cliff-jumping rule after too many injuries from the tempting volcanic ledges.

Camping

Imagine falling asleep to the sound of Malibu Creek gurgling through the canyon, then waking to a sunrise over the Santa Monica Mountains—all while being just 30 minutes from Santa Monica, Beverly Hills, and Hollywood. That’s the magic of camping at Malibu Creek State Park. The 56-site campground is nestled in a valley surrounded by oaks, offering surprising seclusion despite its proximity to 10 million people.

Sites book up quickly, especially on weekends, so reservations are essential. The campground opens for booking exactly 6 months in advance, and dedicated campers set reminders to grab their preferred dates the moment they become available. If you miss the initial rush, don’t give up—California’s reservation system includes a monthly lottery for high-demand dates, and last-minute cancellations do happen.

Campground amenities: Picnic table, fire ring, food locker, grill, flush toilets, tap water, amphitheater. Token-operated showers ($1 bills required). Dump station near entrance. Dogs allowed in campground on leash, but not on trails.

Best Times to Visit

Malibu Creek transforms with the seasons, and each brings its own rewards. Spring is the undisputed champion for first-time visitors—the hills glow green, wildflowers blanket the meadows, and the creek runs full after winter rains. Summer means swimming at the Rock Pool but also intense heat on exposed trails, so start your hikes at dawn. Fall brings comfortable temperatures perfect for the longer routes like Backbone Trail. Winter is quiet and uncrowded, though creek crossings can become impassable and the seasonal bridge to the M*A*S*H site is typically removed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Written by

State Parks Team

Editorial Team

The America's State Parks Editorial Team has collectively explored 800+ state parks across all 50 states. Our park profiles are carefully researched using official state park data, verified visitor information, and first-hand observations from our writers and contributors. Each article is fact-checked against official sources and updated regularly to ensure accuracy. Our mission is to help every American discover the natural wonders in their own backyard.

About the Author All Articles