Leo Carrillo State Park

Phone Number

(310) 457-8144

Park Hours

  • day-use parking lots open at 8am and close at 10pm.
  • campground gates open at 8am and close at 10pm. No entry after 10pm.

Dogs Allowed?

Yes
Dogs allowed in day-use areas, campground and North Beach (north of Lifeguard Tower 3). Dogs not allowed on backcountry trails or South Beach (south of Lifeguard Tower 3).

Driving Directions to Leo Carrillo SP

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

Visitors will be able to make same-day reservations for campsites and lodging. Bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date- based on availability and the Park's maximum stay rules.

Upcoming Park Events

No events scheduled at this moment.

BOATING
Boating
OVERNIGHT FACILITIES
En route Campsites
Family Campsites
Hike or Bike Campsites
Primitive Camping
RV Dump Station
RV Access
TRAIL USE
Hiking Trails
DAY-USE ACTIVITIES & FACILITIES
Picnic Areas
Env. Learning/Visitor Center
Exhibits and Programs
Fishing
Interpretive Exhibits
Scuba Diving/Snorkeling
Beach Area
Swimming
Vista Point
Nature & Wildlife Viewing
Windsurfing/Surfing
Family Programs
Geocaching
OTHER FACILITIES & VISITOR INFORMATION
Camp Store
Parking
Restrooms / Showers
Restrooms
Outdoor Showers
Drinking Water Available
Wheelchair Accessible

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

Junior Rangers and campfire programs are offered during the summer. School field trips are offered durring the school year.   

The park was named after Leo Carrillo (1880-1961), actor, preservationist and conservationist. Leo Carrillo 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.

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

Driving Directions:

  • Take the 101 freeway and exit at Kanan Road.
  • Go south onto Kanan Road.
  • Turn right onto Mulholland Highway.
  • Keep left to continue on Encinal Canyon Road.
  • Turn left to stay on Encinal Canyon Road.
  • Turn right onto CA-1 N, Pacific Coast Highway.
  • 2.3 miles down, the park entrance will be on your right.

Parking Fees:

  • All day – $12.00 per car, per day
  • 3 hrs – $9.00 per car
  • 2 hrs – $6.00 per car
  • 1 hr – $3.00 per car
  • Large Bus- $125 per bus
  • Small Bus- $50 per bus

Popular hikes and trails:

  • Leo Carrillo Beach Trail (moderate)
  • Yellow Hill Trail (easy)
  • Nicholas Flat Trail (hard)

Additional Visitor Services
  • Camping Adventures (Campsite equipment and set up)
  • Anthony and Annette Minicucci (Leo Carillo camp store)

Campground Information

Firewood Policy:  Burning firewood, Duraflame, and charcoal briquettes is allowed in the fire rings only when fire level permits.  Check the sign near the entrance kiosk for the day's fire level.

Showers:  The park has only token-operated showers. The token machines accept ONLY one dollar bills. Change for larger bills is not available at this time.

Electrical Hookup AMP details:  20 AMP, 30 AMP, 50 AMP (all 3 are present where hookups are)

For camp host opportunity inquiries, email angelescamphost@parks.ca.gov.