Surfers, wildlife watchers, and anyone drawn to sleeping within earshot of breaking waves have a rare setup at Emma Wood State Beach: RVs parked directly on the shoreline, close enough that high tide occasionally splashes the sides of rigs. Dolphins appear regularly just offshore, and pelicans cruise low overhead. The beach itself is mostly rocky rather than sandy, with sandy stretches concentrated near the entrance, so site selection matters. Spots 20 through 23 tend to offer more separation from neighbors, while sites 25 and above are closer together and, according to campers, nearly all running gas generators.
The campground runs long and narrow, one road in and one road out, with a turnaround at the far end. The layout is tight. Campers report that backing in requires patience, and tow vehicles often need to be parked 10 to 15 feet from the trailer. Wind picks up considerably at night. The Amtrak passenger train passes through several times a day, though most reviewers found the noise manageable rather than disruptive. Samuel N. noted the train "gave it some charm. Not too loud."
Amenities are minimal. No water, no hookups, no restrooms inside the campground, though portable toilets are located near the entrance. Trash bins are available. Cell service is reliable. As Laura M. puts it, "you're just paying for the absolutely amazing heavenly location." The campground is RV-only, with a maximum length of 40 feet, and accepts cash or check only via a self-pay iron ranger. Nearby alternatives include North Beach Lower (Sites 24-90) - Emma Wood State Beach and Ventura River Group Camp for different configurations.
Theft has been flagged by multiple reviewers, with people occasionally accessing campsites from the adjacent highway. Lock up valuables and keep gear inside overnight. Downtown Ventura is close enough to reach by bike, with a multi-use path running along the coast toward town. Weekdays in spring fill more slowly than summer weekends, so arriving mid-week gives the best chance of securing a preferred spot without the generator noise of a packed campground.
Description
North Beach is closed until further notice. Due to major damaged to the entrance road, the park will remain fully closed for repairs. All reservations through June 24th, 2024, will be cancelled and affected parties will be contacted accordingly. There is no anticipated date of reopening at this time. Emma Wood State Beach - Group Camp is open.
Moderate temperatures help make Emma Wood State Beach popular for swimming, surfing and fishing. Catches include perch, bass, cabezon and corbina. The Ventura River estuary is at the mouth of the Ventura River at the southeast end of the park. It attracts a variety of wildlife including raccoons, songbirds and great blue herons. Dolphins are occasionally seen just offshore. The park also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site. The offshore Channel Islands can be seen from the beach.
Emma Wood State Beach offers family camping for self-contained vehicles only and group camping is available at Ventura River Group Camp.
Emma Wood State Beach offers primitive camping for fully self-contained vehicles ONLY. Tents are not permitted. No water, restrooms, electricity, fire rings, or phones or dump station are available. There are 90 campsites, which are not level and may contain a mixture of asphalt, dirt, cobble and ocean debris. Maximum vehicle length is 40 feet, due to small turnaround areas.
High tides may close the campground at any time. Railroad tracks and Highway 101 are adjacent to the campground which can be noisy. Leashed dogs are permitted in the campground only, and are prohibited on the beach.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsEmma Wood State Beach is located in California near Ventura
Directions
Emma Wood State Beach is located west of Ventura. The family campsites are two miles west on Highway 101 (State Beaches off ramp). Ventura River Group Camp is at the west end of Main Street in Ventura.
Address
900 West Main St
Ventura, CA 93001
Coordinates
34.29528542 N
119.34118775 W
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/29/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/29/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 12 usersLast on 7/29/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 8 usersLast on 7/29/26
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 7/29/26
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
Site Types
- RV Sites
Features
For Campers
- ADA Access
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 13 min from Oxnard, CA
- 57 min from Los Angeles, CA
- 1 hr 21 min from Santa Maria, CA
- 1 hr 43 min from Bakersfield, CA







































