Best Campgrounds near Camarillo, CA
Camarillo, California provides access to diverse camping areas along the Southern California coast, from beach campgrounds to mountain retreats. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can find established sites at Point Mugu State Park, Leo Carrillo State Park, and Lake Casitas Recreation Area. These developed campgrounds accommodate various camping styles including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and some locations offering cabin or glamping options. Most campgrounds in the region maintain proximity to beaches, hiking trails, or recreational lakes while remaining accessible from Highway 101.
The coastal campground options typically stay open year-round due to Southern California's mild climate, though advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer months and holiday weekends. Many State Park campgrounds require bookings up to six months ahead. "Small little campground adjacent to Sycamore Canyon. This is great for trail runners and mountain bikers. The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs," noted one visitor about Point Mugu State Park. Cell service varies significantly between camping areas, with better coverage at coastal sites than canyon locations. Most developed campgrounds provide basic amenities including picnic tables, fire rings, and restrooms, though shower facilities often require tokens or quarters.
Beach proximity represents a major draw for many camping areas near Camarillo, with several campgrounds offering direct beach access or ocean views. Leo Carrillo State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its combination of canyon camping and beach access. Visitors frequently mention the convenience of RV facilities at Point Mugu Recreation Facility and Lake Casitas for travelers seeking full hookups. A camper observed that Emma Wood State Beach provides a unique experience where "you are parked right on the beach, which we love so much. At high tide the ocean comes right up to your doorstep." Noise from nearby transportation corridors affects some campgrounds, with train tracks running behind Carpinteria State Beach and flight paths over sites closer to Los Angeles. Most camping areas provide convenient access to nearby towns for supplies, with Ventura, Ojai, and Malibu all within reasonable driving distance.