Leo Carrillo State Park offers traditional camping experiences just 16 miles from Camarillo, California. The park sits within a coastal canyon with a Mediterranean climate, receiving an average of 15 inches of rainfall annually. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, while winters average 45-65°F with occasional rainfall between November and March.
What to do
Beach exploration: 10-minute walk from campsites at Leo Carrillo State Park leads to incredible tide pools and sea caves. "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access... you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones," explains camper Alfred.
Creek adventures: Hike to water features at Ventura Ranch KOA for a refreshing break. "Make sure you hike down to the creek!" recommends Khaled A. The natural waterway provides cool relief during hot summer days. Numerous trails connect campers to the Santa Paula Creek that borders the property.
Wildlife viewing: Watch for unique animals throughout the campgrounds. At Leo Carrillo, campers report wildlife sightings: "Spotted a few rats at night, so definitely store your food properly." For more exotic fauna, check out Ventura Ranch KOA where "many peacocks roam the premises and they can be very intrusive!" according to visitor Khaled A.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms across most campgrounds near Camarillo. At Malibu Creek State Park, "The campground hosts went above and beyond to keep the bathrooms clean and even provided nice soap," reports Kelly E. This attention to cleanliness makes for more comfortable extended stays.
Spacious sites: Room to spread out at many locations. At Malibu Creek State Park, "The campsites are pretty standard, but they are spacious and have some privacy from neighboring sites," notes Chanel C. This extra space allows for more comfortable tent placement and room for camp activities.
Natural shade: Tree coverage provides relief from direct sun. "Our site was spacious enough for our two tents and had a good fire pit and picnic table setup," writes Alfred about Leo Carrillo State Park, adding that "the campground is tucked away in a beautiful canyon setting with lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Summer heat impacts comfort at certain locations. At Malibu Creek State Park, "I came here during the summer and it was extremely HOT. There isn't much shade on the actual campgrounds, but a few sites do have partial shade," warns Chanel C. Consider spring and fall visits for more moderate temperatures.
Wildlife management: Animals require precautions at most sites. Ventura Ranch KOA hosts numerous peacocks that "poop everywhere, even on top of our trailer," according to Belinda C. Similarly, at Leo Carrillo, one camper noted they "spotted a few rats at night, so definitely store your food properly."
Reservation timing: Book early for peak seasons at popular locations like Lake Casitas Recreation Area. A visitor recommends, "It seems to get busy fast so best to book in advance." Weekends and summer months fill quickly, often months ahead.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Kid-friendly swimming options vary by location. At Ventura Ranch KOA, families appreciate "a big beautiful pool" for kids. A visitor noted, "From zipline obstacle courses to tie dye classes, this KOA easily occupies kids and has teepee and cabin rentals available for glampers."
Playground access: Recreation areas for children at Camp Comfort Park provide additional entertainment. "The adjacent park is full of beautiful trees and lush," writes Susanne S., adding that the park has "a playground with an old school merry-go-round within sight of where our spot was."
Yurt camping: Family-friendly alternatives to tents offer comfort without sacrificing the camping experience. While traditional yurt camping near Camarillo, California isn't widely available, Ventura Ranch KOA provides similar experiences with their teepees. Christina S. describes, "We stayed the 1st in a large teepee. It had beds for a total of six people."
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Site configurations vary across campgrounds. At Kenney Grove Park, Crystal notes, "The full hook up sites are for Model A's... So hook ups are on the opposite side and really close to the entrance so we couldn't back in, we had to park our towing vehicle in the general parking area." Bringing extra-long utility hoses helps accommodate these challenging configurations.
Level sites: Parking surface quality affects comfort. At Camp Comfort Park, Laura M. appreciates that "the sites are paved and flat but the surrounding area in the site is dirt so some had a tent up too." This solid foundation makes for easier setup and more stable living conditions for RV campers.
Dump station availability: Sewage services aren't universal. Crystal from Kenney Grove Park warns, "No dump station in the park," which requires planning ahead for longer stays. Similarly, Martha H. confirms, "There is no dump station on site," requiring RVers to find alternatives in nearby towns.
