Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Camarillo, CA

Leo Carrillo State Park Campground accepts pets with leash requirements throughout the park's established campsites and beach area. All sites at Point Mugu State Park's Thornhill Broome Beach and Sycamore Canyon locations also welcome leashed pets. Dogs must remain under owner control at all times on the standard 6-foot leash at these coastal campgrounds. Lake Casitas Recreation Area provides designated pet exercise areas alongside its tent, RV, and glamping accommodations. Ventura Ranch KOA offers multiple pet-friendly lodging options including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts. Most campgrounds near Camarillo enforce standard pet waste cleanup policies and limit pets to two per site. Steckel Park and Kenney Grove Park both feature full hookup RV sites with grassy areas suitable for pet exercise. The Point Mugu campground has a protected wetland area where campers frequently observe seals and bird wildlife.

Pet owners camping along this stretch of California coastline can access several dog-friendly trails in the Santa Monica Mountains with proper leash control. The beach at Point Mugu Recreation Facility provides a quieter alternative to nearby state beaches, with fewer visitors competing for space during morning and evening dog walking times. Campsites at Thornhill Broome are directly on the beach but vulnerable to high winds, requiring secure equipment and careful monitoring of pets. Nearby veterinary services can be found in Ventura and Camarillo, with the closest emergency pet care approximately 15 minutes from most campgrounds. The area experiences moderate coastal temperatures year-round, though evenings can become cool even during summer months. Emma Wood State Beach offers RV-only camping with pets allowed but provides minimal amenities, lacking drinking water, showers, and flush toilets.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Camarillo, California (100)

    1. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 - $60 / night

    "Wonderful area with good hiking spots, beach access for both you and your dogs."

    "It was a quick drive up the coast and onto this hidden gem. You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you. Perfect place for families or even RVs."

    2. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $35 / night

    "Even though you are lined up next to your neighbors, noise just doesn’t carry because the roar of the ocean is so loud! It’s amazing to fall asleep to."

    "They don’t smell bad when using them though….. so maybe it was one of the nearby rvs?? Not sure. Love that the beach is dog friendly."

    3. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    34 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 / night

    "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."

    "In addition, you're right next to the beach! Dogs are allowed on the beach and campsites, but not allowed on the trails. Park Rangers advised me this was due to rattle snakes on trails."

    4. Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    13 Reviews
    Port Hueneme, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 989-8407

    "Walking my dog on the beach. Watching the sun rise and beautiful sunsets. customer Service and knowledge at the MWR are extremely helpful."

    "The tent sites are very basic and very close together, but the surroundings are worth it!"

    5. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 880-0367

    $45 - $225 / night

    "The sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything, and because the campground is close to the city it is popular with groups and families."

    "Also something to be aware of, they do not allow dogs, big bummer. Years ago, I saw dogs in the park, but the last time I went, they were not even allowed in. Otherwise it’s a very pretty place."

    6. Ventura Ranch KOA

    15 Reviews
    Santa Paula, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 933-3200

    "Our lot was secluded, private and close to the entrance/exit. The only thing was the unlevel ground we were on. Our RV was a simple 30’ rental without any leveling."

    "The KOA is consistent with its name, meaning the kids amenities are all there, trampoline pillow, nice walking trails, walking labyrinth, and of course the adventure course and zip lines which are great"

    7. Emma Wood State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 585-1850

    $40 / night

    "Emma Woods was a nice little get away, we stayed for one night, we couldn't leave the cats behind for too long."

    "There are no toilet facilities here (there are some portapotties at the entrance though - those might be for staff though.).   The only "amenity" this place offers is trash and recycling bins.  "

    8. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 649-2233

    "Casitas Lake near Ojai in Ventura County has something for everyone, especially parents with children off from school in the summertime."

    "Our site had Two picnic tables and a fire ring situated under a pine tree with excellent views of the lake. We were glad to discover the park was dog friendly."

    9. Steckel Park

    13 Reviews
    Santa Paula, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    "Was a great quick getaway with our dog. Sites vary from small and crowded to large and spacious. We camped with our square drop trailer and had little issues parking and setting up."

    "A family of 2 peahens, a peacock, and 3 babies hung out near the creek. Beautiful birds. After walking around the creek for an hour, I came back to see a few bundles of wood left for me."

    10. Kenney Grove Park

    13 Reviews
    Fillmore, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 524-0750

    "This is a great campground, pricey though at $41 a night+$2.50 for pets. There are water spigots at every site and there are RV hook ups if you have an RV. There are hot showers that take quarters."

    "It’s tucked away from the street and you almost wouldn’t know it’s there! Loved this small and well kept campsite. Some of the sites are very small."

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Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Camarillo, CA

883 Reviews of 100 Camarillo Campgrounds


  • Kristi D.
    Oct. 29, 2023

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    Seems like a popular place

    Economical for California and the area. Off the beaten path from all the craziness by the beach.

    We are just passing through CA or it would not be my top spot. They nickel and dime a lot of things, showers pets. We paid online and we pull up and all of a sudden getting charged $5 a day extra for pets including a cat that doesn't leave the camper. Was not thrilled about that.

    Otherwise, it was scenic, had a camp store, was close to restaurants, had a gate to drive into, so the place was pretty secure. Seemed like a lot of people gathered on the weekends.

    We had the dirt campground which wasn't my favorite but all that was left, while the other campgrounds had cement pads. It was still pretty level.We did have cell reception, nice views and they had a water park for kids during summer months, though wasn't open while we were there.

  • J
    May. 4, 2018

    Lake Piru Recreation Area

    Lovely get away

    Close to town but no cell signal, this place is amazing! Large camping area and I’ve never felt crowded ! Quarter showers and laundry, and a dog park! Lots of deer in the area and Great Lake to fish at! They also offer some hook ups for the rv campers

  • t
    Jun. 5, 2024

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    Nice place but dog owners beware

    Just to be clear, I love lake Casitas. I grew up camping here with my family. The reason I’m writing this review is to warn pet owners about the abundance of foxtails and burs. We have 2 poodle mixes with med-long hair and they both ended up with their fur filled with burs and foxtails. So much that it required a vet visit. This was from a weekend camp in our RV that had a large rug and they have raised dog cots.

  • Heather L.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 24, 2020

    Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    Nothing like sleeping right on the beach!

    Even though you are lined up next to your neighbors, noise just doesn’t carry because the roar of the ocean is so loud! It’s amazing to fall asleep to. We loved exploring the sand dunes across the street and even saw a pod of dolphins! Restrooms were well maintained and staff was friendly. A huge bonus is that it was pet friendly, but most of the trails around are not.

  • H
    Nov. 16, 2022

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Best Damn RV Park in Malibu!

    Great location, spectacular views, kid & pet friendly. Lots of Extras!

    Best part is the kindness of the Malibu Beach RV Resort Staff.

    Priceless!!!

    Happy J Stewart

  • Heather L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 18, 2022

    Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

    Relax by the lake!

    Hardly anyone there when I went in March and felt like I had the place to myself! Hot showers and picnic table available. Just a 1 min walk down the hill to the lake - a perfect place to have my morning coffee! They allowed pets which is awesome. Super quiet, lots of stars, and a beautiful view. Couldn’t ask for better!

  • Annie G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 1, 2025

    Kenney Grove Park

    Great campground

    This is a great campground, pricey though at $41 a night+$2.50 for pets. There are water spigots at every site and there are RV hook ups if you have an RV. There are hot showers that take quarters. It gets hot, and it's full of insects, but very beautiful place surrounded by farms and fresh produce.

  • Larry B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Dec. 26, 2020

    Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake

    Nice Getaway location close to Pyramid Lake reservoir

    Campground has three separate site loops with about 90 Dry Camp camp locations. Water spigots are available in some areas, but not for permanent hookup. I was here in November and it was pretty empty except for the weekend. Some people changed their minds about camping as often in California, there is high risk of fire and no campfires or BBQ's were allowed.

    Common areas and every other site was closed due to Covid restrictions. Camp host was very friendly. Some nice hills for hiking and Pyramid lake was close by, paid access to the lake was not included in campground fees.

    Restrooms are available and cleaned daily.

    I enjoyed my stay here and there was plenty of room for walking my dogs.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    May. 2, 2024

    Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    Compact Little Campground

    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. The facilities are Okay. I don't think there was hot water when I went there. 

    There is no reception for T-Mobile users. However, I used my WeBoost and got two bars. I was able to stream music, text and some internet. 

    It's nice to ride down PCH on this stretch towards Camarillo. You can visit the Missile Park in Point Magu or the Light House in Hueneme.


Guide to Camarillo

Ventura County offers diverse coastal and inland camping environments at elevations ranging from sea level to 400 feet. The region's Mediterranean climate keeps temperatures between 50-85°F year-round with coastal fog common in June. Campgrounds near Camarillo balance urban accessibility with natural surroundings, often placing campers within 15-30 minutes of both beaches and mountains.

What to Do

Wildlife viewing at wetlands: Point Mugu State Park's protected wetland area hosts diverse birdlife and marine animals. A camper noted, "The beach is on the base, and has a protected wetland to the north that is full of birds, seals, and other wildlife."

Hiking the Santa Monica trails: Multiple trail networks connect through the mountains near Malibu Creek State Park Campground. A visitor reported, "The state park is a former movie set and is filled with easily accessible trails for hiking and some for mountain biking. The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more."

Tide pool exploration: Leo Carrillo's beach access offers marine discovery opportunities. According to one review, "The best part about this campground is definitely the beach access - it's about a 10-minute walk from most sites, and you can explore some amazing tide pools and caves once you get there."

Bird watching at aviary: Steckel Park maintains a unique bird sanctuary alongside its campground. A visitor mentioned, "When you drive in you pass by a large aviary (yup you read that right!) and apparently there's wild peacocks that live here too!"

What Campers Like

Uncrowded beach access: The military-managed Point Mugu Recreation Facility offers quieter shores. A review states, "The beach is on the base, and has a protected wetland and then shooting range on one side then on the other is the base itself, so this beach is really JUST for those staying on the base or campground."

Waterfront RV parking: Ocean-side camping without reservation hassles at Emma Wood State Beach. A reviewer explained, "Even though you're literally paying $40 for a parking spot, this is one of our favorite campgrounds. You are parked right on the beach, which we love so much."

Canyon shade protection: Leo Carrillo State Park Campground provides temperature relief with natural cover. As one camper observed, "The campground is tucked away in a beautiful canyon setting with lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool."

Stargazing opportunities: Kenney Grove Park's location among citrus groves creates minimal light pollution. A reviewer noted, "It's one of those rare places where the light pollution is truly minimal and you can really see the stars at night. A great place to see meteor showers."

What You Should Know

Limited privacy at some sites: Thornhill Broome Beach campground offers direct beach access but minimal separation between sites. A camper stated, "The plots are deep and noise wasn't really an issue."

Wind exposure: Sites directly on beaches may experience significant gusts. A reviewer at Thornhill Broome Beach warned, "You have to be ok with wind and making sure your equipment is secured."

Wildlife encounters: Expect both domestic and wild animals at many campgrounds. One visitor to Lake Casitas mentioned, "There are ground squirrels in abundance everywhere here and they live without fear of humans! We watched them approach as we sat right near the truck and they hopped up into the engine compartment."

Fire restrictions: Seasonal wildfire risk impacts campfire policies. A Malibu Creek camper noted, "The campground was under fire warning all weekend, but faux wood (javalog or duraflame) and charcoal was still allowed."

Tips for Camping with Families

Water recreation alternatives: Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers family water activities despite no swimming in the lake. A visitor shared, "The most fun is the water park. You can take a break from the heat and tube down the lazy river. Also there is a disk golf course."

Pet exercise areas: Dog-friendly campgrounds near Camarillo typically provide designated spaces for pets. Steckel Park campers mentioned, "The attached park has an aviary and if you follow it to the opposite side of the campgrounds, has quite some land to walk the dog around."

Playground options: Several campgrounds maintain play structures for children. A Kenney Grove visitor remarked, "The kids had plenty of room to run around and get dirty, and there was a playground with an old school merry-go-round within sight of where our spot was."

Beach gear logistics: Ocean-side camping requires planning for sand and gear transport. A Leo Carrillo camper advised, "Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff."

Tips from RVers

Site selection at county parks: Kenney Grove Park offers varying site types and arrangements. An RVer noted, "The full hook up sites are for Model A's (stayed at 56). So hook ups are on the opposite side and really close to the 'entrance' so we couldn't back in, we had to parking our towing vehicle in the general parking area."

Electrical options: Multiple dog-friendly campgrounds near Camarillo offer hookup variations. A visitor to Ventura Ranch KOA observed, "Checked in the day after Thanksgiving without reservations. Staff was kind, helpful and available. Stayed in space #2. Right at the entrance. Sewer, water, 30&50amp, picnic table and fire ring included."

Dry camping preparedness: Some beach locations offer minimal services. Emma Wood State Beach campers explained, "There aren't sewer or water hook ups, electrical only, but for me that's perfectly fine for a long weekend or short week with 2 kids and 2 adults. They do have 3 dump stations, too, so that made it nice!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Camarillo, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Camarillo, CA is Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 53 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Camarillo, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 100 dog-friendly camping locations near Camarillo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.