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!"
