Top Tent Camping near Camarillo, CA
Looking for tent camping near Camarillo? The Dyrt can help you find the best tent campsites for your next trip. Search nearby tent campgrounds or find top-rated spots from other campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Camarillo, CA (49)
1. Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
18 Reviews•103 Photos•267 SavesOverview
Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island. Set on the eastern part of the island, the campground is a short hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds. The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world. For more information about Santa Cruz Island visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/santa-cruz-island.htm .
Recreation
With its easy beach access and generally good weather, this area offers the most recreational activities in the park, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. Guided kayak trips and kayak rentals must be arranged before arriving on the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.
Natural Features
The beach near the campground is a mix of sand and rocks, and faces the Santa Barbara Channel. The campground is located in a valley with a mixture of trees and shrubs. Rugged mountain peaks rise above the campground to 1,808 feet.
Nearby Attractions
Hiking options are unlimited and offer spectacular coastal views. Try the 2 mile round-trip Cavern Point Loop hike for views of the island's mountain peaks, and the southern California coastline. This popular hike takes you past antique ranching equipment and historic buildings for a taste of island ranch history. For more advanced hikers, tackle the 7.5-mile round-trip hike from the campground to Smugglers Cove.
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Drinking Water
- Toilets
$40 / night
2. Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
2 Reviews•7 Photos•62 SavesOverview
Circle X Ranch Group Campground is closed until further notice. There is no estimated re-opening date. Are you searching for a weekend getaway with mountain overlooks and sunny, sandy beaches? Your vacation destination may be a short drive from Los Angeles, California! Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers many opportunities to shake off the stresses of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Recreation
Travel one of the many trails that wind through this rare coastal Mediterranean ecosystem. The plants you see here, such as coastal sage scrub and mixed chaparral, are adapted to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Keep an eye out for red shank chaparral, a tree-like shrub with reddish-brown bark, clusters of thread-like leaves, and small bunches of white flowers in July and August. From the dry, rocky slopes near Sandstone Peak to the lush fern-studded Grotto, Circle X Ranch provides a wide variety of recreational possibilities. Linger here for a while, and experience the ambiance of this secluded mountain retreat.
Natural Features
Tucked in the canyons above Malibu and nestled below majestic Boney Mountain, you will find Circle X Ranch. This former Boy Scout camp offers many opportunities for exploration and adventure. Journey to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, and see several of the Channel Islands on a clear day. Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a creekside picnic. Reserve the Group Camp and listen to coyote songs at night.
Nearby Attractions
Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a picnic at the trailhead next to the campground. Grotto Trail 3.5 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous; no bikes, no horses. This trail traverses hillsides and leads down to the West Fork of the Arroyo Sequit. The trail is downhill from the Ranger Station, which means an uphill return. The Grotto area is rugged terrain; be careful and wear appropriate hiking attire. The last 1/8 mile is through an unimproved streambed and dogs are not allowed. The Ranger Contact Station can provide you with free hiking maps of Circle X Ranch. A publication of park-led activites for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is also available. Vists to nearby Malibu and the Pacific Ocean are just a short drive way.
- Tents
- Group
$35 / night
3. La Jolla Group Campsite
1 Review•1 Photo•58 SavesLa Jolla Group
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$225 / night
4. Anacapa Island Campground — Channel Islands National Park
3 Reviews•13 Photos•93 SavesOverview
Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views. Anacapa Island, the closest Channel Island to the mainland of California, is comprised of three islets (appropriately named East, Middle, and West Anacapa Islands). Waves have eroded the volcanic island, creating towering sea cliffs, sea caves, and natural bridges, such as forty-foot-high Arch Rock -- a symbol of Anacapa and Channel Islands National Park. Exploring East Anacapa's two-mile trail system allows visitors to experience the island's native vegetation, wildlife, and cultural history. The islands' native vegetation is recovering slowly with the help of the National Park Service's restoration efforts. This recovery, along with the removal of nonnative predators, has aided in the reestablishment of nesting land birds and seabirds. The island is one of the most important seabird nesting sites within the Channel Islands. While the steep cliffs of West Anacapa are home to the largest breeding colony of endangered California brown pelicans, all the islets of Anacapa host the largest breeding colony of western gulls in the world. The rocky shores of Anacapa are perfect resting and breeding areas for California sea lions and harbor seals. Anacapa's rich kelp forests (ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving) and tidepool areas provide visitors with the opportunity to meet some of the resident ocean animals up close. Anacapa Island has a rich human history as well. Shell midden sites indicate where Chumash people camped on the islands thousands of years ago. In addition, visitors can view the 1932 light station. The original lead-crystal Fresnel lens, which served as a beacon to ships until an automated light replaced it in 1990, is on exhibit in the East Anacapa Visitor Center.
Recreation
With two miles of hiking trails, ocean access nearby the campground, and generally good weather, Anacapa Island offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. In summer, rangers lead an underwater video program. The program includes live video footage of sea life which is projected for visitors to see. It's a great way to stay dry while viewing colorful sea creatures. Since Anacapa Island is a cliff island, access to the water is only at the Landing Cove via a dock. There are no other accessible beaches unless you have a watercraft. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.
Natural Features
Waves have eroded the 5-mile volcanic island, creating steep, towering sea cliffs, sea caves and natural bridges. Much of the year, the island vegetation looks brown, but the winter rain brings brightly-colored terrain. The altitude is low and ranges from sea level to 250 feet.
Nearby Attractions
The Landing Cove near the campground is an ideal place for swimming, diving, snorkeling and kayaking, but there are no lifeguards on the island. The island is also home to just over two miles of trails that meander to dramatic overlooks and magnificent coastal views. All hikers must stay on the trails for visitor safety and to protect fragile vegetation and nesting seabirds. No off- trail hiking is allowed.
- Reservable
- Tents
- Picnic Table
$15 / night
5. Musch Camp Trail and Horse Camp
4 Reviews•8 Photos•174 Saves- Phone Service
- Tents
- Equestrian
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Drinking Water
$7 / night
7. Osprey - Lake Casitas Recreation Area
2 Reviews•32 Saves- Fires
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Showers
- Drinking Water
8. Sage Ranch - Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority
1 Review•4 Photos•101 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
9. Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos
6 Reviews•24 Photos•393 Saves- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Dispersed
- Picnic Table
10. Lions Canyon
1 Review•8 Saves- Pets
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Picnic Table
- Alcohol
Showing results 1-10 of 49 campgrounds
Recent Tent Reviews In Camarillo
684 Reviews of 49 Camarillo Campgrounds
I B.
Scout
Hollywood RV Park
Nice and friendly Staff, clean site
Everything was fine. We stayed for 1 night to Visit L.A. . It was clean and the Staff was very nice. We called a night before and got a Site for our RV.
AnnaEvan S.
Traveler
Campo Alto Campground
Great Escape!
This is a wonderful campground if you're looking to escape the crowds elsewhere. We were in spot 4 which was right next to the check in board. Despite the close proximity to the road the site was very big and had plenty of trees to throw our hammocks up and relax. Next time we would likely pick spots 6-8 or 13-17 as they were a little further into the campground and away from the main road.
There is plenty of firewood to gather but I may suggest a small hatchet.
The vault toilets were clean enough for vault toilets.
My husband and I stayed Saturday to Monday and found that only a few hunters were left Sunday night and Monday morning and we enjoyed walking through the campground and checking out all the small viewpoints through the trees to the valleys below. The group sites looked spacious and awesome as well!
Pine Mountain Club was close, quaint, and the people we met were friendly.
We are keeping this spot in our back pockets for the next time we want to escape the busy city life!
Thomas F.Traveler
Hollywood RV Park
6/10
This place offers a convenient location near the heart of Los Angeles, making it an excellent base for exploring the city's attractions. The facilities are well-maintained, with clean restrooms and helpful staff who are eager to assist guests. However, Block Blast noise from the surrounding area can be an issue, so those seeking a peaceful retreat might want to consider this before booking.
- nnathalieScout
ATV Campground — Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area
Closed until further notice
The post fire which burned the area of 10,000 acres on June 15, 2024 has caused this area to be closed until further notice. We went to camp but were turned away. Be aware. Otherwise would have been a great place to stay as I have been there before
Michelle M.
Guide
Lake Casitas Recreation Area
A beautiful Lake
This is a nicely maintained municipal water reservoir with a very large lake. No swimming allowed, but boating is. Go figure.
There are campgrounds with hookups that are only available for RVs. There is one Campground -Indian- that has a mixture of tent and RV sites with hookups available but it was under maintenance when I was here this weekend. So all the rest of the areas that do have hookups do not accommodate my truck and tent rig. And there are no 110V or 30a outlets available for people who are traveling light -with solar and a minimum amount of panels, where you might need to plug in once in awhile- they can't cover you here. Too bad no one thought of that when they were designing this place, because it's an awfully big place with a lot of sites.
So we're leaving today to find another place to weekend.
But two nights next to the lake, in the campground called Mallard was lovely as can be. Next time I'll come out with more panels to keep my pair of EcoFlow RiverPro solar generators topped up.
Laura M.
Legend
Wheeler Gorge Campground
Peaceful and Calm!
We loved camping here. The whole area has a really peaceful and mellow vibe. We reserved site #49 which was plenty big enough for our 26ft class c, but the drive through the campground to get to the site was a little narrow and tight, wouldn't recommend for larger RVs. This end of the campground is right next to the emergency exit, too, but they keep that gate locked, otherwise it would be an easy swoop in. Camp host was really nice, campground was huge, nice that there's a creek running through it which comes in handy in the hot summer months. You have to drive over some creek runoff at parts, no problem.
There's zero cell reception in this entire area, the roads leading up to the campground as well.
Fees are $35 or $37 for weekends/holidays. Pricey for what you get and for what we're used to paying for a forest service campground.
Kim N.Traveler
Thornhill Broome Beach
Great site with no amenities
Loved the quietness of this campsite. No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site from what we can see. We were in an RV so we didn't mind at all. Went to Sycamore campground to fill up on water. Youre packed right on the beach next to the sand. Combo of tent and rv campers. Wifi is great at this location. We have tmobile
- Kim N.Traveler
Point Mugu State Park
no wifi
No tmobile wifi. we dropped by to fill up water since we were camping at thornhill Broome. Water refill was free. We didn't dump there. Can't comment on anything else.
- JJennifer T.Traveler
Hollywood RV Park
Lovely
Nice campground a little bit outside of Hollywood but with a very helpful camp host
Leslie R.Legend
Placerita Canyon State Park Group Campsites
Haven't stayed, by reservation only for groups
I haven't stayed in this campground, but I added it to the Dyrt so people can find it as an option if they are searching for large group camping. You MUST call in advance to get permission and reserve for group camping.
Things to do:
visit the Placerita Canyon Nature Center, including live animal exhibits
Ranger-led educational programs
hike to waterfalls: https://www.alltrails.com/explore/trail/us/california/placerita-canyon-and-waterfall-trail
- Leslie R.Legend
Danielson Group Multi-Use Area
Haven't stayed, looks a little run down
I came across this group campsite while on a long hike with a friend. I had no idea it existed, so I'm adding it to the Dyrt so more people can find it if they are looking for a group campsite. You can reserve it for large groups of 10-50 people. Some of the communal areas and fencing looked like it could use some resfreshing. Facilities available: Drinking Water, Flush Toilets, Showers, Tent Spaces, and Fireplace.
I recommend visiting in the spring, when things are greenest, and there are beautiful wildflowers.
- Leslie R.Legend
Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park
protected campground in middle of the island
Both upper and lower campgrounds get almost total shade, which provides a relief from the direct sunlight throughout the rest of the island. The vault toilets were clean. Each site comes with its own table and metal food box. Some sites are closer together, but if you get lucky you can nab one towrds the outskirts.
According to my Alltrails, lower sites were about 0.3 mile from the dock, and upper sites were about 0.6 mile.
I recommend packing dramamine, in case you get motion sickness on the 1-1.5 hour boat ride in both directions. In January, the ride out to the island was pretty chopping. The ride back was calmer, and we boated along a pod of HUNDREDS of dolphins, it was spectacular.
- JJane P.Scout
Ventura Beach RV Resort
Worst place ever
Crowded sites, horrible check in, rude people, owner is extremely unpleasant
Julian M.Guide
Malibu Creek State Park
Amazing experience, beautiful sunset
Great campground, Great spots but unfortunately bit expensive .Very disappointed about the rules regarding fire, but I understood. I left from the campground after the sunset...fire allowed only with courchal...
- AAngelaTraveler
Castaic Lake State Recreation Area
Nice view, not bad, needs work
We stayed in Loop A on a Thursday night in July. For us, it was a convenient overnight stop. It was a lot less crazy/ crowded than we expected for an LA County campground in the middle of summer! This site is on the lagoon, not the main lake, but had nice views and a good breeze in the heat. Very minimal space, not much shade. But the real issue was that the bathroom stalls in our loop (A) had no doors. I also doubt they are cleaned daily, though it wasn't terrible. Being close to the city, there were a ton of people meandering around, but they all seemed to be doing their own thing (e.g fishing or just walking), few suspicious characters. Lots of families and kids made it feel fairly safe for an urban campground. Not our favorite, but we would stop over here again in a pinch.
Elaine H.Traveler
Dennison Park
Great campground and host!
I love finding a camping spot last minute and it turns out to be amazing! Dennison Park Campground did not disappoint! Although there are beautiful upper campground spots that Overlook Ojai Valley, I chose, from the choices I had, a spot that looked spacious and offered the most shade. Nestled in the middle of upper and lower campsites, I found it to be a quiet reprieve from our day's activities -- the campfire always the highlight for me. The camp host, Dane, was friendly, helpful, and a joy to chat with. He also gave us some suggestions of other county parks to check out the next time we venture to the Ojia area! We will definitely be back to camp here!
merlinda M.Traveler
Lake Piru Recreation Area
Great campsite
Campsite was established, picnic table, fireplace, and electricity. Floor is gravel in some areas so bring a rake or broom for tent area. Our site was pretty close to bathrooms that had showers. 1.50 for 8 minutes, uses quarters. Has hot water. Rangers drive by selling wood and ice.
Michelle W.
Ranger
Steckel Park
Much better than I expected
I had a giant campsite overlooking the heavily flowing creek. The creek was so clean and beautiful. The amazing thing is I brush-crashed for hours and didn’t get a single bug bite. The site was a bit messy when I arrived, but the ranger pulled up right as I got there to empty the trash bin. He said the crows scatter the garbage. 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. I think the ranger found them at a site and gifted them to me. Very nice person!
Tammy P.Traveler
Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake
Close to the lake, can be very hot during the summer
It usually stay empty and easy to get a site even in the peak season summer and spring but there is limited shades in most campsites and can get very hot during the days. There are not many trees around, Site 42 has really good shade but be aware of pocky leaves from those trees. My air mattress pop both times we camp there. There is not much around to do except pyramid lake close by which is nice and convenient to get to the water and go fishing or tubing. Also close by six flag.
joel G.Guide
Sawmill Campground
Forest road camping outside of Yosemite
Having to find a spot kind of late at night after other spots were full pretty level spot overlooking a meadow and review of the sunset roads a little rough getting back in there used four-wheel drive pulling a teardrop
- ttryna H.Scout
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.
Donna H.GuideHollywood RV Park
As good as it gets for LA
This quirky campground was safe, and that was what I needed while visiting friends in LA. This isn't a self-park park...the spaces are so close together that they use a cart to park you. On the upside, the bathrooms and showers were clean and plentiful, there was an area at the back of the park that was fenced for pups, and although the spaces were small, the park was landscaped such that you had some privacy. On the downside, the park is right next to the departure/arrival runway for Burbank and so if you don't fancy airplanes, you may not appreciate the noise. There is quite a bit of noise, but then again, you are in downtown Burbank. The owner is quite a character and told me that they even have an entertainment space where they offer musical performances, plays, etc. by local artists. He also mentioned that most of the park's customers were long-term residents that support the local production companies. I'm not sure if I would stay there again, but then again I'm not sure I'm interested in visiting Burbank again either.
- OOscar R.Scout
Radl Ranch
Amazin spot
Great spot! Been here 2 times already!
Heather K.Ranger
Hobson Beach County Park
Expensive But It’s On The Beach
I stayed here for one night. Bathrooms were clean. They seem to have a coffee and pizza shack too but they were not open when I arrived. I didn’t use the showers but they have a shower room in addition to bathrooms. It was a quiet night.
The only negative was the people parked next to me had moved their picnic table into my spot so it made it difficult to back in and use my spot.
- MMike G.Guide
Foster Residence Campground
Small Campground but Nice
Small little campground, easy to get to and across from Foster Park.
There are not too many spaces, and it is a little tight, so larger RVs will not fit.
I got site 11, which is pretty big, but it's next to the road. At all times of the day, you get a lot of loud motorcycles coming through.
It's next to Foster Park, which allows swimming in the river during the summer months.
It's also near the Ojai Bike trail, which you can take all the way to Ojai or down to the beach in Ventura.
I road up to Lake Casitas and into Ojai, which was a nice short loop.
There were no issues with safety; it felt pretty safe.
- MMike G.Guide
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.
- MMike G.Guide
Faria Beach Park
Beach Front Camping At Its Best
It's a nice little site. It's not too crowded, as there aren't too many sites within the campground. You are packed in like sardines, but this is conducive to every beachfront campground.
The place is clean and easy to get to. There are signs to lock your stuff up so it doesn't get stolen. The person next to me said they got their bike stolen the last time they were there.
The view is amazing of course. There is nothing else in the area, no shopping.
Good area if you plan to ride or run. You could ride up to Santa Barbara from here and run along the beach path. You could also ride up to Lake Casitas and make a loop out of it.
Guide to Camarillo
Camping near Camarillo, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Boating and Fishing: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is perfect for boating... kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon."
- Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Point Mugu State Park. A camper noted, "Great location. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."
- Beach Access: Leo Carrillo State Park offers a beautiful beach nearby. One visitor said, "Nice short walk to the beach where dogs are welcome."
What campers like:
- Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Malibu Beach RV Park. A happy camper shared, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
- Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A reviewer at El Capitán State Beach Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were fairly clean and there are showers."
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families enjoy the amenities at Lake Casitas Recreation Area. One family said, "This is a huge place, with lots to do... Good cell service here at the park."
What you should know:
- Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wheeler Gorge Campground, lack certain amenities. A camper noted, "No drinking water, no electric hookups, no showers."
- Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area can get busy. One visitor mentioned, "It was still pretty level... but all that was left, while the other campgrounds had cement pads."
- Road Noise: Campers at Thornhill Broome Beach noted some noise from the highway. A reviewer said, "Sound of waves and occasional traffic all night."
Tips for camping with families:
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One family at Santa Cruz Campground mentioned, "The beaches are always nice. The trail that goes to the end of the campground is always fun bike ride."
- Choose the Right Campsite: Look for sites that offer privacy and space. A camper at Malibu Creek State Park said, "The sites are nicely spaced out."
- Pack for Comfort: Bring extra blankets and layers for cooler nights. A visitor at El Capitán State Beach Campground noted, "The campground gets a track train and 101 fwy noise, but you can also hear the waves at night."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Leo Carrillo State Park mentioned, "The sites are small. It is very difficult to back in to a spot when you have campers across from your campsite."
- Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for pets or amenities. A camper at Lake Casitas Recreation Area said, "They nickel and dime a lot of things, showers pets."
- Enjoy the Views: Many RVers love the scenic spots. A visitor at Malibu Beach RV Park shared, "The owners have a great plan and it looks like they are achieving their goal!"
Camping around Camarillo has something for everyone, whether you're in a tent or an RV. Enjoy the great outdoors!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Camarillo, CA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Camarillo, CA is Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Camarillo, CA?
TheDyrt.com has all 49 tent camping locations near Camarillo, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.