The Piru area camping experience centers on a cluster of campgrounds at various elevations ranging from 900 to 1,800 feet across Ventura and Los Angeles counties. Seasonal temperatures fluctuate dramatically with winter lows occasionally dipping below freezing and summer highs regularly exceeding 100°F. Most campgrounds in the region sit within 20-30 minutes of Piru proper, with several offering mountain views contrasted by nearby agricultural landscapes.
What to Do
Hiking nearby trails: At Malibu Creek State Park, explore former movie sets on accessible trails. "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," notes a visitor who enjoyed spotting abundant wildlife including a pair of bobcats near a running creek.
Archery lessons: Tapo Canyon Park offers weekend archery opportunities for families. "There is archery with lessons for kids on the weekends. Very fun! If you are new to RV camping, it's a good place to practice," explains a regular visitor who appreciates the facility's beginner-friendly approach.
Wildlife viewing: Visit the aviary and watch for peacocks at Steckel Park. "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!" One visitor was particularly delighted by "A family of 2 peahens, a peacock, and 3 babies hung out near the creek. Beautiful birds."
What Campers Like
Privacy options: Kenney Grove Park offers secluded sites in less crowded sections. "We picked a site towards the back (which actually once you drive through is closest to the main street but no street noise whatsoever). Our area was a bit more spread out than the central area which was louder and felt more crowded as we walked through," explains one camper who appreciated the park's layout.
Outdoor recreation: Lake Piru Recreation Area provides multiple activities beyond just camping. "Great campground outside LA. Weekly/monthly rates. 120 day max per year, seasonal limits. Full hookups at about 10-15 sites and the other 160 Mostly water/electric. Deer in site nightly, many movie companies film here at and around the lake. Boating, fishing, disc golf," notes a long-term visitor.
Budget-friendly options: Oak Flat Campground provides affordable access with the Adventure Pass. "Free with the purchase of the adventure pass. I was here during the week and it was quiet and uneventful. Plenty of shade and simple. A bit of traffic noise but not too bad," reports one camper who stayed during a longer journey through Southern California.
What You Should Know
Limited cellular coverage: Service varies significantly by location and provider. At Tapo Canyon Park, "DO NOT expect cell service. I could only work from this spot by placing my mobile HomeFi router on top of the camper. Our Verizon phones were paper weights."
Fire restrictions: Check current regulations before planning campfires. At Oak Flat, a recent camper noted: "You cannot have any cooking or fires right now. Only cooking inside."
Permit requirements: Several campgrounds require passes or permits. For Oak Flat, "You do need an Adventure pass to stay here, available at the 76 gas station near by - $5 a day or $30 for the whole year. FYI NO water available tho, so pack it in and pack it out."
Wildlife precautions: Mountain lions have been spotted at multiple campgrounds. A Tapo Canyon visitor warns, "Pet friendly but be careful at night. Mountain lions were spotted while there."
Tips for Camping with Families
Playgrounds and activities: Ventura Ranch KOA offers numerous family-friendly amenities. "They have a very large jumping pillow for kiddos, my 6 year had a blast playing on it. They also have a zip line, but it was damaged in the large fire last year, and is being fixed currently. There is a stream that runs thru the property, it was fun to explore."
Swimming access: Lake access policies differ across campgrounds. At Castaic Lake, one frustrated visitor noted, "Swimming only allowed at their 'swimming beach' and only while life guard on duty. And to use my inflatable kayak, I have to use their boat launch and pay a $9.00 fee."
Wildlife education: Take advantage of bird viewing opportunities. At Steckel Park, families appreciate "walking around the creek for an hour" and observing the peacocks, while Malibu Creek State Park visitors note "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear."
Bring quarters for showers: Most campgrounds with shower facilities require coins. At Kenney Grove, "Shower houses were lovely for a vanlifer like me; bring your quarters as they are coin operated."
Tips from RVers
Full hookup availability: Valencia Travel Village provides complete RV amenities. "Plenty of spots around the grounds with 30 and 50 amp hook ups. WiFi is included with 3 pools and a hot tube, small store, and a really nice laundry facility."
Dump station access: Check if on-site dumping is available. At Kenney Grove, one RVer noted "There is no dump station on site," while Ventura Ranch KOA visitors warn of "currently no dishwashing station and no dumping of grey water except at the dump station at the front of the camp."
Site layout considerations: Pay attention to hookup placement when reserving. At Kenney Grove, "Note, 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 parking our towing vehicle in the general parking area."
Length restrictions: Some of the best places to camp near Piru, California have size limitations. At Tapo Canyon Park, "No issues parking our 42' 5th wheel here," but other campgrounds may have more limited space for larger rigs.
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