Best RV Parks & Resorts near Channel Islands National Park

Channel Islands National Park has several mainland RV campgrounds that support visits to the offshore islands. The park itself doesn't allow RVs on the islands, but nearby coastal areas have good options for parking your rig while you explore. Most RV sites in the region come with water, sewer, and electrical hookups to keep your camping comfortable. You'll find pull-through sites at many nearby campgrounds, which makes setting up larger motorhomes much easier. The campsites typically have level concrete or gravel pads that can handle RVs up to 45 feet long. Power connections range from 30-amp to 50-amp service, working well for both older and newer RVs. Dump stations are available at most of the area campgrounds, which is handy for longer stays. Some of the better campgrounds near the park have full hookup sites with all utilities right at your pad. The roads to these mainland campgrounds are in good shape and wide enough for larger rigs without worrying about clearance issues. Most places have specific hours when you can run generators, which helps keep the camping areas quiet. Many sites include fire rings and picnic tables alongside your RV pad, giving you a nice outdoor living area. RV length limits differ between campgrounds, so it's worth checking ahead before you arrive. These RV sites give you modern conveniences while still keeping you close to the beautiful Channel Islands scenery. During busy seasons, you'll want to book well ahead since RV spots fill up quickly in this coastal area. From these mainland campgrounds, you can easily reach the harbor where boats depart for island tours and day trips.

Best RV Sites Near Channel Islands National Park (46)

    1. Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    19 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    40 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 879-5751

    "Been here in all seasons. Normally very nice weather. Had back in and pull through sites, all good experience. Great trails to hike or Mt. Bike ride. Easy access to the beach. Very friendly staff."

    "Clean facility. Heated pool and jacuzzi. Concrete pads and lots of trees. Connected to El Cap Canyon that has cabins and yurts. A really great store there with events like wine tasting and concerts."

    2. Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Summerland, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 966-9954

    "We were hesitant at first from working remote by being so close to the highway, but the tall wall that separates the highway and the park works very well."

    "We needed an overnight in Santa Barbara and chose this convenient location. Yes, there is highway noise but it is like white noise to me."

    3. Ventura Beach RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 643-9137

    "But when we came in for Halloween our 50 amp wasn’t working. My surge protector said it wasn’t the trailer. I was told by maintenance that someone would fix it, but nobody ever fake."

    "It is close to the 101 freeway, you can hear the traffic, but that didn’t bother us. Just be aware, it’s not a super quiet place."

    4. Thousand Trails Rancho Oso

    7 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    41 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Then I made the climb up the mountains to Rancho Oso. I stayed in the 5th level that had full hookups, and it was tiered in 7 levels, with an average of 10 spaces a level."

    "We chose it because it was near Santa Barbara. And it was affordable (with Thousand Trails). So near to Santa Barbara is a relative term. It’s a 35 minute drive on a lovely windey mountain road."

    5. Earl Warren RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Santa Barbara, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 350-4556

    $70 / night

    "Just a simple RV park outside of the campgrounds! I was happy to stay here in my van while in town to work. Great hot showers and quiet. Shore power plug in."

    "Very quiet, next to the golf course. Shade available at some parts of the lot but not all."

    6. Point Mugu Recreation Facility

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

    "The campground is located right on the beach overlooking the iconic Point Mugu rock to the south, and a nice quiet estuary to the north that is full of birds, seals, and other wildlife."

    "Best Beach Campground! WiFi too!"

    7. Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    17 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $43 - $47 / night

    "127 Slanted or parallel dry camp asphalt spots located along the Pacific Ocean and PCH approx 8 miles north of Ventura and 20 miles south of Santa Barbara off the Seaside Exit."

    "You're right on the beach, the weather is always perfect here and the ocean sounds drown out your neighbor's generator.

    No amenities other than trash dumpsters and the occasional recycle bin."

    8. Emma Wood State Beach

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

    $40 / night

    "The spaces are very tight, it's hard to back in, you need to park your tow vehicle 10 or 15 feet away from your trailer, there's no hookups, and it's hard to get around."

    "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.  "

    9. Fairways RV Resort

    1 Review
    Port Hueneme, CA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 982-6123

    10. Channel Islands Harbor RV Park

    2 Reviews
    Port Hueneme, CA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 861-0785

    "Sites are a little tight but level with what you need. Power, water hook up with dump station. Convenient place to put in Kayaks right across the street to paddle around the harbor."

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RV Park Reviews near Channel Islands National Park

627 Reviews of 46 Channel Islands National Park Campgrounds


  • Patrick J.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 27, 2023

    Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    Consistently nice!

    This was our fourth stay here. Been here in all seasons. Normally very nice weather. Had back in and pull through sites, all good experience. Great trails to hike or Mt. Bike ride. Easy access to the beach. Very friendly staff. Nice amenities. One of my favorite places. Will be back again.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Nov. 22, 2022

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Mostly a good camp

    Huge campground! Variety of sites from dry to full hookups. Anything with hookups is cramped though. We originally booked FHU and opted out for much more spacious dry site. Dry sites really vary but all are largish. Fire pit at 409 put in a strange location so that we is located on the back side of our trailer. Really no other way we could have configured it. For such a large park with so many amenities I cannot believe the dog park is downright tiny. But park during week is largely vacant so a lot of space to let your dog run (which is against policy). Sure the place is a muddy mess is the rain. Ground squirrels got the place all torn up but hey they were there first. Generally this is a great destination resort! Go see the monarch butterflies in Goleta in winter months. They overwinter there!

  • Connor N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 31, 2022

    Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    Beach camping on PCH!

    Spent 3 nights here and absolutely loved it. Campground has trash, porta-potties, and appeared to have potable spigots but didn't confirm. Verizon service was hit or miss, but with a booster it was usable. Nice fire rings and picnic tables. Only downside was highway noise, but the surf drowned out all but big-rigs. Saw dolphins and seals back to back days! We're so glad we went, and if we pass by again we will be staying for sure!

  • Jan G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 18, 2022

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Loved this place!

    First: the bad… it was so windy and cold. Make sure you bring warm clothes!

    The good: nice level site, full hookup, picnic table, trees.. (hookup sites don’t have fire pits) Biking/hiking trail was nice:) And can bike and walk around campground! It’s a very big place to explore:) Great disc golf course!! Free to play! The store has camping items, some food (overpriced but that’s expected) , souvenirs, gas… We wanted to get propane when checking out, but nobody in the store knew how to do it, so we were told to come back in 1.5 hours, but we were leaving. It was too windy and cold to fish, which is why we went there:( check the forecast and any wind advisories!! Great restaurant, lots of space to explore. No human contact with the water. Don’t expect to swim.

  • Amanda M.
    Oct. 24, 2018

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Carpinteria State Beach Campground

    Carpinteria State Beach Campground is a one of our frequently visited “staycation” spots. We live in nearby Santa Barbara, but will use Carp State Beach as a midway meeting point when friends from Southern California and Central California meet up.

    The campground is pretty large, and caters mostly to RVs and trailers. There are loops within the campground that are essentially just asphalt lots with small dirt spaces for fire pits and picnic benches - these are intended for RV campers, but we have tent camped there in a pinch. Since we are tent campers we do prefer to camp in the grassy tent sites, but they are limited in number and tend fill up quickly. Because of the moderate year-round weather, Carpinteria State Beach Campground stays pretty full all year long!

    The campground has full hook ups, clean plumed bathrooms, and coin-operated showers. There are grocery stores and conscience stores within short walking distance for anything you might need. Train tracks run directly behind the campground, so there is some noise pollution from the passing trains.

    The campground is at the very end of downtown Carpinteria, right next to the ocean. There are no “ocean front” sites, but the beach is a quick 1-minute walk from essentially anywhere in the campground. Some small sandy dunes separate the campground from the beach, and there is an accessible paved boardwalk running along the length of the dunes. There are beautiful tide pools just south of Carpinteria State Beach Campground that are a must see. Check the tide charts on the internet to visit the tide pools at low to mid tide.

    While we really enjoy camp cooking, we tend to opt to walk into town to eat when camping in Carpinteria. Linden Avenue is right next to the campground, and is the main street in downtown Carpinteria. There is a wide variety of restaurants, breweries and coffee shops downtown. Island Brewery CO is a local favorite just on the edge of the campground - while I don’t think they have food available (yet), their beer is GREAT! Their avocado beer is a must try - I know it sounds weird, but it’s delicious (and doesn’t taste like avocados)! Rincon Brewery is a few blocks up from the campground, and also has great beer, and TASTY FOOD!

    CAMPSITE SPECS

    Fees: $45/night (normal campsite)

    Plumbed Toilets: Yes

    Drinking Water: Yes

    Showers: Yes (coin-operated)

    Picnic Table: Yes

    Firepit: Yes

    Cooking Grate: Yes

    Shade: No

    Cell Service: Yes

    Animal Bins/Food lockers: No

    Trash: Yes

  • E
    Jul. 26, 2021

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Best Annual Trips

    My family has been camping here for 50+ years... should say enough! Best camping trip (with family, friends, solo, whatever!) you’ll have, safe area, very accessible. Bathrooms have power outlets, token-powered hot showers, and super close to town. Make sure you pack your food away at night.... raccoons are present!

  • Julia M.
    Jun. 16, 2021

    Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

    Walkable / Bike-able location; nice staff!

    We were hesitant at first from working remote by being so close to the highway, but the tall wall that separates the highway and the park works very well. We ended up extending our stay because it worked out so well. 

    Wifi and AT&T cell service worked great overall. Video calls were inconsistent so hotspotted those calls, but streaming and email and search worked just fine. 

    Very close to neighbors and a tight fit, but the city has so much to offer, we didn't need to spend much time at the RV park so were fine with cramped space. Great owners and really nice and accommodating staff. Management helped us park. 

    Laundry conveniently on site and worked really well.$1.50 wash and$1.00 dry. Trader Joes.7 mi away; walkable to the waterfront and biking lanes and trails all around.

  • Brandon C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 12, 2022

    Foster Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Worth every penny

    Being that we chose this camp site last minute is a total score. Large sites, full hookup options and 10 minutes from the beach. Camp host were very nice and accommodating. Some sites are close to the 33 highway so you will have road noise but we are used to Rincon. There is tent camping in the higher sites. Covered with plenty of mature trees for nice shade. Clean restrooms but no showers. Campground is very close to the Ojai-Ventura bike trail. Hiking trails all over and did I say 10 minutes from the beach!!! We stayed with our 2 toddlers/teen and had a blast. Only odd thing is that some sites hookups are backwards. No biggie. We just ran our lines under our rig. We would definitely stay here again.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Beautiful location. Close to town

    Beautiful location. Close to town. Walkable, hike-able, bike-able, rideable via paths. No dogs on beach. There is a dog beach further up the coast. Sites are pretty tight. Lots of families and tent camping. Need token from kiosk for showers. Train comes by every once in a while. I stayed in Santa Cruz in my 25’ motorhome with no hook ups. Had my own picnic table and fire ring. May stay again only because of the nice walkable paths. Watch where you step near the tar pits.


Guide to Channel Islands National Park

Explore the beauty of RV camping near Channel Islands National Park in California, where stunning coastal views and outdoor adventures await.

Big rigs should check out Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

  • Enjoy beachfront access and the soothing sounds of the ocean at Rincon Parkway RV Overnight, perfect for those traveling in larger RVs.
  • This site is big rig friendly and allows for self-contained RVs, making it a convenient stop for travelers looking for a scenic spot.
  • With no check-in required, you can simply pull into your reserved spot and start enjoying your stay.

RVers appreciate amenities like those at Ventura Beach RV Resort

  • Ventura Beach RV Resort offers a range of amenities including electric hookups, showers, and a general store for your convenience.
  • The campground features clean bathrooms and a picnic area, making it a comfortable choice for families and groups.
  • Located just a short bike ride from the beach, this resort provides easy access to local attractions and activities.

Experience the charm of Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

  • Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park is known for its clean facilities and friendly atmosphere, ideal for a relaxing getaway.
  • While it offers essential amenities like electric hookups and drinking water, be prepared for some noise from the nearby highway.
  • This park serves as a great base for exploring Santa Barbara, with easy access to the city’s attractions and beautiful coastline.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I park my RV when visiting Channel Islands National Park?

When visiting Channel Islands National Park, you can park your RV at several mainland locations near the departure harbors. Channel Islands Harbor RV Park in Oxnard offers convenient access to boat launches. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park provides oceanfront camping with trash service and basic amenities, plus it's relatively close to departure points. For longer stays, consider Ventura Harbor which has designated parking areas for visitors taking boat tours to the islands. Many visitors also park at the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center parking lot in Ventura Harbor for day trips.

Can I bring my RV to Channel Islands National Park?

You cannot bring your RV directly to Channel Islands National Park as the islands are only accessible by boat or plane. The park consists of five islands that require ferry or air transportation to reach. RVs must be parked on the mainland before taking transportation to the islands. Most visitors depart from harbors in Ventura or Oxnard, where you'll need to find appropriate parking or camping options nearby. Consider staying at Rincon Parkway RV Overnight or Ventura Beach RV Resort as convenient bases for your Channel Islands expedition.

What RV facilities are available near Channel Islands National Park?

Several quality RV facilities are available near Channel Islands National Park's mainland access points. Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park offers reliable WiFi and cell service, making it ideal for remote workers, plus it has good highway noise protection. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach provides token-powered hot showers, power outlets in bathrooms, and easy beach access. For full hookups, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers a variety of sites from dry camping to full-service options, plus hiking/biking trails and a spacious environment to explore before or after your Channel Islands adventure.