Lake Casitas Recreation Area sits 11 miles inland from the coast at an elevation of 750 feet, creating a unique climate transition zone for camping near Channel Islands National Park. The area experiences temperatures between upper 40s at night to mid-90s during summer days, with consistent afternoon winds through the canyon. Water levels at several lakeside campgrounds fluctuate seasonally, affecting beach access and water activities.
What to do
Hiking nearby trails: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, trails wind around the perimeter offering views of surrounding Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains. "Figueroa Mountain is near Los Olivos - Grass Mountain and Figueroa Mountain are both beautiful hikes, especially in the spring when the wild flowers are in bloom. Both are strenuous, steep hikes, but the views are totally worth the effort," notes Amanda M.
Wildlife viewing: Point Mugu Recreation Facility provides exceptional wildlife watching opportunities with minimal crowds. "Beautiful Beach! Great place to go fishing, watch Sea Lions and Birds. Walking my dog on the beach. Watching the sun rise and beautiful sunsets," explains Ronna S. The protected wetlands adjacent to the beach create an ideal habitat for diverse bird species.
Family activities: Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers a water park perfect for younger children. "This campground was HUGE! There are several site with tenting, car camping, and hookups available... Camp store, cafe, and recreation area were all open. The water was closed," reports Stephanie M. The recreation area includes a lazy river appropriate for children under 12.
Photography opportunities: Early mornings at lakeside camping areas provide ideal lighting conditions for landscape photography. "Cachuma Lake is a great place for wildlife viewing and birding. I am a photographer, and love seeing all of the birds that hang out around Cachuma - ducks, coots, Western and Clark's grebes, loons, osprey, hawks, turkey vultures, turkeys, quail, American white pelicans, cormorants, etc," shares Amanda M.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Leo Carrillo State Park maintains well-kept bathroom facilities despite heavy use. "I thought this was a great campground, although I had the only campsite (#101) that didn't have any shade. It is a huge campground with paved pads for cars and RVs. Many of the site had huge shade trees that you could fit several tents under," mentions Heather G.
Beach access: The proximity to beaches remains a major draw for campers visiting the area. "We spent 3 nights at this campground and had a great time. They have a camp store right in the middle of the campground that has essentials. Bathrooms were nice. Can't wait to go back. Walking distance to the beach. Best part," shares Gina C. about Leo Carrillo State Park.
Natural surroundings: Camp Comfort Park offers a creek setting that enhances the camping experience. "The best part of this campground is the creek that runs behind it. It's so nice and refreshing on a hot day, and safe for little kids to splash around in," notes Laura M. The creek creates habitat for frogs and small fish, adding to the natural ambiance.
Convenience amenities: Many glamping sites near Channel Islands National Park provide comprehensive facilities. "From zipline obstacle courses to tie dye classes, this KOA easily occupies kids and has teepee and cabin rentals available for glampers, but nice showers, clean bathrooms and a roomy pool area really make this campground 5 stars," says Manya about Ventura Ranch KOA.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Thousand Trails Rancho Oso and similar mountain locations offer limited cell service and internet. "Good & bad is that your wifi, cell service is very limited here. If you want to get away from that hectic 'connected 24/7' life this is a place you can do it. If you need that constant connection you won't like it," advises Butch C.
Water restrictions: Swimming isn't permitted in some lakes that serve as drinking water sources. "Keep in mind that you CANNOT SWIM in Cachuma Lake. Silly, I know, but they justify it because Cachuma lake is Santa Barbara's drinking water source. You are allowed to boat, kayak, and fish on the lake, but no swimming!" explains Amanda M.
Reservation timing: Most luxury camping and glamping options near Channel Islands require advance planning. "It seems to get busy fast so best to book in advance," advises Stephanie M. about Lake Casitas Recreation Area, with similar patterns across most coastal campgrounds.
Wildlife interactions: Expect wildlife encounters at many campgrounds. "There are wild turkeys that wander thru the campground and you will see an occasional deer or 2," reports Butch C. about Thousand Trails Rancho Oso, while peacocks roam freely at Ventura Ranch KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Bring wagons for beach trips: When staying at glamping sites near beaches, transport equipment can be challenging. "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. The kids loved searching for hermit crabs and sea anemones. Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff," recommends Alfred at Leo Carrillo.
Consider shower logistics: Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara provides comfortable shower facilities, but some campgrounds use token systems. "The only complaint was the showers. Two tokens for a dollar, two minutes of hot water per token. It took most of the first two minutes waiting for the water to get hot," notes Heather G.
Pack for temperature fluctuations: Coastal camping experiences significant day-to-night temperature shifts. "It was hot in the daytime, and got really cold at night, so we switched to a Glamping tent. The Glamping tent was nice! It had a very comfortable queen bed, 2 lamps, a fan, a heater, a mini fridge and a microwave," explains Christina S.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Lake Casitas, RV sites vary considerably in quality and positioning. "We selected our campsite based on the map and online photos. We couldn't have been more pleased with the location we chose!! Our space was F-11 and after driving through all of the campgrounds, and there are many, we felt that the Fox site was best suited for us," advises Bower.
Utility connections: Some RV sites have unusual hookup configurations. "We stayed in site #13, which is a weird 'pull in' site, which in all the traveling we've done, we've never stayed in one before. So you pull in forward (not back in), because all your hookups are to the left of the site, on the driver's side. Which is fine, except that unless you have a long sewer hose, your hose won't reach from the back of your RV to the sewer connection," warns Laura M. about Camp Comfort Park.
Road access considerations: Mountain campgrounds may present challenges for larger vehicles. "Scary climb, lost transmission and brakes...if you do not have big diesel pusher in tip top shape, AVOID," cautions Betty K. regarding the road to Thousand Trails Rancho Oso.
