Best Campgrounds near Oxnard, CA

Camping near Oxnard, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a serene spot in the woods, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

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, but since it’s a drinking water reservoir, there is no body contact with this body of water."
• Hiking and Biking: Leo Carrillo State Park has great trails. A visitor noted, "Beautiful campgrounds in a canyon next to the beach. Clean restrooms & showers."
• Beach Activities: At Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach, you can swim, surf, and enjoy the sun. One camper shared, "Spots are very snug. Seals and dolphins all around while you swim or surf."

What campers like:

• Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Malibu Beach RV Park. A happy visitor said, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
• Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at El Capitán State Beach Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were fairly clean and there are showers."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Lake Casitas Recreation Area is great for families. A reviewer noted, "This is a huge place, with lots to do. Not a good place if you're looking for a low key, quiet, simple camping experience."

What you should know:

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wheeler Gorge Campground, lack drinking water and showers. A visitor shared, "No running water available; fire ban."
• Crowded Sites: Campers at Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park noted that sites can be close together. One camper said, "The sites are close together and there’s no privacy because you’re on the beach."
• Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at Wheeler Gorge Campground. A camper mentioned, "They let us know there was a bear in the area."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area that offer activities for kids. One reviewer said, "The campground offers some excellent yurts and cabins for nightly rent right on the shores of the lake."
• Plan for Activities: Make sure to pack for beach days at Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach. A family shared, "The beaches are always nice."
• Bring Snacks and Drinks: Stock up at the camp store, as noted by a visitor at Lake Casitas Recreation Area, "The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds, like Leo Carrillo State Park, have small sites. One RVer mentioned, "The sites are small. It is very difficult to back in to a spot when you have campers across from your campsite."
• Look for Hookups: If you need electric hookups, check campgrounds like Malibu Beach RV Park that offer them. A visitor noted, "Electric hookups are available."
• Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for pets, as mentioned by a camper at Lake Casitas Recreation Area, "We paid online and we pull up and all of a sudden getting charged $5 a day extra for pets."

Camping near Oxnard, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.