179 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The camping landscape surrounding Moorpark, California spans from coastal state parks to inland recreation areas, offering a mix of developed and primitive sites within an hour's drive. Tapo Canyon Park in nearby Simi Valley provides year-round camping with full hookups for RVs and tent sites with modern amenities. To the west, Leo Carrillo State Park Campground in Malibu offers canyon camping with beach access, while Lake Piru Recreation Area to the north features lakeside camping with boat-in options. Kenney Grove Park in Fillmore operates seasonally from May to October with both tent and RV accommodations. Most campgrounds in the region maintain picnic tables, fire rings, and access to drinking water, with varying levels of electrical and sewer hookups.
Reservations are essential for most established campgrounds in the area, particularly during summer weekends when coastal sites fill months in advance. Fire restrictions frequently impact camping experiences, especially during California's dry season. As one camper noted at Lake Piru, "The California drought is the problem. The lake side is so muddy and slimy, it's unappealing." Many coastal campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways or train tracks, while inland sites offer more seclusion. Cell service varies significantly by location, with stronger signals at developed campgrounds closer to urban areas. Weather remains mild year-round, though coastal areas often experience morning fog that burns off by midday.
Beach access represents a major draw for many campgrounds west of Moorpark. At Leo Carrillo State Park, campers appreciate the 10-minute walk to tide pools and caves, though one visitor advised: "Bring a wagon if you're hauling beach gear though, as the walk can feel long with all your stuff." Noise levels vary considerably between locations, with some campers reporting peaceful experiences at smaller county parks like Kenney Grove, which one reviewer described as "tucked away from the street and you almost wouldn't know it's there." Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, from coastal birds at Point Mugu State Park to coyotes at inland campgrounds. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and hiking trails are available at most established sites, though weekend crowding remains a consistent challenge.
"It was a quick drive up the coast and onto this hidden gem. You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you. Perfect place for families or even RVs."
"Nice big spots, close to the beach. Very quite. Needs to reserve at California State parks website. Dump station and water fill up on your way out not on the campsite, but thats no issue for us."
from $45 - $60 / night
Check Availability"It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."
"The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."
from $45 - $225 / night
Check Availability"Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in souther California. I have to note the bathrooms are absolutely terrible."
"Not that close to the bathroom. Has a picnic table and fire pit with grate. Every site is pretty much the same other than if you’re close to the bathroom or not."
from $35 / night
Check Availability"Fantastic body surfing, some good surf waves up the highway a bit. There is a backpacking access site as well up the canyon about 3 miles."
"If you love Fall and trees and the California golden sun... this place is the place to be! It has it all in one."
from $45 / night
Check Availability"I absolutely love this campground, it’s perfectly situated in between the Malibu pier area (to your left) Dume, Zuma, and more beaches (to the right), + a lovely small beach across the street… oh let’s"
"This is a great little campground just north of Malibu, California, and right off of the 101. So yes, the freeway is RIGHT. THERE."
from $80 - $300 / night
Check Availability"It’s tucked away from the street and you almost wouldn’t know it’s there! Loved this small and well kept campsite. Some of the sites are very small."
"Ok, so first off driving into this place feels a little "Texas Chainsaw" but don't worry, its fine."
"This is a very nice campground near everything but still away from it all. No issues parking our 42' 5th wheel here. Clean and quiet despite the peacocks. They can be rather loud when startled."
"This campground happens to be very close to home so we went here to try out our brand new pull behind camper trailer for the very first time.
The campground is small, quiet and very well-kept."
"Our lot was secluded, private and close to the entrance/exit. The only thing was the unlevel ground we were on. Our RV was a simple 30’ rental without any leveling."
"Feels far from everything, but is only a short drive from LA/SFV. The adjacent town of Santa Paula is a great place to spend time."
"Enjoy a walk around the lake, or head out onto the water for wakeboarding."
"We were placed away from all the tent campers. Staff was friendly and helpful. Tighter spots for anything over 25ft. ONLY AT&T works. Wifi is $9/day for one device."
from $38 - $50 / night
Check Availability"It seems the campsite attracts a rowdy crowd but that's expected so close to the city. Still, noisy neighbors was definitely the most negative aspect of our stay."
"On a Sunday night most sites are empty and our site, away from the road, is pretty quiet The full service sites were mostly full and unshaded and there was a big and loud group."
GuideWe had a great spot near the river. The restrooms were clean and the hookups were great. The camp host was friendly and there were several people at the camp, but it was very quiet. We will be back.
ScoutLove this place so much that our family canceled reservations at two other places to spend a few extra nights. The views are fantastic, the bathroom and showers are so clean, and the delicious seafood restaurant a walk down the hill is just a bonus. Staff were kind and helpful at check-in. It's a great base camp to explore the LA area. We tent camped here 20 years ago and when we came back this time with our RV it was even better than we remembered.
Scoutdon’t try to reach out to this park via phone with any questions, they won’t answer you. they won’t even answer the phone when their own reservation agents are calling them. gates close strictly at 10 so if you’re camping here make sure to show up by then. showed up at 9:58 after leaving a music festival early to make sure i made it on time, and their staff was immensely rude to me about not making it on time. the morning staff is incredibly nice, apologizing for the problems and giving me advice. the night staff though has a problem and they take it out on their visitors. for how rude they were to me, somehow the campsite across from me showed up at 11pm, so seems like they pick and choose who to give problems. avoid camping here. campsites are very close together and nothing special.
TravelerThis is such a cute and non expensive spot. They allow RV's and Tent camping. It's a dry camp so no hook ups or showers. Fun hiking trails and animal friendly, with a river across from the camp ground.Each spot has a table and fire pit. Playground has only two swings and a 4 horse shoe pits. Only con is the highway is right by so you hear alot of the traffic during the day and a little through out the night. Over all we've loved it and the camp host is very friendly and keeps the property looking beautiful.
ScoutWe have camped at Carp for 30 years - brought our grandchildren this year - felt unsafe for the first time - and rangers blew us off causing us to have to camp next to an illegal homeless camper with a pitbull next to our 2 year old and 6 mth old - he screamed at all hours at his dog on a 20 ft leash - I heard say on his phone that his dog has mange - he was allowed to camp illegally in bicycle only camp site and next to the visitor center- without a tent and his worldly possessions spread out everywhere - when I complained ranger said he was sweet - I know bicycle campers rode by when they saw him in their site, pitbull and tarps and stuff spread all over site - I know others did not go to visitor center because of him - ranger told me he and his dog are “sweet” - we found him to be an intimidating freeloader - we left early
TravelerAnacapa loop is a good spot for tent camping. Trailers work, too. On busy summer weekends, the campgrounds can be loud because its so much fun. A lot of people come from inland where its hot. This loop has space, though. You will have enough room for 2-3 tents. It is easy walking distance to a playground, a big field, the beach, the little town. It will be super fun with bikes for the kids, beach toys, all day at the beach, or letting older kids do their own thing given the small town!
TravelerCarpinteria is a cute town with a great campground. To enjoy camping there, you do need to pick the right loop, right spot, or bring the right equipment. The loops vary. The good news is that even if you have a bad spot, you are easy walking distance to fantastic beaches and tide pools and a cute town. If you bring bikes, you can bike to everything and really explore. It's perfect for kids on bikes, as well. They go around the loop, or loop to loop with a bridge, or if older, they can go on the short trails or go into town on their own! It's really a great place, just plan on camping off-season or setting up alerts to grab canceled spots last minute.
ScoutGreat spot. Easy to get to in my car but definitely into the mountains so had to meander the mountain roads to get there. Gorgeous view along a wash. Easy enough to park. Very serene. One bummer is just the amount of sap if you park under the tree. I just moved the car over a bit. Enjoy!
LegendGeneral: Two sections: RV camping and dry camping
Site Quality: If you have a larger RV and/or need hookups, you will be in a parking space with ZERO privacy between spaces (it is literally a parking space!). If you have a small RV or van conversion (smaller than 19 feet), there is dry camping. Concrete driveway; minimal privacy but a direct view of the beach. You must have a bed, dinette, sink, and small water supply to be in these spots. A concrete picnic table is included in each site.
Bath/Shower: Six-digit codes (that change regularly) needed to enter (and a different one for each bathroom). One all-in-one with a sink, toilet, urinal, and diaper changing station. The other has two shower stalls, two toilets, and one sink. The shower in the one closest to the dry camping area left much to be desired. I couldn’t get the ADA-accessible shower to work, and the other one had a push-button flow that took some time to get warm and had to be repeatedly pushed to complete the shower. Hooks and bench are outside the shower stall, compromising privacy. My biggest disappointment, however, was that there were NO electrical outlets. I took a chance and walked to the other end of the campground (by the entrance and full hookup sites) where I discovered the bathroom was much nicer. Not only did it have electrical outlets, but it looked like the showers were much nicer.
Activities/Amenities: You are right on the beach! There is a paved path for walking, running, or bicycling. Laundry was temporarily out of order when we were there.
There are very limited options for camping in this area, and the price was $55/night for dry camping. You are in the direct flight path of LAX, so have earplugs at the ready if the sound of jet planes overhead is not your thing!
Camping spots near Moorpark, California range in elevation from 700 to 2,500 feet, creating diverse microclimates throughout the region. Most campgrounds close to Moorpark remain open year-round due to Southern California's mild temperatures, though summer reservations often fill 3-6 months in advance. Winter camping offers better availability and cooler temperatures, typically ranging from 45-65°F.
Archery practice: 5-mile drive at Tapo Canyon Park in Simi Valley where "the archery range is one of the best in California. There is a members area and the original range is open to the public on Saturdays from 9-1, with a nominal $5 fee." The archery range offers weekly lessons for children.
Stream exploration: 30-minute hike from Ventura Ranch KOA where a local creek runs through the property. One camper mentioned "Make sure you hike down to the creek!" The campground spans 76 acres with numerous hiking trails leading to the water.
Wildlife viewing: 5-10 minute walk to beach areas at Thornhill Broome Beach. "If you're lucky you'll see pods of dolphins swimming just out from the shore, actually more often than not," according to one camper. Early morning provides the best opportunity for marine wildlife sightings.
Large playground areas: Kenney Grove Park features "a nice park, but small, for the little campers." Another reviewer noted the "playground was a bunch of old metal pieces that looked like you would surely break a leg so naturally my 2 and 4 year old LOVED it."
Seclusion despite proximity to town: Campers appreciate that Kenney Grove Park "feels like it's right in the midst of a neighborhood. It's tucked away from the street and you almost wouldn't know it's there!" The campground provides a quiet escape while being close to town amenities.
Direct beach access: Camping at Thornhill Broome Beach puts you "right on the sand. The campfire is in a metal barrel, you have a picnic table and you're on the beach. There's rocks to the left and right that are fun to explore." Sites are directly on the beach, allowing campers to fall asleep to ocean sounds.
Limited cell coverage: Many campgrounds have spotty service. At Lake Piru Recreation Area, "there's no cell service, unless you are with AT&T, so plan accordingly." Several other campgrounds experience similar coverage issues, particularly those in canyons.
Train noise disruptions: Oak Park campground is "quiet except for trains" which pass nearby and can be "very loud" according to reviewers. Similarly, coastal sites like Leo Carrillo often experience traffic noise from Pacific Coast Highway.
Fire restrictions vary seasonally: During summer and fall, many campgrounds limit fires to designated rings or prohibit them entirely. At Thornhill Broome, "being cash" is important as "the host sells firewood for $7 a bundle. Well worth having!"
Consider weather fluctuations: At Malibu Creek State Park, a camper noted "it was extremely HOT. Typically during the summer season, I like to find campgrounds that have a lot of lush trees so we can be under the canopies and stay cool." The campground has limited shade on many sites.
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds feature local wildlife. At Ventura Ranch KOA, "peacocks live there! They roost in the trees and just mingle with the campers without a care in the world." While interesting for kids, these birds can be noisy in early morning.
Bring quarters for showers: Most campgrounds in the region require coins for shower facilities. At Leo Carrillo State Park, showers operate on "the token system ($2 for 2 minutes)" which "takes some getting used to." Kenney Grove Park has "coin operated showers" that are "lovely for a vanlifer."
Limited hookup availability: At Malibu Beach RV Park, "you also have to park and carry your things to your campsite" for tent areas, but wheelbarrows are available to help. RV sites often require advance booking, especially for weekend stays.
Consider site unevenness: At Malibu Beach RV Park, one camper in a 21-foot van reported "The spot was a little uneven but easily fixed." Many area campgrounds feature sloped or irregular sites requiring leveling blocks.
Dump stations not universal: While many campgrounds offer electric and water hookups, sewer connections are less common. At Kenney Grove Park, there is "no dump station in the park" requiring a trip to town facilities about "2 or 3 miles" away at a cost of "$15."
Frequently Asked Questions
What tent camping options are available near Moorpark?
Tent campers near Moorpark have several great options within a short drive. Dennison Park in Ojai offers spacious tent sites with beautiful views, though be aware that some sites are on slopes. For beach camping, Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park provides a stunning coastal experience with access to a beautiful beach and California hill views. For those seeking a more secluded experience, Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area offers ample space where you won't feel crowded by neighbors. Most sites include standard amenities like picnic tables and fire rings.
Where are the best RV campgrounds near Moorpark, California?
For RV camping near Moorpark, Lake Piru Recreation Area offers lakeside sites with hookups, though be aware that lake conditions can vary during drought seasons. Another excellent option is Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake, which features approximately 90 dry camping spots with water spigots available in common areas. For coastal RV camping, Ventura County offers several options within a short drive. Both locations provide fire rings and picnic tables at each site with reasonable access to restroom facilities. During peak seasons, reservations are highly recommended as these sites can fill quickly, especially on weekends.
How much does camping cost in and around Moorpark?
Camping costs around Moorpark vary by location and amenities. At Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach, expect to pay $45-60 per night for standard sites, with additional fees for premium beachfront locations. More affordable options include Tapo Canyon Park near Simi Valley, where fees typically range from $25-35 per night. Most campgrounds charge additional vehicle fees ($8-12) and reservation fees ($7.99-10). State parks often have day use fees separate from camping costs. Prices generally increase during peak season (summer months and holidays), and many campgrounds offer discounts for seniors, veterans, and disabled visitors. Most sites require payment at time of reservation.
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