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.
$45 - $60 / night
"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."
"The campground is tucked away in a beautiful canyon setting with lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool."
$45 - $225 / night
"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."
$35 / night
"Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in souther California. I have to note the bathrooms are absolutely terrible."
"You are so close to the water and there is plenty of space between you and your neighbor. When we were there many people had RVs so there were only a few tents."
$45 / night
"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."
"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."
$80 - $300 / night
"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."
"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."
$38 - $50 / night
"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."
"Also multiple hiking trails right from the grounds, and some playgrounds and basketball courts. Feels very family friendly. First come first serve spots and you make reservations online."
ScoutIt’s very quiet out there and the host doesn’t do a lot of prying, pretty much kept to themselves the whole time , which I liked. The sene is pretty, lots of trees and thick mountains with lots of trails , also an out door theater down the road that’s apparently pretty old , so all around it was nice quiet peaceful place to camp.
ScoutReally incredible location, was snow to book last minute by calling and checking for availability. Can't reserve by phone but was able to confirm availability. Prob easier to do in off season, add it is Feb not the summer.
Pricing is 75 for closest to beach 65 to furthest in RV 40FOOT LIMIT super chill, quiet hours are 9pm Love the space, fire pits on the beach. Pet friendly
ScoutPretty good. Smells a tiny bit like black water fumes.
ScoutThe campground itself was pretty good, nice sized sites, and pretty clean save for the occasional beer bottle cap and the bird poop on the picnic table. It's free if you have the America the beautiful/interagency pass
The bad was that the toilets were brown instead of white, and I asked the ranger repeatedly to please clean them the week we were here. Speaking of the ranger, he was too nosy, wondering if we were homeless and how long we're staying exactly like the other reviews mentioned, but the real kicker is I went to hike the Whitakers peak via the oak flat trail which directs people to go through the boy's scout campground that is right above the oak flat thinking there is some type of easement to let hikers through between the national forest and the boy scouts. Nope, you're trespassing through minute you step on the boy's scout campground, and the caretaker's two huskies might come and attack your dog, so beware. Full story on Alltrails.
ScoutFriendly ranger. You have to have a national forest adventure pass even if you don't have a vehicle. Still worth the 14 day stay for no camping fees
ScoutThey are very nice and accommodating to what you need. They are priced very well.
GuideIt’s a great place to get away and hangout. The river access and waterfall were a lot of fun to explore and play In. They had fire pits and public toilets and food storage for bears.
TravelerNice clean sites, friendly staff. You can hear frogs and crickets and birds. There was a lovely warm breeze all night. Nice grills over the fire pits and nice picnic tables. Lots of families, some with better camping etiquette than others. Bring earplugs in case you get inconsiderate neighbors.
RangerThis place is always packed and hard to get into, months in advance or sneak a night here and there, just too close to the Big City. But this place is an absoulute Sh!t Show, every type of person camper, families and on and on.... but the beach is spectacular and it is a Fun place to hang out....just be in the mood for the Show
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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