Lake Casitas Recreation Area sits at the foothills of the Los Padres National Forest about 20 miles from Moorpark, California. The area features rolling hills with chaparral vegetation and oak woodlands typical of Southern California's Mediterranean climate. Summer temperatures often reach 90°F during the day, cooling to the 60s at night, creating ideal conditions for camping from spring through fall.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Malibu Creek State Park offers easily accessible trails for all skill levels. "The primary trails were open fire roads with off-shoots to lakes, pools, meadows, and more. It was easy to imagine you weren't anywhere close to the city," reports Ryan W.
Water activities: While Lake Casitas Recreation Area restricts body contact with water, it offers fishing and boating opportunities. "There is a small market should you forget anything and need it while on your getaway. It is stocked with practically anything you can think of!" notes Bower.
Wildlife viewing: Malibu Creek State Park provides abundant wildlife spotting opportunities. "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear," shares Ryan W., who also spotted bobcats during a hike.
Tide pool exploration: Leo Carrillo State Park offers beach access with natural features. "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," writes Alfred.
What campers like
Peacock encounters: Ventura Ranch KOA houses many free-roaming peacocks. "Many peacock's roam around the premises and they can be very intrusive!" notes Khaled A., while Jessica R. adds, "Peacocks live there! They roost in the trees and just mingle with the campers without a care in the world."
Creek access: Several campgrounds feature creeks for exploration. "Make sure you hike down to the creek!" advises Khaled A. about Ventura Ranch KOA, while Ben V. mentions, "Wild peacocks roam this campground. The facilities are well maintained and some being rebuilt after a fire."
Shade availability: Oak Park offers abundant shade in its lower campground. "The Lower lot has ample shade and there's enough room at some sites to comfortably put a tent," notes Cierra M., while Shane M. confirms, "The lower lot is loaded with shade."
Proximity to towns: Many campgrounds offer easy access to nearby communities. Cierra M. describes Oak Park as "a pretty solid little campground tucked away from but still close enough to the city," while campers at Kenney Grove Park appreciate being "surrounded by farms and fresh produce."
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Malibu Creek State Park experiences extreme heat in summer. "I came here during the summer and 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," says Chanel C.
Reservation needs: Kenney Grove County Park provides an affordable option for overnight stays. "I believe it was $23 for a dry camping spot, plus another $2/night for having my dog along," notes Kiley S., who adds it's "a lovely, quiet park that I was surprised to find tucked away in Fillmore."
Shower tokens: Many campgrounds require tokens for showers. Alfred mentioned at Leo Carrillo State Park, "the token system ($2 for 2 minutes) takes some getting used to," while Kiley S. advises about Kenney Grove Park to "bring your quarters as they are coin operated."
Campsite spacing: Oak Park has varying site configurations. Cierra M. notes, "There are two camping lots here, the Upper and the Lower campgrounds. Both seem to be more geared for RV use, the Upper lot is almost completely asphalt and pretty exposed to the sun."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Point Mugu Recreation Facility offers extensive equipment rental. Ronna S. shares, "Lots of beach equipment; Tents, coolers, cook stoves...Surfing gear and bikes to rent. Indoor giant TV to watch and gather with other patrons inside the MWR."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas. Cierra M. mentions Oak Park has "playgrounds and basketball courts. Feels very family friendly," while the Bower family noted about Kenney Grove Park, "There was a playground with an old school merry-go-round within sight of where our spot was."
Kid-friendly activities: Campground amenities vary across locations. Steven B. reports about Ventura Ranch KOA, "The kids will love it. ZIP Lines, bike track, pool it also has a labyrinth walking trails," while Jessica R. adds, "Lots of trails and activities for both kids and adults."
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for wildlife encounters. Alfred warns at Leo Carrillo, "Also spotted a few rats at night, so definitely store your food properly," while at Lake Casitas, Bower cautions, "There are ground squirrels in abundance everywhere here and they live without fear of humans!"
Tips from RVers
Hook-up availability: Campgrounds offer varying levels of RV services. At Lake Casitas, Bower reports, "Our space had basic hook ups - there are two dump stations on site. There's a big cost differential compared to a full hook up site."
Space considerations: Many campgrounds have tight spacing for larger vehicles. At Carpinteria State Beach, Leonard H. notes, "Spaces can be tight... neighbor's RV was about two feet from ours," while Brian L. appreciates at Kenney Grove County Park that "RV's are allowed as well, but those sites are separate from the tent sites."
Yurt camping options: For those interested in yurt camping near Moorpark, California, Point Mugu Recreation Facility provides yurt accommodations in a coastal setting. Janet R. shares, "We didnt stay in one of the yurts but hope to next time, they are beautiful and a nice intermediate option between tenting and motel."
Site selection: Ventura Ranch KOA provides a variety of RV site options. Sherrie R. describes, "Stayed in space #2. Right at the entrance. Sewer, water, 30&50amp, picnic table and fire ring included," offering a convenient setup for visitors seeking yurt camping or RV accommodations near Moorpark.
