Oak Park, California sits at an elevation of about 900-1,300 feet in the Simi Hills between the Santa Monica Mountains and the Santa Susana Range. The Mediterranean climate provides mild winters and warm, dry summers with temperatures typically ranging from 50-90°F throughout the camping season. Several campgrounds within a 30-mile radius offer alternatives to the glamping experiences found directly in Oak Park, with options ranging from basic tent sites to full RV hookups.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Malibu Creek State Park has abundant wildlife observation opportunities beyond just the campground. "The wildlife is abundant. There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear... On a hike right out of the park a few hundred yards, I came across a pair of bobcats—mom and cub—making their way to a running creek," notes Ryan W.
Water recreation: Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers fishing and boating opportunities on the reservoir. "The lake offers fishing and boating, no body contact. There are several campsites around the lake. Some lakefront and some wooded," explains Shannon R. The recreation area also features a water park where "you can take a break from the heat and tube down the lazy river."
Hiking trails: Canyon Campground at Leo Carrillo State Park provides access to numerous trails. "Lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool. 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," mentions a recent visitor.
What campers like
Natural features: Kenney Grove Park offers a peaceful setting among citrus groves. "It's one of those rare places where the light pollution is truly minimal and you can really see the stars at night. A great place to see meteor showers or simply just get away from the bustle of stuff for a while," shares Samantha W. The park also features "gorgeous orange groves and rose bushes decorating the road into the park."
Convenience to cities: Castaic Lake State Recreation Area provides a quick getaway from urban areas. "This is a nice campground. Very close to the city but still worth visiting," writes Patty M. The lake views enhance the camping experience as Heather L. describes: "Just a 1 min walk down the hill to the lake - a perfect place to have my morning coffee!"
Proximity to beaches: Santa Cruz Campground at Carpinteria State Beach combines beach access with town amenities. "This is a truly unique campground that my family has been visiting for decades. You can walk into town and eat at the amazing restaurants quaint Carpenteria has to offer. Or you can listen to the waves roll in from your campground as you cook something up over the camp fire," explains Megan B.
What you should know
Site selection: Oak Park has distinct camping areas with varying amenities. "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. I wasn't a fan. The Lower lot however has ample shade and there's enough room at some sites to comfortably put a tent," advises Cierra M.
Weather considerations: Summer temperatures can reach into the 90s at most campgrounds near Oak Park. "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," shares Chanel C. about Malibu Creek State Park.
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds in the area require advance planning. "Book well in advance for summer weekends," advises a Leo Carrillo camper. For glamping in Oak Park, California area, reservations are typically needed 3-6 months ahead during peak season.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Ventura Ranch KOA offers multiple activity options for children. "They have a very large jumping pillow for kiddos, my 6 year had a blast playing on it. They also have a zip line, but it was damaged in the large fire last year, and is being fixed currently. There is a stream that runs thru the property, it was fun to explore," shares Christina S.
Beach camping with kids: Carpinteria State Beach provides family-friendly shore access. "Nice wide and safe swimming beach - close to quaint town - make this a CALIFORNIA CLASSIC," notes Leonard H. The campground also features "a nice park, but small, for the little campers."
Glamping with children: Several sites near Oak Park offer glamping accommodations suitable for families. At Ventura Ranch KOA, "The Glamping tent had a very comfortable queen bed, 2 lamps, a fan, a heater, a mini fridge and a microwave. It also had a futon type couch that made into a bed," according to one visitor, making it ideal for parents with young children seeking comfort.
Tips from RVers
Hookup options: For those seeking RV glamping in the Oak Park vicinity, hookup quality varies by campground. "We selected our campsite based on the map and online photos. 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," explains a Lake Casitas visitor.
Parking considerations: RV sites at many campgrounds have specific limitations. "Some sites are a lil different with their arrangements. Smaller sites with only 30amp services. Some have full hookups.... most dont. an no dump station in the park," notes an RVer at Kenney Grove Park.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some locations. At Ventura Ranch KOA, one camper noted: "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."
