Best Campgrounds near Oak View, CA

Camping near Oak View, California encompasses a range of experiences from lakeside recreation areas to mountain canyon sites. The area sits between the coastal beaches of Ventura and the mountain valleys of Ojai, providing access to Lake Casitas Recreation Area, Wheeler Gorge Campground, and Dennison Park. Los Padres National Forest borders the region to the north, while several state beaches lie to the south along Highway 101. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of amenities and hookups.

Reservations are strongly recommended for all established campgrounds, particularly during summer months when sites fill quickly. Lake Casitas Recreation Area operates year-round with full hookup sites, though the lake prohibits swimming due to its status as a drinking water reservoir. Fire restrictions are common during dry summer and fall months, with complete bans often implemented during high fire danger periods. Cell service is generally reliable at campgrounds closer to town but becomes spotty in canyon areas like Wheeler Gorge. Most campgrounds have vault or flush toilets, though not all offer shower facilities.

Beachside camping options provide a different experience from the inland sites. Emma Wood State Beach offers RV-only camping directly on the beach with minimal amenities but maximum ocean proximity. According to reviews, "You are parked right on the beach, with waves coming up to your doorstep at high tide." Carpinteria State Beach, about 30 minutes south, provides more developed facilities with tent sites and RV hookups. For families, Lake Casitas offers additional recreation with a water park during summer months and a disc golf course. Dennison Park, located on a hillside above Ojai Valley, provides what one visitor described as "lovely valley views a few feet from our campsite" and is noted for being "an excellent campsite for small children" with enough space to explore safely.

Best Camping Sites Near Oak View, California (154)

    1. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 649-2233

    "This campground is located in Santa Barbara County just west of Ojai. Beautiful mountain scenery. It’s great for tents and RVs.

    The lake offers fishing and boating, no body contact."

    "A nice feature, (we did not take advantage of), is there is a water slide park near the entrance. As far as I know, this is a separate fee, but nothing astronomical."

    2. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    50 Reviews
    Carpinteria, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-1033

    $45 - $180 / night

    "We live in nearby Santa Barbara, but will use Carp State Beach as a midway meeting point when friends from Southern California and Central California meet up."

    "I naively thought the campgrounds wouldn’t be open to capacity and I was hoping for camping not so close to other campers."

    3. Wheeler Gorge Campground

    31 Reviews
    Ojai, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $35 - $74 / night

    "Of course fire, candles and bug spray help but because of the nice creek nearby its kind of unavoidable. With that said, the bugs go night night at dark and a big fire helps."

    "We reserved site #49 which was plenty big enough for our 26ft class c, but the drive through the campground to get to the site was a little narrow and tight, wouldn't recommend for larger RVs."

    4. Emma Wood State Beach

    27 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 585-1850

    $40 / night

    "There are no toilet facilities here (there are some portapotties at the entrance though - those might be for staff though.).  

    The only "amenity" this place offers is trash and recycling bins.  "

    "We parked next to the sea wall great view of the ocean. Ocean almost comes to your door step"

    5. Dennison Park

    20 Reviews
    Ojai, CA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $25 - $28 / night

    "There is a small play park at the base of the hill for small children to unwind, but I recommend driving a few miles further into Ojai and visiting Libbey Park."

    "The closest flush toilets are closed but there are ones near the road that are nice."

    6. Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    17 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $43 - $47 / night

    "127 Slanted or parallel dry camp asphalt spots located along the Pacific Ocean and PCH approx 8 miles north of Ventura and 20 miles south of Santa Barbara off the Seaside Exit."

    "We had a dog and newly walking baby with us, so we REALLY had to keep an eye on both of them.  We brought little baby gates which helped. "

    7. Faria Beach Park

    12 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Dolphins passing by constantly, small campground so few people around even when full. Limited hours but cute little cafe. Quarter hott showers and clean bathrooms. It was 70’ in December."

    "Location: right off the highway, don’t hear the highway though, low traffic and loud waves Cleanliness: sites and bathrooms kept very clean. Bathrooms/showers: great and clean !!"

    8. Ventura Beach RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 643-9137

    "The Ventura Beach RV Resort is very nice and a short bike ride or walk from the beach or town. Stay away from the sites in the first row closest to the freeway as those tend to flood."

    "Walking distance to beach. Taken well care of. Nice store on grounds. Pool and spa on site."

    9. Camp Comfort Park

    9 Reviews
    Ojai, CA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    "The location is phenomenal - surrounded by hills that bask in a beautiful golden light before sunset, a creek runs along the edge making the area right in front of the hills like a tropical garden -green"

    "The best part of this campground is the creek that runs behind it. It's so nice and refreshing on a hot day, and safe for little kids to splash around in."

    10. Ventura Ranch KOA

    15 Reviews
    Santa Paula, CA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 933-3200

    "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."

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Recent Reviews near Oak View, CA

1015 Reviews of 154 Oak View Campgrounds


  • S
    Oct. 2, 2025

    Anacapa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Clean and easy access

    I love Carp State Beach campground. The proximity to everything Carpinteria is within a short walking distance. Staff and venue are amazing.

  • Jake M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    Awesome Mountain View’s and spacious sites!

    Every friendly people. Nice open sites that are good for people who just want to be isolated. Showers and bathrooms available. No charging unless you can find an open one in the park. Site 27 is a very good site.

  • T
    Sep. 24, 2025

    Camp Comfort Park

    It's fine

    It's fine. It is a lower cost option although not exactly low cost. Website says $46 or $48 a night for full hook up but was actually $50 plus $15 (mandatory reservation fee). Farther off of 101 than what we would have liked but ok. Get quarters before you arrive if you want to shower and do laundry.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 19, 2025

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Great Family Vacation

    Perfect weekend getaway for the family! Loved the store and how close to the beach this place was. Will definitely be coming back!!

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Carpenteria State Beach

    Good location

    This was our first stop out of LA, great location. The beach was nice but beware of tar staining. The showers required tokens but the token machine was out of order. A bit annoying for the price of the site.

  • B
    Aug. 29, 2025

    Tapo Canyon Park

    Favorite spot near LA

    The Camp Hosts here are Very Friendly and welcoming, the campground has a lush grass area and nice covered playground. The showers and bathrooms are nice, we highly recommend Tapo Canyon.

  • Lee-Ann C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 25, 2025

    Steckel Park

    Beautiful location

    The camp host came over shortly after we arrived and was very kind and friendly. I appreciate that they enforce quiet hours! The lots were not very private but they were clean and having full hookups was great. The location is pretty, on a creek. And there’s a playground and aviary which our whole family enjoyed. We’ll plan to go back when it’s not so hot!


Guide to Oak View

Camping near Oak View, California ranges from stream-side forest sites to beachfront RV spots within a 20-mile radius. The area sits between the chaparral-covered mountains of Los Padres National Forest and the coastal plains, with elevations ranging from sea level to 1,200 feet. Many campgrounds experience morning fog in summer months that typically burns off by midday, while winter camping brings cooler temperatures between 40-60°F.

What to do

Creek exploration: Wheeler Gorge Campground: The creek running through this campground creates natural play areas for all ages. "There is a stream that runs thru the property, it was fun to explore," notes one visitor. Wheeler Gorge Campground offers a welcome respite from summer heat with its shaded sites and water access.

Biking along coastal paths: Faria Beach Park: The paved bike trails connecting Ventura's beach communities offer flat, scenic riding opportunities. "Nice long paths for cruising on your bike," reports a camper at Emma Wood State Beach. Biking from Faria Beach Park lets you enjoy coastal views with minimal traffic.

Wildlife watching: Ventura Ranch KOA: The area hosts diverse wildlife including migratory birds and marine mammals. "We saw squirrels, rabbits, dolphins, sea lions and birds," notes a camper. Many campgrounds near Oak View provide wildlife viewing opportunities, especially during morning and evening hours.

What campers like

Beach proximity: Rincon Parkway RV: The direct ocean access makes these sites popular despite minimal amenities. "You are parked right on the beach, with waves coming up to your doorstep," shares one RV camper. Sites fill quickly, especially Thursday through Sunday in summer months.

Mountain views: Dennison Park: Elevated sites provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. "The sites at Fox are relatively large with a good amount of space between sites. Were tucked into a surrounding of trees and a lake view," explains a Lake Casitas visitor. The upper campsites at Dennison Park offer "beautiful views" and "lovely valley views" according to reviews.

Natural water features: Camp Comfort Park: The creeks and water features provide natural cooling in hot weather. "The creek running through was full of frogs & small fish. Many different birds are found here," notes a camper. Sites nearest water features typically book first and command higher fees.

What you should know

Fire restrictions: Santa Cruz Campground: Fire rules vary significantly by location and season. "Campfires only allowed at some sites," explains a Faria Beach reviewer. Most campgrounds implement full fire bans during high fire danger periods, usually late summer through fall.

Limited cell coverage: Wheeler Gorge: "There's zero cell reception in this entire area, the roads leading up to the campground as well," reports a camper. Pack printed directions and don't rely on mobile apps for navigation to more remote campgrounds.

Parking challenges: Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach: "RV campsites are to small. You have to squeeze to get in or out of your RV," notes one reviewer. Reservations often specify maximum vehicle length, but even within limits, maneuvering can be tight.

Weather variability: Morning fog often blankets coastal campgrounds but usually burns off by midday. Inland sites like Wheeler Gorge experience larger temperature swings, with one camper noting, "It got down into the 30's last night."

Tips for camping with families

Protected play areas: Dennison Park: Look for campgrounds with natural boundaries that contain young explorers. "An excellent campsite for small children with enough space to explore safely," mentions a visitor. Camp Comfort Park offers adjacent parkland with "really nice seating and playground for kids."

Water recreation alternatives: Lake Casitas: When beach conditions aren't ideal, Lake Casitas offers family-friendly alternatives. "The most fun is the water park. You can take a break from the heat and tube down the lazy river," shares a camper. The water park operates seasonally, typically Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Easy nature introduction: Wheeler Gorge: Stream-side camping provides natural entertainment for children. "Perfect for friends, families, and dogs! It was quiet at night although our spot was right next to the road and we heard every loud car and truck drive by but that's okay, the sound of the creek was just as loud!" reports a visitor.

Tips from RVers

Hookup variability: Ventura Ranch KOA: "We stayed in space #2. Right at the entrance. Sewer, water, 30&50amp, picnic table and fire ring included," reports an RVer. Hookup availability varies widely, with coastal sites generally offering fewer amenities than inland locations.

Level site challenges: Faria Beach Park: "Sites are pretty tight, angled well for your own beach if you're on the water. Hookups at some sites," notes a camper. Many beachfront sites require leveling blocks, while mountain campgrounds often have naturally uneven terrain.

Weather preparation: Emma Wood State Beach: "The wind is extremely strong especially at night," warns a camper. RVers should secure awnings and outdoor equipment, particularly at coastal campgrounds where afternoon winds are common.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Oak View, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Oak View, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 154 campgrounds and RV parks near Oak View, CA and 10 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Oak View, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oak View, CA is Lake Casitas Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 39 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oak View, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 free dispersed camping spots near Oak View, CA.

What parks are near Oak View, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Oak View, CA that allow camping, notably Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area and Channel Islands National Park.