Oak View sits in the Ojai Valley at 755 feet elevation, between Ventura's coastal plains and Ojai's mountain terrain. The region's Mediterranean climate creates distinct camping seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and winter nights dropping to 35°F. RV camping options near Oak View access both mountain and coastal environments within a 30-mile radius.
What to do
Beach access: 15-20 minute drive: From RV parks in Oak View, California, Ventura's beaches are easily accessible. Rincon Parkway RV Overnight provides direct oceanfront access. "Great location. Beach is 5min bike ride either way out of the resort. Great sunsets!!!!" notes a Ventura Beach RV Resort visitor.
Hiking trails: multiple distances available: Several campgrounds offer direct trail access. At Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara, "Hiking trails are also connected to the campground. Just a mile from a great beach with lots of parking," one camper shares. "Petty much the best rv park in the area for long term stay," mentions a reviewer at Hollywood RV Park, which provides access to urban trails.
Wildlife viewing: seasonal opportunities: The region's varied ecosystems support diverse wildlife. "Beach is great for the kids and fishing. You really have to stay on the front desk as far as getting a reservation confirmation email though," notes a camper at Point Mugu Recreation Facility. At Rincon Parkway, another reports "I had seals right below my rig."
What campers like
Oceanfront camping: direct beach access: The proximity to water remains a major draw. "Park parallel right on the road. You must be heading southbound. Great for last second check-in online," explains a Rincon Parkway visitor. "Walking distance to beach. Taken well care of. Nice store on grounds. Pool and spa on site," notes another camper.
Pool and hot tub access: seasonal availability: Many campgrounds offer swimming amenities as alternatives to beach swimming. "Pool area is nice with a nice hot tub. Friendly staff and the grounds are well kept. Nice dog park. Not much road noise from the 101," reports a Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara guest.
Urban convenience: shopping and services: Campgrounds near urban centers provide practical advantages. "We needed an overnight in Santa Barbara and chose this convenient location. Yes, there is highway noise but it is like white noise to me," reports a camper at Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park. "Location, location location! Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!" notes a Malibu Beach RV Park visitor.
What you should know
Highway noise levels: variable by location: Traffic sound affects many area campgrounds. "The highway is right next to you. You can literally see the cars driving by. At night, it was so loud, it was difficult to sleep," warns a Ventura Beach RV Resort visitor. At Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park: "Extremely clean facilities, check in after hours was a breeze and very well explained. Only potential downside is the highway noise."
Reservation systems: varied approaches: Many campgrounds require advance planning. Rincon Parkway now uses a reservation system rather than first-come, first-served. At Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park, "As of Dec 7, their voicemail says they have a wait-list."
Site spacing: compact in many locations: Space constraints affect most area campgrounds. "Very close to neighbors and a tight fit, but the city has so much to offer, we didn't need to spend much time at the RV park so were fine with cramped space," notes a Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Beach camping safety: monitoring required: Oceanfront sites require additional vigilance. "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," advises a Rincon Parkway camper.
Recreation options: vary by facility: Some campgrounds offer extensive activities. "Great place for kids and families. Went during the week so wasn't too crazy packed. They have a pool, playground, 24 hour bathroom and showers included with your stay," shares a Thousand Trails Rancho Oso visitor.
Wi-Fi reliability: inconsistent across campgrounds: Internet access varies significantly. "Wifi and AT&T cell service worked great overall. Video calls were inconsistent so hotspotted those calls, but streaming and email and search worked just fine," reports a Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park camper.
Tips from RVers
Parking assistance: varies by facility: Some campgrounds provide setup help. "Steve the owner is amazing and the team will take your rig on a forklift to your site and fully set you up. It feels like a neighborhood instead of a busy RV park," shares a Hollywood RV Park visitor.
Site selection strategies: research required: Different sites offer varied experiences. "We stayed in the 5th level that had full hookups, and it was tiered in 7 levels, with an average of 10 spaces a level," explains a Thousand Trails Rancho Oso camper who recommends considering tiered camping layouts.
Weather preparation: seasonal considerations: Local climate affects camping comfort. "Unseasonably warm for the first week, in the mid-90's. There was also a steady breeze going through. More like a steady wind, as it was pretty strong. I had to take my awning down it was so strong," notes a Thousand Trails Rancho Oso visitor.
