Ventura County offers diverse camping options surrounding Ojai, California, from RV parks to tent-only sites. Located in a valley at 746 feet elevation, Ojai experiences warm summers with temperatures reaching the mid-90s and mild winters with occasional frost. The region sits between the Topatopa Mountains and Sulphur Mountain, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Reyes Creek Campground provides direct access to wilderness trails with varying difficulty levels. "We hiked up hills to watch the meteor shower (great), along the creek for small waterfalls, and a little ways into the wilderness (but there's nice hiking as far as you want to go)," notes Larry M. The campground sits at the edge of Los Padres National Forest, offering extensive hiking options.
Water activities: Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers fishing and boating opportunities year-round. "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 campground also includes a water park for cooling off during summer months.
Bird watching: Experience diverse wildlife viewing at several campgrounds. "Many different birds are found here. We saw lots of red-headed woodpeckers as well as herons and smaller birds," shares Larry M. about his stay at Camp Comfort Park. The creeks and wetlands throughout the region attract numerous bird species.
What campers like
Natural water features: Streams and creeks enhance the camping experience at several locations. "The creek running through was full of frogs & small fish," notes Larry M. Campers often mention the relaxing sounds of flowing water as a highlight of their stay.
Peacock sightings: Ventura Ranch KOA offers unique wildlife encounters with resident peacocks. "Peacocks roam the grounds, but were not noisy," Kate B. mentions. These colorful birds freely wander throughout the campground, creating memorable wildlife encounters.
Tent camping options: Santa Cruz Campground at Carpinteria State Beach provides designated tent areas separate from RV sections. "The tent camping spots were a pretty good size for beach camping," Kelly E. reports. Most tent sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water spigots.
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Regulations vary by season and location. Reyes Creek Campground typically allows campfires in designated rings. "The camp hosts were super friendly and helpful. There are fire pits throughout the 76 acre park, it was nice having a campfire, since so many places don't allow them anymore," Christina S. explains. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip.
Water availability: Many campgrounds have limited or no running water. "There is no power, or water. There's no cell service in the camp, but a 5 minute drive up the mountain there's a dirt lot they call the 'phone booth' that gets decent reception," John Y. notes about Reyes Creek. Bring sufficient water or confirm access before arrival.
Yurt camping in Ojai, California: For those seeking comfortable yurt camping near Ojai, California, Ventura Ranch KOA offers well-maintained structures. "We stayed the 1st in a large teepee. It had beds for a total of six people. It was hot in the daytime, and got really cold at night, so we switched to a Glamping tent," shares Christina S. Yurt options typically include beds, electricity, and sometimes heating/cooling.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Kenney Grove Park offers family-friendly amenities. "The kids had plenty of room to run around and get dirty, and there was a playground with an old school merry-go-round within sight of where our spot was," Brian L. mentions. Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children.
Beach proximity: Some campgrounds offer easy beach access for family outings. "The beach is 5min bike ride either way out of the resort. Great sunsets!!!!" Rob L. shares about his stay at Ventura Beach RV Resort. Beach activities provide excellent entertainment options for children of all ages.
Educational opportunities: Wildlife viewing creates learning experiences. "The creek running behind it was full of frogs croaking at night and birds singing throughout the day," reports a camper about Lake Casitas. Children can observe various wildlife species in their natural habitat.
Tips from RVers
Hookup locations: Some campgrounds have unusual hookup configurations. "Site #13, which is a weird 'pull in' site... because all your hookups are to the left of the site, on the driver's side. Which is fine, except that unless you have a long sewer hose, your hose won't reach," Laura M. warns about Camp Comfort Park. Bring extension hoses or adapters when possible.
Site selection strategy: At Lake Casitas, certain areas offer better experiences. "We selected our campsite based on the map and online photos. We couldn't have been more pleased with the location we chose!! 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," shares Bower. Research site maps before booking to find optimal locations.
Wildlife precautions: RVers should protect their vehicles from wildlife. "Beware! There are ground squirrels in abundance everywhere here and they live without fear of humans! We watched them approach as we sat right near the truck and they hopped up into the engine compartment," warns one camper at Lake Casitas. Inspect engines regularly and store food properly.
