RV camping near Ojai, California offers diverse options within the mountainous terrain of the Los Padres National Forest and along the Pacific coastline. The area sits at approximately 750 feet above sea level with summer temperatures often reaching the 90s and mild winters in the 60s. Overnight temperatures can drop significantly year-round, particularly at higher elevation camping areas.
What to do
Beach exploration along PCH: At Rincon Parkway RV Overnight, you can camp parallel to the Pacific Coast Highway with direct beach access. "We accidentally ran into this parkway and let me tell you…. You'd be crazy not to stay. Views were amazing to fall asleep to and wake up to," notes one reviewer who appreciated the oceanfront setting.
Horseback riding trails: Thousand Trails Rancho Oso caters specifically to equestrian campers with dedicated facilities. "They cater to horse owners, and there were at least 20 horses I saw roaming in their corrals, and I'm sure there's some nice trails around here, too," reports a visitor who appreciated the Western atmosphere.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The coastal areas near Ojai provide opportunities to observe marine wildlife in their natural habitat. At Point Mugu Recreation Facility, campers regularly spot sea lions, seals, and coastal birds. One camper mentioned, "Beautiful Beach! Great place to go fishing, watch Sea Lions and Birds. Walking my dog on the beach. Watching the sun rise and beautiful sunsets."
What campers like
Clean bathroom facilities: Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara receives consistent praise for its maintenance. "Very clean. Nicely wooded. Pool, jacuzzi, laundry-all well maintained. Hiking and biking trails. Short hike down to very nice beach at the El Capitan State Park," writes one camper about the facilities.
Proximity to beaches: Several campgrounds offer direct beach access or short walks to the shore. At Malibu Beach RV Park, guests appreciate the location and beach proximity. "Beautiful place. Pool, hot tub, laundry, people friendly, picnic tables, fire rings and green grass every paved site," notes one camper about the well-maintained grounds and ocean views.
On-site recreation amenities: Many RV parks near Ojai offer additional recreational facilities beyond basic camping. "They have a pool, playground, 24 hour bathroom and showers included with your stay. Also have a small restaurant in case you don't feel like cooking. They have bike rentals that I believe are free to use," writes a family who stayed at Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara.
What you should know
Highway noise impacts: Several campgrounds near Ojai sit close to major roadways. At Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park, the proximity to Highway 101 creates a constant background sound. "We were hesitant at first from working remote by being so close to the highway, but the tall wall that separates the highway and the park works very well," notes one camper who extended their stay despite initial concerns.
Cell service limitations: Cell coverage varies significantly by location and carrier. At Thousand Trails Rancho Oso, connectivity is extremely limited. One camper reports: "The problem was the resort does not have wifi or Verizon cell service. So I had to commute daily, I work remotely. If you want remote this is good."
Reservation requirements: Many oceanside campgrounds fill quickly, particularly during summer months. At Rincon Parkway, one camper noted the ease of online booking: "Great for last second check-in online. Best, I've ever had checking in. Sites with lower numbers have more sand in front and maybe easier access beach."
Tips for camping with families
Beach-friendly sites: For camping with children, consider sites with easier beach access. At Rincon Parkway, a family noted: "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. The only way to get down to the beach is to walk down the big rocks. Some sites have a very easy access to the beach and some not so much."
Parks with playground facilities: Hollywood RV Park offers family-friendly amenities in an urban setting if you're looking to combine camping with city attractions. "We're Boondockers. We like nature and no neighbors. Yet, we're OK here. We like it. We'd definitely come stay here again if we ever get another urge to try visiting LA," writes one camper about the surprising tranquility.
Rental gear availability: Some facilities offer equipment rentals to reduce what families need to pack. Point Mugu Recreation Facility provides extensive beach and camping gear options. According to one visitor: "The MWR outdoor recreation facility has all kinds of beach and camping gear available to check out, like snorkels and surfboards and more, and staff to advise about local hiking and recreational trips in the area."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Ventura Beach RV Resort, space utilization varies by site location. "We Stayed 4 nights in space 15 Saturday thru Wednesday. Saturday night was like spring break for 40 somethings, it was Loud and everyone had a beer or pot and the kids were running all around. It did quite down around 10 which was good."
Parking assistance: Some parks offer help with tight maneuvering. At Hollywood RV Park, staff actively assist with parking: "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."
Utility management: During peak usage periods, electrical capacity can be strained. A Ventura Beach RV Resort camper noted: "There were so many people running their ac that my surge protector kept shutting off on 'low current' below 104 volts."
