Best Campgrounds near Oxnard, CA
The coastal region around Oxnard, California features several established campgrounds that balance beach access with proximity to urban amenities. Lake Casitas Recreation Area, located approximately 20 miles northwest of Oxnard, offers tent and RV sites with full hookups, while coastal options like Emma Wood State Beach cater specifically to self-contained RVs. Point Mugu State Park's campgrounds provide a more natural setting with access to hiking trails and ocean views. The area supports a range of camping styles from primitive beach camping to developed RV resorts with amenities like electricity, water hookups, and shower facilities.
Many campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during summer months when beach areas reach capacity. Coastal sites such as Emma Wood State Beach and Rincon Parkway offer oceanfront camping but lack amenities like showers or toilets. Inland options provide more facilities but trade direct beach access for forest settings. Weather remains mild year-round, though coastal fog can affect morning visibility. Cell service varies by location but remains reliable near populated areas. Noise from nearby transportation infrastructure affects some campgrounds. According to one visitor, "Even though you're literally paying $40 for a parking spot, this is one of our favorite campgrounds. You are parked right on the beach, which we love so much. At high tide the ocean comes right up to your doorstep."
The most highly-rated campgrounds in the Oxnard area feature either direct beach access or substantial recreational facilities. Campers consistently praise sites with ocean views, citing the sound of waves and beach proximity as worth the premium prices and limited amenities. Faria Beach Park and Lake Casitas receive positive reviews for their balance of natural settings and adequate facilities. Tent campers note that options are more limited than for RVs, with several reviewers mentioning that certain sites are "essentially just asphalt lots with small dirt spaces for fire pits and picnic benches." Train noise affects multiple coastal campgrounds, particularly those near Ventura and Carpinteria, though many visitors consider this a minor inconvenience compared to the benefit of oceanfront locations.
