Best Campgrounds near Piru, CA

Camping options around Piru, California include several established campgrounds with varying amenities and access types. Lake Piru Recreation Area serves as the primary destination, offering both tent and RV sites with hookups, while nearby Kenney Grove Park and Tapo Canyon Park provide additional developed camping areas. The region contains a mix of water-oriented recreation sites and more secluded canyon locations, most within 30 minutes of Piru proper, with several campgrounds featuring full hookups for recreational vehicles.

Seasonal considerations play a significant role in the camping experience near Piru. Summer temperatures frequently exceed 90°F, making spring and fall ideal for tent camping. "The lake can be a bit choppy mid morning to afternoon, we tried canoeing on it. Although it was fun it was a workout getting back to the shore," noted one visitor about Lake Piru. Most campgrounds in the area remain open year-round, though water levels at Lake Piru fluctuate significantly due to drought conditions, affecting water recreation opportunities. Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with AT&T providing the most consistent coverage, while other carriers have limited or no service in canyon areas such as Tapo Canyon Park.

Campers consistently mention the cleanliness of facilities as a highlight at most established campgrounds near Piru. Lake Piru Recreation Area receives positive feedback for its spacious sites and wildlife viewing opportunities, with several visitors noting regular deer sightings in the campground. Proximity to Los Angeles makes these campgrounds popular weekend destinations, resulting in crowded conditions on summer weekends but relatively quiet weekdays. As one camper observed, "I spent a couple months here, off season and rarely did I have neighbors except maybe on a weekend. Most of the time it was 90% empty." Bathroom and shower facilities at most campgrounds are well-maintained, though showers typically require quarters. The balance of natural setting with accessible amenities makes the Piru area appealing for both experienced campers and those seeking more comfortable outdoor accommodations.

Best Camping Sites Near Piru, California (182)

    1. Lake Piru Recreation Area

    14 Reviews
    Piru, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 521-1500

    $38 - $50 / night

    "Enjoy a walk around the lake, or head out onto the water for wakeboarding."

    "We were placed away from all the tent campers. Staff was friendly and helpful. Tighter spots for anything over 25ft. ONLY AT&T works. Wifi is $9/day for one device."

    2. Kenney Grove Park

    13 Reviews
    Fillmore, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 524-0750

    "It’s tucked away from the street and you almost wouldn’t know it’s there! Loved this small and well kept campsite. Some of the sites are very small."

    "Ok, so first off driving into this place feels a little "Texas Chainsaw" but don't worry, its fine."

    3. Tapo Canyon Park

    12 Reviews
    Simi Valley, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    "This is a very nice campground near everything but still away from it all. No issues parking our 42' 5th wheel here. Clean and quiet despite the peacocks. They can be rather loud when startled."

    "This campground happens to be very close to home so we went here to try out our brand new pull behind camper trailer for the very first time.
    The campground is small, quiet and very well-kept."

    4. Castaic Lake State Recreation Area

    13 Reviews
    Valencia, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 257-4050

    "Gorgeous location right on the lake, the waters clear and there’s a generous amount of trees surrounding for shade."

    "Just a 1 min walk down the hill to the lake - a perfect place to have my morning coffee! They allowed pets which is awesome. Super quiet, lots of stars, and a beautiful view. Couldn’t ask for better!"

    5. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    39 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 880-0367

    $45 - $225 / night

    "It is prime location for some great hiking and at night it is super quiet. There are restrooms and showers as well."

    "The grounds were beautiful and well maintained, the camp host super friendly and helpful, the bathrooms well positioned and clean, and the sites had shade and everything we needed."

    6. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 - $60 / night

    "It was a quick drive up the coast and onto this hidden gem. You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you. Perfect place for families or even RVs."

    "The campground is tucked away in a beautiful canyon setting with lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool."

    7. Ventura Ranch KOA

    15 Reviews
    Santa Paula, CA
    16 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."

    8. Valencia Travel Village

    8 Reviews
    Valencia, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (661) 257-3333

    "A little remote and you have to drive to the nearest town(s), but clean grounds and nice site. Very easy to book online.  The RV park is pretty large so it's a nice daily walk."

    "I didn’t actually stay here as I was looking for a tent camping spot, but I did drive around the facility and it was super clean and looked like a great spot if you’ve got an RV."

    9. Oak Flat Campground

    12 Reviews
    Castaic, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (818) 899-1900

    $5 / night

    "*** this review refers to the Oak Flat campground along the Sespe trail and is accessible by backpackers only, 7 miles from Piedra Blaca parking lot***."

    "Spots have picnic and fire pits available, with clean newly updated bathrooms near by. Lots of big boulders and trees on the landscape, providing ample shade and beautiful full trees in the summer."

    10. Steckel Park

    13 Reviews
    Santa Paula, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    "It seems the campsite attracts a rowdy crowd but that's expected so close to the city. Still, noisy neighbors was definitely the most negative aspect of our stay."

    "A family of 2 peahens, a peacock, and 3 babies hung out near the creek. Beautiful birds. After walking around the creek for an hour, I came back to see a few bundles of wood left for me."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 182 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Piru, CA

994 Reviews of 182 Piru Campgrounds


  • Eleanor M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Santa Rosa Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Great location, parking lot

    We got lucky with a premium spot that opened up on the beach front. It was a gorgeous place to wake up! Definitely a festive tailgate-style vibe in the parking lot. You are close to your neighbors with no privacy but it was a great first stop for us out of LA. Easy walk into town for breakfast burritos!

  • Spencer S.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Malibu Beach RV Park

    Beautiful beach!

    They have ports potty’s and a nice stretch of beach between houses that you can enjoy privately

  • Gillian L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Hollywood RV Park

    Themed Park!

    First of all, staff was amazing. We were originally supposed to arrive on a Tuesday and we’re not able to make it. Staff shifted our reservation instead of us eating the missed night cost. Also super accommodating allowing us to extend a day longer last minute. Park is tight quarters with 200 spots. Two laundry rooms/bathrooms with showers on site, plus a cute little dog park! We stayed for three nights. Every “road” in the park is themed with California or Hollywood themed decorations and murals. We were parked right next to a Mister Roger’s mural across from the laundry/bathrooms. My only complaint in the noise level at times which is not from the park itself. Helicopters would fly over randomly, sometimes at night and it could be annoying when trying to sleep. Otherwise, absolute GEM of a place!

  • Ryan C.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Fairways RV Resort

    Very quiet and clean

    Disabled Veteran from the area so getting on base was a breeze. Our trailer is 36ft so parking our long bed dually on the site took some space, but there is extra parking if you don’t mind a short walk. There are parks located throughout the base and the bowling alley is super cheap for unlimited bowling. There is a movie theater on site but limited on how many movies are showing.

  • mThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Faria Beach Park

    Right in the Ocean

    Campsite are close together but the view & vibe are awesome. Clean excellent facilities with hot & cold showers. Camp sites are packed, but I car camp so had no issues.

  • Imerie T.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Oak Flat Campground

    Good place to stop between stops

    So the good first, Quiet, not many ppl in the fall/winter months. Sites are large, dumpsters, vault toilets, close to town amenities. We felt safe staying here. Met nice campers.

    The crappy. Yes you can hear the humm of the freeway from further away. Didn’t bug us, but some it does. There is micro trash everywhere. No one cleans the sites, leaves are outta control on the ground. You cannot have any cooking or fires right now. Only cooking inside. The single bathroom is cleanest. The Ranger was super rude He asked way too many personal questions and kept wanting to make sure we weren’t “homeless”. He doesn’t understand the difference between vagrants and choosing to not live in bricks and sticks. He wanted to know exactly how many days we were staying and what day and time we were leaving. You can stay up to 14days and no reservations required.

    It is only free if you have your America The Beautiful Pass, otherwise it’s 5.00 a night And you have to buy that at the Shell Gas Station down the pass.

  • Anna X.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 8, 2025

    Dockweiler Beach RV Park

    Pacific touch :)

    Nice place very close to the beach with amazing Pacific view. All connections in place; sites very close to each other; a bit loud due to airport nearby. Very friendly staff. In overall good experience and recommend it :)

  • 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.


Guide to Piru

Camping near Piru, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sun and surf at Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park. Campers love the beachfront spots, with one reviewer saying, "Really a special spot. Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in Southern California."
  • Hiking Trails: Explore the trails at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Great location for beach, biking, and hiking," highlighting the easy access to nature.
  • Fishing and Boating: Head over to Lake Casitas Recreation Area for fishing and boating. A reviewer noted, "The lake itself is beautiful and right in the middle of the entire recreation area."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Malibu Beach RV Park. One guest said, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs remarked, "Possibly the cleanest public bathroom I've ever seen."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families enjoy the welcoming vibe at Wheeler Gorge Campground. One reviewer shared, "Great campground for kids, we always have a good time."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Emma Wood State Beach, have minimal facilities. A camper noted, "Completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots like Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach can get busy. One visitor mentioned, "Spots are very snug. You can get stuck waiting for a while if your neighbors don’t know how to park their unit."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at Wheeler Gorge Campground. A camper shared, "They let us know there was a bear in the area and sure enough that night Bucky the bear was in our campsite."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Lake Casitas Recreation Area, which offers various activities. One reviewer said, "Good for families or big groups."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes for trails or beach gear for fun at Thornhill Broome Beach. A family shared, "We cooked on the beach and enjoyed throwing rocks into the ocean!"
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Some campgrounds lack markets, so bring enough food and drinks. A visitor at Bonelli Bluffs mentioned, "The park is clean and well maintained, personnel very kind and friendly."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site, especially at places like Malibu Creek State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
  • Bring Your Own Wi-Fi: Many campgrounds, like Point Mugu State Park, have limited cell service. A visitor shared, "No T-Mobile wifi... I was able to stream music, text, and some internet."
  • Plan for Dump Stations: Some campgrounds, such as Lake Casitas, have dump stations available. A reviewer mentioned, "Easy to dump at the dump station."

Camping near Piru, California, has something for everyone, from beach lovers to hiking enthusiasts. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the camping options at Lake Piru Recreation Area?

Lake Piru Recreation Area offers spacious campsites with ample distance between neighbors. The recreation area features standard campsites suitable for both tents and RVs. The lake's convenient location makes it one of the closest lake camping destinations to surrounding communities. While Piru is smaller compared to other lakes in the region, its accessibility is a major advantage for weekend getaways. The campground's layout provides a comfortable camping experience with enough space to enjoy outdoor activities.

How much does it cost to camp at Lake Piru?

Camping fees at Lake Piru Recreation Area vary by season and site type. For more budget-friendly alternatives in the region, consider Los Alamos Campground at Pyramid Lake, which offers dry camping at approximately 90 sites with water spigots available in common areas (though not for permanent hookup). Another economical option is Dennison Park, which features varied site sizes and configurations at reasonable rates through the Ventura County reservation system. Always check official websites for current pricing as rates may change seasonally.

What amenities are available at Lake Piru campgrounds?

Lake Piru Recreation Area provides fire rings/grills and picnic tables at each campsite. The campground features nice bathrooms with coin-operated facilities. Some sites offer partial shade for comfort during hot days. For those seeking alternative options in the region, Hungry Valley State Vehicle Recreation Area offers large camping areas with some fenced sections that include picnic tables and pergolas, making it ideal for groups who want privacy while still enjoying shared spaces.