Santa Paula sits in a valley between Los Padres National Forest and the Pacific Ocean at 267 feet above sea level. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate with dry summers reaching 90°F and mild winters around 66°F. Overnight temperatures typically drop 20-30 degrees from daytime highs, making proper bedding essential even in summer months when camping near Santa Paula, California.
What to do
Horseback riding trails: 3750 Paradise Road offers guided equestrian experiences. "If you are looking for a campground with horseback riding opportunities, this is the campground for you. Remote, mountain location," notes a visitor at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso. Another camper adds, "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."
Beach activities: 0.1 miles to water access from several oceanfront camping options. "We stayed here a week with views of the Channel Islands, seals, sea lions, whales, and dolphins," writes a reviewer about Rincon Parkway RV Overnight. Another camper highlights, "This is one of our favorite spots, incredible ocean views and 1 1/2 mile dog friendly beach." For those with children, one visitor cautions, "Not the best place for young kids, as it is too scary being right off the highway in my opinion. Just stay down on the beach (break water rocks provide a barrier if you have kids)."
Wildlife viewing: daily sightings throughout spring and summer. At Thousand Trails Rancho Oso, one camper observed, "There is a small creek and plenty of hiking trails. There is wild turkeys that wander thru the campground and you will see an occassional deer or 2." Similarly, Point Mugu Recreation Facility offers "a nice quiet estuary to the north that is full of birds, seals, and other wildlife."
What campers like
Ocean proximity: direct beach access from several sites. "You have everything for a cheap price," remarks a visitor at Ventura Beach RV Resort. Another notes, "Walking distance to beach. Taken well care of. Nice store on grounds. Pool and spa on site." The oceanfront view drives most positive feedback, with one camper stating, "This was our first time here. It is close to the 101 freeway, you can hear the traffic, but that didn't bother us. Just be aware, it's not a super quiet place."
Mountain scenery: elevated views especially during clear days. "Most amazing views of the pacific from the ocean view sites," describes a camper at Malibu Beach RV Park. Another states, "I have been on a 3 month trip and stayed at 22 different campgrounds. Malibu RV Resort has the best views for the price, hands down." The tiered layout maximizes viewing opportunities, as noted by one visitor: "Great & Clean Facilities. Location, location location! Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
Urban accessibility: under 45 minutes to major attractions. "We stayed for 1 night to Visit L.A. It was clean and the Staff was very nice," shares a camper at Hollywood RV Park. For those wanting to explore cities, another visitor notes, "This seems to be one of the best places to stay with an RV to visit LA, since driving and parking and RV in LA can be challenging and parking an RV in west LA is not allowed."
What you should know
Limited connectivity: spotty cell service in mountain locations. "No wifi and cell service - on them. They need to fix this," reports a camper at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso. Another reviewer clarifies, "Good & bad is that your wifi, cell service is very limited here. If you want to get away from that hectic 'connected 24/7' life this is a place you can do it. If you need that constant connection you won't like it."
Highway noise: consistent traffic sounds at coastal locations. "The only positive thing about my stay was the free Pancake breakfast in the morning," explains a visitor at Ventura Beach RV Resort who adds, "Very loud. During the day it was difficult to conversate with my group of people or listen to any music at my campsite. The free way is right next to you." Similarly, at Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park, visitors mention, "Unfortunately 101 is really loud all night long. Might be ok in a hard-sided RV...but if you're in anything else you may not sleep much."
Tight spacing: minimal site separation at most RV parks. "It's a very compact and depending on your site you may need to coordinate pulling in and out with neighbor sites," notes a Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park visitor. For larger rigs, one camper at Castaic Lake RV Park warns, "For a 43 footer this place is TIGHT. If you have a big rig, prolly not the best idea. But if you have a 28 footer, this place is Six Stars!!!!"
Tips for camping with families
Beach access with kids: use designated paths rather than climbing over rocks. "Beach is 5min bike ride either way out of the resort. Great sunsets!!!!" advises a camper at Ventura Beach RV Resort. When camping at oceanfront sites, another visitor suggests, "Break water rocks provide a barrier if you have kids."
Entertainment options: check seasonal availability before planning activities. "We avoided large cities. Our plan had been staying up at Pyramid Lake," shares a visitor at Hollywood RV Park, who continues, "Every street is themed with murals and art everywhere! The site size depends on where you are in the park." During busy periods, facilities may have restricted access, as one camper noted, "We went during the corona virus so many things were closed. Which I totally understand however, only one pool was open we waited hours just to swim for thirty minutes."
Wildlife viewing: morning hours best for animal sightings. "We watch seals, ducks and more swimming around the beach. We practically had it all to ourselves," says a visitor to Point Mugu Recreation Facility. Families with children particularly enjoy the variety, as another camper observed, "The beach is on the base, and has a protected wetland and then shooting range on one side then on the other is the base itself, so this beach is really JUST for those staying on the base or campground."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: request specific locations based on rig size. "We stayed in the site V2 overlooking the ocean in a 21 foot van. The spot was a little uneven but easily fixed," advises an RV camper at Malibu Beach RV Park. For those with larger rigs in tight campgrounds, another visitor suggests, "Steve the owner is amazing and the team will take your rig on a forklift to your site and fully set you up."
Hookup reliability: confirm availability before arrival. "Most of the park's electric and some sewer connections didn't exist or were 'down' for repair," warns a camper regarding rv camping near Santa Paula, California. Some locations offer uneven amenities, as noted at Point Mugu Recreation Facility: "Another military RV campground in need of renovation. 10 washing machine and dryers and only 2 worked. Ice Machine broke. Many sites the sewer hook-ups are closed up."
Road conditions: plan for challenging terrain in mountain locations. "Scary climb, lost transmission and brakes...if you do not have big diesel pusher in tip top shape, AVOID," warns a visitor to Thousand Trails Rancho Oso. The coastal roads present different challenges, with one camper noting, "Park parallel right on the road. You must be heading southbound."
