Dispersed camping opportunities near Stevenson Ranch are limited due to land management restrictions, with most overnight stays confined to established campgrounds. The area sits at the edge of the Angeles National Forest at approximately 1,200 feet elevation, where summer temperatures regularly exceed 95°F between June and September. Winter nights can drop below freezing, making seasonal planning crucial for comfort.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Castaic Lake State Recreation Area offers both upper and lower lakes for fishing, with species including bass, trout, and catfish. "Really nice grassy area at the lower lake lots of shade. Fills up really fast!" reports Erin M.
Mountain biking trails: Malibu Creek State Park Campground features numerous trails for both hiking and mountain biking. "There is plenty of birdwatching, and coyotes were wandering through the park and campground without fear," notes Ryan W.
Zipline adventures: Ventura Ranch KOA offers zipline courses for thrill-seekers, though availability may vary seasonally. "From zipline obstacle courses to tie dye classes, this KOA easily occupies kids and has teepee and cabin rentals available for glampers," shares Manya.
Beach exploration: The tide pools at Leo Carrillo State Park contain various marine life including hermit crabs and sea anemones. "You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you," explains Angelica G.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campsites maintain well-kept restrooms and showers. "The bathrooms were nice. Camp store for basic items. Squirrels are very aggressive and will eat your food if left unattended," warns Tim J. at Leo Carrillo State Park.
Urban-adjacent peace: Kenney Grove Park offers surprising tranquility despite proximity to urban areas. "It's one of those rare places where the light pollution is truly minimal and you can really see the stars at night. A great place to see meteor showers," recommends Samantha W.
Privacy options: Some sites offer more seclusion than others. "This campsite feels like it's right in the midst of a neighborhood. It's tucked away from the street and you almost wouldn't know it's there!" reports Bower about Kenney Grove Park.
Lake views: Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers sites with direct lake access. "We selected our campsite based on the map and online photos. We couldn't have been more pleased with the location we chose!" shares Bower.
What you should know
Reservations essential: Most glamping locations near Stevenson Ranch require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "You can not swim where you're camping. If you'd like to swim you have to drive all the way across the lake," warns Christina P. about Castaic Lake.
Wildlife encounters: Expect to see various animals at campgrounds. "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," cautions Bower at Lake Casitas.
Train noise: Several campgrounds report railway disruptions. "Stayed here a few times — quiet except for trains electric and sewer hook ups," mentions Cari J. about Oak Park.
Shower token systems: Many campgrounds utilize pay showers. "Facilities were decent- bathrooms were kept fairly clean and showers worked well, though the token system($2 for 2 minutes) takes some getting used to," notes Alfred at Leo Carrillo.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Thousand Trails Soledad Canyon features pools for kids. "The downfall is they do not assign slots so if you need a handicap accessible location it's going to be by chance if somebody is there or not," advises Lara O.
Playground availability: Check campgrounds with play equipment for children. "There's a nice park, but small, for the little campers," mentions Bower about Kenney Grove Park.
Safety considerations: Some campgrounds have better security than others. "Every night I stayed there the police would casually drive by everyone's spot," reports Christina P. about Castaic Lake.
Swimming access: Not all glamping sites near Stevenson Ranch offer swimming. "There is a Park store conveniently located. There are coin showers and flush toilets at many sites. The most fun is the water park. You can take a break from the heat and tube down the lazy river," explains Shannon R. about Lake Casitas.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Many campgrounds have varied site quality. "We stayed in site 59 which had a really nice shade tree and great views of a meadow and the cliffs out the back of the site. The sites are fairly open and close to each other, so be prepared to hear everything," advises Ryan W. at Malibu Creek State Park.
Hookup limitations: Oak Park offers partial hookups for recreational vehicles. "This site provides a pretty nice location close to home. The train however is also close and very loud!" warns Melissa M.
Leveling challenges: Some sites require additional equipment. "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," shares Khaled A. about Ventura Ranch KOA.
Size restrictions: Check length limitations before booking. "Nice for tents but more for RV's. There are two camping lots here, the Upper and the Lower campgrounds. Both seem to be more geared for RV use," explains Cierra M. about Oak Park.
