Best Campgrounds near Thousand Oaks, CA

Several excellent camping areas surround Thousand Oaks, with Lake Casitas Recreation Area sitting about 30 miles away where families can fish, boat, and hike. Point Mugu State Park has Sycamore Canyon Campground with trails that lead to beach areas. Leo Carrillo State Park Campground puts campers right by the Pacific Ocean with spots near the beach. You'll want to make reservations ahead of time, particularly if you're going during busy seasons. This area often has fire restrictions, so check what's allowed before planning to have a campfire. Animals are common around the campsites, making proper food storage necessary. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for camping here. Summer gets pretty hot while winter can be cool, so pack what you need for the season. Most campgrounds have basic facilities, but bringing extra water and supplies is a good idea. The popular spots fill quickly, so book well ahead of your trip. Knowing and following the rules for each camping area will help keep your trip trouble-free.

Best Camping Sites Near Thousand Oaks, California (155)

    1. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    10 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."

    2. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    35 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $35 / night

    "Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in souther California. I have to note the bathrooms are absolutely terrible."

    "You are so close to the water and there is plenty of space between you and your neighbor. When we were there many people had RVs so there were only a few tents."

    3. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    33 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 / night

    "Fantastic body surfing, some good surf waves up the highway a bit. There is a backpacking access site as well up the canyon about 3 miles."

    "If you love Fall and trees and the California golden sun... this place is the place to be! It has it all in one."

    4. Malibu Creek State Park Campground

    34 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    12 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."

    5. Malibu Beach RV Park

    27 Reviews
    El Nido, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (800) 622-6052

    $80 - $300 / night

    "This is a great little campground just north of Malibu, California, and right off of the 101. So yes, the freeway is RIGHT. THERE."

    "Get a spot away from the HWY.
    Short walk to the beach and a short drive to Santa Monica Pier."

    6. Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    13 Reviews
    Port Hueneme, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 989-8407

    "The tent sites are very basic and very close together, but the surroundings are worth it!"

    "This is a wonderful campground right next to the beach however it is only available to the military and their families."

    7. Tapo Canyon Park

    11 Reviews
    Simi Valley, CA
    14 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."

    8. Oak Park

    5 Reviews
    Moorpark, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    "Also multiple hiking trails right from the grounds, and some playgrounds and basketball courts. Feels very family friendly. First come first serve spots and you make reservations online."

    9. Kenney Grove Park

    12 Reviews
    Fillmore, CA
    16 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."

    10. Ventura Ranch KOA

    15 Reviews
    Santa Paula, CA
    19 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."

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Recent Reviews near Thousand Oaks, CA

880 Reviews of 155 Thousand Oaks Campgrounds



Guide to Thousand Oaks

Camping near Thousand Oaks, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a serene mountain escape, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

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 scenic trails at Malibu Creek State Park Campground. One visitor noted, "Great location for beach, biking, and hiking. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach."
  • Fishing and Boating: Head to Lake Casitas Recreation Area for fishing and boating. A reviewer mentioned, "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 Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground shared, "Clean restrooms & showers. Spent 3 nights here & wish we could stay longer."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Wheeler Gorge Campground are great for families. One reviewer mentioned, "Great campground for kids, we always have a good time."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Emma Wood State Beach, have very few amenities. A camper noted, "Completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Popular spots can fill up quickly. A visitor at Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach said, "Amazing place to camp either for one day, but difficult to find availability."
  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can be noisy due to nearby roads or trains. A reviewer at Emma Wood State Beach mentioned, "Train tracks are 30 feet away but the trains are not overly loud since the wonderful sound of the ocean drowns it out."

Tips for camping with families:

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds, like Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park, have small sites. A visitor said, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
  • Be Prepared for Extra Fees: Campers at Lake Casitas Recreation Area noted extra charges for pets. One reviewer mentioned, "We paid online and...getting charged $5 a day extra for pets."
  • Use a Good GPS: Some areas can be tricky to navigate. A camper at Wheeler Gorge Campground advised, "Be warned, the streets are one way, and the slots are angled the wrong way to back a trailer into."

Camping near Thousand Oaks, CA, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're in an RV or tent. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the beautiful surroundings!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Thousand Oaks, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Thousand Oaks, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 155 campgrounds and RV parks near Thousand Oaks, CA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Thousand Oaks, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Thousand Oaks, CA is Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 53 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Thousand Oaks, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Thousand Oaks, CA.

What parks are near Thousand Oaks, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Thousand Oaks, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.