Best Campgrounds near Thousand Oaks, CA
Thousand Oaks provides convenient access to several campground options within the Santa Monica Mountains and nearby coastal regions. Campers can choose from established sites like Leo Carrillo State Park, Point Mugu State Park, and Oak Park, which offer varied accommodation options including tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and in some locations, cabins or glamping facilities. Most developed campgrounds in the area are situated within a 30-minute drive of Thousand Oaks, primarily along the Pacific Coast Highway corridor and in the surrounding mountains, providing both beach access and canyon experiences.
Reservations are strongly recommended for most developed campgrounds, particularly during summer months when coastal sites fill quickly. Many campgrounds in the region remain open year-round, though winter camping may bring cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Oak Park provides electric and water hookups with picnic tables and fire pits, while coastal campgrounds like Leo Carrillo offer proximity to beach access and tide pools. Cell service varies throughout the region, with better connectivity at sites closer to populated areas. A camper noted, "Little pricy but the campground is well maintained. The bathrooms are maintained and there are plenty of them in the campground. Fresh water spigots at each site."
Several mixed-use campgrounds near Thousand Oaks accommodate both tent and RV campers with varying levels of amenities. The Malibu area campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for their proximity to both mountain trails and beaches, with many sites featuring fire pits and picnic tables. Coastal campgrounds like Leo Carrillo State Park and Point Mugu State Park provide beach access within walking distance of campsites, though they tend to be more expensive than inland options. A visitor commented, "Easy to set up camp, great view! Fire pit at each site, firewood for sale at the camp host site." Campers seeking more budget-friendly options might consider Oak Park in Simi Valley, which offers well-maintained facilities with shade trees, though some reviews mention train noise. Most established campgrounds in the area provide drinking water, toilets, and trash collection, with shower facilities available at select locations.
