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Best Campgrounds near Ventura, CA

940 Reviews

Ventura, California has great camping options near the coast. Santa Cruz Campground at Carpinteria State Beach draws many beach campers, but fills up quickly so you'll need to book well ahead. Wheeler Gorge Campground in Los Padres National Forest gives you a quiet spot in the woods with good tree cover for shade. Point Mugu State Park contains multiple camping areas, including Thornhill Broome Beach where you can camp right by the ocean and see amazing water views. The park has good hiking trails to check out the local landscape. Be ready for basic facilities at some sites without all modern conveniences. Spring and fall bring the nicest weather for Ventura camping trips. Summer gets hot while winter can be cool with some rainy days. Make reservations early, particularly during busy holiday periods. Several campgrounds don't take reservations and operate on first-come, first-served, so showing up early in the day helps your chances of getting a spot.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ventura, California (144)

    1. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 649-2233

    "Casitas Lake near Ojai in Ventura County has something for everyone, especially parents with children off from school in the summertime."

    "This campground is located in Santa Barbara County just west of Ojai. Beautiful mountain scenery. It’s great for tents and RVs.

    The lake offers fishing and boating, no body contact."

    2. Emma Wood State Beach

    26 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 585-1850

    $40 / night

    "Between the freeway/ rail road tracks and the ocean with a great long bike path adjacent running from Ventura to Santa Barbara and beyond."

    "There are no toilet facilities here (there are some portapotties at the entrance though - those might be for staff though.).  

    The only "amenity" this place offers is trash and recycling bins.  "

    3. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    47 Reviews
    Carpinteria, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-1033

    $45 - $180 / night

    "Nestled between Ventura and Santa Barbara just north of Los Angeles is this picture perfect State Beach campground."

    "We live in nearby Santa Barbara, but will use Carp State Beach as a midway meeting point when friends from Southern California and Central California meet up."

    4. Wheeler Gorge Campground

    30 Reviews
    Ojai, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $34 - $74 / night

    "Of course fire, candles and bug spray help but because of the nice creek nearby its kind of unavoidable. With that said, the bugs go night night at dark and a big fire helps."

    "We reserved site #49 which was plenty big enough for our 26ft class c, but the drive through the campground to get to the site was a little narrow and tight, wouldn't recommend for larger RVs."

    5. Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    17 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $43 - $47 / night

    "Along  frontage road next to US 1/101 outside Ventura. No hook ups but trucks come by offering sewer/ water services. Wood trucks also come by. First come first served $32 per night."

    "We had a dog and newly walking baby with us, so we REALLY had to keep an eye on both of them.  We brought little baby gates which helped. "

    6. Dennison Park

    19 Reviews
    Ojai, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $25 - $28 / night

    "You can generally get a sense of the dimensions if you reserve via the Ventura County website. We were at site 15, one of the larger ones in the campsite. "

    "I loved using Ventura County's online reservation system. So easy and I could book same day! I stayed in Site #4. Some shade. Short drive into Ojai which I love. Only a few people here, love that."

    7. Ventura Beach RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 643-9137

    "The Ventura Beach RV Resort is very nice and a short bike ride or walk from the beach or town. Stay away from the sites in the first row closest to the freeway as those tend to flood."

    "We love this area - it's right near the Emma Wood State Beach, and just a short walk to downtown Ventura.  "

    8. Faria Beach Park

    12 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $30 - $65 / night

    "You're also a few miles from downtown Ventura for a night out and live music."

    "Any groceries and supplies can be purchased at Ventura, a 15 minute drive away. For beach lovers, low tide at Faria offer tide pools and a stretch of sand to lay out on or run with the puppy."

    9. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

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

    $35 / night

    "I highly recommend for anyone looking for some fun in the sun locally to Los Angeles or Ventura."

    "5 miles north of Neptune’s Net, Los Angeles/Ventura county line at Point Magu Rock! 

    Depending on the time of year, the beach may be very rocky or it may be smooth."

    10. Ventura Ranch KOA

    15 Reviews
    Santa Paula, CA
    12 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 Camping Photos near Ventura, CA

291 Photos of 144 Ventura Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ventura, CA

940 Reviews of 144 Ventura Campgrounds

Guide to Ventura

Camping near Ventura, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, this area has something for you.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy boating and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is perfect for boating, but since it’s a drinking water reservoir, there is no body contact with this body of water."
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at Point Mugu State Park. A camper noted, "Great location. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."
  • Beach Access: Leo Carrillo State Park offers beautiful beaches. One visitor shared, "Beautiful campgrounds in a canyon next to the beach."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Malibu Beach RV Park. A happy camper 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 reviewer from El Capitán State Beach Campground mentioned, "This campground is clean and quiet."
  • Variety of Accommodations: Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers a range of camping options. One camper noted, "This is a huge place, with lots to do."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wheeler Gorge Campground, lack certain amenities. A visitor mentioned, "No running water available; fire ban."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect larger crowds during summer months. A reviewer at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area said, "I imagine it would be an entirely different experience in the summer when all amenities were offered and the campground was full."
  • Noise Levels: Campgrounds near highways, like Thornhill Broome Beach, can be noisy. One camper noted, "Sound of waves and occasional traffic all night."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Santa Cruz Campground, which has activities for kids. A family camper said, "The beaches are always nice."
  • Plan for Activities: Bring bikes for trails or kayaks for the lake. One reviewer at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area suggested, "Bring binos. Boat, bring your canoe/kayak."
  • Pack Snacks and Essentials: Make sure to stock up on snacks and drinks. A camper at Lake Casitas Recreation Area mentioned, "The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds have limited space for larger RVs. A reviewer at Leo Carrillo State Park said, "The sites are small. It is very difficult to back in to a spot when you have campers across from your campsite."
  • Be Prepared for Fees: Expect additional charges for pets or amenities. A camper at Lake Casitas Recreation Area noted, "They nickel and dime a lot of things, showers pets."
  • Utilize Solar Power: If you're camping at places like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, consider using solar panels. One camper shared, "We’ve run on solar for over 10 years, and it saves us thousands of dollars each year for our full-time camping life."

Camping near Ventura, California, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Whether you're with family or friends, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Ventura, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Ventura, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 144 campgrounds and RV parks near Ventura, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Ventura, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Ventura, CA is Lake Casitas Recreation Area with a 4.2-star rating from 39 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Ventura, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Ventura, CA.

What parks are near Ventura, CA?

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

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