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Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Ventura, CA

975 Reviews

Ventura Ranch KOA welcomes pets at their spacious accommodations offering tent sites, RV spaces, cabins, glamping options, and yurts. Dogs must remain leashed throughout the campground grounds with designated pet waste stations positioned near high-traffic areas. Lake Casitas Recreation Area permits pets at all accommodation types including tent, RV, and glamping sites with drinking water and trash services provided. Ventura Beach RV Resort allows pets with full hookup sites featuring electricity, water connections, picnic tables, and fire rings. Most Ventura area campgrounds enforce standard leash requirements and limit pets to two per site, though specific breed restrictions vary by location. Emma Wood State Beach offers a more primitive experience for RV campers with pets, providing trash service but lacking water hookups, toilets, or showers. Sites along the Rincon Parkway allow generator use, making them suitable for RV campers needing power while traveling with pets.

Foster Residence Campground features primitive tent sites shaded by oak trees where dogs can enjoy cooler temperatures during summer months. The Ojai Valley bike trail connects several pet-friendly campgrounds, allowing for extended dog walks between Foster Park and either Ventura beaches or Ojai. Ventura's dog-friendly beaches permit leashed pets in designated areas, providing water access for dogs needing cooling off after hiking. Wasps are prevalent at Foster Park campground during summer months, requiring caution when eating outdoors with pets. Faria Beach Park offers full hookups with showers and restrooms while maintaining beach proximity, though sites fill quickly during peak season. For tent campers with dogs, Wheeler Gorge Campground provides a more secluded forest experience with toilet facilities and trash service, though fires are not permitted. The proximity of most pet-friendly campgrounds to Highway 101 creates notable road noise that can disturb sensitive pets, especially during nighttime hours.

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Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Ventura, California (95)

    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."

    "Our site had Two picnic tables and a fire ring situated under a pine tree with excellent views of the lake. We were glad to discover the park was dog friendly."

    2. Emma Wood State Beach

    27 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

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

    $45 - $180 / night

    "Beautiful location. Close to town. Walkable, hike-able, bike-able, rideable via paths. No dogs on beach. There is a dog beach further up the coast. Sites are pretty tight."

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

    4. Wheeler Gorge Campground

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

    $35 - $74 / night

    "Perfect for friends, families, and dogs!"

    "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."

    5. Dennison Park

    20 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."

    6. Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

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

    $43 - $47 / 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. "

    "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."

    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

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

    $35 / night

    "Even though you are lined up next to your neighbors, noise just doesn’t carry because the roar of the ocean is so loud! It’s amazing to fall asleep to."

    "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."

    "The KOA is consistent with its name, meaning the kids amenities are all there, trampoline pillow, nice walking trails, walking labyrinth, and of course the adventure course and zip lines which are great"

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Recent Dog-Friendly Camping Photos near Ventura, CA

115 Photos of 95 Ventura Campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Ventura, CA

975 Reviews of 95 Ventura Campgrounds

  • Paul N.
    May. 22, 2019

    Emma Wood State Beach

    Beach side no hook ups

    Beautiful beach side campground where you can put your wheels right over the sand Maybe even get ocean spray on your windows. $50 a night with no hook ups. Between the freeway/ rail road tracks and the ocean with a great long bike path adjacent running from Ventura to Santa Barbara and beyond.

  • SwitchbackKids
    Jul. 13, 2017

    Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park

    Perfect City Getaway

    For a national park that’s located just off mainland California, Channel Islands feels like a world away from bustling L.A. We visited in March, and while the weather was cold and rainy, our experience was one of the most unique we have had in the national parks.

    After ferrying from Ventura, we arrived at Santa Cruz to set up our tent (be sure to reserve your site ahead of time online) and squeeze in an afternoon of kayaking before the rain hit. We brought our own kayak to the island (an extra fee on the ferry) but you can also rent kayaks or take a guided tour on Santa Cruz. We’d highly recommend kayaking while you’re there!

    The campsites were spacious, flat, and SO GREEN! Santa Cruz is one of the few Channel Islands to have running water, but you’ll have to bring all the other supplies you’ll need during your stay. If you visit in the spring like we did, we’d recommend bringing plenty of rain gear and maybe a deck of cards, as there wasn’t too much to entertain us when it poured. Also, mind your food and clothing; an island fox ran off with a pair of underwear we had left out to dry!

    The rest of the island provides many hiking trails (we loved Potato Harbor and Cavern Point Loop) and secret coves (like Smuggler’s Cove) which provide even more sanctuary and solitude than just being on the island. And the ferry itself was a wildlife viewing experience, with harbor seals and dolphins dotting the way.

    You can read much more about our four days in the park on our blog: Switchback Kids (Channel Islands)

  • Kristi D.
    Oct. 29, 2023

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    Seems like a popular place

    Economical for California and the area. Off the beaten path from all the craziness by the beach.

    We are just passing through CA or it would not be my top spot. They nickel and dime a lot of things, showers pets. We paid online and we pull up and all of a sudden getting charged $5 a day extra for pets including a cat that doesn't leave the camper. Was not thrilled about that.

    Otherwise, it was scenic, had a camp store, was close to restaurants, had a gate to drive into, so the place was pretty secure. Seemed like a lot of people gathered on the weekends.

    We had the dirt campground which wasn't my favorite but all that was left, while the other campgrounds had cement pads. It was still pretty level.We did have cell reception, nice views and they had a water park for kids during summer months, though wasn't open while we were there.

  • J
    May. 4, 2018

    Lake Piru Recreation Area

    Lovely get away

    Close to town but no cell signal, this place is amazing! Large camping area and I’ve never felt crowded ! Quarter showers and laundry, and a dog park! Lots of deer in the area and Great Lake to fish at! They also offer some hook ups for the rv campers

  • K
    May. 8, 2023

    Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    Would stay here again!

    Lovely place and lovely staff! It’s a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. They also have heated pool and jacuzzi, clean showers, and bathrooms. Trail and dog park available. Just kinda sucks you hear the cars passing at the 101. But I’d still come back.

  • Rick L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 20, 2025

    Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    Better than the typical RV park

    Everything‘s clean and orderly. Pool area is nice with a nice hot tub. Friendly staff and the grounds are well kept. Nice dog park. Not much road noise from the 101. Has all the modern conveniences. And all this comes with a price. It is pricey, but there’s a lot of amenities.

  • Margo A.
    Oct. 9, 2020

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    Camping, fishing, boating and a water park

    Casitas Lake near Ojai in Ventura County has something for everyone, especially parents with children off from school in the summertime. The campgrounds are spacious and clean and there are at least six different types from basic tent on dirt all the way up to executive motorhome with all hook ups. Prices vary from 35 to 55$ for tents on dirt to 65-75$ for RVs with hook ups.There is also a charge for a vehicle, boat, pet, etc. The highlight for families though is the waterpark. Open during the summer, it’s perfect for the younger kids when it’s hot.Always check current Covid restrictions as most water parks are closed.

  • Antonio C.
    Mar. 16, 2020

    Foster Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Local Favorite

    Located right off highway 33 in Ventura California. This campground sits were the historical town of Foster Park once stood, which was torn down to build the highway. There are actually two campgrounds here separated by an abandoned road, Red Mountain and Foster Park residence campground. We stayed at the residence campground which offers some nice primitive tent sites. With lots of Boulders and old tables and abandoned buildings this campground was perfect. Foster park bowl, an old abandoned amphitheater is just a short walk away. Campground sits in close proximity to either Ventura or Ojai. The campground host was nice and friendly. All the tent sites were unoccupied so we were the only ones there which was great.

  • Tim J.
    Aug. 31, 2018

    Emma Wood State Beach

    Close to Ventura

    Within walking, biking, and driving distance to Ventura.  The Hike and Bike area was near a homeless camp. Camp host may let you camp in an area away from the homeless.  Grassy area I was in near the entrance had the highway on one side and train tracks on the other. Restrooms and water are available.  A group camping area is also available.

Guide to Ventura

Camping with your furry friends near Ventura, California, offers a fantastic opportunity to explore the great outdoors while enjoying the company of your pets. Here are some top spots that welcome dogs and provide a range of amenities and activities.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Ventura

Tips for camping with dogs near Ventura

  • When visiting Emma Wood State Beach, be prepared for dry camping conditions; bring plenty of water and supplies for your pet, as there are no amenities on-site.
  • At Dennison Park, take advantage of the spacious sites and nearby trails, but keep an eye on your dog as the park can get busy on weekends.
  • Wheeler Gorge Campground is a peaceful spot with a creek running through it, perfect for letting your dog cool off while you enjoy the serene surroundings.

Dog owners appreciate the amenities available

  • Ventura Ranch KOA provides a range of family-friendly activities, including a playground and zip line, ensuring your kids and pets have plenty to do.
  • At Faria Beach Park, you’ll find clean facilities and easy beach access, making it convenient for pet owners to enjoy a day by the ocean.
  • Kenney Grove Park features large, shaded sites and a creek, providing a great environment for pets to explore while you relax in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Ventura, CA?

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

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Ventura, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 95 dog-friendly camping locations near Ventura, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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