Best Tent Camping near Ventura, CA

Searching for the best camping near Ventura, CA? Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Ventura campgrounds just for you. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Ventura. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Tent Sites Near Ventura, California (41)

    1. Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park

    18 Reviews
    103 Photos
    271 Saves
    Oxnard, California

    Overview

    Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island. Set on the eastern part of the island, the campground is a short hike from the pier and is sheltered from harsh ocean winds. The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world. For more information about Santa Cruz Island visit: https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/santa-cruz-island.htm .

    Recreation

    With its easy beach access and generally good weather, this area offers the most recreational activities in the park, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. Guided kayak trips and kayak rentals must be arranged before arriving on the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.

    Natural Features

    The beach near the campground is a mix of sand and rocks, and faces the Santa Barbara Channel. The campground is located in a valley with a mixture of trees and shrubs. Rugged mountain peaks rise above the campground to 1,808 feet.

    Nearby Attractions

    Hiking options are unlimited and offer spectacular coastal views. Try the 2 mile round-trip Cavern Point Loop hike for views of the island's mountain peaks, and the southern California coastline. This popular hike takes you past antique ranching equipment and historic buildings for a taste of island ranch history. For more advanced hikers, tackle the 7.5-mile round-trip hike from the campground to Smugglers Cove.

    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Drinking Water
    • Toilets

    $15 - $40 / night

    2. Anacapa Island Campground — Channel Islands National Park

    3 Reviews
    13 Photos
    95 Saves
    Port Hueneme, California

    Overview

    Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views. Anacapa Island, the closest Channel Island to the mainland of California, is comprised of three islets (appropriately named East, Middle, and West Anacapa Islands). Waves have eroded the volcanic island, creating towering sea cliffs, sea caves, and natural bridges, such as forty-foot-high Arch Rock -- a symbol of Anacapa and Channel Islands National Park. Exploring East Anacapa's two-mile trail system allows visitors to experience the island's native vegetation, wildlife, and cultural history. The islands' native vegetation is recovering slowly with the help of the National Park Service's restoration efforts. This recovery, along with the removal of nonnative predators, has aided in the reestablishment of nesting land birds and seabirds. The island is one of the most important seabird nesting sites within the Channel Islands. While the steep cliffs of West Anacapa are home to the largest breeding colony of endangered California brown pelicans, all the islets of Anacapa host the largest breeding colony of western gulls in the world. The rocky shores of Anacapa are perfect resting and breeding areas for California sea lions and harbor seals. Anacapa's rich kelp forests (ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, and diving) and tidepool areas provide visitors with the opportunity to meet some of the resident ocean animals up close. Anacapa Island has a rich human history as well. Shell midden sites indicate where Chumash people camped on the islands thousands of years ago. In addition, visitors can view the 1932 light station. The original lead-crystal Fresnel lens, which served as a beacon to ships until an automated light replaced it in 1990, is on exhibit in the East Anacapa Visitor Center.

    Recreation

    With two miles of hiking trails, ocean access nearby the campground, and generally good weather, Anacapa Island offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. In summer, rangers lead an underwater video program. The program includes live video footage of sea life which is projected for visitors to see. It's a great way to stay dry while viewing colorful sea creatures. Since Anacapa Island is a cliff island, access to the water is only at the Landing Cove via a dock. There are no other accessible beaches unless you have a watercraft. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm.

    Natural Features

    Waves have eroded the 5-mile volcanic island, creating steep, towering sea cliffs, sea caves and natural bridges. Much of the year, the island vegetation looks brown, but the winter rain brings brightly-colored terrain. The altitude is low and ranges from sea level to 250 feet.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Landing Cove near the campground is an ideal place for swimming, diving, snorkeling and kayaking, but there are no lifeguards on the island. The island is also home to just over two miles of trails that meander to dramatic overlooks and magnificent coastal views. All hikers must stay on the trails for visitor safety and to protect fragile vegetation and nesting seabirds. No off- trail hiking is allowed.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table

    $15 / night

    3. Oak Flat Campground

    11 Reviews
    20 Photos
    112 Saves
    Castaic, California

    2800-foot elevation. 27 campsites. No water. Vault toilets. Campsites are first come - first served. RV's to 18'.

    Adventure Pass or America the Beautiful Pass required, but the camping is free if you have one.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Trash
    • Picnic Table

    $5 / night

    4. La Jolla Group Campsite — Point Mugu State Park

    1 Review
    1 Photo
    62 Saves
    Camarillo, California

    La Jolla Group

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Trash

    $225 / night

    5. Reyes Peak Campground

    2 Reviews
    8 Photos
    110 Saves
    Ojai, California

    Overview

    At an elevation of 7,000 feet, Reyes Peak Campground, rises above the Sespe Wilderness and is situated along a ridge with spectacular views of the Cuyama Badlands on one side and the Pacific Ocean from the other side. On clear days you can even see some of the Channel Islands!

    Recreation

    Several trails leave the Reyes Peak Campground area. Chorro Grande Trail is located at the gate just past the last campsite. Raspberry Spring Trail will lead you north on a short one-half mile walk through the pines. It starts at the parking area on the western edge of the campground. The Reyes Peak Trail (23W04) is moderately difficult. It leads eastward into the Sespe Wilderness for 5.8 miles to the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03). Remember, no mountain bikes are allowed in the wilderness.

    Natural Features

    The landscape includes Jeffrey pines, sugar pines, white fir and ponderosa pines. Wildflowers are abundant in the spring and early summer. Be dazzled by lupine, false lupine, scarlet bugler and many others. Keep your eyes open for red-tailed hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may see a California condor! Other birds in the area include woodpeckers and chickadees. Deer, bear, and coyote also live in the area.

    Nearby Attractions

    Hiking trails, biking and fishing are within 30 minutes. Take a day trip south along Hwy 33 to the Rose Valley Road (6N31) to the Piedra Blanca trailhead where three trails can be accessed, all located across Sespe Creek. The Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03) in the Sespe Wilderness will lead you to nearby massive white rocks, called Piedra Blanca! It is an easy walk for the first three miles. A principal attraction to this section of the Sespe is Rose Valley Falls. This trail to the falls begins just before you enter Rose Valley Campground. Follow it for a short half-mile and you will be at the base of the falls. The cliffs at the falls are arkosic sandstone and crumble easily, so tread lightly. Rose Valley Falls is the tallest waterfall in the range and while it is an easy hike to the base of the 100-foot tall lower tier of the waterfall (0.8 miles round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain), it is adventure to reach the more impressive upper tier. Please do not climb around on steep sections or get close to the edge. You will need to park outside Rose Valley Campground to hike the trails. Another trail, the Sespe River Trail (20W13) will lead you downstream into the Sespe Wilderness. You will find some swimming holes along this walk. Remember, no mountain bicycles allowed on wilderness trails. If you would like to go on a mountain bicycle ride, take the Middle Sespe Trail (22W04) that leads up river eight miles to the west to Middle Sespe Trailhead.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table

    $30 - $34 / night

    6. Circle X Ranch Group Campground — Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

    2 Reviews
    7 Photos
    64 Saves
    Lake Sherwood, California

    Overview

    Circle X Ranch Group Campground is closed until further notice. There is no estimated re-opening date. Are you searching for a weekend getaway with mountain overlooks and sunny, sandy beaches? Your vacation destination may be a short drive from Los Angeles, California! Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area offers many opportunities to shake off the stresses of city life and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.

    Recreation

    Travel one of the many trails that wind through this rare coastal Mediterranean ecosystem. The plants you see here, such as coastal sage scrub and mixed chaparral, are adapted to hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Keep an eye out for red shank chaparral, a tree-like shrub with reddish-brown bark, clusters of thread-like leaves, and small bunches of white flowers in July and August. From the dry, rocky slopes near Sandstone Peak to the lush fern-studded Grotto, Circle X Ranch provides a wide variety of recreational possibilities. Linger here for a while, and experience the ambiance of this secluded mountain retreat.

    Natural Features

    Tucked in the canyons above Malibu and nestled below majestic Boney Mountain, you will find Circle X Ranch. This former Boy Scout camp offers many opportunities for exploration and adventure. Journey to Sandstone Peak, the highest point in the Santa Monica Mountains, and see several of the Channel Islands on a clear day. Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a creekside picnic. Reserve the Group Camp and listen to coyote songs at night.

    Nearby Attractions

    Enjoy a visit to the Grotto or a picnic at the trailhead next to the campground. Grotto Trail 3.5 miles round trip, moderate to strenuous; no bikes, no horses. This trail traverses hillsides and leads down to the West Fork of the Arroyo Sequit. The trail is downhill from the Ranger Station, which means an uphill return. The Grotto area is rugged terrain; be careful and wear appropriate hiking attire. The last 1/8 mile is through an unimproved streambed and dogs are not allowed. The Ranger Contact Station can provide you with free hiking maps of Circle X Ranch. A publication of park-led activites for Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area is also available. Vists to nearby Malibu and the Pacific Ocean are just a short drive way.

    • Tents
    • Group

    $35 / night

    7. Chula Vista Campground at Mt. Pinos

    6 Reviews
    24 Photos
    396 Saves
    Pine Mountain Club, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Tents
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    8. Pine Mountain Campground

    1 Review
    7 Photos
    149 Saves
    Ojai, California

    Overview

    Perfectly situated high above the Sespe Wilderness offering stunning views of the valley below and the Channel Islands in the distance lies Pine Mountain Campground. You will find yourself surrounded by moderate hills, tall pine trees and the sounds of silence. At an elevation of 6,650 feet, it offers cooler temperatures on hot summer days, and a chance to let everything else go as you take in all that nature has to offer.

    Recreation

    There is one designated trail in the area, Boulder Canyon (23W03). You may also want to walk around the surrounding hills to see the views and the trees. And just a mile up the road there are a couple of trails leaving Reyes Peak Campground - Chorro Grande Trail and Raspberry Spring Trail. Drive past the gate at the end of the paved road and you will end up at Reyes Peak Trailhead.

    Natural Features

    You will find Jeffrey pine, sugar pine and white fir trees at the campground. Along the outskirts, you'll notice chaparral species. These species include manzanita, and California sage. You may also see some scrub oak. Be dazzled by wildflowers, which are abundant in the spring and early summer. Lupine, false lupine, scarlet bugler and many others round out the scenery. Keep your eyes open for red-tailed hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may see a California condor! Other birds in the area include woodpeckers and chickadees. Deer, bear and coyote also live in the area.

    Nearby Attractions

    Hiking trails, biking and fishing are all within 30 minutes from the campground. On a day trip south along Hwy 33, to the Rose Valley Road (6N31), you will find the Piedra Blanca trailhead located across Sespe Creek. The Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail (22W03) in the Sespe Wilderness will lead you to nearby massive white rocks, called Piedra Blanca! It is an easy walk for the first three miles. A principal attraction to this section of the Sespe is Rose Valley Falls. This trail to the falls begins just before you enter Rose Valley Campground. Follow it for a short half mile and you will be at the base of the falls. The cliffs at the falls are arkosic sandstone and crumble easily, so tread lightly. Rose Valley Falls is the tallest waterfall in the range and while it is an easy hike to the base of the 100-foot tall lower tier of the waterfall (0.8 miles round trip with 150 feet of elevation gain), it is adventure to reach the more impressive upper tier. Please do not climb around on steep sections or get close to the edge. You will need to park outside Rose Valley Campground to hike the trails. Another trail, the Sespe River Trail (20W13) will lead you downstream into the Sespe Wilderness. You will find some swimming holes along this walk. Remember, no mountain bicycles allowed on wilderness trails. If you would like to go on a mountain bicycle ride, take the Middle Sespe Trail (22W04) that leads up river eight miles to the west to Middle Sespe Trailhead.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table

    $30 - $34 / night

    9. Santa Cruz Island - Del Norte Backcountry — Channel Islands National Park

    3 Reviews
    15 Photos
    140 Saves
    Carpinteria, California

    Overview

    For a truly remote getaway full of backpacking and breathtaking scenery, take a backcountry trip to Santa Cruz Island's Del Norte Campground. Del Norte is currently the only backcountry campground on Santa Cruz Island. The National Park Service opened this backcountry site in recognition of its rare wilderness values. As you explore these wild areas, please take the responsibility to help us protect and preserve these delicate natural resources for future generations. While backcountry camping is an incredible experience, it is not for the inexperienced backpacker. Due to difficult weather, rugged terrain, and off-trail hiking, backcountry camping is an arduous endeavor and should be undertaken only by experienced, well-conditioned backpackers. To reach this backcountry site, visitors will backpack along a historic ranch road/trail through a series of canyons and ridges, to a vista about 700 feet above sea level. This moderate to strenuous 3.5-mile hike from Prisoners Harbor travels through island oak woodlands and coastal sage scrub plant communities.

    Recreation

    From Prisoners Harbor, the shortest route to the Del Norte Campground is 3.5 miles via the Del Norte Trail. Follow the Navy Road out of Prisoners Harbor for 1.5 miles (600-foot elevation gain; strenuous). This gravel road is still used daily by vehicles, so please use caution while hiking along it. During winter and spring, visitors need to be prepared for a wet creek crossing at Canada del Puerto in Prisoner's Harbor.At the signed turn-off for Del Norte Trail, leave the gravel road and continue east (left) along the trail for 1.8 miles. The trail winds up and down two canyons (Ca__ada del Agua and Ca__ada del Muro)) to the signed junction with the Del Norte Road that leads .2 miles to the campground. The longer route (5 miles), which provides views of the south side of the island, follows the Navy Road as it climbs 1,200 feet over 4 miles and eventually reaches the junction with the Del Norte Road. At the signed junction, turn north (left) and descend 1 mile to the campground.From Scorpion Anchorage, Del Norte Campground is approximately 12 miles via the Navy Road.Beach access is at Prisoners Harbor. There is no access to the beach at Del Norte Campground.Recreational activities on Santa Cruz Island include hiking, swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking and wildlife/wildflower viewing. There are no services on the island, so all gear has to be brought to the island. Guided kayak trips and kayak rentals must be arranged before arriving on the island. For more information about recreational activities in the park, visit https://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/index.htm .

    Natural Features

    Del Norte is nestled in a shaded oak grove and provides scenic views of the island's pristine coastline. The largest of California's Channel Islands, Santa Cruz Island is one of the five islands that make up the Channel Islands National Park. The island is rich in cultural history, magnificent landscapes, and unique flora and fauna. Native American Indians inhabited the island for over 10,000 years and Europeans explored and ranched on the island for over 150 years. Over 600 plant species, 140 land birds, 11 land mammals and a handful of amphibians and reptiles call the island their home. The island fox and island scrub-jay are exciting finds, as they're unique to the island, found nowhere else in the world.

    • Reservable
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    • Toilets

    $15 / night

    10. Lions Canyon

    1 Review
    8 Saves
    Ojai, California
    • Pets
    • Tents
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Picnic Table
    • Alcohol
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Showing results 1-10 of 41 campgrounds

Recent Tent Reviews near Ventura, CA

772 Reviews of 41 Ventura Campgrounds



Guide to Ventura

Ventura, California, offers a variety of tent camping experiences surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Whether you're looking for solitude or family-friendly activities, there's a spot for everyone.

Some prices for tent camping range from $0 to $30

  • The Anacapa Island Campground provides a unique experience with no electric hookups or showers, making it a true escape into nature.
  • At Reyes Peak Campground, you can enjoy a well-reviewed site with picnic tables and the option to have fires, perfect for a cozy evening under the stars.
  • Pine Mountain Campground offers a secluded atmosphere with primitive facilities, ideal for those seeking a more rustic camping experience.

Local activities to enjoy while tent camping

  • While staying at Osprey - Lake Casitas Recreation Area, you can indulge in fishing at the lake, which is a great way to spend a relaxing day outdoors.
  • The Circle X Ranch Group Campground is close to fantastic hiking trails, allowing you to explore the scenic Santa Monica Mountains right from your campsite.
  • La Jolla Group Campsite is near the beach, making it easy to enjoy a day of sun and surf, followed by a night of camping under the stars.

Tips for tent camping near Ventura

  • When camping at Danielson Group Multi-Use Area, be prepared for a more rustic experience, as the campground may show signs of wear but offers essential amenities like drinking water and flush toilets.
  • If you choose Lions Canyon, remember to bring your own water, as there are no spigots available, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of this remote site.
  • At Middle Santa Ynez Campground, pets are allowed, making it a great option for those who want to bring their furry friends along for the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ventura, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ventura, CA is Santa Cruz Island Scorpion Canyon Campground — Channel Islands National Park with a 4.8-star rating from 18 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find tent camping near Ventura, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 41 tent camping locations near Ventura, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.