Ventura County has one of the most varied camping landscapes in Southern California. Within the county and its nearby public lands, campers can choose from Pacific Ocean campsites along the PCH, mountain campgrounds outside Ojai, recreation areas near Lake Casitas, family-friendly camping around Santa Paula and more adventurous island camping accessible from Ventura Harbor.
That variety makes Ventura County a particularly convenient destination for people who live in Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Ojai, Santa Paula and Fillmore.
Photo by Jeff Heaton on Unsplash
The camping experience can change dramatically depending on where you go. Coastal campgrounds offer ocean views, beach access and popular RV camping. Head inland and the scenery changes to oak trees, mountain canyons, rivers and lakes. Farther offshore, Santa Cruz Island offers a completely different type of camping experience through Channel Islands National Park.
For this guide, we selected highly rated camping destinations based primarily on their current Google rating and review volume, while also considering location, camping options, scenery, amenities and the type of experience each site offers.
Google ratings and review counts are a snapshot and can change as new reviews are posted. Campground conditions, closures, reservations and available amenities can also change, so campers should verify current information with the campground operator or managing agency before making a trip.
The Best Camping in Ventura County
1. Emma Wood State Beach — 4.6/5
Location: Ventura, CA, along Highway 1
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Google Reviews: 3,000+
Emma Wood State Beach is one of Ventura County's best-known coastal camping destinations, located directly along the Pacific Ocean west of Ventura. Its location provides the type of scenery that makes Ventura County beach camping especially appealing, including ocean views, coastal sunsets and access to one of the region's most scenic stretches of Highway 1.
Campers should check current conditions before planning a stay. California State Parks has had ongoing construction and access restrictions affecting the North Beach campground. Current State Parks information also indicates that North Beach camping is limited to fully self-contained vehicles, with tents not permitted.
Emma Wood remains an important destination for anyone researching beach camping in Ventura County, but it should not be treated as a conventional tent-camping option without first checking the latest State Parks information.
The campground is particularly appealing to RV campers and visitors who want ocean views, coastal scenery and a convenient weekend getaway near Ventura.
2. Faria Beach Park — 4.6/5
Location: 4350 Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura, CA
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Google Reviews: 700+
Faria Beach Park is one of the strongest choices for traditional beach camping in Ventura County. The campground sits directly along the Pacific Coast Highway north of Ventura, giving campers easy access to the shoreline and the coastal scenery that makes this section of the PCH so popular.
Ventura County lists 42 campsites at Faria, including full-hookup sites. The campground also provides amenities such as showers, flush toilets and Wi-Fi.
Its location makes Faria particularly attractive for campers coming from Ventura, Oxnard, Camarillo and the Conejo Valley who want a coastal camping trip without traveling far from home.
Faria is a good choice for beach campers, RV travelers, surfers and families looking for an oceanfront camping experience with more amenities than some of the area's more basic campgrounds.
3. Lake Casitas Recreation Area — 4.4/5
Location: 11311 Santa Ana Road, Ventura, CA
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Google Reviews: 1,900+
Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers a very different experience from Ventura County's beach campgrounds. Located in the hills near Ojai, the recreation area provides a large outdoor setting surrounded by the landscape of the Ojai Valley.
The location is especially convenient for people who want to combine camping with hiking, sightseeing and a visit to Ojai. Lake Casitas also has one of the largest review volumes among the camping destinations included in this guide, giving its 4.4 rating a substantial base of visitor feedback.
For families, RV campers and people looking for a destination with more space and recreational opportunities than an oceanfront campsite, Lake Casitas is an appealing option.
Its inland setting also makes it a useful alternative when campers want to experience a different side of Ventura County beyond the beaches and PCH.
4. Wheeler Gorge Campground — 4.5/5
Location: 17017 Maricopa Highway, Ojai, CA
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Google Reviews: 280+
Wheeler Gorge Campground is one of the best options for campers looking for a mountain setting near Ojai. The campground is located along Highway 33 in the Los Padres National Forest, north of Ojai.
The surroundings are markedly different from the beaches along the Ventura coastline. Campers will find a forested environment, mountain scenery and access to the surrounding wilderness.
Recreation.gov describes the campground as being next to Matilija Creek, with oak and sycamore trees providing shade at many sites. Drinking water is not available at the campground, so visitors should plan accordingly.
The combination of mountain scenery, hiking opportunities and a more traditional campground environment makes Wheeler Gorge an attractive choice for people who want to get farther away from the urban areas of Ventura County.
It is particularly well suited to tent campers, hikers and anyone looking for a more rustic camping experience near Ojai.
5. Rincon Parkway — 4.5/5
Location: Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura County
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Google Reviews: 340+
Rincon Parkway is one of the most distinctive places to camp along the Ventura County coast. The campground follows the coastline north of Ventura along Highway 1, with camping spaces positioned immediately beside the Pacific Ocean.
Rather than the traditional tree-lined campground layout found at many inland parks, Rincon is primarily about the coastal setting. The campground is particularly suited to self-contained RVs and other qualifying vehicles.
Ventura County also limits the length of stays, with different maximums depending on the season, so visitors should review current county regulations before planning a longer trip.
For campers who put ocean views and direct coastal access at the top of their list, Rincon Parkway is one of the most recognizable choices in the county. It is especially appealing to RV travelers, surfers and people planning a PCH road trip.
6. Hobson Beach Park — 4.5/5
Location: 5210 Pacific Coast Highway, Ventura, CA
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Google Reviews: 650+
Hobson Beach Park is another highly rated option for camping along the Ventura County coastline. The campground is located on the PCH north of Ventura and provides access to the beach and surrounding coastal landscape.
Its location makes it especially convenient for Ventura County residents who want an ocean getaway without traveling far. Hobson is also an appealing alternative for people comparing several PCH campgrounds, with Faria Beach Park and Rincon Parkway located along the same general coastal corridor.
The campground is a good option for beach campers, RV travelers, surfers and people looking for a relatively convenient coastal weekend trip.
For campers who prioritize location and ocean access, Hobson's position along Highway 1 is its biggest attraction.
7. Camp Comfort — 4.4/5
Location: 11969 N. Creek Road, Ojai, CA
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Google Reviews: 150+
Camp Comfort offers a convenient way to combine camping with an Ojai getaway. Located along San Antonio Creek near Ojai, the campground has a shaded inland setting that feels considerably different from the exposed coastal campgrounds along the PCH.
Its location is one of its biggest advantages. Campers can spend time exploring Ojai, visiting local restaurants and shops or enjoying nearby outdoor areas, then return to a campground setting in the evening.
Ventura County lists Camp Comfort among its established campgrounds and provides both improved camping and tent-camping options.
The campground is particularly well suited to families, groups, tent campers and visitors who want to combine a camping trip with time in Ojai.
8. Foster Residence Campground — 4.4/5
Location: Casitas Vista Road, Ventura, CA
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Google Reviews: 75+
Foster Park is an inland Ventura County camping destination located near the Ventura River and the Ojai Valley. The park includes Residence Campground and Red Mountain Campground, giving campers several options within the same general area.
The setting is attractive for people who prefer trees, river surroundings and inland scenery to the open coastal environment. The location also provides access to outdoor recreation in the Ventura River corridor.
Campers should check Ventura County's latest park information before visiting because access, amenities and park operations can be affected by maintenance, construction and other conditions.
Foster Residence Campground is best suited to people looking for an inland alternative to the PCH campgrounds and those who want access to the Ventura River and nearby outdoor activities.
9. Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday — 4.2/5
Location: 7400 Pine Grove Road, Santa Paula, CA
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Google Reviews: 600+
Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday is one of the more amenity-focused camping options in Ventura County. Located near Santa Paula, the campground offers several types of accommodations, including RV sites, tent camping and cabins.
The property also offers amenities and activities that appeal to families and groups who want more than a basic campsite. This makes Ventura Ranch particularly useful for people who have different preferences within the same camping group. One person might want an RV with hookups, another might prefer a tent, while someone else may be more comfortable staying in a cabin.
Its location also makes it convenient for people traveling from Santa Paula, Fillmore, Ventura and other parts of the county.
For families and groups searching for RV camping, cabin camping or a campground with more amenities, Ventura Ranch provides a flexible option.
10. Foster Red Mountain Campground — 4.0/5
Location: 247 Casitas Vista Road, Ventura, CA
Google Rating: 4.0/5
Google Reviews: 65+
Foster Red Mountain Campground provides another inland camping option near Ventura and the Ventura River. The campground is part of the larger Foster Park area, where visitors can find shade trees, river surroundings and access to outdoor recreation.
Its 4.0 Google rating is lower than several of the other campgrounds on this list, but ratings alone do not tell the entire story. Foster Red Mountain can still make sense for campers whose priorities include an inland setting, proximity to Ventura and access to outdoor activities.
As with the other Foster Park facilities, visitors should check current Ventura County information before planning a trip.
For campers who prefer an inland setting and want to stay close to Ventura, Foster Red Mountain offers another alternative to the more heavily sought-after beach campgrounds.
Bonus: Scorpion Canyon Campground on Santa Cruz Island — 4.8/5
Location: Santa Cruz Island, Channel Islands National Park
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Google Reviews: 95+
Scorpion Canyon Campground is not a conventional drive-to Ventura County campground. It is an island camping destination within Channel Islands National Park that requires visitors to arrange transportation across the Santa Barbara Channel.
Once on Santa Cruz Island, campers travel from the Scorpion Anchorage landing area to the campground. The National Park Service describes the campground as having 31 sites, and reservations are required.
The payoff is a very different camping experience. Instead of a campground beside a highway or near a city, campers are surrounded by the landscape of the Channel Islands, with opportunities for hiking, wildlife viewing and exploring the coastline.
Because transportation and campground reservations are separate considerations, visitors should plan an island camping trip well in advance.
Scorpion Canyon is best suited to experienced campers, hikers and travelers looking for an adventure that goes beyond traditional mainland camping.
Photo by Alfred Boivin on Unsplash
Which Ventura County Campground Is Best for You?
The best campground depends on what you want to do once you arrive.
Best Beach Camping
Faria Beach Park and Hobson Beach Park are strong choices for campers who want to stay directly along the Ventura County coast. Emma Wood State Beach is also an important coastal destination, although current camping restrictions and construction make it particularly important to verify conditions before booking.
Best PCH Camping
Rincon Parkway, Faria Beach Park and Hobson Beach Park are among the most recognizable camping destinations along the Ventura County section of Highway 1. Rincon is particularly appealing to RV campers seeking an immediate oceanfront setting.
Best Mountain Camping
Wheeler Gorge Campground is one of the strongest options for campers who want to leave the coastline behind and spend time in a forested mountain environment. Its location north of Ojai provides a more rustic alternative to the developed coastal campgrounds.
Best Family Camping
Lake Casitas Recreation Area and Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday offer two very different family camping experiences. Lake Casitas provides a larger outdoor recreation setting, while Ventura Ranch offers more campground amenities and accommodation choices.
Best Camping Near Ojai
Camp Comfort is a convenient choice for visitors who want to combine camping with time in Ojai. Wheeler Gorge and Lake Casitas are additional options for people who want to explore the area's mountains and outdoor recreation.
Best RV Camping
Rincon Parkway is one of the most distinctive RV camping destinations in Ventura County because of its immediate oceanfront location. Faria Beach Park, Hobson Beach Park, Lake Casitas and Ventura Ranch also provide options depending on whether your priority is the beach, recreation or campground amenities.
Best Adventure Camping
Scorpion Canyon Campground on Santa Cruz Island is the standout choice for a true adventure. It requires more planning than mainland camping, but the island setting provides an experience that is difficult to duplicate anywhere else in Ventura County.
Camping Near Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village and Newbury Park
People living in the Conejo Valley have several Ventura County camping destinations within a manageable weekend drive.
From Westlake Village and Thousand Oaks, campers can head west toward Ventura and the PCH or north toward Ojai and the mountains. Newbury Park provides particularly convenient access to the coastal corridor along Highway 1, while the Ojai Valley offers a very different camping environment.
Camping Near Camarillo and Oxnard
Camarillo and Oxnard are also well positioned for Ventura County camping. Campers from Camarillo can reach the Ventura coastline and the PCH relatively easily, while Oxnard provides convenient access to Ventura's beaches and coastal recreation.
Camping Near Ventura
Ventura is one of the best starting points for exploring the county's camping options. Campers can head north along the PCH to Faria Beach Park, Hobson Beach Park and Rincon Parkway, east toward inland Ventura County parks or north toward Ojai and the Los Padres National Forest.
That variety is one reason Ventura is such a useful base for a camping weekend. Visitors can reach the coast, mountains and inland recreation areas without committing to a long drive.
Camping Near Ojai
Ojai provides access to several different types of camping. Camp Comfort is close to the Ojai community, while Wheeler Gorge offers a more forested mountain experience. Lake Casitas provides another option for campers looking for a larger recreation area.
This makes Ojai particularly appealing for people who want to combine camping with hiking, sightseeing, restaurants and other activities.
Camping Near Santa Paula and Fillmore
Santa Paula and Fillmore provide easy access to Ventura County's inland camping destinations. Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday is particularly relevant for families and groups looking for RV sites, tent camping or cabins.
Traveling toward Ojai opens up additional possibilities, including Camp Comfort, Lake Casitas and Wheeler Gorge.
Tips for Camping in Ventura County
Reserve Coastal Campsites Early
Beach camping is highly competitive, particularly during summer, holiday weekends and other popular travel periods. If you have specific dates in mind, checking availability well in advance is worthwhile.
Check Campground Status Before Leaving Home
Ventura County's outdoor areas can be affected by wildfires, storms, road conditions, construction and other circumstances. This is especially important for campgrounds that have recently experienced access or infrastructure changes.
Verify the Type of Camping Allowed
Not every campground accommodates every type of camper. Some locations are better suited to tents, some are designed primarily for RVs and some offer both.
Rincon Parkway and the current North Beach camping rules at Emma Wood are examples where understanding the vehicle requirements before arriving is particularly important.
Bring Layers
Ventura County's coastal weather can be mild during the day and noticeably cooler after sunset. Inland and mountain areas can have different temperatures from the beach, so packing layers is a good idea.
Check Water Availability
Do not assume every campground provides drinking water. Some forest campgrounds have limited services or no potable water, making preparation especially important.
Follow Current Fire Restrictions
Wildfire conditions can change rapidly in Southern California. Campfire rules and restrictions may vary by location and season, so check the current requirements before starting a fire.
Plan for Reservations
Many established campgrounds require reservations, and popular coastal locations can fill quickly. For state, county, federal and private campgrounds, check the appropriate managing agency or campground operator rather than relying solely on older information found online.
Why Ventura County Is One of the Best Camping Destinations in Southern California
Ventura County is one of the best camping destinations in Southern California because of the variety of outdoor experiences available within a relatively small area. Campers can spend a weekend at an oceanfront campground along the PCH, stay near the Ventura River, head into the mountains outside Ojai, enjoy the recreation areas around Lake Casitas or plan an island camping trip at Channel Islands National Park.
This variety also makes Ventura County especially convenient for people who live in the 805 region of California. Residents don't necessarily have to drive several hours to find a memorable camping experience. From the Conejo Valley to the coast and inland communities, there are camping destinations within an easy drive of Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Ojai, Santa Paula and Fillmore.
The best campground ultimately depends on the type of experience you're looking for. If you want ocean views and easy beach access, the campgrounds along the Ventura County coast and PCH are a natural choice. If you're looking for mountain scenery, hiking and a more traditional camping experience, the Ojai area offers several options. Inland campgrounds provide a quieter setting, while a trip to Santa Cruz Island offers a more adventurous camping experience.
For anyone searching for the best camping in Ventura County, the variety is what makes the region stand out. Whether you prefer the beach, mountains, river, lake or an island adventure, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors without traveling far from home.
Published August 12, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)