Lakeside camping near Ojai with fishing
Eclectic, art-centric Ojai is ground central for some of California's best outdoor adventures.
- Ojai
Popular camping styles for Ojai
Lakeside camping near Ojai with fishing guide
Overview
Relax and reconnect with nature in artsy and spiritual Ojai. Nestled in a scenic valley in the Topatopa Mountains, it’s a popular getaway from Los Angeles, just 75 miles away. Browse for artisan wares at locally owned boutiques; sample wine, olive oil, and honey; or rejuvenate at a wellness retreat and savor the famous “pink moment" sunsets from Meditation Mount. Campers can explore the golden valley on foot, bike, or horseback, then glamp in style in town or camp nearby. Head to the coast for sun, sand, and surf, or further into the Los Padres National Forest for rugged terrain, trails, and wilderness.
Where to go
Ojai and Ventura
Near downtown Ojai, Camp Comfort offers tent and RV sites with full hookups and amenities, while Dennison Park Campground offers peaceful valley views. Nearby Lake Casitas Recreation Area, just seven miles west of Ojai, offers water recreation and hundreds of lakeside and wooded campsites. Head toward the coast to enjoy ocean views and play in the Pacific. Camp in an RV at Rincon Parkway Beach, or stay in a tent or RV at Hobson Beach Park and Faria Beach Park. The rocky beachfront at Emma Woods State Beach draws surfers, anglers, and RV campers.
Los Padres National Forest
The national forest spans 1.75 million acres and offers camping options from dispersed to developed, including more than 60 campgrounds. Explore the Matilija Wilderness or the Sespe Wilderness and soak in the natural hot springs. Stay at a streamside campsite at nearby Wheeler Gorge Campground, built by Boy Scouts. The Rose Valley Campground offers easy access to the popular Rose Valley Falls Trail. Several other campgrounds can be found further inland, including Middle Lion and Lion Canyon campgrounds.
Santa Barbara
Drive about 45 minutes up the coast to experience the American Riviera in Santa Barbara. On the way, Carpinteria State Beach offers several campgrounds for tents and RVs, including beachfront sites. Closer to Santa Barbara, play and camp in the shade at El Capitan State Beach, or enjoy great coastal fishing and camping at Refugio State Beach. Or head inland to the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area for year-round recreation and camping options for tents, RVs, cabins, and yurts.
Malibu
Head south along the coast to glitzy Malibu. Enjoy plenty of sun and surf at iconic Malibu Lagoon State Beach, then head into the Santa Monica Mountains to camp at Malibu Creek State Park, and explore the rugged terrain and Hollywood filming history. Along the coast, Point Mugu State Park and Leo Carillo State Park offer miles of beachfront, plus numerous camping options from family campgrounds to primitive hike-in sites.
When to go
Summer is a popular time for visiting Ojai, though temperatures can soar. Summer weekends are particularly busy. Visit in the spring and fall for pleasant weather for outdoor activities and smaller crowds. Ojai is home to several popular festivals, including the Ojai Music Festival, with many in June and October. Wildflower displays can be dazzling in the spring.
Know before you go
- The Ojai Trolley operates year-round except for on major holidays. You’ll want a vehicle to travel to areas outside of Ojai.
- Many area campgrounds are very popular, meaning advance reservations are recommended and sometimes required. Most reservations need to be made at least two to three days in advance.
- Dispersed camping in Los Padres National Forest is only allowed in certain areas and requires a permit. Permits are also required for campfires, though campers need to be aware of fire restrictions and bans.
- Bring your own water for certain campgrounds, including Wheeler Gorge and Rose Valley.
