Camping in Ventura

Adventure in Ventura starts with sunny beaches, island campgrounds, and stretches of coastline prime for surfing and swimming.

93% (4868 reviews)

A short jaunt north of Los Angeles, Ventura County acts as the de-facto gateway to California’s Central Coast region. Here you’ll find some of the best beaches in California—many of which have county-run campgrounds—along with wooded forests, sandstone rock formations, hot springs, lakes, undeveloped islands, and cozy, laid-back communities. It's a fantastic spot no matter the time of year, with many area campgrounds open year-round. For beach camping near the waves, you can't beat Ventura's county parks. While summertime brings the masses down to area beaches to swim, sunbathe, and frolic in the surf, winters tend to be quiet—and offer the best waves for surfing.

Popular camping styles for Ventura

Top-rated campgrounds

Cuyama Badlands

1. Cuyama Badlands

99%
(4408)
34 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Cuyama, CA
If you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians at Painted Rock remind us of those who lived before us. **Read on for more details.** This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side. That being said, and to maintain the balance here at home, we'd appreciate if you keep your dogs in your car until you get to your site. Our offerings include fresh air and sunshine, amazing night sky, endless views, and plenty of space and privacy to enjoy your moments in nature. You'll find our amenities and activities puposefully sparse here. Upon booking, there are about 5 miles of dirt road on the property that you are welcome to explore on foot or by bicycle. Rustic is the theme here. There is no shower, no wifi, and no electricity available, but you will enjoy your own private spigot and the cellular service is acceptable. For any sites located south of Ballinger Wash, your vehicle length is limited to 22' and no more than 4' overhang from the rear axle, so you don't get stuck in the crossing and block access for others. Towing services are 1-3 hours away. Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets and amazing stargazing. These UPPER SITES are NOT OHV friendly, but any of our canyon bottom sites are a great base for your riding adventures up in Ballinger Canyon OHV. We'll be happy to recommend a site for you. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** Our friendly cancellation policies vary between 24 hours for simple campsites and 72 hours for our Glamp sites and Group sites. Be sure to check the Google for distance to Cuyama Valley, and your dates for availability and site descriptions. Upon booking, you can look forward to an information packed email to help you make the very best of your trip! We look forward to seeing you!
Pets
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from 
$40
 / night
Harmony's Glamping

5. Harmony's Glamping

95%
(335)
11 sites · Lodging · Santa Barbara, CA
Nestled along a spring fed creek in the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors while staying cozy in a Yurt, or one of our Geo Domes. Each is secluded with a hot shower, propane fire pit, camp kitchen (stove and sink ) please bring pots/ pans and all necessary cooking supplies, and a comfortable queen bed. Wake up to the sound of the birds chirping and the creek rippling. Hike to our very own 30' ft waterfall where you can take a dip, lay out and catch some sunshine. The trail is rugged so be ready to boulder and use your hands in some places. Our wood burning hot tub is freshly filled every time, and right along the creek for a natural hot/cold plunge experience. We also offer morning yoga, and relaxing massages for a fully rejuvenating experience. We do require a liability waiver to be signed, and by booking, you are agreeing to and signing to the waiver. We will also send you a waiver via your welcome message. Enjoy some nearby experiences all within 30 minutes: -Cold Springs Tavern, historical stagecoach stop, live music and delicious BBQ -Wine Tasting in Solvang or on Stearns Wharf -State Street, Downtown Shopping and Restaurants -Beaches, LedBetter, East Beach, Butterfly, Hendry's Beach (Dog Friendly) -Painted Cave, a cave full of Indian paintings -Hikes, SaddleRock, Lizards Mouth, Hot Springs Please note that a high clearance vehicle is recommended! This is a mountainous bumpy dirt road with steep sharp corners. A regular car can make it, just be warned you may bottom out a couple times. We are not liable for any damage to you or your vehicle when entering our property, so do so at your own risk. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions. Text or Call: 805-698-8623 IG:@harmonys_glamping
Pets
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from 
$225
 / night
Arber-Moore's Ranch

6. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%
(549)
6 sites · RVs, Tents · Oak View, CA
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands. Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land. That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite. We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink. Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites. The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area. Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more. We offer both tent and RV camping. The Majority of our Guests love it here: "Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts! Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area. The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly. Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
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$69
 / night
Topanga Oasis

8. Topanga Oasis

98%
(30)
4 sites · Lodging · Topanga, CA
You will be nestled in a 13 acres with other cottages dotted throughout the property, along with private creeks + trails up the mountain. Visiting this property is a very unique experience, some describe it as “glamorous camping”. No photoshoots, parties or cats allowed. Please read the full description, disclaimer, and reviews, to make sure this is what you are looking for. **************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER: This is quite different from staying in an ordinary hotel. We are really in NATURE here - these are older cottages hand-built by artists in the forest. They are very rustic! It's like living in a mountain village, with other cottages nearby. While we work very hard to keep our places pristine and spotless - if anyone in your group will faint if they see a bug or lizard or little frog inside - then this probably isn't the place for you. Please be very careful booking cottages for someone else - like your parents just arriving from another continent - they might prefer something more conventional. Some folks describe our places as a luxurious form of camping. We make our cottages very comfortable - they have all the basics - electricity - wifi - most have kitchens, bath or shower and comfy clean beds. But they are not like a hotel with perfect walls and a sterile atmosphere. Please look at all the pictures and read all the reviews. We can't offer refunds just because we don't meet the standards of a normal hotel. Most people are charmed by this idyllic and bohemian lifestyle - but it's not for everyone. ********************************************************************* FILM AND PHOTOS SHOOTS: This is an amazing property for photography, and film, with 13 acres of rustic cottages, oak forests and sculpted streams. But please note we have special, and quite reasonable rates for filming, in addition to the normal rental charges. Please let us know ahead of time so we can work out the details. Commercial filming is not permitted without permission. Charming Cabin Ideal for Hikers and Nature Lovers in Topanga, California
Pets
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from 
$70
 / night
This is where you can park your RV or Trailer and enjoy expansive views and a gorgeous night sky.

10. Prospector Ranch

100%
(44)
5 sites · Lodging, RVs · Thousand Oaks, CA
Prospector Ranch which is an 1800's style ranch located right next door to the acre used for Hipcamping. The ranch is made up of their home and is also a venue for filming, photo shoots and small events. When not being used, camping guest are welcome to enjoy the area down around the authentic saloon, use the picnic area under large Oak trees and hike the property. We purchased the ranch 8 years ago and love being outside of the city in the mountains. Star gazing is a must when staying there! The camp site is NEXT DOOR to Prospector Ranch which is our 1800's style ranch tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains, close to beaches, vineyards, amazing hiking, biking to the beach and the city! The wide open empty lot looks out at the beautiful mountains. Enjoy stunning sun sets and Picnic under the grand Oak Trees at the ranch or maybe come by the saloon next door for a cold beverage if we are around. :-). We are happy to point you in the direction for what ever you want to do. There are so many things to do in Thousand Oaks!
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from 
$144
 / night
Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

16. Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

98%
(63)
1 site · RV, Tent · Ojai, CA
Welcome to our tranquil ranch nestled among oak and pine trees with stunning views of the Topatopa bluffs. This site was created for the traveler passing through Ojai in mind—or those looking to visit Ojai in a cost-effective way. It is a spartan set up with the idea that visitors be mainly self-contained and Leave No Trace. While we don't yet have a compost toilet set up, we do provide a potable water hookup for your convenience. Please be mindful of your impact on the land and practice responsible camping during your stay. Pack out all that you bring in. No fires, not even portable ones. There are 4 permanent residents on the land, including me, who live within several hundred feet are in and out of the ranch daily. Our driveway passes near your campsite. So while you have privacy in the trees, you may have smile-and-wave distance interaction with other humans during your stay. There are also neighbors to the East several hundred yards away as well. A one-mile trail winds through the property that you are welcome to enjoy. Let me know if you are interested and I will show you were to find the trailhead. The path leads you to fascinating sites such as a tar caldera, Chumash cupules and mortars on boulders, and a tar marsh where wildlife thrives. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, botanist, birder, hiker, or simply seeking peace, this land offers something for you. We welcome guests to stay for a maximum of three days, but we're open to accommodating longer stays upon request. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
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from 
$51
 / night
Topanga Cabins

18. Topanga Cabins

100%
(2)
2 sites · Lodging · Topanga, CA
Your very own Private Cabin on Gated Property, next to wilderness, with hundreds of miles of fire roads, mountain bike and hiking trails in clean open air to refresh your spirit for a day trip or location. Skylights above a queen bed and a beautiful tile mosaic are just two of the many things that make this such a unique retreat. Please ask, obvious questions are welcome The Guest Cabin is your perfect escape from urban confusion and the stress of social distancing, with all amenities for a perfect getaway! We use CDC safe guidelines for cleaning your private shower, kitchenette, and bathroom, as well as a queen bed with fresh sheets under star gazers' skylights, and WiFi so you can work! Only 22 miles from downtown Los Angeles, it feels like 100 miles from civilization. 15 minutes' drive to the beach, 30 minutes to Santa Monica. We have over 70 live oaks on the property to filter the perfect air. So far from the roar of civilization, you will think you are in another world! You will have your cabin and ample, beautiful outdoor space all to yourselves with access to hiking trails and fire roads through a private gate. You will have parking for one car directly in front of the cabin with paid parking for a second car, as we have very limited parking! We have a wonderful variety of wildlife that lives on our property, but the presence of Coyotes and Mountain lions in the area requires me to caution bringing your own pets, as we cannot guarantee their safety! We have Bobcats and a resident Gray Fox family with daily sightings in our meadow, rumored to once be the oldest vineyard in Topanga. Owls grace the night with their call, and Red Tail Hawks ply the morning sky, but silence is our calling card considering the chaos just over the hill!
Pets
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from 
$99
 / night
Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

19. Cross Bull Ranch/CBR

97%
(308)
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents · Topanga, CA
DEAR HIPCAMPER, "Welcome" To Cross Bull Ranch/CBR Where You Can Unplug & "Disconnect" from Technology & Devices because...WE HAVE A GREAT Connection With Nature HERE ON THE RANCH You Can Find Us @crossbullranchtopanga On Instagram! PERFECT FOR 1ST TIME CAMPERS, FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN & VETERAN CAMPERS TO PRACTICE & HONE THEIR SKILLS IMMERSED IN NATURE YET CLOSE TO ALL THE CONVENIENCES OF... "Home." CBR is A Secluded 16 Acre Eco-Village, Rural Rustic Permaculture & Preparedness Retreat & International Healing Center within Walking Distance to "Topanga Living Cafe" (TLC) & "Cafe' 27". Grab a Bullet Proof Coffee or Oat Milk Latte' with a Wonderful Organic Breakfast, Brunch or Lunch. "Pack Up" & "Head Out" for A Day of Adventure hiking trails, offroad mountain biking The Canyons or cycling along the Pacific Coast Highway, enjoy swimming in seasonal fresh water pools, food foraging, boogie/paddle boarding & surfing The Waves Of Topanga State Beach. While returning to Cross Bull Ranch/CBR Stop Off At The "Topanga General Store" or "Topanga Gourmet" to Pick Up Provisions to "Chill Out" Under The Stars at Your Campsite or One Of Our "Human Nests!" If You're "Lucky" It Will Be Low Fire Danger & We Can Make Smores in The Main Fire Pit Together! Enjoy The Sights, Sounds, Smells, Beauty & "Majesty" of Nature, Enjoy A Drink & A Nice Dinner at "Endless Color," "Then Canyon Bistro" or... The "Inn Of The Seventh Ray" in Town. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND Sunday Brunch! Or Perhaps "IF" You're In Need Of "Healing" Set Aside 2 - 3 hrs. for Yourself and... Book A "Shamanic Somatic Healing Session" or "Plant Medicine Ceremony" Customized JUST FOR YOU with Your Hostess, Lisa. Details BELOW. Surprise loved ones or take a solo trip to Celebrate Life, Holidays, B'Earth Days, Anniversaries, Multi-Generational Family Gatherings, Reunions+++ ALL while... Safely "Social Distancing in Nature." Cross Bull Ranch was Originally A Chumash Indian Village. In 1926 "A Farmer" Named McDougal Came to CA from Santa Fe, NM in Search of A Better Life for He & His Family. Originally 40 Acres The Farm Provided ALL Produce, Dairy, Poultry & Beef to The Topanga Community via The "General Store" Until The End of WW2 IN 1945 when The American Public were Sold Post Military Chemicals as pesticides & fertilizers. It was Then That "Corporations" began Buying Up Fertile FarmLand, Clear Cutting, Mono-Cropping. Creating Corporate "Grocery Store" Chains DESTROYING "The Family Farm." My Son's Father & I Rescued This Land in 1998. It was Derelict. We were Handed A 1' HIGH FILE FULL OF Building Department "Violations" The Oaks were ALL Dying from Lack Of Fresh Air/Oxygen & Sunshine. We Removed (8) 5 TON DUMPSTERS/40 TONS OF GARBAGE INCLUDING: Cars, Car Parts/Tires, Toilets, Jacuzzi Tubs, Dishware, Newspapers, Utensils++. We Picked Up EVERY Chard of Glass from Broken Beer Bottles, EVERY Bottle Cap, EVERY Cigarette Butt. Which ARE NOT BIODEGRADABLE. It was A "Travesty." And... "A Labor Of Love." We IMMEDIATELY "Invested" $25,000.00 Clearing & Cleaning, "Healing" The Oaks. With Ropes NOT Spikes. We Bought A Brush Cutter & Cut Down Weeds TALLER THAN ME. At 1st you Couldn't EVEN See The Topography Of The Land. We Renovated an Existing Trailer Adjacent to The Farm House. The "Treehouse Trailer" as We Affectionately Call It Was Out Home for 7 Years While I Resolved A 1' High File Of Building Violations, Woke at 5:30AM EVERY MORNING To Direct/General Contract A Crew Of Talented Artisans from San Miguel Allende, Mexico NONE Of Which Spoke English (Soy Boriqua) & Who'd NEVER Built or Renovated A House Before. In 2009 after Separation, Divorce & Financial Devastation in '09/'10I was diagnosed with breast cancer. This "Dis-Ease" Ended Up Being "A Gift". It Lead me On "The Red Road" To Getting Baptized in The Native American Church in The Lakota Way, Taking "Refuge" in Tibetan Buddhism, Hosting Shaman & Healers from ALL OVER The World in Plant Medicine Ceremonies, Practicing Permaculture & Preparedness, Creating My Own Line Of "Cross Bull Ranch" Non-GMO Organic Food,Becoming A Certified Somatic Healing (Trauma Release) Practitioner &Ordained Minister.Until November of 2019 I had been Hosting Retreats, Workshops, Weddings++ In "Our Home." Until... covid. Similar to "My Prayer" 10 Yeas Ago Asking "God" To Send Healers Who Needed Land to Support Their Work In Exchange/Barter For me To Receive The Healing I Needed. Again "I Prayed" HARD & Divine InspirationCame To me Similar to "Food Being Medicine," that Pachamama, "Mother Earth" is The MOST Potent Healer. I Decided to "Open Up The Land" To Offer To "Others" to Leave Society & Devices Behind. Ground Themselves. FULLY IMMERSING Themselves, Family & Friends in Nature "Maskless." In Order To Breathe Fresh Air. Filling Their Lungs With Life Sustaining Oxygen & Bathe Themselves in Sunshine which Is A PowerFULL Disinfectant, Recharge "Their Souls" & Stimulating Their Third Eye/"Pineal Gland."Helping Others To Re-Boot & BOOST Their Immune Systems.Which is Of The UTMOST IMPORTANCE "Right Now." I Am Lisa Cianci and... I AM Looking Forward To Seeing YOU Here On The Ranch! Until Then... Take CareStay Safe & Well!
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$90
 / night
You'll have access to private beach / famous surf spot, known as Ed's Beach.

20. Private Beach Farm

98%
(608)
5 sites · RVs, Tents · Goleta, CA
This is an incredibly historic site in Santa Barbara history. 2 tribes of Chumash Indians lived here for 10,000 years. This is where Spain landed and began colonizing the area. In the 1950's and 60's, this was the site of the World's largest orchid farm. There is a book called The Royal Rancho, if you are a history buff. We are a farm on the beach just North of Santa Barbara and Goleta, Ca. You will camp in a historic, glass greenhouse with incredible ocean views. Inside is a cob pizza oven that works awesome. (Bring your own firewood),,, a place to pitch tents and tiny artistic structures to explore. You will have a private bath and shower (Primitive, no electricity, but the hot shower has the best view in the world of any shower!) Bring your own toiletries and whatnot. Private beach access from our property. We have a barnyard with a multitude of farm animals. Limited electricity in greenhouse (A couple of extension chords). The fire ban is ONLY for open campfires. The pizza oven and YOUR bbq or propane flame is fine. If you are camping during the rain, be advised, it gets wet in the greenhouse. It's an antique after all!
Pets
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from 
$200
 / night

Camper favorites in and near Ventura

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in and near Ventura

Stories from the community

Star Hosts in Ventura

Under $50

Dog-friendly getaways

Available this weekend

Other options in and near Ventura

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Camping in Ventura guide

Where to go

The Ventura County Coast

If beachfront camping is what you're after, Ventura County is the place to be. Hobson Beach Park and Faria Beach Park both have tent and RV sites with full hook-ups, while Rincon Parkway Beach and Emma Wood State Beach offer RV-only camping close to the sea. Nature-lovers won't want to miss the Ventura River Estuary, one of the top spots in the region for bird-watching.

The Ojai Valley

Centering on the town of Ojai, a bohemian-chic community in inland Ventura County, the Ojai Valley offers easy access to a number of natural hot springs, many of which are situated in Los Padres National Forest. Massive Lake Casitas is a highlight, with around 400 campsites and ample opportunities for boating and fishing. Foster Park is another great option, with tent, RV, and group camping and direct access to the nine-mile Ojai Valley Trail, which links the park to Ojai.

The Channel Islands

To really get away from it all, head out to the Channel Islands (accessible by boat from Ventura or Oxnard). This chain of eight islands (five of which are a national park) is home to all sorts of endemic plants, mammals, and birds—meaning you won't see them anywhere else on earth. Sea kayaking, seal watching, scuba diving, and backcountry camping are just the beginning. Camping is available year-round at the islands; Anacapa Island (which is part of Ventura County) has particularly great views from its campground.

The Simi Valley

In southeastern Ventura County, the Simi Valley—and the adjacent Simi Hills—are characterized by a mix of vast, rugged landscapes and modern development. Tapo Canyon and Oak Park both have tent and RV camping, while the day-use-only Santa Susana Pass State Park offers miles of multi-use trails and fantastic views.

When to go

Thanks to Ventura's mild climate, most beach campgrounds and state parks are open year-round. Dry summer weather poses a fire hazard, so it's best to be on the safe side—follow all campground fire rules, and check the news for ongoing wildfires before you hit the road.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Rincon Parkway is open for camping. It is a popular destination for RV camping along the Ventura County coastline in Southern California. The parkway offers 127 RV campsites with a maximum length of 45 feet. Keep in mind that there are no hookups, showers, or dump stations available. Reservations can be made online, and it is advisable to book in advance due to the popularity of the location. For more information on RV camping in the area, you can visit Hipcamp.

There are several options for parking your RV overnight in Ventura, including at Emma Wood State Beach. Make sure to check availability and any restrictions before planning your stay at any RV sites in Ventura.

In Ventura, California, it's generally not allowed to sleep in your car on public streets or parking lots. However, there are designated campgrounds and RV parks in the Ventura area where you can legally and safely sleep in your car, including at Emma Wood State Beach. Additionally, you can explore private camping options on Hipcamp, where you can find accommodations suitable for car camping or RVs. Always make sure to check the specific rules and regulations of the campground or RV park you choose to ensure a safe and enjoyable car camping experience.

Faria Beach Park, located in Ventura County, California, offers both reservation-based and first-come, first-served camping options. However, it is important to note that Faria Beach Park is a popular destination, and the first-come, first-served sites can fill up quickly, especially during peak season. To ensure a spot, it is recommended to make a reservation in advance through the Ventura County Parks online reservation system.