The best camping near San Buenaventura State Beach

Situated right in the Southern California city of Ventura, San Buenaventura State Park attracts surfers, swimmers, and anglers throughout the year. Here you’ll find two miles of sandy shores plus a lagoon, volleyball courts, and plenty of picnic tables. There’s even a seasonal oyster shack, and bicycle rentals are available for those who want to cycle up to Ventura Pier nearby. While San Buenaventura State Beach is only open for day use (from dawn until dusk), camping is available at Emma Wood State Beach, a 10-minute drive up the coast.

San Buenaventura State Beach is a year-round destination, with long, hot summers and short winters that rarely get too cold. If you want to swim, you'll have the warmest weather and the lowest chance of rain between June and mid-October. If you've come to surf, you'll have the best waves in the winter months, particularly in January. Lifeguards watch over the beach year-round, but summer months have the most lifeguards on staff.

• Wheelchair-accessible features at the park include restrooms, a water station, and picnic sites.
• Dogs are allowed in day-use areas, but not on the beach.
• Electric bikes and Surreys (four-wheel carriage bikes) are available for rent from Wheel Fun Rentals. You can pick up oysters, clams, and oyster knives at the Jolly Oyster. Both concessionaires are located right inside the park.
• If you don’t want to pay to park at Buenaventura, you may be able to find free street parking nearby.
• Rip currents are common in this part of the coast. If you find yourself stuck in one, swim parallel to the beach until you are released.