Best Campgrounds near Oxnard, CA

Oxnard camping options include Wheeler Gorge Campground in Los Padres National Forest, with good hiking trails and nice views throughout the area. Leo Carrillo State Park sits right on the coastline, where you can camp near the beach and spend your days surfing or swimming. You'll need to make reservations at both places, especially if you're planning to visit during summer or on holiday weekends. Spring and fall camping is usually best around Oxnard since the weather stays comfortable and not too hot. Winter camping is possible, but you might find fewer services available when temperatures drop. The Channel Islands National Park is worth checking out while you're in the area - great for seeing wildlife or taking a kayak tour. Lake Casitas is nearby if you want to do some fishing during your stay. Book your sites early since these campgrounds tend to fill up fast, particularly on weekends. Try for a mid-week reservation if you want more peace and quiet. Pack carefully since amenities can be limited at some sites. Always pay attention to fire rules and local regulations to keep your camping trip safe.

Best Camping Sites Near Oxnard, California (140)

    1. Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park

    36 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $35 / night

    "Not crowded and a place you can rarely camp beachfront in souther California. I have to note the bathrooms are absolutely terrible."

    "You are so close to the water and there is plenty of space between you and your neighbor. When we were there many people had RVs so there were only a few tents."

    2. Emma Wood State Beach

    26 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 585-1850

    $40 / night

    "There are no toilet facilities here (there are some portapotties at the entrance though - those might be for staff though.).  

    The only "amenity" this place offers is trash and recycling bins.  "

    "We parked next to the sea wall great view of the ocean. Ocean almost comes to your door step"

    3. Sycamore Canyon Campground — Point Mugu State Park

    33 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 / night

    "Fantastic body surfing, some good surf waves up the highway a bit. There is a backpacking access site as well up the canyon about 3 miles."

    "If you love Fall and trees and the California golden sun... this place is the place to be! It has it all in one."

    4. Canyon Campground — Leo Carrillo State Park Campground

    53 Reviews
    Lake Sherwood, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 488-1827

    $45 - $60 / night

    "It was a quick drive up the coast and onto this hidden gem. You get access to a private beach with gorgeous California hill views of PCH behind you. Perfect place for families or even RVs."

    "The campground is tucked away in a beautiful canyon setting with lots of shade trees, which was really nice for keeping cool."

    5. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 649-2233

    "This campground is located in Santa Barbara County just west of Ojai. Beautiful mountain scenery. It’s great for tents and RVs.

    The lake offers fishing and boating, no body contact."

    "A nice feature, (we did not take advantage of), is there is a water slide park near the entrance. As far as I know, this is a separate fee, but nothing astronomical."

    6. Ventura Beach RV Resort

    15 Reviews
    Ventura, CA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 643-9137

    "The Ventura Beach RV Resort is very nice and a short bike ride or walk from the beach or town. Stay away from the sites in the first row closest to the freeway as those tend to flood."

    "Walking distance to beach. Taken well care of. Nice store on grounds. Pool and spa on site."

    7. Point Mugu Recreation Facility

    13 Reviews
    Port Hueneme, CA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 989-8407

    "The tent sites are very basic and very close together, but the surroundings are worth it!"

    "This is a wonderful campground right next to the beach however it is only available to the military and their families."

    8. Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    17 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $43 - $47 / night

    "127 Slanted or parallel dry camp asphalt spots located along the Pacific Ocean and PCH approx 8 miles north of Ventura and 20 miles south of Santa Barbara off the Seaside Exit."

    "We had a dog and newly walking baby with us, so we REALLY had to keep an eye on both of them.  We brought little baby gates which helped. "

    9. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    47 Reviews
    Carpinteria, CA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-1033

    $45 - $180 / night

    "We live in nearby Santa Barbara, but will use Carp State Beach as a midway meeting point when friends from Southern California and Central California meet up."

    "I naively thought the campgrounds wouldn’t be open to capacity and I was hoping for camping not so close to other campers."

    10. Faria Beach Park

    12 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Dolphins passing by constantly, small campground so few people around even when full. Limited hours but cute little cafe. Quarter hott showers and clean bathrooms. It was 70’ in December."

    "Location: right off the highway, don’t hear the highway though, low traffic and loud waves Cleanliness: sites and bathrooms kept very clean. Bathrooms/showers: great and clean !!"

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 140 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Oxnard, CA

921 Reviews of 140 Oxnard Campgrounds



Guide to Oxnard

Camping near Oxnard, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a beachside retreat or a serene spot in the woods, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is perfect for boating, but since it’s a drinking water reservoir, there is no body contact with this body of water."
  • Hiking and Biking: Leo Carrillo State Park has great trails. A visitor noted, "Beautiful campgrounds in a canyon next to the beach. Clean restrooms & showers."
  • Beach Activities: At Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach, you can swim, surf, and enjoy the sun. One camper shared, "Spots are very snug. Seals and dolphins all around while you swim or surf."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers rave about the stunning views at Malibu Beach RV Park. A happy visitor said, "Every spot has a great view of the Pacific Ocean from high upon a cliff!"
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. One reviewer at El Capitán State Beach Campground mentioned, "The bathrooms were fairly clean and there are showers."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Lake Casitas Recreation Area is great for families. A reviewer noted, "This is a huge place, with lots to do. Not a good place if you're looking for a low key, quiet, simple camping experience."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Wheeler Gorge Campground, lack drinking water and showers. A visitor shared, "No running water available; fire ban."
  • Crowded Sites: Campers at Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park noted that sites can be close together. One camper said, "The sites are close together and there’s no privacy because you’re on the beach."
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife, especially at Wheeler Gorge Campground. A camper mentioned, "They let us know there was a bear in the area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area that offer activities for kids. One reviewer said, "The campground offers some excellent yurts and cabins for nightly rent right on the shores of the lake."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to pack for beach days at Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach. A family shared, "The beaches are always nice."
  • Bring Snacks and Drinks: Stock up at the camp store, as noted by a visitor at Lake Casitas Recreation Area, "The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Some campgrounds, like Leo Carrillo State Park, have small sites. One RVer mentioned, "The sites are small. It is very difficult to back in to a spot when you have campers across from your campsite."
  • Look for Hookups: If you need electric hookups, check campgrounds like Malibu Beach RV Park that offer them. A visitor noted, "Electric hookups are available."
  • Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for pets, as mentioned by a camper at Lake Casitas Recreation Area, "We paid online and we pull up and all of a sudden getting charged $5 a day extra for pets."

Camping near Oxnard, CA, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Oxnard, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Oxnard, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 140 campgrounds and RV parks near Oxnard, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Oxnard, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Oxnard, CA is Thornhill Broome Beach — Point Mugu State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 36 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Oxnard, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Oxnard, CA.

What parks are near Oxnard, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 10 parks near Oxnard, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

OSZAR »