McGrath State Beach Camping

Notice: "Due to flooding, as of 7/10/2019, McGrath State Beach is closed until further notice. The park will reopen when flood waters recede and cleanup/repairs have been done." (still posted as of 12/1/2021)

Campground Flooding

Even before the park was closed in 2019, large portions of the existing campground were flooded. Only a portion of the campsites were able to be used. With continued flooding, the entire park has been closed and plans are underway to relocate many of the features of the park to allow for expansion of the wetlands."

The park explains, "The relocation of these facilities will not only allow for a larger, enhanced estuary habitat, it will also replace aging infrastructure with new facilities designed for flood resistance and to enhance the visitor experience for campers and other recreational users."

Camping at Nearby Beaches

Emma Wood State Beach
  North Beach Campground

Just north of Ventura, Emma Wood State Beach's North Beach Campground has 86 ocean-front campsites for self-contained RVs or trailers. No tents are permitted. The sites are dirt parking spaces along the ocean side of State Beach Access Road off Highway 101. Some of the spaces have uneven surfaces. There are no facilities other than a portable chemical toilet. Most sites have rocks already assembled into a campfire circle.

High tides during the winter months often close the campground. Reservations are available for camping dates from mid-May through Labor Day weekend. At other times the sites are first come, first served.

The size of the sites vary. In general they range from 20 feet up to 45 feet. Most are back-in sites. The state park website states that RVs are limited to 40 feet because of the small turn-around area. Peak season is from May 15 to September 15.

Emma Wood's Ventura River Group Camp has tent and RV sites for groups as large as 50 as well as Enroute RV sites and Hike and Bike sites.

Campground Fees and Reservations

• North Beach Campground Fees: $40 peak season
• Ventura River Group Camp Enroute sites - $30
• Hike and Bike Sites - $10
• Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia:
  Emma Wood State Beach Campground Reservations
  or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM

Faria Beach Park

Faria Beach County Park, 7½ miles north of Ventura, has 42 camping sites along the coast. Some sites are suitable for either tents or RVs while others with hook-ups are intended for RVs or trailers. Most are close together, although a few have a little more space.

Online reservations are now available: Faria Beach Campground Reservations

Other facilities at the park include restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, fire rings, and picnic tables. There is a concession stand at the park. Hook-up sites include cable TV.

Camping Fees

• Tent or RV sites: $39 - $43 for up to 6 people
• RV Sites with hookups: $55 - $60 for up to 6 people
• Premium RV sites: $60 - $65

Hobson Beach Park

Hobson Beach County Park, 10 miles north of Ventura, has 31 camping sites along the coast. Some sites are suitable for either tents or RVs while others with hook-ups are intended for RVs or trailers. Most are close together, although a few have a little more space.

Online reservations are now available: Hobson Beach Campground Reservations

Facilities at the park include restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers, and full hook-ups, including cable TV. Campsites have picnic tables and fire rings. There is also a snack stand.

Camping Fees

• Tent or RV sites (8-28): $39 - $43 for up to 6 people (sites without campfires $32)
• RV Sites with hookups: $55 - $60 for up to 6 people

Hobson Camping Reservations

During the peak season there are no reservations, campsites are first come, first served. Reservations are taken for off-season camping.

Rincon Parkway Campground

The Rincon Parkway Campground stretches along the Pacific Coast Highway between Faria Beach Park and Hobson Beach Park, about 8 miles north of Ventura. The 127 camping spaces are restricted to self-contained RVs or trailers. Campsites are simply parallel parking spaces along the ocean side of the highway. Campers have great views of the ocean and the beach.

There are no other facilities at the campground other than some portable chemical toilets located at the Pay Vaults. Sites cannot be reserved; they are first come, first served only.

Fees: $36 - $39
The fee allows for 1 site with 1 RV and 1 non-recreation vehicle, up to 6 people. There is a 7 day camping limit from April through October and 14 days other times of year. Dogs must be on leash. $1 per dog, maximum of 2.