The Oldest Restaurants in Ventura County and Nearby Areas

We do our best to support local restaurants here in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County. But local eateries come and go, for many reasons. Running a restaurant is not easy, but some of them manage to operate longer than others.

Here’s a compilation of some of the longest-operating restaurants in Ventura County.

1929: The Golden Chicken Inn at 701 S. Oxnard Boulevard in Oxnard (at 7th Street) opened in 1929 but changed ownership and became New Chicken in the summer of 2025, so we will keep it on the list for the time being. It is one of the last remaining Chinese structures in the area. www.newchickenoxnard.com

1936: Familia Diaz operated at 245 S. 10th Street in Santa Paula from 1936 to 2015. It was sold to new owners, however, and now operates as Chapala Mexican Restaurant, so we’re going to keep it on this list. chapalamexicanrestaurantca.com

Golden Chicken Inn in Oxnard opened in 1929 and became “new chicken” under new ownership in 2025.

1946: El Tecolote originated in Moorpark in 1946 and moved to its current location at 333 N. Lewis Road in Camarillo in 1952, serving traditional Mexican fare. It is the longest operating eatery under the same name in Ventura County. www.facebook.com/eltecoloterestaurant

1947: Johnny’s Mexican Food originated in Santa Paula in 1947 and moved to its current location at 176 N. Ventura Avenue, Ventura in 1961, offering, well, you know. Johnny Lopez passed away in December 1994. Before he passed, he convinced his family to keep the eatery. New ownership kept things the same when the eatery changed hands in 2004.

1949: Dominick’s Italian Restaurant at 477 North Oxnard Boulevard in Oxnard has been family owned and operated since 1949, serving delicious pasta, New York style pizza and more. dominicksoxnard.com

1952: Otani’s Seafood is a family owned seafood restaurant in Downtown Oxnard that has operated since 1952, featuring Japanese style seafood with a twist of Mexican flair. Located at 608 South A Street in Oxnard. www.otanis-seafood.com

1956: The Ranch House originally opened at its quaint location at 102 Besant Road in Ojai in 1956. In July 2025 it was reopened under new ownership as The Rochers at the Ranch House. Learn more at www.therochersrh.com.

1957: Thousand Oaks Meat Locker started out as a custom butcher shop in 1957, then transformed into a BBQ eatery since the mid-1970s at 2684 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks. www.thousandoaksmeatlocker.com

1958: Casa De Soria Mexican Restaurant opened at 1961 E. Thompson Avenue in Ventura in 1958. They claim to have served over 7 million meals since then to Mexican food lovers! www.casadesoria.com

1959: Tony’s Pizzaria has been family owned and operated since June 1959 at 186 E. Thompson Blvd in Ventura. Founded by Johnny “Tony” Barrios and now operated by his children and nephew., Tony’s Pizzaria specializes in New York style hand tossed pizza. www.tonyspizzaria.net

1958: Neptune’s Net, with an address of 42505 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu, is technically located in Ventura County in the unincorporated community of Solromar (it uses Malibu for its zip code). Neptune’s Net is open 364 days a year, closed only for Thanksgiving. This is a casual, order at the counter and find a table type of place that is located across from County Line Beach. neptunesnet.com

1961: Harold’s House of Omelettes at 2440 Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks. Harold Warner originally opened Harold’s at 1938 Thousand Oaks Blvd. The eatery closed May 7, 2021 but was subsequently was acquired and reopened as Bo’s House of Omelettes & Waffles. More information at houseofomelettesto.com.

1961: The Rock Store opened in 1961 at 30354 Mulholland Highway in Cornell (an unincorporated community of Los Angeles County located near Agoura Hills). originally as a small town grocery store. An extremely popular motorcyclist hangout, It currently offers breakfast and lunch Friday to Sunday. rock-store.com

1963: Chester’s Asia Restaurant has operated in Camarillo since 1963 at 2216 Pickwick Drive in the Pickwick Shopping Center. chestersasiarestaurant.com

1965: Thousand Oaks Fish & Chips is currently located at 3825 Thousand Oaks Blvd in the North Ranch Shopping Center. It established itself in the Conejo Valley in 1965. www.thousandoaksfishandchips.com

1966: Little Tony’s Italian Restaurant is located at 1441 Redwood Street in Oxnard, next to Weinerschnitzel. Open daily at 4pm for dinner. 805-486-1414 www.yelp.com/biz/little-tonys-italian-restaurant-oxnard

1968: Boccaccio’s Restaurant at the Westlake Landing, 32123 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village, has been operating since 1968. www.boccacciosrestaurant.com

Boccccio’s ad circa 1969.

1968: Jack in the Box Thousand Oaks opened at 484 Moorpark Road this year and still operates today. it was completely remodeled in 2025.

1969: Ottavio and Noella Belvedere opened Pizza Villa on Ventura Blvd in Camarillo in 1969 and changed the name to Ottavio’s Italian Restaurant in 1974, so we’re going to credit them for 1969. The moved to a larger location at 1620 Ventura Blvd in 1977 and have operated there ever since. www.ottavio.com

1970: Cactus Patch Restaurant is a diner located at 197 E. High Street in Moorpark that has served breakfast and lunch since 1970. The original owner passed away in 2020 but other family members and staff continue to operate this eatery. www.facebook.com/CactusPatchRestaurant

1970: The Old Place Cornell restaurant opened at 29983 Mulholland Hwy in Cornell (Agoura Hills) in 1970. This is Los Angeles County but close to us here in the Conejo Valley . oldplacecornell.com

1973: The Newbury Park McDonald’s at 850 Wendy Drive premiered in the spring of 1970. (There’s probably other fast food places we need to research and add to this list.)

1974: The first Cisco’s Mexican Restaurant opened in Westlake Village in 1974. That location closed in 2018 but Cisco’s continues to operate at 1712 E. Avenida De Los Arboles in Thousand Oaks, making it one of the oldest eateries in the Conejo Valley. www.ciscosthousandoaks.com

1974: The first Eggs ‘n” Things restaurant opened in the same building as its current Camarillo location at 1200 Paseo Camarillo. Now Eggs “n” Things has locations in Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks and Ventura as well. www.eggsnthings.net

1974: Rhineland Deli Thousand Oaks has been open since 1974. It relocated to 1817 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in 2022 as it continues to serve its signature delicious German-inspired sandwiches and other items. www.instagram.com/rhineland_deli

1974: Mrs. Olson’s Coffee Hut opened in 1974 at the Channel Islands Harbor in Oxnard, 2800 South Harbor Blvd. www.mrsolsons.com

1976: The Alamo Restaurant was established in 1976 at 2311 Borchard Road in Newbury Park, specializing in Mexican dishes. www.alamo-rest.com

1979: Azar’s Sport Bar & Grill originated as Azar’s Red Robin on September 19, 1976 at 2215 Michael Drive in Newbury Park, offering breakfast, lunch, dinner, cocktails and live music. www.azarsportsbar.com

~1980: Don’t have the exact date, but A-Burger opened over 40 years ago at 155 S. Oxnard Blvd in Oxnard. I’m told that this was originally a Whataburger. www.facebook.com/ABurgerOxnard

1982: Andria’s Seafood Restaurant and Market opened at Ventura Harbor Village on May 13, 1982 and this family business has operated continuously since that date. www.andriasseafood.com

1982: Don Cuco Mexican Restaurant opened in Simi Valley in 1982. It is located at 3991 Cochran Street. www.doncuco.com

1984: P & L Burgers at 2000-A East Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks originally opened in 1984, making it the oldest burger place in the Conejo Valley. pandlburgers.com

Familia Diaz in Santa Paula changed ownership and is now called Chapala Mexican Restaurant. We’ll keep this image here in memory of the previous occupant.

The Oldest Eateries in Ventura County that closed in recent years:

1947: Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant on Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks closed its doors in August 2016, after 69 years in business.

Lupe’s Mexican Food in Thousand Oaks in 1975. (Photo courtesy Thousand Oaks Library Conejo Through the Lens Collection.)

1949: The Sportsman Restaurant at 53 S. California Street in Ventura closed in 2018. The Camarillo location at 4426 Central Avenue is still open. www.sportsmancamarillo.com

1946: Dorothy’s Chuck Wagon Cafe was located at 2344 Ventura Blvd in Old Town Camarillo. The building was constructed in 1944 and original owner Larry Logue opened Larry’s Malt Shop there in 1946. It was Carmen’s Snack Bar when owned by Ed and Carmen Quinn. Dorothy Johnson took over as new owner in 1983. In June 2022 she announced the cafe had closed. The building was sold in May 2022.

The former Dorothy’s Chuck Wagon Cafe in Old Town Camarillo (closed in June 2022).

Campgrounds and RV Facilities In Ventura County and Adjacent Areas

Looking to "rough it" locally in the vicinity of Ventura County and surrounding areas? Here's a compilation of local camping facilities run by federal, state and private organizations that may help you make that final push to get off of that sofa and start smelling the fresh air! As you can see, there are literally thousands of campsites available in and within a one hour radius of Ventura County.

There are a number of camping options in the local Santa Monica Mountains, including Leo Carrillo, Point Mugu State Park and Malibu Creek State Park.

Senior Citizen Discount at State Parks!

California state parks offer senior citizen discounts for those age 62 or older with proof of age. Discounts include $1 discount for vehicle day use (except for fees under $2) and $2 discount per night for most campgrounds. www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=23800

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Leo Carrillo State Park is located at 35000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu. The Canyon Campground has 135 family sites, each with a table and fire ring. Restrooms, drinking water and coin-operated showers are available. "Hike and Bike" campsites are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The group campground at the back of the canyon can accommodate up to 50 people. Peak season is March 1 to November 30 and off-peak is the month of December. Campsite is steps away from 1 1/2 miles of beach with tidepools, coastal caves and reefs to explore. Maximum of 8 people per campsite. Fees as of March 2023 are $10/person for Hike and Bike sites, $45 to $60/night for canyon sites and $225/night for the group site, plus $7.99 reservation fee. Visit ReserveCalifornia.com and search for “Leo Carrillo SP” to make reservations. More information about Leo Carrillo State Park at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=616.

Camping at Leo Carrillo State Park is extremely popular. (This was photo was taken before the Woolsey Fire of November 2018.)

Point Mugu State Park is located at 9000 W. Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu, offering a variety of camping options described below.

The Sycamore Canyon Campground is north of PCH, offering 58 tent/RV spaces along with drinking water, restrooms, showers and fire rings. There is also 4 tent spaces available for "Hike and Bike" camper. Pets are allowed on leash in the campground. Fees as of January 2026 are $45/night and $10/night for Hike and Bike spots. Visit ReserveCalifornia.com and search for “Point Mugu SP” to make reservations.

Thornhill Broome Family Camp offers 68 tent/RV spaces with no hookups, but you're talking literally on the beach camping. No flush toilets; just chemical toilets. Cold outside showers. Sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Pets are allowed on leash in the campground. Fees as of January 2026 are $35/night. Visit ReserveCalifornia.com and search for “Point Mugu SP” to make reservations.

Thornhill Broome RV Park as seen from across PCH.

La Jolla Valley Hike-In camping accommodates up to 3 tent spaces; no water, no fires. $10 per person, per night, payable at the La Jolla Valley/Ray Miller Trail parking area. There is also a group hike-in spot for 10 to 20 people.

There is also a reservable La Jolla Group tent camp for 9 to 50 people available near the entrance to the La Jolla Valley section of Point Mugu State Park that has drinking water, flush toilets, showers and a fire pit. Fees as of January 2026 are $225/night. This is a walk-in group camp for tents only with parking available for up to 12 vehicles, 25 yards from the campground. Located across from Thornhill Broome. Visit www.reservecalifornia.com and search for “Point Mugu SP” to reserve the group camp.

La Jolla Valley Group Camping Area

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The Danielson Group Multi-Use Area is located in Sycamore Canyon within Pt Mugu State Park and is available for groups of 10 to 50 people. There is drinking water, flush toilets, showers, tent spaces and fireplace. Pets allowed on leash in campground. Contact California State Parks to book the reservation at 800-444-7275 ($150/night).

The Sycamore Group Multi-Use Area accommodates 10 to 25 people and includes drinking water, chemical toilets, tent spaces and fire rings. Pets allowed on leash in campground. Contact California State Parks to book the reservation at 800-444-7275 ($100/night).

Malibu Creek State Park at 1925 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas offers a family campground with 62 tent/RV spaces, drinking water, restrooms, showers and fire rings. Pets are allowed in the campground (but not in the back country trails). Fees $45/night + $7.99 reservation fee as of March 2025. There is also a group campground available for 10 to 60 people at $225/night. Reservations at ReserveCalifornia.com by searching for “Malibu Creek SP” or by calling 800-444-PARK.

The National Park Service maintains the Circle X Ranch Group Campground is located at 12896 Yerba Buena Road, Malibu. There is only one group campsite located here for tent camping only. Pets on leash are allowed. Drinking water and pit toilets available, along with picnic benches and grills. No electricity. Room for 10 to 75 people. Reserve a spot at www.Recreation.gov. Cost as of Summer 2019 was $35/night for 10-25 people, $75/night for 26-50 and $125/night for 51-75. Open year-round. Enjoy hiking Sandstone Peak and the Grotto Trail from Circle X Ranch! (NOTE: CIRCLE X RANCH GROUP CAMPGROUND CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE DUE TO DAMAGE FROM WOOLSEY FIRE. CHECK FOR UPDATES AT RECREATION.GOV.)

Tent camping is available year round on all five islands in Channel Islands National Park in National Park Service-managed campgrounds. Some of them have water. All have tables and vault toilets. There are a total of approximately 70 campsites. Campgrounds on each island are as follows:

• Anacapa Island: Year-round camping. No water. 7 sites.

• Santa Cruz Island East - Scorpion Anchorage Campground open year-round about 1/4 mile from the beach. Water is available here. 25 campsites and 6 group sites.

• Santa Cruz Island Mid - Del Norte Campground at Prisoners Harbor open year-round. Backcountry camp four miles from the harbor. No water. 4 sites.

• San Miguel Island - Above Cuyler Harbor is back country camping open May through October. No water. 9 sites.

• Santa Rosa Island - At Water Canyon March through November. 15 sites. Water available.

• Santa Barbara Island - Above the Landing Cove April through October. No water. 10 sites.

Advance reservations required by calling 877.444.6777 or through Recreation.gov. Currently $15/night fee as of January 2026 for individual campsites. No fires permitted; you can only use enclosed gas stoves.  More information at www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/camping.htm.

Scorpion Anchorage campground on Santa Cruz Island (Channel Islands National Park)

The 1.75 million acre Los Padres National Forest (LPNF) stretches across almost 220 miles from Monterey County through San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura and Kern Counties. The Ojai Ranger District of LPNF includes the Matilija Wilderness and part of the Sespe Wilderness. There are five campgrounds in the Ojai portion of LPNF, including reservable Wheeler Gorge Campground and first-come, first-served campgrounds, Middle Lion, Pine Mountain, Reyes Peak and Rose Valley.

Wheeler Gorge Campground in Ojai is open year-round with dozens of available spots for tents and RVs. Parking spurs are paved and vary in length, accommodating RVs up to 35 feet. At the top of the campground is the Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail. Rangers at nearby Wheeler Gorge Visitor Center provide informative tours during summer/fall months. The campground is adjacent to Matilija Creek and is bordered by oak and sycamore trees and evergreen shrubbery. Most sites are shaded and summer temperatures reach up to 95 degrees.  Each site is equipped with a table and campfire ring with grill. Accessible vault toilets are provided, but drinking water is not available. Visitors must bring their own water and remove their trash from the campground. Make reservations on Recreation.gov at THIS LINK.

Photo Credit: Tom Alexander

Rose Valley Campground in Ojai is located at an elevation of 3,450 feet. It is open year-round. There are nine campsites located in a single loop, each with tables, BBQ grills, and/or fire rings. There is one vault toilet in the campground and another across from the lake. Drinking water is not available, so be sure to bring your own. An Adventure Pass is required to be displayed on car ($5/day or $30/year). Half a mile hike gets you to the Rose Valley Falls. Directions: Take Highway 33 north from Ojai 14.7 miles to mile marker 25.84.  Turn right at the Rose Valley Road turnoff and follow the paved road for 3.1 miles. Turn right again at the Rose Valley sign and drive 0.6 miles into the campground.

Reservations for 6 of the 9 campsites are available at www.recreation.gov at THIS LINK or by calling 1-877-444-6777. The remaining 3 sites are on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Middle Lion Campground is surrounded by chaparral covered mountains, shaded by cottonwood trees and is next to a peaceful stream. It has eight first-come, first-served campsites located along a single loop. Tables, barbecue grills and/or fire rings are provided at each site. There is a vault toilet. No drinking water on site; you must bring your own. Follow Highway 33 north of Ojai for 14.7 miles to the Rose Valley Road turnoff. Turn right and follow the paved road 4.8 miles. Turn right and go 0.8 miles to the campground.

Pine Mountain Campground is nestled in a small valley along the top of Pine Mountain and consists of six campsites in a circle with a large open area in the middle. Opens May 1st. There are tables, BBQ grills and/or fire rings, and one pit toilet at this campground.  Water is not available so be sure to bring your own.  The campground is surrounded by moderate hills and is a quiet place for relaxing. At an elevation of 6,650 feet, it offers cooler temperatures on hot summer days. The campground is closed during winter months, through April. Follow Highway 33 to the turnoff at Pine Mountain Summit (mile marker 42.50).  Turn right and follow partially paved road another 4.7 miles. Campground will be on the right. Reserve a spot at www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273843.

One mile further up from Pine Mountain Campground, at an elevation of 7,000 feet is Reyes Peak Campground. It is situated along the southwest side of a ridge and consists of six campsites, each with a table, BBQ grill and a fire ring. There is one pit toilet located near the first few campsites. No water is available, so be sure to bring your own. Panoramic views! You can see the Cuyama Badlands on one side and the ocean from the other side. Reserve a spot at www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/273844.

The Lake Casitas Recreation Area located at 11311 Santa Ana Road in Ventura offers over 600 campsites. Sites can accommodate tents, tent trailers, campers and RVs, all with picnic tables and fire rings and some with playgrounds nearby. Book early as campgrounds sell out on weekends from mid-March through September. Casitas Water Adventure is open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Make reservations at reservations.casitaswater.org.. Sites are limited to six campers. Lake Casitas is a drinking water supply, so swimming is not allowed in it. Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash no longer than six feet long and are not allowed within 50 feet of the lake. Boating on the lake is allowed.

The 60 acre Lake Piru Recreation Area is located on the western shore of Lake Piru, a reservoir in the Los Padres National Forest. Lake Piru offers 238 tree-shaded campsites, coin-operated hot showers and a store. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring and grill top. The dam is owned and operated by the United Water Conservation District of Santa Paula and a third party operates the campsite; visit explorelakepiru.com/#reservations for more information and to make reservations. Boat rentals and fishing available. Fees vary and are listed on the website. Or call 805.521.1500.

Other nearby California State Parks with camping are at McGrath State Beach, Emma Wood State Beach, Carpinteria State Beach, El Capitan State Beach, Gaviota State Park and Refugio State Beach as described below.

The McGrath State Beach Campground has 174 campsites with picnic tables and fire rings, and restrooms with coin-operated hot showers. A group campsite and a hike-and-bike site are also available. Reserve campsites at www.reservecalifornia.com and search for “McGrath SB” or by calling 800-444-7275. Dogs allowed on leash but not on the beach. The beach is five miles south of Ventura off Highway 101 via Harbor Boulevard. Available March through December. (NOTE: MCGRATH CAMPING AREAS STILL CLOSED - LAST UPDATE JANUARY 2026.) www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=607

Emma Wood State Beach** offers camping for self-contained vehicles (e.g. RVs) only (tents not permitted). No water, restrooms, electricity, fire rings, phones or dump stations are available.  There are 90 spaces, with a maximum vehicle length of 40 feet, due to small turnaround areas. Camping at Emma Wood State Beach is reservation only from mid-May through Labor Day. Pricing as of January 2026 is $40/night and $280/week at www.reservecalifornia.com by searching for “Emma Wood SB.” www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=604

** Emma Wood State Beach - North Beach Campground will be closed for camping and day use from 8/25/25 through May 2026. See below.

Four developed group campsites with room for 30 campers are available at Ventura River Group Camp, located two miles south of Emma Wood. Reservations required year-round. There is also primitive RV camping for groups up to 50 people and 20 vehicles.  The maximum length for RV is 45 feet. Railroad tracks and Highway 101 are adjacent to the campground and can be noisy. Dogs on leash are allowed on campground but not on the beach. Chemical toilets available, as are cold showers. Reserve campsites at www.reservecalifornia.com and search for “Emma Wood SB”.

Carpinteria State Beach is a mile long beach that is great for swimming, surf fishing, tidepool exploring and camping. Dogs are allowed only at the picnic area. Four campground areas with 216 family campsites and seven group campsites available.  Exit the 101 at Casitas Pass Road, go west to Carpinteria Avenue, make a right at the signal; then turn left on Palm.  The beach is at the end of Palm Avenue near 4th Street. Call 805.968.1033 or visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=599. Reserve campsites at www.reservecalifornia.com and search for “Carpinteria SB.” Family campsites are $45/night as of January 2026 plus reservation fee. There are also some “Hike and Bike” campsites available on a first come, first serve basis for $10 per person, per night, with a two night consecutive limit.

El Capitán State Beach is located off Highway 101, 17 miles west of Santa Barbara at Exit 117. A sandy beach, rocky tide pools, and stands of sycamore and oaks along El Capitán Creek. It’s a perfect setting for swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking and camping. A 132-site campground is open year-round. A short walk takes you to the beach. Each site has a picnic table and stove or fire ring; restrooms with hot showers are nearby. Several sites are paved for RVs only. Some sites accommodate trailers and RVs up to 42 feet in length. Five group campsites, accommodating 40-100 people, are available. Hike and bike campsites are also available. Dogs allowed on leash but not on the beach. Reserve campsites at www.reservecalifornia.com and search for “El Capitan SB.” Family campsites $45/night as of January 2026. More on El Capitan at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=601. (2/13/25: EL CAPITAN CLOSED TO VEHICLES AND CAMPING FOR ENTRANCE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.; UPDATES AT www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=601.

Gaviota State Park is located about 33 miles west of Santa Barbara on Gaviota Beach Road. Gaviota is popular for swimming, picnicking and surf fishing. This section of the coast was first called "gaviota" (seagull) by soldiers of the Portola Expedition in 1769. A pier on the west end of the beach is used by divers and surfers. A six mile trek up to Gaviota Peak offers a view of the coast and the Channel Islands. There are 41 developed, first-come, first-served campsites available at Gaviota that can accommodate tents, trailers up to 25 feet and RVs up to 27 feet. Campground closed between October 1 and March 31, the campground is open Friday through Sunday only. Dogs on leash allowed, but not on the beach. Reserve campsites at www.reservecalifornia.com and search for “Gaviota SP.” Family sites $45/night plus reservation fee as of January 2026.

Refugio State Beach is located at 10 Refugio Beach Road in Goleta, about 20 miles west of Santa Barbara. Refugio offers coastal fishing, trails, picnic sites. and palm trees. There are over 60 campsites with an eight camper maximum per campsite. Dogs on leash allowed, but not on the beach. Reserve campsites at www.reservecalifornia.com and search for “Refugio SB.” Campsites $45/night plus reservation fee as of January 2026. More information on Refugio State Beach at www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=603.

The County of Ventura maintains campsites at Camp Comfort and Dennison Park in Ojai, Foster Park in Ventura, Kenney Grove Park in Fillmore, Oak Park in Simi Valley, Steckel Park in Santa Paula, Tapo Canyon, Simi Valley and Toland Park, Santa Paula. To make reservations, visit www.venturaparks.org or call 805.654.3951 for more information. Maximum stay in Ventura County parks is 14 nights per ordinance.

Camp Comfort is located about a mile from Downtown Ojai at 11969 North Creek Road, Ojai. Hwy 33, S.E. on Hermosa Road. San Antonio Creek runs through this tree-lined park. Individual and group campsites are available at www.ventura.org/parks-department/inland-parks/camp-comfort-ojai. There are 15 campsites. There are restrooms, drinking water, a playground, picnic tables, BBQs and fire rings. Showers, full hook-ups and laundry available. Dogs are allowed on up to 6 foot leash for a $1/night fee (2 dog maximum). Sites $46 to $48 per night plus $8 reservation fee as of March 2025.

Dennison Park is located at 7250 Santa Paula-Ojai Road in Ojai, on Hwy 150, south of Nordhoff Road. This is a quiet park with views of the Ojai Valley, offering a feeling of seclusion. There are covered family/group barbecue areas near the entrance of the park available by reservation only. Fees are $25-$27 per night plus an $8 reservation fee as of March 2025. There are 31 campsites. RV camping in lower portion of park only with 35 foot maximum length; no hook ups. Dogs allowed on leash for $1/night fee (2 dog maximum). Individual and group campsites are available at www.ventura.org/parks-department/inland-parks/dennison-park-ojai.

Foster Park is located at 438 Casitas Vista Road, Ventura, off of Highway 33. The park is lush with plenty of trees and two separate campgrounds, Residence Campground (14 campsites) and Red Mountain Campground (23 campsites). The Ojai Valley Trail runs through the park, which is great for cycling, walking and running. Maximum of 6 campers per site. Dogs allowed on leash for $1/night fee (2 dog maximum). Individual and group campsites are available at www.venturaparks.org. $28 or $49/night plus $10 reservation fee as of May 2024.

Kenney Grove Park at 823 North Oak Avenue, Fillmore is a developed RV campground with over 50 campsites for RVs and tents. It is owned by the county but is leased to a private party that manages the campground. Most sites have water and electrical hookups and some have fire rings and tables. Park use is by reservation only. There is a playground, restrooms, softball field, horseshoe pits, hot showers and other amenities. Dogs allowed on 6 foot leash in campground only ($1/night fee, 2 dog maximum). Ten full hookups available. Call 805-524-0750 for information. Make reservations at www.venturaparks.org.$40/night plus $10 reservation fee as of May 2024.

Oak Park Campground in Simi Valley is just off of the 118 freeway at 901 Quimsa Drive. There are approximately 30 campsites in this rustic, 100.5 acre open space park. Available for $40/night plus $10 reservation fee (as of May 2024). There are two playgrounds, amphitheater area, fire pits, restrooms and more. Maximum of 6 campers per site. Dogs allowed on leash for $1/night fee (2 dog maximum). Individual and group campsites are available at www.venturaparks.org.

There's a county-run 50 site campground at Steckel Park, 8080 Mistletoe Road, Santa Paula. Santa Paula Creek runs through this campground surrounded by rolling hills, mountains and trees. There's a playground, horseshoe pits, picnic tables, restrooms, etc. $28 or $49 per night plus $10 reservation fee as of May 2024. Dogs allowed on a 6 foot leash. Individual and group campsites are available at www.venturaparks.org.

Tapo Canyon Regional Park is located in the midst of the rolling hills and canyons of the Santa Susana Mountains north of Simi Valley at 4651 Tapo Canyon Road. Hikers, equestrian riders, and mountain bikers enjoy this rugged and rural park, which features picnic areas, an equestrian arena and a RV campground with 16 full hook ups. Dogs allowed on a 6 foot leash. Individual and group campsites are available at www.venturaparks.org. $49 per night plus $10 reservation fee as of May 2024.

Rincon Parkway is located between Faria Beach Park and Hobson Beach Park on Highway 1 off the Ventura Freeway. 127 RV use only parking spaces are available. Tent camping is not allowed. All RVs must be fully self-contained, as there are no electrical hook ups, dump stations, shower/bathroom facilities or water onsite, although there are a handful of porta-johns. There is a 5 day parking limit from April 1 to October 31 and a 14 day limit from November 1 to March 31. Dogs allowed on 6 foot leash. There is a $1 charge per dog. Book a spot at venturaparks.org/rincon/camping. Prices are $47 per night plus $10 reservation fee as of May 2024.

(There is no day use at Rincon Parkway.)

Hobson Beach Park at 5210 W. Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura is north of Faria Beach Park and the Rincon Parkway. Similar to Faria Park, Hobson Park is wedged between the Pacific Ocean and the base of the Santa Ynez mountains along Highway 1 off the Ventura Freeway. There are 31 first come, first served sites available, 10 with hookups and the rest without. The beach is steps away and there are showers and a concession stand. Dogs allowed on a 6 foot leash ($1/night fee; 2 dog maximum). Book sites at THIS LINK. Sites range from $48 to $67 peak season as of June 2025.

Faria Beach Park at 4350 W. Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura is south of Hobson Beach Park. Another popular beachfront spot with 42 spaces available on a first come, first served basis. Tent and RV camping available. There are showers and a concession stand. Dogs allowed on a 6 foot leash ($1/night fee; 2 dog maximum). Book sites at THIS LINK. Fees range from $42 to $69 per night as of June 2025.

Mount Pinos in the Los Padres National Forest is the tallest peak in Ventura County, located about 1 hour, 45 minutes away from the heart of Thousand Oaks, adjacent to Kern County.

• Mt. Pinos Campground is available in the summer/fall months for $30/night at recreation.gov at THIS LINK. 19 sites. Dogs allowed.

• The McGill Campground is a reservable campground with 78 family sites and 2 group sites at THIS LINK.

• The walk-in Chula Vista Campground is located adjacent to the Nordic Base area. See www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/lpnf/recarea/?recid=10982.

Directions to Mount Pinos: From I-5, take Frazier Park exit (Frazier Mountain Park Road). Go west approximately 6 miles. The road name changes to Cuddy Valley Road. Continue on it up Mt. Pinos. The road name changes to Mt. Pinos Highway.

The County of Santa Barbara runs two popular camping parks, Cachuma Lake and Jalama Beach. Both accept online reservations, but 40 sites at Cachuma and 20 sites at Jalama are first come, first served for walk-in customers. 

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is located at 2225 Highway 154, Santa Barbara, midway between the beach and the town of Solvang. Tent sites, hookups, cabins, yurts and group area available. As Cachuma Lake is a domestic water supply, swimming, water skiing, windsurfing, or any other body contact with the water is prohibited. Fishing is allowed. Detailed list of fees at www.countyofsb.org/788/Cabins.

Jalama Beach County Park is located at 9999 Jalama Road in Lompoc, an hour drive from Santa Barbara. Named after what used to be a Chumash Indian settlement named Halama. ARCO donated 23.5 acres of land to the County of Santa Barbara in 1943. There are 109 campsites, all overlooking the ocean or beachfront, each with a picnic table and BBQ pit, with hot showers, restrooms and water nearby. 31 sites offer electrical hookups and dump stations are available. Detailed list of fees at www.countyofsb.org/788/Cabins.

Privately Operated Campgrounds In the Area

Ventura Oaks RV Park is located at 255 Burnham Road in Oak View, offering 60 full hookup sites just two miles from Lake Casitas. Park-like setting with picnic tables, fully furnished laundry area, picnic tables and WiFi throughout. Long-term rentals available. Visit www.venturaoaks.com for more information.

Santa Barbara RV Park is located at 516 S. Salinas Street. It is adjacent to the highway, so there will be some noise, but it is also located within a couple miles of the beach, the Santa Barbara Zoo and downtown area. There are 30 sites. Site has bathrooms, showers and a laundry room.  Free WiFi. Dogs allowed. Visit www.santabarbararv.com.

Ventura Beach RV Resort is located at 800 West Main Street in Ventura. The 14 acre park has 180 spots and is just a short walk to the ocean. Amenities include a pool, hot tub, recreation room, small playground, onsite general store, and half basketball court. Visit www.vbrvresort.com for more information.

Prospector Ranch in Westlake Village is nestled in the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains, offering camping options here in the Conejo Valley, including a luxury safari tent, an Airstream or bring your own RV. www.prospectorranch.com/glamping

Rancho Oso Resort is located at 3750 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, 8 miles east of Cachuma Lake. Accommodations include RV camping, horse camping, covered wagons, resort cabins and Tipi camping. rvonthego.com/california/rancho-oso-rv-camping-resort.

El Capitan Canyon Resort is located at 11560 Calle Real, Goleta, adjacent to El Capitan State Beach. This is luxury camping, with nicely appointed cedar cabins with beds, kitchens and restroom, as well as yurts that are spacious with bedding and nearby restroom/shower facilities. There’s also picnic tables, fire pits, and a store with all the stuff you need to "rough it." Activities include a pool, small playground, bike rentals, hiking, of course the nearby beach. www.elcapitancanyon.com.

Next door to El Capitan Canyon Resort is Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara (formerly Ocean Mesa RV Resort), at 100 El Capitan Terrace Lane, Goleta. This resort has 20 tent camping sites and 80 RV sites. Amenities include heated pool and spa, wife, TV, convenience store, hiking, snack bar, horseback riding and more. Rates start at $90 per night. www.sunoutdoors.com/california/sun-outdoors-santa-barbara

How cool is this...a llama farm is walking distance from El Capitan Canyon Resort.

Evergreen RV Park at 2135 N. Oxnard Blvd in Oxnard has 94 full hookup RV spaces. Facility includes restrooms, showers, free WiFi, laundry room, BBQs, picnic tables and more. Visit www.evergreenrvpark.com.

Flying Flags RV Resort and Campground is located at 180 Ave Of The Flags in Buellton, just an hour and a half northwest of Thousand Oaks. Here you’ll find vintage trailer and airstream rentals, cottages, luxury tents or your own RV or tent camping. Amenities include pool, playground, WiFi and more. And less than half a mile away from Pea Soup Andersen’s! flyingflags.com

Malibu Beach RV Park is located at 25801 Pacific Coast Highway, just east of Malibu Seafood. The park has 142 RV spots and up to 35 tent sites, all with a view of the Pacific. Open 365 days a year. Amenities include store, game room, restrooms with heated showers, laundry and more. Visit www.maliburv.com.

Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday is located at 7400 Pine Grove Road in Santa Paula. This 76 acre campground is located at the foot of the Topa Topa mountains, offering tent sites, RV sites, teepees, Conestoga Wagons, safari tents and cabins. Amenities include trails, climbing wall, ropes course, labyrinth and more. koa.com/campgrounds/ventura-ranch

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