Dispersed Camping in Ventura County, California
Showing 114 locations in Ventura County.
24 Hour Fitness - Ventura
A paved commercial gym lot off Hospital Road in Ventura. Overnight parking is highly dependent on gym management policies and local municipal street regulations.
24 Hour Fitness Simi Valley
A paved commercial parking lot situated in a suburban strip mall, suitable for short-term overnight stays in low-profile vehicles.
Anacapa Island Campground
Perched on the rugged volcanic bluffs of East Anacapa Island, this extremely remote campground offers spectacular ocean vistas, marine wildlife viewing, and access to pristine island trails. It is a walk-in-only facility with no vehicle access, requiring a boat trip and a steep climb up cliffside stairs.
Anytime Fitness - Casa Conejo
Paved parking lot adjacent to an Anytime Fitness facility, offering a flat surface in a suburban commercial plaza.
Anytime Fitness
An urban gym parking lot. Primarily suitable for members seeking a brief, low-profile overnight stay, subject to local parking enforcement.
Anytime Fitness Moorpark
A commercial parking lot outside of an Anytime Fitness gym in Moorpark, California, providing level, paved parking suitable for active members seeking a quick overnight stop.
Bear Creek Trail Camp
Bear Creek is a remote, hike-in trail camp located along the creek in the Los Padres National Forest, accessible only by foot.
Big Cone Trail Camp
Big Cone is a primitive trail camp shaded by bigcone Douglas-firs along the Santa Paula Canyon Trail. Accessible only by foot, it offers a rustic backcountry option near the popular canyon water pools.
Big Sycamore Canyon Campground
A popular developed campground nestled in Sycamore Canyon within Point Mugu State Park. It features a mix of secluded, tree-shaded campsites and more open, parking-lot style spots suitable for larger vehicles. The location provides direct access to scenic hiking and mountain biking trails, with the beach located just across the coastal highway. Campground amenities include token-operated showers, a potable water filling station, and a free dump station for staying guests. Firewood is typically available for purchase.
BLM Land near Fillmore, CA
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BLM Land near Oak View, CA
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BLM Land near Piru, CA
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BLM Land near Saticoy, CA
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BLM Primitive Road (Oak View East)
A primitive BLM road corridor near Oak View, California, providing opportunities for remote dispersed camping. High-clearance vehicles are recommended for accessing these unpaved routes.
BLM Primitive Road (Oak View West)
This primitive BLM road segment near Twin Peaks offers quiet, dispersed camping in a rugged chaparral environment. Access requires navigating unmaintained dirt paths best suited for high-clearance vehicles.
BLM Primitive Road Corridor
This primitive BLM corridor offers dispersed camping options along a rugged dirt road in Ventura County. Suitable for self-contained, high-clearance vehicles looking for quiet seclusion.
BLM Primitive Road Corridor
A primitive dirt corridor on Bureau of Land Management land offering rugged dispersed camping options in the hills near Fillmore, California. The route is highly secluded and sits close to Sulphur Mountain and Hutton Peak.
BLM Primitive Road Dispersed
An undeveloped dispersed camping corridor along a rugged BLM primitive road in Ventura County, offering remote boondocking opportunities near Piru.
BLM Primitive Road
This primitive BLM road corridor near Santa Paula offers dispersed camping options in a rugged, natural setting near South Mountain. The access is rough and suitable primarily for self-contained, high-clearance rigs.
Camarillo Commuter Lot Stealth Zone
A highway-adjacent public transit lot in Camarillo where overnight parking is officially prohibited. While some travelers utilize the lot for brief overnight stops, active enforcement is possible and the area is heavily exposed.
Camp Bloomfield
Camp Bloomfield is a private group camp and retreat facility located in the scenic Santa Monica Mountains near Malibu.
Cedar Creek Camp
A secluded backcountry trail camp situated along Cedar Creek in the Los Padres National Forest, accessible only by foot or horseback.
Cherry Canyon Dispersed Camping
This forest corridor in Los Padres National Forest offers seasonal dispersed camping opportunities along Cherry Canyon. The route consists of native dirt material and is generally accessible to passenger vehicles during dry periods.
Chief Peak Road Dispersed
Dispersed camping corridor along Chief Peak Road within Los Padres National Forest, offering scenic vistas and rugged access near Rose Valley.
Circle X Ranch Group Campground
A developed group campground tucked into a rugged canyon in the Santa Monica Mountains, historically serving as a base camp for hiking Sandstone Peak and exploring scenic chaparral. Note that this group facility is closed indefinitely with no scheduled reopening.
Cove Campsite
Cove Campsite provides a rustic backcountry camping experience tucked away near the shores of Lake Piru within the scenic Los Padres National Forest.
Cross Trail Camp
Cross Camp is a primitive walk-in site situated along the Santa Paula Canyon Trail. It provides a simple backcountry stopover for hikers looking to camp in the scenic canyon environment.
Dennison Park Campground
A clean and peaceful Ventura County park campground situated on a scenic ridge overlooking the Ojai Valley. It features well-spaced sites with excellent sunset views and easy vehicle parking.
Denny's Oxnard
A flat asphalt commercial parking lot in Oxnard suitable for a quick single-night stay. Visitors can access nearby water-dispensing kiosks and several neighboring restaurants. Getting permission from the staff is recommended prior to staying overnight.
Dough Flat Road Dispersed
A winding mountain route offering dispersed camping opportunities on Los Padres National Forest land. The native dirt road leads up to open areas with mountain vistas. Campers should watch out for tight segments on the drive up and expect potential local gatherings and debris like glass or nails from pallets at popular pullouts.
E 5th Street Urban Stealth
Flat street parking along East 5th Street on the outskirts of Oxnard. This is a busy urban corridor where oversized vehicles and cars frequently park, though municipal ordinances strictly regulate vehicle habitation.
East Fork Lion Camp
A primitive hike-in trail camp situated along the scenic East Fork of Lion Canyon. Offering a shady canyon setting, it serves as an excellent wilderness destination for backpackers. Access requires a moderate hike from the nearby trailhead.
Emma Wood State Beach - North Beach Campground
A developed beachfront campground offering primitive, self-contained RV camping directly along the Pacific shore. It is highly popular for surfing, watching sunsets, and seaside relaxation, though sites are closely spaced. Campers should expect frequent noise from the nearby active railway and coastal highway.
Emma Wood State Beach - Ventura River Group Camp
Developed California state park group and enroute camping area near the Ventura River. Accessible to most rigs, though noise from the adjacent highway and railroad line is persistent. Features include group sites and hike/bike camping options.
Faria Beach County Park
A well-appointed county beach park offering tightly spaced campsites right on the ocean's edge. Half the sites feature full hookups, while the other half are suitable for dry camping. On-site facilities include flush toilets, coin-operated hot showers, a small seasonal concessions cafe, and fast Wi-Fi. Access is fully paved directly off Highway 101, though spots must be reserved and paid for online via the county portal. Ideal for those looking for beachfront access with clean amenities, though you will be close to neighboring campers.
Foster Park Campgrounds
Foster Park, managed by Ventura County, features two distinct camping areas along Casitas Vista Road near the Ventura River: Foster Park Campground, which offers full-hookup and primitive sites under mature oak trees, and the Foster 'Red Mountain' Campsite, which provides basic primitive dry camping. Located just ten minutes from the coast and Ojai, these sites are highly convenient but experience persistent traffic noise due to their close proximity to the highway.
Goodenough Road BLM Dispersed
Rugged dispersed camping corridor located along Goodenough Road and adjacent primitive BLM spur trails north of Fillmore. The terrain features steep, winding climbs into chaparral-covered hillsides with scenic vistas of the valley. High-clearance vehicles are recommended due to narrow passes and rough, dirt surfaces.
Haddock Camp
Haddock Camp is a remote trail camp nestled among mature conifers in the Sespe Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest. Accessible only by hiking or packing along the Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Trail, it offers a primitive backcountry experience next to a seasonal creek.
Holiday Group Campground
Holiday Group Campground is a group campsite in Los Padres National Forest, located just off Highway 33 north of Ojai. The campground can accommodate up to 50 people and features vault toilets, picnic tables, and campfire rings, though drinking water is not provided. It offers excellent access to the Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail and the Ortega Trail for off-road vehicle recreation.
Home Depot & Retail Plaza Parking
A large commercial shopping plaza parking lot in Camarillo, offering a convenient single-night stopover. The paved area is adjacent to retail stores and multiple restaurants, providing a practical utility stop right off the freeway.
Jackson Trail Camp
Jackson Camp is located further up the Santa Paula Canyon Trail, offering a more secluded backcountry experience shaded by canyon trees near Jackson Falls.
Kenney Grove County Park
A well-maintained county park campground shaded by large oak trees, offering dry camping, partial hookups, and full hookups. It features clean amenities, grass fields, and playground facilities suitable for families and larger rigs.
La Jolla Canyon Group Camp - Point Mugu State Park
A group campsite nestled in the scenic coastal canyon of Point Mugu State Park. It serves as an excellent base for hiking trails, including the Mugu Peak trail, and is just a short walk from the ocean shoreline.
La Jolla Valley Hike-In Camp
A primitive, hike-in backcountry campground nestled in the grassy valley of Point Mugu State Park. Accessible only via hiking trail, it offers scenic solitude for backpackers exploring the coastal peaks.
Lake Casitas Recreation Area
A sprawling, scenic developed recreation area situated along Lake Casitas, offering numerous campground loops with standard amenities. Ideal for families and a wide range of rig sizes, the facility features both tent-only and full-hookup sites, coin-operated showers, and a convenient dump station with potable water. Note that park gates close nightly.
Lake Piru Campground
A large, well-shaded developed campground near Lake Piru. It offers numerous spacious sites with access to water, restrooms, and showers, and is frequently visited by local wildlife like deer.
Leo Carrillo State Park - Group Camp
An official group campground situated within Leo Carrillo State Park, tucked into a scenic coastal canyon just off the Pacific Coast Highway. Designed for group gatherings, it offers easy paved access, mature shade trees, and quick access to nearby beaches and coastal hiking trails.
Lowe's Parking Lot
A spacious, brightly lit commercial parking lot situated in a retail development in North Oxnard. The lot is close to multiple dining and grocery options, with overnight stays historically tolerated in the outer perimeter.
Maple Camp
Maple Camp is a backcountry trail camp located in the Los Padres National Forest along the Ortega Trail.
Matilija Camp
Matilija Camp is a remote hike-in trail camp nestled along the creek within the Matilija Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest.
Matilija Canyon Dispersed Area
A quiet dispersed camping area located in the Los Padres National Forest canyon country near Ojai.
Matilija Divide Trail Backcountry Site
This backcountry dispersed site is located along the scenic Matilija Divide Trail within the Matilija Wilderness, offering pristine, hike-in isolation with panoramic mountain vistas.
McGrath State Beach Campground
A developed coastal campground situated along McGrath State Beach in Ventura County, offering beach access and birdwatching opportunities. It serves as an excellent spot for coastal recreation, though it can experience seasonal flooding due to the Santa Clara River estuary.
Meiners Oaks & Ojai Urban Stealth Parking
This urban zone covers stealth parking options near Meiners Oaks and Ojai, primarily consisting of dead-end streets and roadside dirt pull-offs. Local municipal ordinances strictly restrict or prohibit sleeping in vehicles on public right-of-ways.
Middle Lion Campground
Middle Lion Campground is a quiet, creekside developed site tucked away in a chaparral-covered canyon adjacent to the Sespe Wilderness. It offers eight tight, partially unlevel sites under a shaded canopy, ideal for tents and small campervans. The single-loop campground features basic vault toilets but lacks drinking water, so campers must pack in their own supply.
Middle Matilija Camp
A remote backcountry trail camp nestled along Matilija Creek in the rugged Los Padres National Forest.
Murietta Road Dispersed
Murietta Road offers convenient dispersed camping opportunities along a well-maintained corridor in Los Padres National Forest. This scenic drive provides straightforward access to nearby trailheads and local hot springs.
Nordhoff Ridge Dispersed
This rugged dispersed camping area along Nordhoff Ridge offers stunning panoramic views of the Ojai Valley but requires a high-clearance vehicle and a gate permit from the Ojai Ranger District.
North Oxnard Urban Stealth Parking
An urban street parking area bordering residential and industrial spaces. Overnight vehicle habitation is highly regulated in the municipality, and local residents are highly sensitive to campers.
Oak Flat Camp
Oak Flat Camp is a remote hike-in backcountry campsite located along the scenic trails of the Sespe Wilderness.
Oak Park Campground
A tree-covered county park campground situated in Simi Valley, providing basic amenities like water, power, picnic tables, and sports courts.
Ojai District, Los Padres National Forest
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Ojai Downtown Street Parking
Street parking corridors located in downtown Ojai near public facilities and parks. While convenient for walking to nearby shops and dining, these sites are highly exposed and subject to municipal rules on street parking.
Ojai Trailheads and Municipal Area
This zone covers municipal trailheads and public parking areas in and around Ojai. Overnight parking, vehicle habitation, and camping are strictly prohibited by city and county ordinances throughout this area.
Old Orchard Road Dispersed
Dispersed camping options along Old Orchard Road on BLM-managed land, offering a quiet escape near Fillmore.
Pacific Coast Highway Pullouts - Point Mugu
Scenic paved pullouts situated along the Pacific Coast Highway near Point Mugu. These sites offer exceptional coastal views and ocean access, but they lack amenities and are highly exposed to passing highway traffic.
Petro Simi Valley
A paved commercial parking area located near the highway corridor, providing a convenient paved space for a quick overnight stop.
Piedra Blanca Camp
A primitive backcountry trail camp located in the scenic Sespe Wilderness. Reached via a hike from the Piedra Blanca Trailhead, the camp sits near massive white sandstone formations and Sespe Creek.
Pine Mountain Campground
Offering views of the valley and the Channel Islands, Pine Mountain Campground features six campsites arranged in a circle. The area is heavily wooded with sugar pine and Jeffrey pine, and amenities are limited to tables, fire rings, and a single pit toilet with no water available.
Pine Mountain Lodge Campsite
A remote, hike-in backcountry campsite located in the Sespe Wilderness of Los Padres National Forest, shaded by tall pine trees. Access requires a strenuous backpacking trip along the Piedra Blanca or Pine Mountain trails.
Pine Mountain Recreation Area
The Pine Mountain Recreation Area offers pine forests and dramatic vistas of the Sespe Wilderness, Cuyama Badlands, and distant Channel Islands. This scenic ridge corridor contains the Pine Mountain and Reyes Peak developed campgrounds, as well as opportunities for dispersed camping along the dirt spurs of Reyes Peak Road.
Planet Fitness - Santa Susana
A standard suburban commercial parking lot situated within a larger shopping plaza. Gym members frequently utilize the perimeter spaces for quiet, single-night stays, with some larger trucks and RVs occasionally parking in the shared commercial areas.
Planet Fitness Camarillo
This Planet Fitness parking lot in Camarillo offers standard commercial parking near retail amenities, though overnight stays require local management permission.
Planet Fitness Santa Paula
A Planet Fitness parking lot in a commercial shopping plaza. Active members often utilize the lot for short-term overnight stays while accessing gym facilities.
Planet Fitness Thousand Oaks
This 24/7 gym parking lot in Thousand Oaks offers a paved and relatively quiet option for overnight stays. It is highly convenient with adjacent services and dining, though daytime parking can be busy.
Point Mugu State Park - Danielson Ranch Group Campground
This developed group campsite is situated at the historic Danielson Ranch in Point Mugu State Park, nestled in Sycamore Canyon under large oak and sycamore trees. Accessible only via hiking, biking, or horseback riding along the multi-use fire road, it provides a quiet and scenic backcountry experience.
Pratt Trailhead Access Road
This Forest Service access corridor in the Los Padres National Forest near Ojai offers dispersed camping opportunities along a dirt road. Accessible to passenger vehicles and motorhomes, it provides a scenic woodland setting close to regional hiking trails.
Rancho Nuevo Campground
Rancho Nuevo Campground is a primitive USFS campground located along a scenic grassy canyon bottom in the Los Padres National Forest, offering quiet and remote campsites.
Reyes Peak Campground
Situated along a scenic ridge, Reyes Peak Campground offers six campsites with vistas of the Cuyama Badlands and the Pacific Ocean. Facilities include picnic tables, fire rings, and a vault toilet, but campers must pack in all of their own water.
Reyes Peak Road Dispersed
Scenic dispersed camping spots located along Reyes Peak Road on Pine Mountain within Los Padres National Forest. The area features stands of pine trees with multiple pull-offs suitable for primitive camping.
Rincon Parkway County Park
A unique oceanfront camping strip consisting of paved parallel parking spots directly on the shoulder of California State Route 1. Located right against the beach, this county-managed zone is restricted strictly to self-contained recreational vehicles. There are portable restrooms and trash bins spaced along the shoulder, but no hookups, water, or electric utilities. The spots provide spectacular sunset views and surf access, though they are subject to constant highway traffic noise, nearby railway trains, and tight shoulder-to-shoulder spacing.
Rocketdyne Access Road Pullout
This pullout along Rocketdyne Access Road lies on the approach to the restricted Santa Susana Field Laboratory, where overnight parking is strictly prohibited by local ordinances and private property enforcement.
Rose Lake Road Corridor
A scenic corridor in the Los Padres National Forest providing roadside dispersed camping options near the Rose Valley Lakes. The access road is well-maintained and suitable for a variety of rig sizes.
Rose Valley Campground
A pleasant developed campground situated in the Los Padres National Forest, serving as the trailhead for Rose Valley Falls. The area features a seasonal creek, shade trees, and mountain views. It offers simple, peaceful camping a short distance from the highway.
Santa Paula Public Parking & Street Zones
This urban zone in Santa Paula encompasses public street frontage near the local airport and a downtown public parking lot. It provides options for overnight stays close to local attractions, but stays are subject to municipal vehicle habitation codes.
Santa Susana Urban Stealth Parking
This urban zone encompasses street parking and civic lot spaces in the Santa Susana and Simi Valley area. While convenient and relatively quiet for a suburban environment, municipal codes apply and careful stealth parking is necessary.
Scorpion Canyon Campground
Scorpion Canyon Campground is the primary, family-friendly camping destination on Santa Cruz Island within Channel Islands National Park. Located a flat, half-mile walk from the Scorpion Anchorage pier, this scenic campground offers shaded sites sheltered from ocean winds by historic trees. Visitors must arrive via commercial ferry or private vessel, as there are absolutely no vehicles permitted on the island. Amenities include pit toilets and potable water, making it an excellent base camp for hiking scenic coastal bluffs, exploring sea caves, and snorkeling in the pristine marine sanctuary.
Sespe Road Dispersed
This scenic mountain corridor along Sespe Road offers access to dispersed camping sites within the Los Padres National Forest. The road features a bituminous surface treatment, making it accessible to standard passenger vehicles and larger rigs.
Shady Camp
Shady Camp is a remote trail camp nestled deep within the wilderness, accessible only by foot or horseback along the regional trail network.
Steckel Park Campground
A quiet county park campground featuring shaded sites, full hookups, and a unique aviary. Guests must book and pay online prior to or upon arrival, which includes standard nightly rates and booking fees.
Sycamore Group Multi-Use Area
A rustic group camping area shaded by sycamores inside Point Mugu State Park, typically requiring reservations and accessed primarily via a fire road.
Tapo Canyon Campground
An unattended county park offering full hookup campsites tucked into a quiet canyon setting near Simi Valley.
Target Camarillo
A commercial shopping parking lot in Camarillo. While some travelers have successfully parked overnight here, store and property policies generally restrict unauthorized overnight stays. Always check in with store management prior to staying.
The Pines
The Pines is a rustic backcountry trail camp nestled in the Los Padres National Forest near Sisar Peak, accessible via a hike up Sisar Canyon.
Thornhill Broome Beach Campground
A unique beachfront campground located right on the sand along the Pacific Coast Highway in Point Mugu State Park. This developed site offers primitive dry camping with individual picnic tables and fire rings directly overlooking the ocean. While highly exposed to both the highway and neighbors, it provides direct beach access and scenic coastal views. Registered campers can access dump stations and showers at the nearby Sycamore Canyon Campground.
Three Mile Camp
Three Mile Camp is a hike-in backcountry campsite located along the trail in the scenic wilderness of Los Padres National Forest near Ojai.
Triunfo Canyon Road Urban Stealth
Residential street parking in Thousand Oaks along Triunfo Canyon Road. Only suitable for low-profile vehicles blending in with local street parking.
Twin Forks Campground
A shaded backcountry campsite located along the Piedra Blanca Creek trail. Perfect for backpackers seeking a quiet wilderness experience under the riparian canopy.
Urban Stealth Parking (Camarillo Industrial)
A wide, level paved street in an industrial area of Camarillo suitable for brief overnight stays. The area is exceptionally quiet on weekends when businesses are closed, making it ideal for self-contained vehicles.
Urban Stealth Parking (Camarillo Outlets)
This commercial parking area behind the movie theater offers a flat, paved space suitable for quick overnight stays. While overnight parking is sometimes tolerated in specific sections, security and local law enforcement actively patrol the property and have issued warning stickers and move-on requests.
Urban Stealth Parking (Camarillo)
This urban area offers basic street parking situated between a business park and residential complex. While it provides level spots and easy access, visitors should expect regular traffic noise and adhere to local city parking ordinances.
Urban Stealth Parking (El Rio)
An urban street corridor in El Rio next to the railway line, suitable for low-profile vehicles and vans. Stealth parking rules and local municipal codes apply to overnight stays.
Urban Stealth Parking (Ojai)
An urban roadside pull-off situated near private agricultural properties in Ojai. While convenient for quick stopovers, local parking ordinances are actively monitored, and close proximity to residential groves warrants caution.
Urban Stealth Parking (Santa Susana)
This urban stealth zone covers public street parking options and isolated cul-de-sacs on the fringes of Santa Susana and Runkle Canyon. While these areas sit away from dense residential housing, local ordinances restrict vehicle sleep and overnight stays.
Urban Stealth Parking (Thousand Oaks)
A flat, paved overflow parking area located behind a suburban commercial and residential plaza. Highly suited for brief, low-profile overnight stays by self-contained vehicles. The lot is well-lit and positioned close to local hiking trailheads in the region.
Urban Stealth Parking (Ventura)
An urban area covering various street parking and stealth reports within the city limits of Ventura. Local regulations restrict vehicle habitation, and parking is subject to city municipal codes.
Ventura Beach RV Resort
A fully developed, full-service private RV resort. It features paved roads, full hookup sites, a swimming pool, and hot tub. The resort provides convenient highway access but experiences prominent road noise.
Ventura Industrial District Stealth Parking
An industrial corridor in Ventura containing several wide streets popular for low-profile overnight street parking. The area is close to shopping centers and services, but is subject to local municipal oversized-vehicle ordinances. It is best suited for standard-sized passenger vehicles and small campervans overnight.
Ventura Ranch KOA
A developed commercial RV resort offering full hookups, tent sites, glamping, and resort-style amenities along Santa Paula Creek.
Walmart Parking Lot - El Rio
A commercial parking lot in El Rio. Overnight stays may be permitted with manager approval, though on-site security enforcement is highly variable.
Waypoint Ventura
A private boutique RV park located in downtown Ventura. It features vintage Airstream rentals and a limited number of bring-your-own-rig sites for small vans and trailers. Highly secure, clean, and within walking distance to local beaches and restaurants.
West Fork Lion Camp
A secluded wilderness trail camp located along the rugged West Fork of Lion Canyon. Surrounded by canyon walls and mature trees, it provides a quiet and pristine backcountry experience. Access is trail-only, beginning from the Lion Canyon Trailhead.
Wheeler Gorge Campground
A popular, shade-dappled developed campground nestled along a scenic creek in the Los Padres National Forest. Spanning both sides of the stream with oak and sycamore trees, it offers dozens of sites with picnic tables and campfire rings. The location is an excellent base for hiking the Wheeler Gorge Nature Trail and exploring nearby wilderness paths.
White Ledge Campground
White Ledge Campground is a primitive backcountry trail camp located along the Sisar Canyon trail in the Los Padres National Forest. Accessible only by hiking or horseback, it offers a peaceful wilderness experience with basic tent areas beneath a canopy of oaks and conifers.