The best luxury RV camping in Lake Casitas

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Just outside of Ojai in the hills of Ventura County, Lake Casitas is a massive reservoir that provides drinking water to residents of the region while offering excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and shorefront camping. Run by the municipal water board, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area has 13 campgrounds with a mix of simple tent sites, electric sites, and full hook-up sites, plus two group camps, a bike rental shop, a bait shop, a cafe, and two boat ramps. While visitors aren't allowed to swim in the lake, there is a water park right by the lake with a lazy river and splash playgrounds for kids. 

96% (791)

Top-rated campgrounds

Wake up early to catch the sunrise--lots of blankets are available to you.

2. Blue Sky Center

94%
(746)
31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · New Cuyama, CA
1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
This is where you can park your RV or Trailer and enjoy expansive views and a gorgeous night sky.

4. Prospector Ranch

100%
(45)
5 sites · RVs, Lodging · Thousand Oaks, CA
Prospector Ranch which is an 1800's style ranch located right next door to the acre used for Hipcamping. The ranch is made up of their home and is also a venue for filming, photo shoots and small events. When not being used, camping guest are welcome to enjoy the area down around the authentic saloon, use the picnic area under large Oak trees and hike the property. We purchased the ranch 8 years ago and love being outside of the city in the mountains. Star gazing is a must when staying there! The camp site is NEXT DOOR to Prospector Ranch which is our 1800's style ranch tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains, close to beaches, vineyards, amazing hiking, biking to the beach and the city! The wide open empty lot looks out at the beautiful mountains. Enjoy stunning sun sets and Picnic under the grand Oak Trees at the ranch or maybe come by the saloon next door for a cold beverage if we are around. :-). We are happy to point you in the direction for what ever you want to do. There are so many things to do in Thousand Oaks!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$144
 / night
Hudson Ranch Historical Resort and Campground

5. Hudson Ranch Historical Resort and Campground

100%
(4)
56 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Maricopa, CA
Our expansive 80-acre property, located in the mountains of north Ventura County near Highway 166 and just a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, is the perfect setting for a unique glamping, RV, and camping experience. At Hudson Ranch, we cater to a variety of preferences with a full spectrum of outdoor experiences and amenities. We have miles of trails leading from the property, including direct access to Ballinger Canyon OHV Park. Ideal for families, pet lovers, and groups of all sizes, our property features an array of accommodations: Cabins, private rooms, furnished glamping tents, domes/yurts (coming soon), standard campsites, hammock camping, and RV sites. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, we have the perfect spot for your getaway. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the landscape and exclusive access to both the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge and the Los Padres National Forest, where you'll be walking amongst the footsteps of the ancient Chumash Native American peoples who lived here for over 13,000 years. We are committed to environmental sustainability; Hudson Ranch is fully sustainable and runs on 100% solar power with battery packs. Adventure, explore, or simply unwind – Hudson Ranch is your gateway to a vacation you will cherish forever.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

Just outside of Ojai in the hills of Ventura County, Lake Casitas is a massive reservoir that provides drinking water to residents of the region while offering excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, and shorefront camping. Run by the municipal water board, the Lake Casitas Recreation Area has 13 campgrounds with a mix of simple tent sites, electric sites, and full hook-up sites, plus two group camps, a bike rental shop, a bait shop, a cafe, and two boat ramps. While visitors aren't allowed to swim in the lake, there is a water park right by the lake with a lazy river and splash playgrounds for kids. 

96% (791)

Top-rated campgrounds

Wake up early to catch the sunrise--lots of blankets are available to you.

2. Blue Sky Center

94%
(746)
31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · New Cuyama, CA
1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$35
 / night
This is where you can park your RV or Trailer and enjoy expansive views and a gorgeous night sky.

4. Prospector Ranch

100%
(45)
5 sites · RVs, Lodging · Thousand Oaks, CA
Prospector Ranch which is an 1800's style ranch located right next door to the acre used for Hipcamping. The ranch is made up of their home and is also a venue for filming, photo shoots and small events. When not being used, camping guest are welcome to enjoy the area down around the authentic saloon, use the picnic area under large Oak trees and hike the property. We purchased the ranch 8 years ago and love being outside of the city in the mountains. Star gazing is a must when staying there! The camp site is NEXT DOOR to Prospector Ranch which is our 1800's style ranch tucked away in the Santa Monica mountains, close to beaches, vineyards, amazing hiking, biking to the beach and the city! The wide open empty lot looks out at the beautiful mountains. Enjoy stunning sun sets and Picnic under the grand Oak Trees at the ranch or maybe come by the saloon next door for a cold beverage if we are around. :-). We are happy to point you in the direction for what ever you want to do. There are so many things to do in Thousand Oaks!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$144
 / night
Hudson Ranch Historical Resort and Campground

5. Hudson Ranch Historical Resort and Campground

100%
(4)
56 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Maricopa, CA
Our expansive 80-acre property, located in the mountains of north Ventura County near Highway 166 and just a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles, is the perfect setting for a unique glamping, RV, and camping experience. At Hudson Ranch, we cater to a variety of preferences with a full spectrum of outdoor experiences and amenities. We have miles of trails leading from the property, including direct access to Ballinger Canyon OHV Park. Ideal for families, pet lovers, and groups of all sizes, our property features an array of accommodations: Cabins, private rooms, furnished glamping tents, domes/yurts (coming soon), standard campsites, hammock camping, and RV sites. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, we have the perfect spot for your getaway. Enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the landscape and exclusive access to both the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge and the Los Padres National Forest, where you'll be walking amongst the footsteps of the ancient Chumash Native American peoples who lived here for over 13,000 years. We are committed to environmental sustainability; Hudson Ranch is fully sustainable and runs on 100% solar power with battery packs. Adventure, explore, or simply unwind – Hudson Ranch is your gateway to a vacation you will cherish forever.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night

Stories from the community

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Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best luxury RV camping in Lake Casitas guide

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for RV campers: Fox Campground (Campground F) has sites with full hookups and 40-foot concrete parking pads.
  • Best for anglers: Angler Campground (Campground A) is situated right next to a boat ramp and bait-and-tackle store.
  • Best for families: Mallard Campground (Campground M) has a playground and is right by the model airstrip.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve your campsite up to 90 days before your departure date either online through the Casitas Municipal Water District, over the phone, by email, or even in person.
  2. Summer weekends fill up early, so book as soon as you can to guarantee a spot.
  3. A two-night minimum applies on weekends, and a three- or four-night minimum applies during public holidays.
  4. If campsites are sold out for your preferred date, plenty of options sit in the immediate area, including Ventura County-run campgrounds, campsites in Los Padres National Forest, and privately owned Hipcamps.

When to go

Lake Casitas is a year-round destination, but the best months for camping are from April through October, when there's little chance of rain and temperatures are pleasant. Note that the campgrounds are often at capacity during the summer, so visit before Memorial Day Weekend or after Labor Day to avoid crowds. Anglers should note that the lake is stocked with Rainbow Trout at various points throughout the year. Night fishing is allowed on select evenings every month, weather permitting.

Know before you go

  • The lake is used as a source of drinking water. Therefore, swimming and other body-contact activities aren't allowed.
  • You can pick up groceries and other supplies in Ojai, a 10-minute drive from the park entrance.
  • You can buy shower tokens through a machine at the guest services building. Bring cash (bills only).
  • Due to droughts in the area, many of the trees in the lake are dry, which increases the likelihood of branches falling. Make sure to camp away from any potential limbs.
  • Bears have been spotted in the Lake Casitas Recreation Area, so it's vital that you secure your food and cookware in your car when not using it.

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