Private Camping in Lake Casitas, California: Best Lake Casitas Private Campsites 2026

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.

100% (239) • 24 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Casitas

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.

100% (239) • 24 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Casitas

1. Cuyama Badlands

99%

(4457)

34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Cuyama, CA

If you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians at Painted Rock remind us of those who lived before us. **Read on for more details.** This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side. That being said, and to maintain the balance here at home, we'd appreciate if you keep your dogs in your car until you get to your site. Our offerings include fresh air and sunshine, amazing night sky, endless views, and plenty of space and privacy to enjoy your moments in nature. You'll find our amenities and activities puposefully sparse here. Upon booking, there are about 5 miles of dirt road on the property that you are welcome to explore on foot or by bicycle. Rustic is the theme here. There is no shower, no wifi, and no electricity available, but you will enjoy your own private spigot and the cellular service is acceptable. For any sites located south of Ballinger Wash, your vehicle length is limited to 22' and no more than 4' overhang from the rear axle, so you don't get stuck in the crossing and block access for others. Towing services are 1-3 hours away. Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets and amazing stargazing. These UPPER SITES are NOT OHV friendly, but any of our canyon bottom sites are a great base for your riding adventures up in Ballinger Canyon OHV. We'll be happy to recommend a site for you. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** Our friendly cancellation policies vary between 24 hours for simple campsites and 72 hours for our Glamp sites and Group sites. Be sure to check the Google for distance to Cuyama Valley, and your dates for availability and site descriptions. Upon booking, you can look forward to an information packed email to help you make the very best of your trip! We look forward to seeing you!

2. Topanga Cabins

92%

(6)

2 sites · Lodging · Topanga, CA

Your very own Private Cabin on Gated Property, next to wilderness, with hundreds of miles of fire roads, mountain bike and hiking trails in clean open air to refresh your spirit for a day trip or location. Skylights above a queen bed and a beautiful tile mosaic are just two of the many things that make this such a unique retreat. Please ask, obvious questions are welcome The Guest Cabin is your perfect escape from urban confusion and the stress of social distancing, with all amenities for a perfect getaway! We use CDC safe guidelines for cleaning your private shower, kitchenette, and bathroom, as well as a queen bed with fresh sheets under star gazers' skylights, and WiFi so you can work! Only 22 miles from downtown Los Angeles, it feels like 100 miles from civilization. 15 minutes' drive to the beach, 30 minutes to Santa Monica. We have over 70 live oaks on the property to filter the perfect air. So far from the roar of civilization, you will think you are in another world! You will have your cabin and ample, beautiful outdoor space all to yourselves with access to hiking trails and fire roads through a private gate. You will have parking for one car directly in front of the cabin with paid parking for a second car, as we have very limited parking! We have a wonderful variety of wildlife that lives on our property, but the presence of Coyotes and Mountain lions in the area requires me to caution bringing your own pets, as we cannot guarantee their safety! We have Bobcats and a resident Gray Fox family with daily sightings in our meadow, rumored to once be the oldest vineyard in Topanga. Owls grace the night with their call, and Red Tail Hawks ply the morning sky, but silence is our calling card considering the chaos just over the hill!

3. Campsite 3 & 4

99%

(168)

2 sites · Tents, RVs · Cuyama, CA

Every campsite has its own picnic table, fire pit with grill, a large trash can, and a kitchenette table, a rustic outdoor loo, and gorgeous 360º view. They are semi-secluded and spacious. There are many hiking trails near by, a vast riverbed to explore, and a quail guzzler to check out! The absolute best part is the night sky views of the Milky Way.

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

M

Melanie

2 weeks ago

With pets

1 night at Cuyama Badlands

I stayed at the glamp tank with my dog. My stay was perfect. The converted water tank is super cute and unique. The site was clean, very private, and included firewood, chairs, and cookware. It was a windy night, but warmer than expected and I felt cozy without when needing the propane heater that was provided. I met Jen who was very friendly and helpful. I went for a nice long run in Ballinger Canyon in the morning, followed by a cold plunge in the tepid tub, before heading out.

N

Nathan

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I love Songdog Ranch and plan to return for another stay. I arrived after dark and couldn’t find my campsite, and Jim came out to guide me to my spot, which was much appreciated. Night temperatures got as low as 48 according to my watch, but still slept without my tents weather cover off so I could enjoy the stars. This would be a great spot for meteor showers (I counted 6 before falling asleep, probably the tail end of Geminid) and other dark sky events. My dog loved wandering around off leash. The shop has lots of things to pick up in case you forgot, and books and games to borrow. I grabbed some firewood, and it was super easy.

Jeff

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Loved tent camping here. Stars and the mesa were so beautiful! Host was super friendly and the site had everything we needed.

Vickie

2 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at Cuyama Badlands

I love backpacking and camping and I am used to sleeping in a tent. My pups love it too! This trip I splurged with Sondog's Glamptank. I have been a regular at Sondog since 2020 and this is my 3rd time in the Glamptank. I was getting away to make some progress on my book. I brought some decorations from home and made my 4 days there very festive. The environment at Songdog is inviting and Jim and Jen always deliver on making my stay special. Love this place! So much so that I call it my home away from home!

T

Tiff

3 weeks ago

12 ft pop-up camper

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Very private and quiet. The hosts are welcoming. Easily accessible and clean.

Steve

December 2025

22 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Campsite 3 & 4

There were many great 5 star reviews and in the end they were all accurate. Well kept campsite I didn't even know if any of the other 3 were being used because it was so quiet and private. We arrived just before dark which was a mistake as it would have been nice to settle in with time to spare and enjoy the sunset. Instead we enjoyed waking up to an incredible view. And perfect directions which helped us find the remote location without an issue. Bravo to the owners.

A

Angel

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Great place to chill and take in the view. Relax and unwind

C

Cara

November 2025

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

We loved camping at SongDog Ranch. Our family stayed in the Glamptank. It was so private, we felt like we were the only ones on the ranch. We'll be back to explore more of the camping/lodging options at SongDog!

c

chelsea

November 2025

15 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I don’t want people to know how amazing this place is because I don’t want it to be booked!! But this is the best spot ever. Close to LA, firewood store and general store on site. Great hosts and even better experience

K

Kurt

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I had a great stay at Songdog Ranch. The views are stunning and the whole area is incredibly peaceful. The campsites are spaced out nicely, so you get plenty of privacy. The night sky alone is worth the trip—absolutely incredible. The road leading up to the site is a bit rough, so take it slow. I’d definitely recommend arriving during daylight; finding the site at night would’ve been tough, and I probably would’ve needed to contact the hosts. Even though I didn’t have to interact with them, they left a personalized welcome card at my spot, which was a thoughtful touch and helped confirm I was in the right place. All in all, a fantastic experience. I’d absolutely recommend staying here!

N

Nan

November 2025

20 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Cuyama Badlands

Great hosts and great experience on a beautiful piece of land! Our site was clean and prepped and had everything mentioned. We'll be coming back. Thank you Songdog Ranch!

j

jenny

November 2025

19 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Cuyama Badlands

So dog ranch is very peaceful. The sunrises, sunsets and starry nights are absolutely breathtaking. Our host Jen was very accommodating.

L

Laura

November 2025

1 night at Cuyama Badlands

We loved our stay at the Glamp Tank!! It was so comfortable and the host was so welcoming and thoughtful. We would definitely recommend and also stay here again or at another one of their sites when we're in the area.

J

Jenny

November 2025

With pets

3 nights at Cuyama Badlands

Such a lovely place! Half the building is glass so we watched glorious sunrises and sunsets. We heard the coyotes singing at night. The tepid tub was magical. Pupdog had everything we needed and was cozy with the wood burning stove, even in late November.

m

mark

November 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Jim is a wonderful and attentive host and the property is absolutely a dream. We will be back as soon as time allows!

M

Matthew

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Campsite 3 & 4

An outstanding spot - great scenery, privacy, tranquility., etc. Highly recommended.

J

Juergen

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Very nice place with wide views. Very friendly host. Overall good vibes. Definitely recommend.

Jonathan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

This is such a great location and overall camping spot. I hope the owners don’t mind how often I am camping on their grounds enjoying the space and openness! I know I will always have a great camp here at any of the spots. Always a nice fire pit. A nice spot to camp, water and a trash can. Can’t go wrong and always appreciated.

S

Steve

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I spent my 45 bday weekend glamping!! It was awesome! Jen and Jim were amazing hosts!! Thank you I will be back

T

Tasha

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

The glamptank site is remote, all tucked up in the corner by yourself with lots of privacy! The views and stargazing are incredible. Jen swung by a hour or so after I got to the spot, she’s a sweetheart. They provided drinking water and plenty of cooking equipment. Awesome escape for my dog and I. Thank you!!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

Private 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

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.
Summer weekends fill up early, so book as soon as you can to guarantee a spot.
A two-night minimum applies on weekends, and a three- or four-night minimum applies during public holidays.
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.