The best safari tents 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. 

100% (45) 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Casitas

Prospector Ranch

1. Prospector Ranch

100%
(46)
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
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$144
 / night
Canvas Under the Oaks

2. Canvas Under the Oaks

100%
(11)
1 site · Lodging · Santa Barbara, CA
We are located just 15 minutes from Santa Barbara beaches and twenty minutes to wine country towns Los Olivos, Solvang and Ballard. Nestled among the oaks with stunning canyon views, our 14x16 foot canvas tent sits on a 28 foot redwood deck. The porch, cantilevered into the trees is a fantastic place to enjoy your morning yoga or coffee ritual, read a book, or relax with a glass of rosé. Check in is from 3-9pm, quite hours from 10pm till 8am
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$250
 / night
Casita Eco-Glamping

3. Casita Eco-Glamping

1 site · Lodging · Mission Canyon, CA
Nestled in the foothills amidst olive trees, red oaks & CA native plants with magnificent ocean views, our luxury tent offers elevated rustic comfort, intimacy and privacy in nature. A perfect destination for those seeking the ultimate relaxation & discerning travelers who seek for a rejuvenating stay. 10min from the beach, our romantic haven features driftwoods from our local coast, a reclaimed wood deck and a private shed bathroom with a stylish shower of that melds luxury w/ sustainability.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$285
 / 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. 

100% (45) 3 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Lake Casitas

Prospector Ranch

1. Prospector Ranch

100%
(46)
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
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$144
 / night
Canvas Under the Oaks

2. Canvas Under the Oaks

100%
(11)
1 site · Lodging · Santa Barbara, CA
We are located just 15 minutes from Santa Barbara beaches and twenty minutes to wine country towns Los Olivos, Solvang and Ballard. Nestled among the oaks with stunning canyon views, our 14x16 foot canvas tent sits on a 28 foot redwood deck. The porch, cantilevered into the trees is a fantastic place to enjoy your morning yoga or coffee ritual, read a book, or relax with a glass of rosé. Check in is from 3-9pm, quite hours from 10pm till 8am
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$250
 / night
Casita Eco-Glamping

3. Casita Eco-Glamping

1 site · Lodging · Mission Canyon, CA
Nestled in the foothills amidst olive trees, red oaks & CA native plants with magnificent ocean views, our luxury tent offers elevated rustic comfort, intimacy and privacy in nature. A perfect destination for those seeking the ultimate relaxation & discerning travelers who seek for a rejuvenating stay. 10min from the beach, our romantic haven features driftwoods from our local coast, a reclaimed wood deck and a private shed bathroom with a stylish shower of that melds luxury w/ sustainability.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$285
 / night

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

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

The best safari tents 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.

Popular Lake Casitas glamping styles

Top cities in and near Lake Casitas