Camping in Lake Casitas with swimming
Cast a line or set up your tent at this sprawling Ojai-area reservoir.
- Lake Casitas
93% (6665 reviews)
Popular camping styles for Lake Casitas
Dog-friendly getaways
12 top campgrounds in Lake Casitas with swimming
76%
(23)
Firefly Ridge on Sky High Drive
1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Ventura, Ventura
Enjoy your own private, wild mountain top covered in protected California Oaks with 360° unobstructed views of nature. 10 minutes inland from the Beach in Ventura. 20 minutes from the center of Ojai. Quiet, dark skies! Off grid. Raw land. Rugged environment.
There are multiple flat areas on which to pitch a tent - one grassy area right above where you park that can fit two small 2-person size tents or a few different spots on top of the hill (although the top is a bit rocky, so you’ll be more comfortable with a sleeping pad).
The trail up to the top of the mountain from the parking spot is a bit STEEP and takes about 2-3 minutes to walk up to the top (where the best views are).
The parking spot can fit a van but no larger vehicles. Pay very close attention to not block the neighbors’ driveways at any time.
Our land comes as-is, it is a not a formal ‘campground’, so *WILD CAMPING* rules apply - respect the land, pack in-pack out, no trash left behind. No toilet, so come prepared! (Critical - you leave with *everything* you’ve come with. No digging holes to potty.)
The road up to the top of the mountain is essentially a one lane paved road, with some hairpin turns. Google Maps tells you “you have arrived” slightly before you reach the parking space that you can see in the pictures. Please also note in the pics that the parking space is flat once you’re fully in it, but there is a slight angle where you pull in, so longer vehicles may not park perfectly flat. Try to arrive *before sunset* - a few campers have had trouble finding their way in the dark as there are no street lights up there.
No open fires or BBQs!! Full fire ban in effect! Be ***extremely*** careful, this region is a High Fire Risk and needs to be protected. Protect these ancient oaks! (Enclosed gas portable stoves / pits ok when used with caution.) Dogs ok on leash but can never be left alone or allowed to bark in excess.
No parties or loud music — we have neighbors surrounding us around the mountain top, please *be respectful* and quiet by 10pm. They keep an eye on the place for us and we will hear from them if they are upset about noise, fires or dogs and they will call 911 if there is an immediate hazard or disturbance.
Please text us with any questions or issues. Thanks!
*Alas, refunds will not be given if the issue is that you didn’t read the description fully - some not-so-kind folks seem to be trying to game the system by complaining about things that are clearly stated and/or pictured - eg, that it is a mountain top / ridge, that there are neighbors at the bottom of the hill, that there is no toilet, etc.
from
$30
/ night
94%
(340)
Arber-Moore's Ranch
6 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Oak View, Ventura
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands.
Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land.
That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite.
We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink.
Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites.
The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area.
Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more.
We offer both tent and RV camping.
The Majority of our Guests love it here:
"Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts!
Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area.
The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly.
Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
from
$69
/ night
92%
(19)
Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!
1 site · Lodging6 acres · Ojai, Ventura
Tucked away at the outskirts of Ojai, Caravan Outpost offers an unique experience hosted in one of our 10 Airstreams or 1 Tiny House on Wheels.
Learn more about this land:
This listing is for one of our 10 Airstreams located in a plush, beautiful Oasis in Ojai, California.
Caravan Outpost is a garden filled with Airstreams in Ojai, CA. One of the most unique places to stay in all of America. The Outpost is family-friendly and located on the Ojai Valley bike path. Ride one of our complimentary bikes, enjoy the beautiful botanical garden, eat at a local delicious restaurant, hike one of the many trails, listen to our vinyl collection - Relax and enjoy!
from
$336
/ night
98%
(499)
Radl Ranch
7 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents8 acres · Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara
Radl Ranch is a beautiful 8 acre working ranch,
AMAZING SUNRISES☀️!!! wake up early :):):):!!!!
~We are located 5 minutes from State Street- downtown SB with shopping and wonderful restaurants.
~10 minutes away from Santa Barbara beaches
property located in Mission Canyon in Santa Barbara County. The property includes
4 acres of avocado trees and newly planted fruit trees. The other 4 acres is a charming natural forest and valley.
The valley consists of 2 acres of beautiful flat area with a gorgeous newly planted garden and grass field,
for campers to use, The camping area is on the wood chips just in front of the grass, and in our lower camping spot.
We are in a box canyon, so sometimes phone service can be a bit spotty. Please message us the day of and let us know what time you will arriving.
There is a shared OUTDOOR SHOWER, with hot water and incredible water pressure. PLEASE make your self at Home :):):)
Enveloped in the property are lovely wildlife. There are deer occasionally, coyotes quite a lot,(watch your dogoooooos ) hawks, hummingbirds, ground squirrels, roadrunners among other curious critters. We also had a BEAR❤️!!!!!! Dogs are welcome to join the animal community at Radl Ranch!
We love DOGS❤️❤️❤️, bring your dogs! We are an off-leash dog ranch, so please be aware that there will be roaming dogs !!!!!- BRING YOUR DOG ONLY IF ITS A NICE DOG :)!!! But seriously, we love nice dogs!
In the evenings the valley has the most beautiful light more then just a sunset :)!!!
:):):)!!
Location:
~We are located 5 minutes from State Street- downtown SB with shopping and wonderful restaurants.
~10 minutes away from Santa Barbara beaches
~Hendry's beach great for dogs, Campus Point 15 minute drive + many others
~Santa Barbara Bowl, Santa Barbara Mission, Santa Barbara Zoo, Santa Barbara Natural History
Museum + more,
as well as
Art galleries galore are other nearby venues.
Although, once you’re inside the canyon, you wouldn’t know it! Radl Ranch seems to be tucked away from all the hustle and bustle, preserving the privacy of the forest. Sunrise and sunset are the favorite times of day and at night, the beauty is amplified by the bright starry sky.
from
$95
/ night
91%
(38)
Rancho de Granville
6 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Oak View, Ventura
Sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the friendly horses and the curious chickens! This was the original stage coach stop between Ventura and the small community of Nordoff (Ojai) the old bunkhouse and barn remain!
from
$62
/ night
95%
(226)
Harmony's Glamping
7 sites · Lodging90 acres · Mission Canyon, Santa Barbara
Nestled along Maria Ygnacio creek in the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors while staying cozy in a Yurt, Teepee, or one of our Geo Domes. Each is secluded with a hot shower, propane fire pit, camp kitchen and a comfortable queen bed. Wake up to the sound of the birds chirping and the creek rippling. Hike to our very own 30' ft waterfall where you can take a dip, lay out and catch some sunshine. The trail is rugged so be ready to boulder and use your hands in some places. Our wood burning hot tub is freshly filled every time, and right along the creek for a natural hot/cold plunge experience. We also offer morning yoga, and relaxing massages for a fully rejuvenating experience.
Enjoy some nearby experiences all within 30 minutes:
-Cold Springs Tavern, historical stagecoach stop, live music and delicious BBQ
-Wine Tasting in Solvang or on Stearns Wharf
-State Street, Downtown Shopping and Restaurants
-Beaches, LedBetter, East Beach, Butterfly, Hendry's Beach (Dog Friendly)
-Painted Cave, a cave full of Indian paintings
-Hikes, SaddleRock, Lizards Mouth, Hot Springs
Please note that a high clearance vehicle is recommended! This is a mountainous bumpy dirt road with steep sharp corners. A regular car can make it, just be warned you may bottom out a couple times. We do have a Jeep Wrangler available for rent on site. ($80 a day) You can add it onto your booking under extras.
We are not liable for any damage to you or your vehicle when entering our property, so do so at your own risk.
Please feel free to reach out with any further questions.
Text or Call: 805-698-8623
IG:@harmonys_glamping
from
$200
/ night
100%
(6)
Camp RainDale
3 sites · Tents30 acres · Santa Paula, Ventura
There is a road that leads to the site when you enter the gate the road runs between the stream and the mountain there is 1 Camp site to choose from so far. Many more on the way and you can ask if you would like to camp somewhere else on the property and we can work it out. The site runs along a flowing stream consisting of paths from camp to stream. There are many trees enclosing the entire camping area and, activities to do like playing horseshoes in the horseshoe pit.
from
$30
/ night
88%
(30)
The Lodge at Deer Creek
2 sites · RVs, Tents25 acres · Malibu, Ventura
At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between mountains and the pacific ocean. Surround yourself with nature and its music on this 25 acre ocean view property. Grab a surf or paddle board and head to the beach or zen out amongst the greenery. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are a beautiful drive along the coast.
from
$75
/ night
98%
(560)
Private Beach Farm
4 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Goleta, Santa Barbara
This is an incredibly historic site in Santa Barbara history. 2 tribes of Chumash Indians lived here for 10,000 years. This is where Spain landed and began colonizing the area. In the 1950's and 60's, this was the site of the World's largest orchid farm. There is a book called The Royal Rancho, if you are a history buff.
We are a farm on the beach just North of Santa Barbara and Goleta, Ca. You will camp in a historic, glass greenhouse with incredible ocean views. Inside is a cob pizza oven that works awesome. (Bring your own firewood),,, a place to pitch tents and tiny artistic structures to explore. You will have a private bath and shower (Primitive, no electricity, but the hot shower has the best view in the world of any shower!) Bring your own toiletries and whatnot.
Private beach access from our property. We have a barnyard with a multitude of farm animals. Limited electricity in greenhouse (A couple of extension chords). The fire ban is ONLY for open campfires. The pizza oven and YOUR bbq or propane flame is fine. If you are camping during the rain, be advised, it gets wet in the greenhouse. It's an antique after all!
from
$200
/ night
100%
(5)
Vintage Cabin in National Forest
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Pine Mountain Club, Kern
Located in a spectacular mountain setting just 90 miles north of Los Angeles, Pine Mountain Club is a residential community in the Los Padres National Forest. Relax & unwind while surrounded by acres of old forests that shelter an array of flora & fauna, including the rare California Condor. This gambrel cabin was one of the original homes built in PMC in 1976. The 70s vibe is still alive with cork floors, shag rugs, wood paneling, record players, an 8-track player & an orange Malm fireplace.
The space
Our 1970s chalet-style gambrel cabin is located at an altitude of 5500 feet above sea level. Both bedrooms are equipped with organic latex mattresses (queen downstairs, full upstairs) and ROKU smart TVs. There is also a TV with basic cable, a VHS player, and classic video games in the living room downstairs. Upstairs we have a projector for watching movies on a big screen. The kitchen is equipped with a full size refrigerator, oven/stove, Nespresso machine with milk frother, blender, waffle maker and fondue pot. We have board games, puzzles, records, 8-track cassettes, VHS tapes, a projector (for VHS or streaming movies), a guitar, keyboard, and a working fireplace. Towels and linens are provided. The washer and dryer cannot be used by guests, but there is a laundromat in the village and another in Frazier Park.
Keep in mind this is not a hotel, this is a privately owned cabin in the middle of a National Forest. The water may take a little longer to heat up, the electric heaters might smell a little dusty the first time they are turned on after a long summer, spiders might rebuild their webs less than 24 hours after the space is cleaned, there may be dirt on the outdoor furniture, you might need to wear insect repellant in the summer or shovel the driveway and deck in the winter. If you are looking for a luxury hotel, this is not it, but if you want a fun, comfortable getaway in the mountains, please submit a booking inquiry. You are expected to complete a checkout checklist which includes washing your dishes and putting them away where you found them, making sure all wall heaters are off, etc.
Guest access
You'll be in walking distance of the PMC Clubhouse which houses a restaurant, bar, recreation room, community swimming pool and hot tub (SUMMER ONLY), tennis courts, and a golf course. If you'd like to use the pool, please send names of all guests so I can register you in advance. There is a fee of $5 per person, per day, for the temporary pool passes to be paid at the pro shop on pickup. We're also close to hiking trails and the village where you'll find the Pine Mountain General Store, Bear Claw Bakery, The Perch, gift shops, and more.
During the WINTER months, there is a chance of snow and/or ice on the roads. You will need 4WD/AWD or tire chains on hand. The CA Highway Patrol is often checking cars before allowing access. You may also need to show confirmation of your reservation. We have a snow shovel on the deck in case you need to shovel the driveway or deck. Parking on the street is not allowed. We've had several guests say they grew up on the East coast and know how to drive in snow, only to comment about the curvy, icy road into the forest which is no joke! Even if you are prepared, someone in front of you might not be, so have warm clothes or blankets in the car, a full tank of gas, and some snacks in case you get stuck.
Other things to note
There is an outdoor security camera on the property.
The cabin is not in the middle of nowhere, we have neighbors on all sides. Please be respectful.
The wi-fi is pretty reliable but as we are in a rural area, it can be slow and it does go out from time to time. If you absolutely must have internet access guaranteed, this may not be the place for you.
No shoes in the house
Rules
The two overriding rules are 1) Leave the home the way you found it and 2) Respect the privacy and quiet of our neighbors.
- NO SHOES IN THE HOUSE
- Please do not rearrange the furniture. Use coasters on wood surfaces! Be gentle with everything - most items are vintage.
- Basic cleaning up after yourself is expected, including washing your dishes and putting them away.
- Trash and recycling must be taken to the transfer site when you check out.
- We provide a checkout checklist so you remember to turn all heaters off, lock doors and windows, etc.
- Commercial photography/filming is not allowed without permission. Please send details in advance and we will get back to you with the rates for your project.
- No outdoor fires of any kind
- Quiet hours in PMC are 10pm - 7am
- Smoking allowed outside ONLY. Please keep doors and windows closed. If the house smells of smoke after you leave you will lose your deposit to cover the cost of odor removal. Dispose of butts properly - not on the ground.
- Pets are not allowed. We had to change our policy after a bad experience.
- This is a forest, and bears (and other wildlife) are frequently sighted. No food or trash should be left outside the cabin unattended. All doors and windows need to be closed if you're not in the room. There is an air horn in the downstairs bedroom closet, and whistles near the sliding glass door. If you see a bear, make a lot of noise to scare it away.
- Missing items will be deducted from your deposit plus a $50 service fee per item.
- NO fireworks or guns of any kind (including BB and paintball)
- No parking on the street. If you have a RV please contact me in advance to discuss options.
- Any additional guests beyond the number stated in your reservation must be approved in advance.
- Your name and contact information will be shared with the Pine Mountain Club Property Owner's Association, in case of emergency or neighbor complaints.
- You must provide your email address in advance of your stay. Documents will be sent for you to print out.
from
$165
/ night
100%
(29)
Prospector Ranch
2 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Thousand Oaks, Ventura
Chris and Meggan own 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. They purchased the ranch 3 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!
from
$160
/ night
Booked 1 time
Rosemary Ranch Glamps
1 site · Lodging1 acre · Topanga, Los Angeles
Rosemary Ranch is built into a hillside in the beautiful canyons of Topanga. The property has huge rosemary and lavender bushes, gorgeous oaks and beautiful canyon views. There is a hot tub to enjoy and an expanding orchard. Putt on the golf green, star gaze or try your hand at a game of horse shoes.
from
$95
/ night
Available this weekend
Under $50
Star Hosts in Lake Casitas
Nearby parks
Explore the area’s public lands.
Camping in Lake Casitas with swimming guide
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.
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 Reservation
- 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.
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