The best tiny home rentals in 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% (6)

Top-rated campgrounds

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% (6)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. 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!

2. Dry Canyon Cold Creek Guest Rental

1 site · Lodging · Calabasas, CA

Our 1-acre property sits across from Calabasas Peak, offering beautiful mountain views and access to great hiking trails nearby. We’re just 9 miles from Malibu beaches and about 5 miles from the shops and restaurants in downtown Calabasas, Topanga, and Woodland Hills. The area is rich with wildlife and nature—perfect for stargazing, too! From the driveway, follow the lighted path past the shared gym to a private courtyard with mature oak and fruit trees, mountain views, a picnic table, and a gas grill. Enter the guest unit through one of three sets of French doors. This newly created space features authentic Spanish tile, a kitchenette, full-sized bed, armoire, Smart TV, desk area, bedroom, shower, and living room. The kitchenette includes a sink, hot plate, microwave, toaster, coffee maker, and an under-the-counter refrigerator. Just 20 steps through the yard, you’ll find your private bathroom with a toilet, an additional shower/tub, and two sinks.

3. Zava Ranch - Avocado & Lemon Grove

2 sites · Lodging · Somis, CA

A cozy stand-alone cottage (sleeps 2) and a guest house (sleeps 10) are situated in the heart of our 20-acre working lemon and avocado ranch in Somis (Ventura County) on California’s Central Coast. Wake to birdsong over the citrus groves, sip coffee on the patio, swing in a hammock, or hike up the hill to catch panoramic views of the California countryside and big-sky sunsets. Breathe in the fresh, citrus-blossom–infused air as you wander through palms, pines, and eucalyptus groves. Walk up the hill to take in the beautiful sunset over the rolling farmland. Pick your own lemons and cook in your fully equipped kitchen. We’re super friendly to kids, pets, and guests with limited mobility. Whether you’re looking for a farm stay, romantic getaway, family reunion, friends’ retreat, small group gathering, or a quiet place for reflection and self-care, this is your peaceful escape. Charming, relaxing, and comfortable — guests can explore most of the 20-acre orchard and the gated community, with plenty of opportunities for scenic hikes and bike rides. Owners/hosts live on the property. Distance to favorites • Ventura/Oxnard beaches – ~30 min • Shopping, restaurants, and attractions – 20–30 min • Conejo Valley / Santa Monica Mountains – ~30 min • Ventura, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Santa Paula – 20–30 min • Camarillo Premium Outlets – ~20 min • Ojai – 40–45 min • Los Angeles / LAX – ~1 hr • Santa Barbara – ~1 hr • Local wineries and farm stands – 10–25 min

4. Sespe Retreat Wilderness Tiny House

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(1)

1 site · Lodging · Ojai, CA

Ojai Wilderness Mountains Off Grid Tiny House. Unplug from the stressful world! Relax & Recharge in the natural beauty of the wilderness mountains, inside Los Padres National Forest! Enjoy the peace & quiet of nature when you stay in this unique one-of-a-kind fully equiped Modern Tiny House! Hiking, Explore Sespe Creek, enjoy the Hammock & Campfire!

Stories from the community

H

Hans

November 2025

1 night at Topanga Cabins

Neat setting and a cozy spot. Great host. I loved the inside sleeping arrangements

Y

Yogeshwaran

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Topanga Cabins

Cute little place with all the amenities. Gordon was an excellent host, gave us a detailed tour which made it a wonderful experience

H

Hans

October 2025

Weekend Trip to Topanga Cabins

Great place to stay! The cabin had a lot of soul and the woodwork inside was quite artistic and beautiful. A cosy and cool spot.

S

Susan

September 2025

2 nights at Topanga Cabins

Our experience at the hobbit home was nothing less than magical. Gordon introduced us to the property and made sure we knew everything necessary for a safe and comfortable stay. We especially loved the natural surroundings and the outdoor kitchen. We were so close to LA but Topanga dining was lovely.

Dreamy skylights a d tile work around Bed area

Elizabeth

September 2025

Weekend Trip to Topanga Cabins

This place is a magical serene gem - a real find - and Gordon is a great host. The cabin is dreamy, a throwback to simpler times. I love its sweet design - woodsy, with handmade tile design around the bed and the skylights above the bed make for stargazing as you fall asleep. One of my fav places to stay ever.

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best tiny homes 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.