The best campgrounds near Lake of the Woods, California with surfing

Lake of the Woods draws surfers looking for waves away from the coast, and you’ll find over 570 campsites geared toward the surf crowd. Most sit within easy reach of both freshwater breaks and hiking trails. Prices hover around $74 a night, with some sites starting at $58. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly sites are common, so you won’t have to rough it too much. Top picks include Arber-Moore's Ranch (339 reviews), Rancho de Granville (55 reviews), and Prospector Ranch (32 reviews). Bring your board, a wetsuit, and a taste for lake breaks—this spot’s got the goods.

96% (546)

Top-rated campgrounds

Lake of the Woods draws surfers looking for waves away from the coast, and you’ll find over 570 campsites geared toward the surf crowd. Most sit within easy reach of both freshwater breaks and hiking trails. Prices hover around $74 a night, with some sites starting at $58. Showers, toilets, and pet-friendly sites are common, so you won’t have to rough it too much. Top picks include Arber-Moore's Ranch (339 reviews), Rancho de Granville (55 reviews), and Prospector Ranch (32 reviews). Bring your board, a wetsuit, and a taste for lake breaks—this spot’s got the goods.

96% (546)

Top-rated campgrounds

1. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%

(561)

35mi from Lake of the Woods · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Oak View, CA

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 !!"

2. Leap Lab Farm

100%

(52)

34mi from Lake of the Woods · 1 site · Tent, RV · Santa Paula, CA

15 acres of land right nestled up against South Mountain, on an ecologically-minded property where we are building a sustainability education center. From your campsite, you'll have a sweeping view of the Topa Topa mountain range, as well as a birds eye view of our community farm. Site has access to a geodesic dome, a funky spot to hang out, meditate, do yoga, or picnic. There is one electric outlet to plug into, as well as a hookup for water. Behind the site is South Mountain, where you can scramble, look for fossils from the Sespe range (20 million years old) and enjoy some peace and quiet.

3. Rancho de Granville

92%

(87)

35mi from Lake of the Woods · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · Oak View, CA

Midway between the ocean and Ojai, the ranch is 7 acres with plenty of trees, shade and grass. A 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 Ojai . The old bunkhouse and barn remain! Please plan to arrive before 8pm.

4. Emma Wood State Beach

96%

(29)

93 sites · San Buenaventura (Ventura), California

Fish, surf, and explore WWII ruins at this Southern California beach.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

5. Carpinteria State Beach

94%

(113)

333 sites · Carpinteria, California

Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, this beach is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the southern California coast. Carve out a spot along the sun-soaked shoreline to warm your bones after a dip in what is known as Cali’s safest beach. Grab the paddle of your choice and commune with the dolphins, whales, and seals that call these waters home. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach or along one of the dune trails. Discover tide pools full of starfish, crabs, snails, sea anemones, and sea urchins. Look out for seals, sea lions, and the occasional gray whale from December through May. Adventurers looking to catch their own dinner have ample opportunities for fishing and clamming. Those less interested in living off the land can take a short walk to town for a restaurant meal. Dogs aren’t allowed here, so furry friends should be left at home. Truly a California experience, get ready to beach it up on these golden shores. Take your pick from more than 200 campsites at four different campgrounds: Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Anacapa. Reservations are available between 2 days and seven months in advance. Rinse the salt from your body in the coin-op showers located at each of the campgrounds. Hookups are available at Santa Rosa and San Miguel campgrounds. There are also hike or bike-in campgrounds available. Truly a Socal experience, get ready to beach it up on these golden shores.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

6. Prospector Ranch

100%

(45)

49mi from Lake of the Woods · 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!

7. Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!

93%

(28)

30mi from Lake of the Woods · 1 site · Lodging · Ojai, CA

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!

8. McGrath State Beach

82%

(17)

133 sites · Oxnard, California

Discover the natural splendor of McGrath State Beach.

Pets

Potable water

Toilets

Public campgrounds near Lake of the Woods

100%

(7)

North Beach Campground

42mi from Lake of the Woods · 91 sites · Tents, RVs · in Emma Wood State Beach

94%

(22)

Ventura River Group Campground

42mi from Lake of the Woods · 1 site · in Emma Wood State Beach

93%

(14)

Anacapa Campground

42mi from Lake of the Woods · 200 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carpinteria State Beach

94%

(62)

Santa Cruz Campground

42mi from Lake of the Woods · 1 site · in Carpinteria State Beach

100%

(23)

San Miguel Campground

42mi from Lake of the Woods · 54 sites · Tents, RVs · in Carpinteria State Beach

An early morning surf session with nobody out. This photograph should explain it all

86%

(14)

Santa Rosa Campground

42mi from Lake of the Woods · 77 sites · in Carpinteria State Beach

82%

(17)

McGrath State Beach Campground

44mi from Lake of the Woods · 133 sites · Tents, RVs · in McGrath State Beach

Stories from the community

A

Artsiom

1 week ago

18 ft Class B

With pets

1 night at Arber-Moore's Ranch

good place, worm shower, have all needed connections of water and electrisity

A

Andres

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Location is incredibly convenient to Lake Casitas, Ojai and Oak View, but still feels remote and secluded. Site was spacious, clean and beautiful, but could definitely use some improvements. More restrooms and showers, for one, and definitely a line of trees to block out the noise from the main road would be major upgrades. We were lucky to be the only group there that weekend, but I could imagine it being frustrating trying to schedule bathroom/shower time if the sites were full. From my brief conversations with the the owner, Vivian, however, it sounds like they're actively working towards those things already. Other than that, the toilet and shower were both very clean and functional. Shower was hot and pressure was good. Light pollution from Ojai is visible on the horizon, but the property itself is very dark and conducive to star gazing. Host was friendly, helpful, accommodating and communicative, but pretty hands-off otherwise.

hugh

November 2025

18 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

This place is epic, super quiet at night with great views over the valley.

l

ly

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

Catherine was such a wonderful host. She made sure we were comfortable and let our kids explore her ranch. Our kids loved the horses. It was really quiet at night. We will come back.

Scott

October 2025

17 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

Great Place! Very interesting dinosaur exhibit on the grounds. The campsites are spacious and well-maintained — perfect for groups. I was lucky enough to get the highest site, which offered incredible views of the valley and city lights at night. The host was very accommodating, and I thoroughly enjoyed my stay. I’ll definitely be back!

B

Ben

October 2025

20 ft Class B

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Great spot in a beautiful setting. Would return and recommend for others.

Mark

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

3 nights at Arber-Moore's Ranch

Nice spot! We enjoyed our stay. Was nice to have water and electricity. There’s a bit of construction going on with the property but didn’t really bother us at all. Nice views and cool to be able to have fires as well. Definitely recommend!

K

Kenny

October 2025

Tent

With kids

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

Great camp site on a bluff overlooking Santa Paula. Quiet with no neighboring sites. Our kids had an amazing learning opportunity with the hosts and even got to pick out dinosaur bones to take home! Would come back often

T

Toby

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

Beautiful property with wonderful hosts! Adorable goats and cool dinosaur bones! Super excited to see where Leap Lab goes next

V

Virginia

October 2025

20 ft campervan

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

I have been staying at Vivian’s property for several years now and I always enjoy my stay there..

J

Jack

September 2025

Tent

2 nights at Leap Lab Farm

We had a great stay in the dome! Very easy, clear instructions, and a friendly welcome from the owners and dogs. Would have liked to have a picnic table as was shown in some of the pictures. Very private space which we enjoyed, and an easy 25 minute commute to the harbor to take the boat over to the Channel Islands!

G

Gary

September 2025

35 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

We never actually made it there, due to unexpected events. However, we had a really good feeling about the place and what it would be like, especially after our conversations with Vivian, as we engaged with her about other aspects of the trip: planning, problem solving, cancelling the reservation. We genuinely hope to make the trip to visit with her at another time soon.

Eric

September 2025

16 ft car

With pets

3 nights at Arber-Moore's Ranch

Vivian’s ranch was a great experience to host my family’s first camping trip with kids. It was close to services and pizza for the little ones, was quiet, had lots of birds and nature sounds, and the facilities were clean and in working order. Their ranch has a lot of potential, and I’m excited to see how it improves over time with all of the hard work they’re putting into it and the trees they’ve been planting.

M

Matthew

September 2025

23 ft Class B

1 night at Arber-Moore's Ranch

Beautiful property with great stargazing! Good sized sites and great amenities!

d

david

September 2025

Tent

With kids

2 nights at Arber-Moore's Ranch

Great location for some family camping! Would definitely recommend.

K

Keila

September 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Had an amazing time definitely coming back. Our host were amazing and it was peaceful and we had a great time they gave wood for sell there so it’s a plus!! Shower was clean a few stores around for last minute things:))

Sandra

August 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Pros: hosts were awesome, decent area for camping, hot and clean shower area, fair porta potty Cons: Lack of privacy. You can hear other conversations right across from you, as well as their movie. It played pretty loud past midnight.

Daniel

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Rancho de Granville

Has a really nice time camping at The Ford. The site is large and has lots of shaded, usable space. Tons of greenery and birds. It is close to a road and cars can be loud at night. Bring white noise or earplugs. The chickens were really fun to have nearby, and the frogs and crickets go crazy at night. Bugs are present, but not aggressive. Had a really nice stay.

J

Judith

August 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Leap Lab Farm

Super cool dome structures at each site made this Hipcamp extra special! Anna was accommodating of my request for an extra car and a quick communicator. I would love to come back to the land!

C

Christian

August 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Arber-Moore's Ranch

Really enjoyed the tent camping I did on this land. The hosts clearly care about providing their campers with a comfortable experience. They maintain a clean environment, provide a really nice shower/restroom, and have plenty of space to accommodate large groups! Plus the location is very accessible and you can be back in the city in no time. Huge thank you to Vivian and David for making our trip a great experience. Definitely recommend this for future hipcampers!