Camping near Lake Sherwood

·

Nestled in the rolling hills in the Santa Monica Mountains, the town of Lake Sherwood overlooks the Lake Sherwood Reservoir, the oldest man-made lake in California, which offers swimming, sailing, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Play a round of golf at the Sherwood Country Club or explore the many open spaces and nature reserves nearby. The Santa Monica Mountains, two national forests, and the Pacific coast offer additional recreation options, while the urban amenities of the greater Los Angeles area are also within reach. Camping is also available at nearby county parks, state parks, and national forests.

95% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Topanga Oasis

2. Topanga Oasis

99%
(36)
16mi from Lake Sherwood · 4 sites · Lodging · Topanga, CA
You will be nestled in a 13 acres with other cottages dotted throughout the property, along with private creeks + trails up the mountain. Visiting this property is a very unique experience, some describe it as “glamorous camping”. No photoshoots, parties or cats allowed. Please read the full description, disclaimer, and reviews, to make sure this is what you are looking for. **************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER: This is quite different from staying in an ordinary hotel. We are really in NATURE here - these are older cottages hand-built by artists in the forest. They are very rustic! It's like living in a mountain village, with other cottages nearby. While we work very hard to keep our places pristine and spotless - if anyone in your group will faint if they see a bug or lizard or little frog inside - then this probably isn't the place for you. Please be very careful booking cottages for someone else - like your parents just arriving from another continent - they might prefer something more conventional. Some folks describe our places as a luxurious form of camping. We make our cottages very comfortable - they have all the basics - electricity - wifi - most have kitchens, bath or shower and comfy clean beds. But they are not like a hotel with perfect walls and a sterile atmosphere. Please look at all the pictures and read all the reviews. We can't offer refunds just because we don't meet the standards of a normal hotel. Most people are charmed by this idyllic and bohemian lifestyle - but it's not for everyone. ********************************************************************* FILM AND PHOTOS SHOOTS: This is an amazing property for photography, and film, with 13 acres of rustic cottages, oak forests and sculpted streams. But please note we have special, and quite reasonable rates for filming, in addition to the normal rental charges. Please let us know ahead of time so we can work out the details. Commercial filming is not permitted without permission. Charming Cabin Ideal for Hikers and Nature Lovers in Topanga, California
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$70
 / night
Arber-Moore's Ranch

7. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%
(561)
31mi from Lake Sherwood · 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 !!"
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$69
 / night
Chatting !

8. AntFarm LA

98%
(100)
34mi from Lake Sherwood · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · La Crescenta Montrose, CA
Looking for a quick escape from the city for a peaceful place to recharge? AntFarm LA offers a private, quiet retreat in nature where you can disconnect from the buzz of city life with the convenience of the city nearby. Hand-built with love and a couple of shovels by our family and friends, this hike-in, tent-only site is the perfect oasis for locals and visitors alike. As you embark on the short hike up, you will experience breathtaking views, shaded trails, and a sense of calm as you arrive at your campsite. You’ll enjoy stunning sunsets, sunrises, and the tranquil sound of birds chirping—an idyllic backdrop to clear your mind. We’ve thoughtfully added a few comforts so you can enjoy nature without completely leaving modern conveniences behind. Take advantage of amenities like a refrigerator, sink, a bathroom with a flushable toilet, and a shower to refresh after a day of exploring. We also have a few electrical outlets and WiFi if you need to stay connected online or charge your devices. If you want to howl at the moon, we have some more remote hike-in campsites available. Send us a message for details. Out of respect to our neighbors, we do not allow car camping in our parking lot. Car or RV sleeping is permitted on our Van Pad site only, although we do not provide RV hookups. To preserve the quiet, off-the-grid atmosphere we’ve created, we ask that you respect our noise curfew of 10PM. We look forward to having you stay!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night
We are an operating ostrich ranch.

9. Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

95%
(151)
45mi from Lake Sherwood · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Lake Hughes, CA
Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow and sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

18. Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

75%
(4)
45mi from Lake Sherwood · 1 site · Lodging · Long Beach, CA
This 1968 Shasta Camper, located in a small garden within an urban neighborhood, sleeps up to four people, with additional space to set up tents if desired. It has a few amenities—some more rustic than others—including AC, refrigerator and freezer, stovetop (oven does not work), sinks, shower, internet, and coffee maker. Located just ten minutes from the Port of Long Beach and the Port of San Pedro, it’s a great launch point for cruise-goers. With swimming beaches only twenty minutes away, it’s an ideal option for a low-cost vacation. Help yourself to the freshest fruits, vegetables, and legumes from the garden, and watch the bees, butterflies, and grasshoppers happily pollinate, creating opportunities for new growth. The property is securely locked, and the entrance is video-monitored for your safety (and ours). It’s important to note that the camper (not a glamper) is vintage, and the convenience of the urban neighborhood can sometimes come with a variety of neighborhood sounds—though it can also be extremely quiet at times. Due to the desert climate, ants may accompany the pollinators and enter the camper if food or beverages are left out. The garden is shared with our home, so some privacy may be compromised when we tend to it.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night
Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

19. Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

96%
(115)
43mi from Lake Sherwood · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Acton, CA
Learn more about this land:A vast expanse of oak trees, California Junipers and rugged, mountainous land running with jackrabbits, quail, and owls that is just 3 miles from Vazquez Rocks and the PCT, our ranch transports you. From the tent campsite, you look out for 20 miles and see nothing but nature across small mountains and canyons all the way to the peaks of Angeles National Forest in the distance. The campsite is a large flat area. For a trailer or RV it's a great place to park and the view is towards wide open spaces. With a tent or if you want more pure nature, you can drive out onto the property further towards the small ruin of the old homesteader's cabin or beyond. The property has a long-abandoned gold mine and circular arrastres where miners used mules to break up rocks. Nearby Acton has pick-your-own apples/pears/peaches at Bloom farms. We are at 3000 feet with strong sun during the day and cool mountains air at night. The camping is set away from structures, but if you want to stroll, closer to the ranch buildings, we have friendly small goats you can visit if interested and horses and a donkey to say hello to across the corral fence. 
Potable water
Trash
from 
$43
 / night
Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

20. Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

98%
(66)
26mi from Lake Sherwood · 1 site · Tent, RV · Ojai, CA
Welcome to our tranquil ranch nestled among oak and pine trees with stunning views of the Topatopa bluffs. This site was created for the traveler passing through Ojai in mind—or those looking to visit Ojai in a cost-effective way. It is a spartan set up with the idea that visitors be mainly self-contained and Leave No Trace. While we don't yet have a compost toilet set up, we do provide a potable water hookup for your convenience. Please be mindful of your impact on the land and practice responsible camping during your stay. Pack out all that you bring in. No fires, not even portable ones. There are 4 permanent residents on the land, including me, who live within several hundred feet are in and out of the ranch daily. Our driveway passes near your campsite. So while you have privacy in the trees, you may have smile-and-wave distance interaction with other humans during your stay. There are also neighbors to the East several hundred yards away as well. A one-mile trail winds through the property that you are welcome to enjoy. Let me know if you are interested and I will show you were to find the trailhead. The path leads you to fascinating sites such as a tar caldera, Chumash cupules and mortars on boulders, and a tar marsh where wildlife thrives. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, botanist, birder, hiker, or simply seeking peace, this land offers something for you. We welcome guests to stay for a maximum of three days, but we're open to accommodating longer stays upon request. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
from 
$51
 / night

Nestled in the rolling hills in the Santa Monica Mountains, the town of Lake Sherwood overlooks the Lake Sherwood Reservoir, the oldest man-made lake in California, which offers swimming, sailing, boating, kayaking, and fishing. Play a round of golf at the Sherwood Country Club or explore the many open spaces and nature reserves nearby. The Santa Monica Mountains, two national forests, and the Pacific coast offer additional recreation options, while the urban amenities of the greater Los Angeles area are also within reach. Camping is also available at nearby county parks, state parks, and national forests.

95% (2K)

Top-rated campgrounds

Topanga Oasis

2. Topanga Oasis

99%
(36)
16mi from Lake Sherwood · 4 sites · Lodging · Topanga, CA
You will be nestled in a 13 acres with other cottages dotted throughout the property, along with private creeks + trails up the mountain. Visiting this property is a very unique experience, some describe it as “glamorous camping”. No photoshoots, parties or cats allowed. Please read the full description, disclaimer, and reviews, to make sure this is what you are looking for. **************************************************************************** DISCLAIMER: This is quite different from staying in an ordinary hotel. We are really in NATURE here - these are older cottages hand-built by artists in the forest. They are very rustic! It's like living in a mountain village, with other cottages nearby. While we work very hard to keep our places pristine and spotless - if anyone in your group will faint if they see a bug or lizard or little frog inside - then this probably isn't the place for you. Please be very careful booking cottages for someone else - like your parents just arriving from another continent - they might prefer something more conventional. Some folks describe our places as a luxurious form of camping. We make our cottages very comfortable - they have all the basics - electricity - wifi - most have kitchens, bath or shower and comfy clean beds. But they are not like a hotel with perfect walls and a sterile atmosphere. Please look at all the pictures and read all the reviews. We can't offer refunds just because we don't meet the standards of a normal hotel. Most people are charmed by this idyllic and bohemian lifestyle - but it's not for everyone. ********************************************************************* FILM AND PHOTOS SHOOTS: This is an amazing property for photography, and film, with 13 acres of rustic cottages, oak forests and sculpted streams. But please note we have special, and quite reasonable rates for filming, in addition to the normal rental charges. Please let us know ahead of time so we can work out the details. Commercial filming is not permitted without permission. Charming Cabin Ideal for Hikers and Nature Lovers in Topanga, California
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$70
 / night
Arber-Moore's Ranch

7. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%
(561)
31mi from Lake Sherwood · 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 !!"
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$69
 / night
Chatting !

8. AntFarm LA

98%
(100)
34mi from Lake Sherwood · 6 sites · Tents, RVs · La Crescenta Montrose, CA
Looking for a quick escape from the city for a peaceful place to recharge? AntFarm LA offers a private, quiet retreat in nature where you can disconnect from the buzz of city life with the convenience of the city nearby. Hand-built with love and a couple of shovels by our family and friends, this hike-in, tent-only site is the perfect oasis for locals and visitors alike. As you embark on the short hike up, you will experience breathtaking views, shaded trails, and a sense of calm as you arrive at your campsite. You’ll enjoy stunning sunsets, sunrises, and the tranquil sound of birds chirping—an idyllic backdrop to clear your mind. We’ve thoughtfully added a few comforts so you can enjoy nature without completely leaving modern conveniences behind. Take advantage of amenities like a refrigerator, sink, a bathroom with a flushable toilet, and a shower to refresh after a day of exploring. We also have a few electrical outlets and WiFi if you need to stay connected online or charge your devices. If you want to howl at the moon, we have some more remote hike-in campsites available. Send us a message for details. Out of respect to our neighbors, we do not allow car camping in our parking lot. Car or RV sleeping is permitted on our Van Pad site only, although we do not provide RV hookups. To preserve the quiet, off-the-grid atmosphere we’ve created, we ask that you respect our noise curfew of 10PM. We look forward to having you stay!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night
We are an operating ostrich ranch.

9. Camping @ Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

95%
(151)
45mi from Lake Sherwood · 7 sites · Tents, RVs · Lake Hughes, CA
Run by three generations, our ranch has been in our family for more than 70 years. We opened our doors to the public in 2014 to help support feeding our animals, bred and rescued, after the Powerhouse Fire almost burned us out. We’ve survived a county quarantine(2018-2019), the COVID Lockdowns (2021-2022), the Lake Fire (2020), and the Hurricane Kay burn scar debris flow and flood (9/11/22), depending on hard work and strong family and community bonds. In addition to camping and educational tours, we host private and community events, grow and sell produce and eggs, hatch and sell chicks, rescue ratites, and support the local bee population (which gives us RAW honey to sell), and are working to open a private U-pick-by-appointment orchard. We are all animal lovers, and conservationists, and try to do our part to ensure our children inherit a healthy and viable world. This is our home where we live, work, love, and play. We enjoy sharing our space with visitors who we hope learn about ostrich and make some great memories.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

18. Vintage Camper In LBC Garden

75%
(4)
45mi from Lake Sherwood · 1 site · Lodging · Long Beach, CA
This 1968 Shasta Camper, located in a small garden within an urban neighborhood, sleeps up to four people, with additional space to set up tents if desired. It has a few amenities—some more rustic than others—including AC, refrigerator and freezer, stovetop (oven does not work), sinks, shower, internet, and coffee maker. Located just ten minutes from the Port of Long Beach and the Port of San Pedro, it’s a great launch point for cruise-goers. With swimming beaches only twenty minutes away, it’s an ideal option for a low-cost vacation. Help yourself to the freshest fruits, vegetables, and legumes from the garden, and watch the bees, butterflies, and grasshoppers happily pollinate, creating opportunities for new growth. The property is securely locked, and the entrance is video-monitored for your safety (and ours). It’s important to note that the camper (not a glamper) is vintage, and the convenience of the urban neighborhood can sometimes come with a variety of neighborhood sounds—though it can also be extremely quiet at times. Due to the desert climate, ants may accompany the pollinators and enter the camper if food or beverages are left out. The garden is shared with our home, so some privacy may be compromised when we tend to it.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$55
 / night
Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

19. Old West Mountain Camping Near LA!

96%
(115)
43mi from Lake Sherwood · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Acton, CA
Learn more about this land:A vast expanse of oak trees, California Junipers and rugged, mountainous land running with jackrabbits, quail, and owls that is just 3 miles from Vazquez Rocks and the PCT, our ranch transports you. From the tent campsite, you look out for 20 miles and see nothing but nature across small mountains and canyons all the way to the peaks of Angeles National Forest in the distance. The campsite is a large flat area. For a trailer or RV it's a great place to park and the view is towards wide open spaces. With a tent or if you want more pure nature, you can drive out onto the property further towards the small ruin of the old homesteader's cabin or beyond. The property has a long-abandoned gold mine and circular arrastres where miners used mules to break up rocks. Nearby Acton has pick-your-own apples/pears/peaches at Bloom farms. We are at 3000 feet with strong sun during the day and cool mountains air at night. The camping is set away from structures, but if you want to stroll, closer to the ranch buildings, we have friendly small goats you can visit if interested and horses and a donkey to say hello to across the corral fence. 
Potable water
Trash
from 
$43
 / night
Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

20. Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

98%
(66)
26mi from Lake Sherwood · 1 site · Tent, RV · Ojai, CA
Welcome to our tranquil ranch nestled among oak and pine trees with stunning views of the Topatopa bluffs. This site was created for the traveler passing through Ojai in mind—or those looking to visit Ojai in a cost-effective way. It is a spartan set up with the idea that visitors be mainly self-contained and Leave No Trace. While we don't yet have a compost toilet set up, we do provide a potable water hookup for your convenience. Please be mindful of your impact on the land and practice responsible camping during your stay. Pack out all that you bring in. No fires, not even portable ones. There are 4 permanent residents on the land, including me, who live within several hundred feet are in and out of the ranch daily. Our driveway passes near your campsite. So while you have privacy in the trees, you may have smile-and-wave distance interaction with other humans during your stay. There are also neighbors to the East several hundred yards away as well. A one-mile trail winds through the property that you are welcome to enjoy. Let me know if you are interested and I will show you were to find the trailhead. The path leads you to fascinating sites such as a tar caldera, Chumash cupules and mortars on boulders, and a tar marsh where wildlife thrives. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, botanist, birder, hiker, or simply seeking peace, this land offers something for you. We welcome guests to stay for a maximum of three days, but we're open to accommodating longer stays upon request. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world. We look forward to hosting you!
Pets
Potable water
from 
$51
 / night

Camper favorites near Lake Sherwood

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds near Lake Sherwood

Stories from the community

Other options near Lake Sherwood

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

Camping near Lake Sherwood guide

Where to go

Around Lake Sherwood

Several state and county parks offer camping near Lake Sherwood. East in the Santa Monica Mountains, explore Hollywood history and rugged terrain, and camp overnight at Malibu Creek State Park. Head north to the Tapo County Regional Park in Simi Valley for hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and RV camping. Nearby Oak Park offers open space hiking and secluded RV camping.

 

Along the Coast

Head south to the coast to enjoy the Pacific Ocean views and activities. Enjoy the glamor of Malibu, sun, sand, and surf at Malibu Lagoon State Park, or enjoy both beach and camping at Point Mugu State Park and Leo Carillo State Park. Head the other way up the coast for Ventura, Santa Barbara, and camp near a beach at Carpinteria State Beach.

 

National Forests

Two national parks within reach of Lake Sherwood offer myriad recreation options. North and west of the city, the Los Padres National Forest spans nearly 2 million acres of varied terrain, and is home to more than 60 campgrounds. Further east, the Angeles National Forest offers hiking, horseback riding, waterfalls, wildlife, and more than 50 campgrounds with tent, RV, and cabin options.

When to go

Lake Sherwood enjoys mild temperatures year-round. Summer is an ideal time to visit, to take advantage of water activities on Lake Sherwood Reservoir and the beaches and parks along the Pacific coast. Spring and fall offer the best temperatures for most other outdoor activities. Although winter is fairly mild, be aware that not all area campgrounds will be open.