North Beach Campground

3.85

72 reviews

Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

Quick Facts

33 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

90 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Quick Facts

33 ft

Price

$40/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

90 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens California State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

North Beach Campground

$40.00 - $40.00 / night

Campsite Fees

The fee for camping at North Beach is $40 per night. There is a reservation fee of $8.25. Fees include one self-contained vehicle. Additional...

Standard Site Fee$40.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California

Provider

805-585-1850Ventura.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov

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What Campers Say

3.85

Mixed Reviews

Based on 72 reviews

2686 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewsbeach

Some mention

noisetrain

"Reviews of North Beach Campground are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on the oceanfront location, wildlife sightings, and scenic beauty. Complaints center around the lack of amenities, poor site conditions, and noise from nearby roads and trains."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

North Beach Campground

Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

Driving directionsNorth Beach campground is located off Highway 101, approximately two miles west of Ventura. The group camp can be accessed via the west end of Main Street in Ventura.

Emma Wood State Beach - North Beach is accessed via Highway 101. Roads leading to the campground are primitive with small turnaround areas. The entrance road currently has major potholes and damage due to coastal erosion and flooding.

Nearby places

Ventura (2 miles, approximately 5 minutes drive), Carpinteria (20 miles, approximately 25 minutes drive), Santa Barbara (30 miles, approximately 40 minutes drive).

Nearby supplies

Vons grocery store is located approximately 2 miles away in Ventura. Additional camping supplies, fuel, and restaurants are available in downtown Ventura, about 5 minutes drive from the campground.

Best Time to Camp at North Beach Campground

The Pacific's gentle breath keeps temperatures delightfully mild throughout the year, creating an endless camping season for those who know these shores. Summer mornings arrive wrapped in mysterious coastal fog that transforms the landscape into an ethereal dreamscape, typically burning off by midday to reveal brilliant blue skies and refreshing ocean breezes. Winter brings its own drama as powerful storms roll in from the Pacific, occasionally flooding low-lying areas and reminding visitors of nature's awesome power. Spring and fall offer perhaps the most perfect conditions, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures ideal for beachcombing and wildlife watching.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

3.0 / 5

Peak season: crowded and often foggy; beach access good but busy.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

3.5 / 5

Late spring–early fall is peak; fall likely pleasant though peak crowds noted.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring is within the long camping season; mild Pacific climate and wildlife viewing are positives.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter is more peaceful but subject to high tides, coastal flooding and occasional closures.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season generally encompasses late spring through early fall.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open year-round, but current closures are in effect due to damage from coastal flooding.
Current Alerts: Currently closed due to damage from high surf and coastal flooding. Reopening is pending engineering assessments and repairs.

About North Beach Campground

Where the Pacific meets the shore in its most untamed form, Emma Wood State Beach - North Beach Campground beckons adventurers seeking an authentic coastal camping experience. This pristine stretch of oceanfront offers self-contained RV enthusiasts the rare opportunity to fall asleep to crashing waves and wake to spectacular sunrises over the water. While you won't find modern conveniences like restrooms, water hookups, or electricity here, what you will discover is something far more valuable: unfiltered access to California's wild coast, where sea lions bark in the distance and dolphins play in the surf just beyond your campsite door.

North Beach Campground is a primitive camping area strictly for self-contained vehicles. Tent and car camping are not permitted.

Historical SignificanceHistory whispers through the salt air at Emma Wood, where remnants of World War II coastal artillery installations stand as silent sentinels along what was once the legendary Roosevelt Highway. These weathered ruins tell stories of a time when this peaceful coastline served as America's western watchtower, scanning the horizon for threats that never came. The surrounding area holds layers of human history, from the indigenous Chumash people who first called this coast home to the Spanish missionaries, Mexican rancheros, and American pioneers who each left their mark on this dramatic meeting place of land and sea.

Weather and SeasonsThe Pacific's gentle breath keeps temperatures delightfully mild throughout the year, creating an endless camping season for those who know these shores. Summer mornings arrive wrapped in mysterious coastal fog that transforms the landscape into an ethereal dreamscape, typically burning off by midday to reveal brilliant blue skies and refreshing ocean breezes. Winter brings its own drama as powerful storms roll in from the Pacific, occasionally flooding low-lying areas and reminding visitors of nature's awesome power. Spring and fall offer perhaps the most perfect conditions, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures ideal for beachcombing and wildlife watching.

ElevationPerched at sea level where earth greets ocean, the campground offers an intimate connection with the tidal rhythms of the Pacific. This prime coastal position means campers experience the ocean's moods firsthand - from gentle lapping waves during calm conditions to the exhilarating surge of king tides and winter storms that occasionally reclaim portions of the beach. Smart campers monitor tide charts and weather forecasts, understanding that this proximity to the sea demands respect for nature's powerful forces.

Natural Features and SceneryEmma Wood's dramatic coastline unfolds as a living gallery of natural wonders, where rocky outcroppings alternate with pockets of golden sand, creating countless opportunities for exploration. At low tide, hidden tidal pools reveal miniature underwater worlds teeming with colorful anemones, scurrying hermit crabs, and vibrant sea stars. Harbor seals lounge on offshore rocks while brown pelicans patrol the waves in prehistoric formations. On clear days, the mystical Channel Islands float on the horizon like ancient sleeping giants, their purple silhouettes adding depth to already spectacular ocean vistas. This narrow coastal refuge serves as a front-row seat to one of nature's greatest shows, where every sunrise and sunset paints the sky in impossible colors.

Geological RegionNestled within California's dynamic coastal ecosystem, Emma Wood occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where the Ventura River meets the sea. This unique position along the famous Rincon Parkway showcases the ongoing dance between land and water that has shaped this coastline for millennia. Rocky beaches tell stories written in stone, their tide-sculpted formations revealing layers of geological history. Sandy stretches shift and change with each season, while nearby tidal pools serve as natural aquariums carved by countless years of wave action. The adjacent Ventura River estuary adds another dimension to this rich coastal tapestry, creating a diverse habitat where freshwater meets salt, attracting an incredible variety of bird life and serving as a crucial nursery for marine species.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.

Check-out

Check-out time is 12:00 PM.

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 15 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy of 8 people per campsite.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutSites are arranged in a linear layout along the coastline, with some parallel to the beach and others back-in style. Most sites are unlevel and consist of a mix of dirt, cobble, and asphalt.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online at www.parks.ca.gov or by phone at (800) 444-7275.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not guaranteed and depends on site occupancy. Reservations are recommended during peak season.

Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled by contacting the reservation service at (800) 444-7275. Refunds are subject to the park's terms and conditions.

AccessibilityNo ADA-accessible pathways to the beach; users have noted difficulties with accessibility.

Site SizeSite lengths vary from 25 to 45 feet, but many are described as unlevel, rocky, and eroded.

PrivacySites are closely spaced with minimal privacy, often parallel to the beach or backing onto rocks.

Total Campsites90 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose sites closer to the southern end to minimize noise from the highway and trains. Sites backing directly onto the beach offer easier access and better views.

Activities you can enjoy

The campground offers a unique coastal experience with activities such as wildlife viewing, biking, and enjoying the beachfront. Swimming is limited due to the rocky beach, and fishing is popular. Users highlight the opportunity to spot dolphins, seals, and pelicans.

FishingFishing opportunities include catches like perch, bass, cabezon, and corbina. Users have reported enjoying the experience.

BikingThe adjacent bike path connects the campground to nearby Ventura and stretches north towards Carpinteria.

Wildlife viewingWildlife includes dolphins, seals, pelicans, and herons. Occasional sightings of songbirds and raccoons are reported.

Beach activitiesActivities include shell collecting, observing wildlife, and enjoying sunsets. Accessibility to sandy areas may be hindered by rocks.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include high tides that can flood campsites, proximity to railroad tracks and Highway 101 causing noise disturbances, and theft concerns as highlighted in reviews.

Active AlertsCurrently closed due to damage from high surf and coastal flooding. Reopening is pending engineering assessments and repairs.

No Potable WaterThis campground does not have potable water on-site. Bring all the water you need for drinking, cooking, and cleaning.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in rock fire pits built by visitors. Fire rings or grills are not provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.

Emergency ServicesThe nearest emergency services include Ventura County Medical Center (approximately 3 miles away), Ventura Police Department (approximately 4 miles away), and a ranger station located within Emma Wood State Beach.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are limited. Users report the presence of trash at certain campsites such as #13.

Water FeaturesThe campground is located directly on the Pacific Ocean. Some sites have direct access to the sand, while others are separated by rocks or walls.

Camp HostThe campground has friendly park rangers and staff, but no dedicated host services are mentioned.

Weather at North Beach Campground

Reviews

3.9

72 reviews

Mixed Reviews

North Beach Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews of North Beach Campground are mixed, with positive highlights focusing on the oceanfront location, wildlife sightings, and scenic beauty. Complaints center around the lack of amenities, poor site conditions, and noise from nearby roads and trains.

Review Summaries

Based on 72 reviews

What Campers Love

Users appreciated the breathtaking ocean views, the ability to camp right on the beach, and frequent wildlife sightings such as dolphins and seals. Many described the sunsets as unforgettable.

Based on 72 reviews

Common Concerns

Issues raised include poorly maintained porta-potties, rocky and unlevel campsite conditions, noise from trains and highways, and the general lack of amenities like water and restrooms. Accessibility...

Based on 72 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend coming fully self-contained with all necessary supplies. Check the tidal forecast to avoid parking in the splash zone and lock up valuables due to reported thefts. Bring leveling...

Based on 72 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight crowded conditions and foggy weather. Winter experiences are described as more peaceful but still retain the limitations of the campground. High tides can significantly...

Based on 72 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'Primitive camping. If you don't bring it, you don't get it.' - Nico Kelly. 2. 'Right on the beach, steps from the water.' - Lou Zam. 3. 'No hookups and roads and site pavement bad to worse. Train...

Based on 72 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #64: Camping next to a crumbling cement wall with a 12 ft drop to rocks and waves. Site #77: Backed right up to the sand and rocks; great for wave-watching and driftwood campfires.

Based on 72 reviews