How much does camping cost at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground?

Camping fees at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground range from $130-$360/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground before I book?

Yes! Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground has 11 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground?

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground is open Group camp open year-round. North Beach campground currently closed for repairs.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground?

Yes, Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground have?

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground has 90 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground?

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground?

Popular activities at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground

Q: Can I have a campfire at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground?

Fire policies at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground: Campfires permitted only in designated fire pits within the campground. Fires prohibited on the beach.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.05

22 reviews

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground, Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

SwimmingSummer Destination

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

26 ft

Price

$130 - $360/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

90 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

26 ft

Price

$130 - $360/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

90 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Book on California State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground

$130.00 - $360.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Group Primitive Tent Sites (A, B, C, D) cost $130 per night and accommodate up to 30 people and 10 tents. Group RV sites cost $360 per night and...

Group Site Fee$130.00

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Provider

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

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground, Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground, Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

Nearby places

Ventura (2 miles), Santa Barbara (approx. 26 miles), Los Angeles (approx. 70 miles)

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel available in nearby Ventura, approximately 2 miles away.

Weather at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground

Current alert: North Beach campground closed indefinitely due to damaged entrance roads and coastal flooding.

Best Time to Camp at Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground

Summer brings the warmest, most reliable beach weather. Expect daytime highs of 65-75°F and ocean temperatures in the mid-60s. Late summer, especially September, often delivers the clearest days with fewer crowds than July or August. The campground stays open year-round, and the moderate coastal climate makes winter visits possible, though ocean water gets colder and storms can roll through. Swimming, surfing, and group campfires peak in summer when long daylight stretches evenings at the picnic tables.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Late summer/September often delivers the clearest, warmest days on the coast.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Group camp open year-round. North Beach campground currently closed for repairs.

About Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground sits right on the Pacific coast at the Ventura River mouth, 90 sites spread between group tent areas and RV spaces. Groups up to 30 people can reserve sites with fire rings, picnic tables, flush toilets, and showers. Fees run $130-360 per night. The beach is a three-minute walk from most campsites. Highway 101 runs close enough that traffic noise is constant.

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground provides options for tent and RV group camping. "Group Primitive Campsite #GVA accommodates 30 people max and up to 10 tents max. GVRV group camp site is $360 per night and accommodates up to 50 people max and 20 RVs."

Historical Significance

Concrete remnants of a World War II coastal artillery site still stand along the shore. This beachfront served as a guardian post during the war, watching over California's coastline.

Weather and SeasonsSummer brings the warmest, most reliable beach weather. Expect daytime highs of 65-75°F and ocean temperatures in the mid-60s. Late summer, especially September, often delivers the clearest days with fewer crowds than July or August. The campground stays open year-round, and the moderate coastal climate makes winter visits possible, though ocean water gets colder and storms can roll through. Swimming, surfing, and group campfires peak in summer when long daylight stretches evenings at the picnic tables.

ElevationPerched at sea level where land kisses ocean, the campground offers an intimate connection with the tides and coastal rhythms.

Natural Features and ScenerySandy beaches stretch in both directions from the Ventura River outlet, shaped by wave action and river deposits. The Channel Islands sit visible across the water on clear days. Dolphins and great blue herons show up regularly in the surf and shallows. The river estuary creates a mixing zone where freshwater meets saltwater, attracting shorebirds and raccoons that wander through camp at dusk. Dunes and tide pools change with every storm cycle. Elevation sits at 26 feet, with coastal bluffs backing parts of the beach.

Geological RegionNestled along California's dynamic coastline where the Ventura River meets the Pacific, Emma Wood occupies a fascinating geological crossroads. Sandy beaches stretch in both directions, shaped by centuries of wave action and river deposits. This ever-changing landscape of dunes, tide pools, and coastal bluffs tells the story of California's living shoreline, where the powerful forces of river and ocean continuously sculpt the land.

Scenic ViewsOceanfront views are available from group campsites. The offshore Channel Islands are visible across the Pacific Ocean.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo hotel-style lodging is available within the campground.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned specifically.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

30 for tent sites
50 for RV sites.

Groups

Group tent sites accommodate up to 30 people, 10 tents, and five vehicles per site. RV group sites accommodate up to 50 people and 20 vehicles.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutGroup tent sites (A-D) and RV sites occupy separate areas. Tent sites include a lighted parking lot where vehicles must stay on pavement. RV sites allow rigs up to 45 feet. Sites are grouped rather than spaced for privacy. Each group tent site accommodates up to 10 tents.

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

Walk-in AvailabilityNo specific information on walk-up availability for group sites.

Cancellation PolicyReservations and cancellations can be made by calling (800) 444-7275 or online at www.parks.ca.gov.

AccessibilityAccessibility information is available but specific features are not detailed in the provided materials.

Site SizeGroup tent sites accommodate up to 10 tents and RV group sites allow RVs with a maximum length of 45 feet.

PrivacySites are grouped and not designed for significant privacy.

Total Campsites90 campsites

Recommended SitesGroup sites A, B, C, and D are ideal for tent camping and are three minutes walking from the beach.

Best CampsitesGroup tent sites A through D get mentioned most in reviews for their oceanfront proximity. These sites sit closer to the beach than the RV areas. Specific site numbers aren't called out beyond the A-D lettering system.

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Amenities available

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground offers a mix of amenities suitable for group camping with a focus on primitive tent and RV camping. The campground includes flush toilets, cold outdoor showers, picnic tables, and fire rings. "Tent camping only. NO RVs are allowed at tent group sites. Primitive camping. All vehicles must stay on pavement in adjacent parking lot." The RV group area accommodates up to 20 vehicles and offers oceanfront access.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Recreational activities include hiking, swimming, biking, beach activities, and wildlife viewing. "Moderate temperatures help make Emma Wood State Beach popular for swimming, surfing, and fishing."

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Wildlife viewing

Beach activities

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsRailroad tracks adjacent to the campground pose a safety hazard; high tides may temporarily close the campground.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted only in designated fire pits within the campground. Fires prohibited on the beach.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM

Emergency ServicesVentura County Medical Center (approximately 3.2 miles away), Ventura Police Department (approx. 2.5 miles), nearest ranger station located within Emma Wood State Beach premises.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are not explicitly detailed but campers are advised to keep their vehicles locked and valuables out of sight.

Water FeaturesThe campground is oceanfront and is located three minutes walking from the beach.

Cell CoverageDetails about cell phone service coverage are not provided.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.1

22 reviews

Satisfactory

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground are mixed, with positive sentiments about the natural beauty and oceanfront location, alongside complaints about proximity to Highway 101 and noise levels.

Review Summaries

Based on 22 reviews

What Campers Love

Users praise the campground for its natural beauty, oceanfront location, and availability for group camping. "Beautiful oceanfront. Three minute walk to beach from campsite."

Based on 22 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users complain about noise from Highway 101 and nearby railroad tracks. "You’re also within 50 feet from highway 101 so I’m not sure how this campsite is suitable for tent campers."

Based on 22 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Group tent sites A, B, C, and D are $130 per night and accommodate 30 people max and 10 tents. RV group site GVRV accommodates 50 people and 20 vehicles, charging $360 per night.

Based on 22 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing earplugs due to noise from the highway and railroad. They also advise keeping valuables locked in vehicles.

Based on 22 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Moderate temperatures are highlighted as a positive feature year-round, but specific seasonal trends are not detailed.

Based on 22 reviews

Camper Quotes

"From the perspective of camping overnight, I’m bummed to say it was my least favorite camping spot." "Beautiful camp, nature at its finest :)"

Based on 22 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features are noted but specific reviews addressing these are not provided.

Based on 22 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are allowed but must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet. "All dogs are to be kept on a leash (6’) and under the control of their owner at all times within the park."

Based on 22 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Go if

Groups of 15-30 splitting site costs find real value at $130/night for direct Pacific access, Channel Islands views, dolphins in the surf, and a 3-minute walk to the beach. September is the sweet spot: warm, clear, fewer crowds than midsummer.

Skip if

Light sleepers will suffer. Reviewers specifically mention being within 50 feet of the freeway, and railroad noise compounds it after dark. Earplugs aren't optional here, and tent campers get cold outdoor showers with no hookups.

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North Beach Campground

Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001

North Beach Campground sits directly on the Pacific shoreline where the Ventura River meets the sea, offering 90 primitive RV sites for self-contained campers. No hookups, no water, no restrooms. Sites run $40/night and fill up on weekends for the oceanfront access and wildlife viewing. Expect train and highway noise, uneven parking pads, and minimal privacy.