Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground
03 reviewsEmma Wood State Beach Group Campground, Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001
Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground
$130.00 - $360.00
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$130.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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 accommodate up to 50 people and 20 vehicles.
About this campground
Where the Pacific meets the shore at Emma Wood State Beach, groups of adventurers gather to create lasting memories. This oceanfront group campground welcomes parties of up to 30 people per site, offering developed tent camping with all the essentials - restrooms, fire rings, and picnic tables perfectly positioned for sunset dinners. Self-contained RVs can embrace the primitive camping experience here, falling asleep to the rhythmic sound of waves just steps away from their door.
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 SignificanceHistory whispers through the salt air at Emma Wood, where weathered remnants of a World War II coastal artillery site stand as silent sentinels along the shore. These concrete echoes of the past remind visitors that this peaceful beachfront once served as a guardian post, watching over California's coastline during turbulent times - adding a layer of historical intrigue to your seaside camping adventure.
Weather and SeasonsBlessed with Southern California's legendary climate, Emma Wood State Beach beckons year-round with gentle temperatures that rarely stray from comfortable. Whether you're catching morning waves on your surfboard, casting a line into the Pacific at twilight, or taking an afternoon swim in the refreshing ocean waters, the moderate coastal weather creates an endless summer playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
ElevationPerched at sea level where land kisses ocean, the campground offers an intimate connection with the tides and coastal rhythms.
Natural Features and SceneryWake to panoramic views of the Channel Islands emerging from morning mist across the Pacific's endless blue canvas. This pristine stretch of sandy beach serves as nature's amphitheater, where pods of dolphins perform their acrobatic displays and great blue herons strike elegant poses in the shallows. As evening approaches, watch for curious raccoons beginning their twilight wanderings while the Ventura River estuary nearby creates a rich ecosystem where freshwater meets the sea.
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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessibility information is available but specific features are not detailed in the provided materials.
Sites SizeGroup tent sites accommodate up to 10 tents and RV group sites allow RVs with a maximum length of 45 feet.
Sites PrivacySites are grouped and not designed for significant privacy.
Total Campsites90 campsites
Recommended CampsitesGroup sites A, B, C, and D are ideal for tent camping and are three minutes walking from the beach.
Best CampsitesOceanfront group campsites (A-D) highly praised for their proximity to the beach.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
- One night at hike-and-bike sites
- group sites have no explicitly stated stay limit.
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 are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutGroup tent sites (A-D) and RV sites are separate; tent sites include a lighted parking lot, and vehicles must stay on pavement.
Open and Closed SeasonGroup camp open year-round. North Beach campground currently closed for repairs.
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.
Accomodation available
GroupGroup campsites are offered for larger parties such as families, schools, or organizations. These sites provide space and facilities to accommodate multiple people camping together.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Flush toilets
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."
HikingHiking is available along the Omer Rains Coastal Bike Trail, which connects to Ventura and the coast highway to the north.
FishingFishing opportunities include catches of perch, bass, cabezon, and corbina.
SwimmingSwimming is popular due to moderate temperatures and the oceanfront location.
BikingThe Omer Rains Coastal Bike Trail runs from San Buenaventura State Beach to west of Emma Wood State Beach.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing includes songbirds, raccoons, great blue herons, and occasional dolphins offshore.
Beach activitiesBeach-related activities include sunbathing and beachcombing along the oceanfront.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires permitted only in designated fire pits within the campground. Fires prohibited on the beach.
- Quiet hours are 10:00 PM - 6:00 AM
Hazards
General hazardsRailroad tracks adjacent to the campground pose a safety hazard; high tides may temporarily close the campground.
Active alertsNorth Beach campground closed indefinitely due to damaged entrance roads and coastal flooding.
Weather forecast
55
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 85%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 2.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Ventura 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.
Good to know
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are not explicitly detailed but campers are advised to keep their vehicles locked and valuables out of sight.
Proximity to water featuresThe campground is oceanfront and is located three minutes walking from the beach.
Common complaintsNoise from Highway 101 and railroad tracks; limited facilities for tent campers.
HostNo explicit information provided about campground hosts.
Campground Map
Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground, Highway 101, Ventura, CA 93001
Driving directionsThe group camp’s entrance is at the west end of Main Street in Ventura. Accessible via Highway 101.
Access is through paved roads; however, North Beach is currently closed due to damage, requiring careful navigation around affected areas.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.
Camper Reviews
0.0
3 reviews
Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % 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
Users praise the campground for its natural beauty, oceanfront location, and availability for group camping. "Beautiful oceanfront. Three minute walk to beach from campsite."
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."
Campers recommend bringing earplugs due to noise from the highway and railroad. They also advise keeping valuables locked in vehicles.
Moderate temperatures are highlighted as a positive feature year-round, but specific seasonal trends are not detailed.
"From the perspective of camping overnight, I’m bummed to say it was my least favorite camping spot." "Beautiful camp, nature at its finest :)"
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.
Accessibility features are noted but specific reviews addressing these are not provided.
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."
Last updated July 31, 2025