North Beach Campground
3.8572 reviewsHighway 101, Ventura, CA 93001
North Beach Campground
$40.00 - $40.00
Campsite Fees
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
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 vehicles are charged an extra fee, with a maximum of three vehicles allowed per campsite.
About this 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.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo ADA-accessible pathways to the beach; users have noted difficulties with accessibility.
Sites SizeSite lengths vary from 25 to 45 feet, but many are described as unlevel, rocky, and eroded.
Sites PrivacySites are closely spaced with minimal privacy, often parallel to the beach or backing onto rocks.
Total Campsites90 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose 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.
Best CampsitesSeveral campers have recommended site #77 for its proximity to the sand and rocks, and site #86 for its large back-in area with easy access to the beach.
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 14 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 are 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.
Open and Closed SeasonThe campground is open year-round, but current closures are in effect due to damage from coastal flooding.
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.
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.
Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed in rock fire pits built by visitors. Fire rings or grills are not provided.
- Quiet hours are between 10:00 PM and 6:00 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential 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.
Weather forecast
60
°F
Aug 2
Saturday
Overcast
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 95%
High humidity, may feel muggy
Wind: 3.1 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Overcast
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
The 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.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season generally encompasses late spring through early fall.
Trash and recyclingTrash facilities are limited. Users report the presence of trash at certain campsites such as #13.
Proximity to 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.
Common complaintsRecurring complaints include lack of amenities, noise from trains and highway traffic, and poorly maintained roads leading to the campground.
HostThe campground has friendly park rangers and staff, but no dedicated host services are mentioned.
Campground Map
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.
Camper Reviews
3.9
72 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
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.
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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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.
No ADA-friendly paths to the beach; rocky terrain often cited as a major obstacle.
Dogs are allowed on leash within the campground but not on the beach. Rangers reportedly enforce leash rules.
Last updated July 20, 2025