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    Emma Wood State Beach

    3.6 (103 reviews)

    Emma Wood State Beach Photos

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    On a expedition with my boy.
    Dioscoro L.

    Took my kids rv camping for New Years 2022. Friendly environment access to the sandy beach. Can't ask for anything else.

    MatNica V.

    So beautiful and serene. The walking trail towards the back of the campground has a nice sandy beach access! We had the beach to ourselves. Will definitely be coming back

    Good size eating , pan fry.
    Ryan N.

    Great fishing spot for Barred Surfperch. For all you anglers out there, get to Emma Wood SB in the a.m. at least two hours prior to peak high tide. With a size 2 or 4 Owner mosquito hook you'll guarantee a fish. Good luck fishing

    Sesame W.

    Emma Wood State Beach is one of my favorite beaches for day trips. This isn't the beach to take people with physical ailments as it is quite a walk but it is my favorite place for beautiful sunsets, dolphin watching, exploring and a quiet place for reflection. With close proximity to the 101 you initially get some traffic noise until you cross the railroad tracks. Once past the tracks you hear the beautiful rushing of waves and rolling rocks. In the past there has been more trash but recently it appears that more attention is being paid to clean up the trash and encampments. The bathrooms are stinky but are also mid renovation. The water fountains do not work, but there is a shower to rinse your feet.

    John M.

    Wonderful ocean view with the sounds of crashing waves and the smell of salt air while you sleep. No amenities. Beware of the creatures at night. First night there at 4am one of them cut a cable and tried to take my generator.

    Michelle S.

    if you're looking for a place to sleep for the night with your camper, this is it. we got in late, had a spot right next to the water with a view. woke up in the morning, saw a TON of dolphins. ended up having a great surf break so we hit that before we left. i personally wouldn't stay there all day, but a great place to stop and rest and surf.

    This is how close our site was to the highway.  Made for a very loud night and little sleep.
    Kellee N.

    This review is for the Emma Wood Group Camping site, also known as Ventura River Group Camp. The site offers 4 large reservable spots for up to 30 people and 5 cars. There are only 20 parking spots in the campground, so if you have more than 5 cars, you must reserve two spots. We went in July. There was no green grass this time of the year, and the site is covered with dirt, dead grass, and goat-head pokies/stickers. There are flush toilets that are cleaned every morning and a beach style open shower. The site is sandwiched between the 101 highway and train tracks. The train isn't much of a nuisance at all compared to the loud roar of the highway which is particularly noticeable between 10pm and 6am. Bring ear plugs. The city provided all the hardwood firewood we could use and kept a fire going night and day because it was so cold. The wind blows cold all afternoon into the evening. It was a welcome relief from the inland heatwave we were experiencing at home. But be prepared for very cool weather. Straight out from the site about 200 feet is the beach. This stretch is covered with rocks but at low tide you can access a bit of sand. There is a sandy beach 2 miles south. Follow the bike trail for an easy walk. We booked this place because it was available and we had a wonderful time there, but if you plan ahead, you can find a better campground.

    Luis T.

    First time here and we love it. Rustic Beach Camping where you are almost right on the sand. In California no less. No frills. No water. No power. No dump. But what an amazing view from any window in your RV. This will be a common stop for us now. The only reason I don't give it 5 stars is that there is no dump station. For 40.00 per night I would expect at least that. There do have porta-potties and trash bins.

    Hugo C.

    Had a great time camping with my family here, being able to enjoy a bbq just a few feet from the ocean was amazing. The have great areas to build a bonfire and make s'mores. Everyone on site was very friendly and helpful, only thing I have to complain about this place is the parking, the rv parking areas are very uneven and some not very long at all. Not every parking has the room to fit a good size RV. But great location for a get away and enjoy the breeze .

    View from front door
    Mel H.

    Stayed here for 3 nights. It is dry camping and sites are very close.....but the views are phenomenal! We walked down to the beach to boogie board by the lifeguard and the guards were amazing. The current shifted and there was a small rip tide and they went out and talked to the kids. They also explained to the parents about the sand structure on the ocean in the area (sand bars and super shallow but then 8 foot drop). The park was clean and we didn't run across anyone other than campers (some reviews talked about homeless thieves staking out sites and campers to rob). We felt very safe. We didn't leave out anything of value...but we wouldn't any way. We treat camping like our house....when we are at home we don't leave bikes in our front yard unlocked either....so we don't when we camp. I highly recommend this campground!

    Sunset at Emma Wood SB campsite. Beautiful place to stay.  Highly recommend
    Pat C.

    Excellent campsite. Highly recommend especially during this time where we are keeping our distance.

    I hate the dumb wall #60-70.
    SONIA N.

    Whatever you do.. DO NOT PARK YOUR RV/ TRAILER ON SPACES #60-70. You will have a view of "THE WALL" the whole time. I was ecstatic about my visit to Emma Wood.. till I got there and saw our spot :( We were located by the "infamous WALL", I didn't quite understand what the guard meant untill we pulled up. This wall was muddy, from "high tide" the night before. Our spot was a complete mess. Our rugs were full of mud and everything we came in contact with was dirty. There was no reason to even set up here but we did. My husband and I got our chairs and put them on the back of our truck bed just to see the water. I would have to say, It was pretty bad. We were a little depressed for the whole wknd. If these spots are the only ones available the next time I book.. we will NOT be returning. Otherwise, the rest of the campground was awesome! It seemed like all the other spots were really nice. I was curious about tenting in this area(since this isn't the tenting spot), and I did see quite a few tents set up, as long as you stay close to your RV or trailer.

    Cal State Fullerton's Adventure Club camping trip at Emma Wood!
    Kailyn T.

    As for the beach, it's quite lovely! Definitely quiet and peaceful compared to the more crowded beaches further down South, and in that way it could be considered a more hidden gem. The sand is nice, there are quite a few logs to climb along. We went night swimming here without much fear of tides or other troubles. But, the campground sucks. It has nice fire pits and flat ground to lay your tents, but other than that it's basically pointless. There is a "trail" nearby that leads you through some tall grass to the railroad tracks, but it's not much exciting - and you can see the road the whole time. You can HEAR the road the whole time you're camping too, as the freeway is right there and town is practically walking distance away. It's not that I can't sleep with road noise, it's just that I want to hear nature when I'm camping and not cars. I want to be able to go explore when I'm camping! There wasn't really anything there to explore. Overall, it really just felt more like tent sleeping in a backyard rather than actual camping. Might be nice to stop by for a quick visit, but that's it.

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    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - Emma Wood State Beach

    Is there wifi?

    No wifi. Cell service was ok

    Wanting to camp for one night with my Jeep that has a rooftop tent, which I thought would be considered self contained but now I'm worried if we'll be allowed to camp here. If I buy a portable camping toilet setup will they allow us?

    I do not think they will allow any kind of portable toilets. Must be self contained. Sorry.

    Is there somewhere near by to fill up my rig's fresh water? We are driving 7hours to get there and would prefer not to drive with a ton of water.

    No water available at Emma Wood campground, I suggest you fill up before you get to Emma Wood. Really very primitive camping there. And make sure you do not leave any valuables out at night. First I had my bike stolen. Use a good chain for you… 

    Are there any bathrooms (even porta potties) at emma wood state beach?

    Yes. Down by the day use area. There are non by the Rv sites.

    Is there water to fill up trailer at Emma wood?

    No water, but you can fill up and dump at Ventura Beach RV resort down the street for $25

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Emma Wood State Beach

    You are so close to the water you will think your Rv is going to float away.

    Mentioned in 17 reviews

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    Marina Park

    Marina Park

    4.4(110 reviews)
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    Love Marina Park! Such a beautiful place with areas for fishing, two beaches, a kids play ground,…read moreand nice grassy areas for a picnic. It's handicap accessible with some paved paths and makes for a nice short walk to view the inside of the harbor. Bathrooms are usually well kept too. Easy street parking or in their large lot.

    This is my FAVE park in Ventura because - IMO - it has everything you need for a great day at the…read morebeach. Let's start with FREE PARKING! Some local beaches are starting to charge, but this one still offers PLENTY of free parking. In addition, there are multiple playgrounds - including a pirate galleon from when the park was established during my childhood, a THOUSAND years ago! It doesn't have the zip line that caused me to smash my leg into the concrete side, leaving a still visible scar 1,000 years later, which is probably for the best, but a kinder/gentler playground with more modern amenities for today's active child. There is also an expansive grass area, where you will find many local pups bounding about with joy. On the grassy areas, BBQs! Also a protected, man made beach cove with an easy enter, small to no wave water entry. Lots of families prefer to set up their space on the green grass and then make their way to the beach, which is an ideal way to have your picnic sand free! A foot shower is also available to rinse the beach off before you settle back onto your blanket. Plenty of benches, tables and a bathroom that is, if I'm being completely honest, acceptable, but could use an upgrade. If you're more active, make your way to the public dock to launch your kayak, paddle board, etc. I've also seen people fishing from this dock and launching remote control boats - so cute! If you haven't brought your own board or boat, there is a rental kiosk handily available. This is also a great park to stroll through. A clear path goes from the parking lot to the tip of the Ventura Harbor entrance, known as Soter Point, where a beautiful sculpture stands. When I think of the perfect beach park, I think of Marina Park in Ventura. Cheers! "CC"

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    Mondos Beach

    Mondos Beach

    4.6(29 reviews)
    2.8 mi

    Great dog beach with easy parking! Waves are consistent, good place for beginner surfers. Parking…read moreis free on the right side of the street, never had an issue with finding parking.

    This is a great spot for beginning surfers…read more My friends and I used to surf here often. Lately we have been surfing at County Line, but we are planning on coming back soon. This is a real nice place to surf. The break is gentle and rolls in and sometimes reforms, so it is great for longboards. The atmosphere and friendliness of local surfers here is better than anywhere else and this is a great beginner spot to surf; granted, it is up there and way up, just north of Ventura. It is worth the drive though and parking is free just off PCH next the railroad tracks. Be warned, you cannot park here prior to 7am. So if you are here for a dawn patrol be ready to move the car if the park rangers are ticketing. Also, during parts of the year, their are many rocks on entry and exit so booties can be a must here for beginning surfers. Also, the Yelp map for this location is slightly wrong. Keep driving NW (north on PCH) until you reach a distinct white bicycle set up as a memorial to a fallen rider/surfer and you have arrived. As far as the below reviews about the steep rocks, this is true but there is a concrete step like path down next to the chain link fence next to the 1st residential house at the beginning of this spot. See my photos and it is just left of the photos.

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    Ventura Pier - Sea gulls gathering

    Ventura Pier

    4.3(116 reviews)
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    Ventura pier is a long walk over the ocean. Offering cool breezes, the smell of fish and lots of…read morepelicans and seagulls hoping for a bite. I spent many cool summers here as a kid fishing with my dad. The slits in between the wood used to be a lot longer when I was a kid. The pier is a great way to get away from the world. Sometimes you can catch sight of dolphins and seals.

    I visited there two days after that Ventura-to-Barstow CHP chase, where a Subaru drove 200 miles in…read moretwo hours while being pursued by the CHP the entire way. Even NBC 7's helicopter eventually ran out of fuel while trying to film the event! It took me almost an hour in the morning to drive from Pasadena to Ventura Beach. I set the GPS to navigate to the pier, where there is a garage nearby. I drove in and found it completely unattended; the fee booth was empty. After driving around inside, I found an outdoor parking lot that was even closer to the pier. There was no one at the entrance, likely because it is the "off-season." It was less than 20 meters from the parking lot to the wooden steps of the pier. There were fewer than 20 people on the pier that morning, even though it was nearly 8:00 AM. The restaurant wasn't open yet, and they likely don't open during this time of year. Walking on the pier is very peaceful, even if the sound of the sea is quite loud. The public restrooms were clean as well. It is a wonderful break to have on the drive from Los Angeles to San Jose. My recommendation: go there early during the quiet season.

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    Ventura Pier - Ventura Pier

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    Ventura Pier - Ventura Pier

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    Channel Islands National Park - Santa Cruz Island - Channel Islands National Park

    Channel Islands National Park

    4.8(117 reviews)
    5.2 mi

    We visited the Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center and we definitely weren't disappointed!…read moreThere was so much for our nine-year-old to enjoy. He received a Junior Ranger packet with activities to complete, and once he finished, he was officially sworn in as a Junior Ranger. He even got a little wooden badge, which was such a cute touch! The visitor center is also in a great location, right by the Ventura Harbor, with plenty of places to grab ice cream, eat, or do a little shopping. The whole area was clean, nice, and easy to walk around. Such a fun and family-friendly stop, especially if you have kids who love adventures and earning Junior Ranger badges!

    As part of our quest to visit all 63 U.S. national parks, we set off on a six-week road trip. I…read morehave a personal rule: I only count a national park as "visited" if I actually spend time there, hike or walk through it, and truly experience it. On this trip, we visited 14 national parks, and Channel Islands National Park was one of the most unique adventures. Unlike most national parks, getting there is part of the experience. There are no roads leading into the park, you have to take a ferry from Ventura across the Pacific Ocean. Just boarding the boat and watching the mainland disappear behind you makes the trip feel like an expedition to somewhere special. We visited Santa Cruz Island, the largest of the Channel Islands, and immediately understood why these islands are often called the "Galápagos of North America." Thousands of years of isolation have allowed unique plants and animals to evolve here, including the adorable island fox, found nowhere else on Earth. Seeing one of these tiny foxes wandering near the trails was an unexpected highlight. The hiking was beautiful, with dramatic coastal cliffs, sweeping ocean views, wildflowers, and peaceful trails. One of the things we appreciated most was the feeling of solitude. Unlike many of California's more famous parks, Channel Islands feels wonderfully wild and uncrowded. The absolute highlight of our visit, however, was kayaking through the sea caves. Paddling into enormous ocean caves carved by the Pacific was an unforgettable experience. The water changed from deep blue to brilliant turquoise as the sunlight reflected inside the caves, and every turn revealed another incredible rock formation. It was exciting, peaceful, and just a little adventurous all at once. It became one of the most memorable experiences of our entire six-week trip. Because there are no restaurants, hotels, or stores on the islands, you need to come prepared with food, water, and everything you'll need for the day. That lack of development is exactly what makes the park so special. It feels wild, protected, and beautifully untouched. Channel Islands National Park is unlike any other national park we have visited. Between the ferry ride, spectacular coastal scenery, abundant wildlife, wonderful hiking, and unforgettable sea cave kayaking, it was an experience we will never forget. If you're willing to plan ahead and make the journey across the water, you'll discover one of America's true hidden gems.

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    Channel Islands National Park - Santa Cruz Island - Channel Islands National Park

    Santa Cruz Island - Channel Islands National Park

    Channel Islands National Park - Santa Cruz Island - Channel Islands National Park

    Santa Cruz Island - Channel Islands National Park

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    Emma Wood State Beach - campgrounds - Updated September 2026

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