There is just something to be said about being in the outdoors that I simply just can't get enough of. Maybe it's the sound of the free flowing water, the birds chirping or just watching wildlife do its thing. Maybe it's the sun beaming down on my skin, which truly makes me feel alive. or maybe, Just maybe, it's just being one with Nature and simply feeling the gratitude for all it has to offer. Hey, maybe it's all of the above! Whatever is it is.... I. Love. It. And for me, one of the best parts of living where I live; I am always amazed on how close nature is right in my own backyard or within just a short drive from my home. Well this past April, my wife's friend introduced us to yet another great destination right here in Ventura County and it was the perfect start to our Spring Break. ----------------------- Welcome to Foster Park located in Ventura right off the California 33. The morning of, we packed a picnic style lunch, snacks for the kids, our water bottles, our bathing suits, some sunscreen and off we went to Ventura to meet our friend with her two little kids. Upon our arrival, we parked in a small dirt lot under the 33 freeway overpass adjacent to Foster Park and loaded all of our stuff onto our stroller and off we went. A paved bike path with bicyclists, walkers, joggers, and families, were all making their way into the park. Of course, our friend who is a Foster Park regular showed us the way and guided us to her normal spot which happens to be right on the creek side water front. Yes, we made our way down the short path to the water which is perfect for all ages, but especially if you have littles (our youngest who is 2 had a blast). It's an area with water that's flowing in parts, but still an area for the kids to go ankle to knee deep to play. We did find tadpoles, frogs, and dragonflies. There are areas to plop down next to the water, set up an umbrella or find a spot under some shade and watch your kids have fun or eat your picnic lunch you packed. The park also has areas to visit that are historical to the region; we will definitely check those out next visit. The one thing I forgot, but will not forget again are some water shoes. There are lots of rocks on the water that can be tender to your feet as well as some mossy rocks that are slippery... I found out the hard way and let's just say I took a little unexpected dip into the water. Hey it cooled me off! Haha. There is a campground here so definitely look into that if you are traveling or want to book some camping with the fam. So.... Who is ready to put that phone down, power off that iPad, and get outdoors and escape some screen time! I guarantee this place will refresh your heart, your soul and your mind. Now, get outdoors & Enjoy! read more

Foster Park - Parking Right under the 33 baby! - Parks Near Me - Ventura, California

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It's been awhile since we have been to foster park... since it closed... it was such an awesome park but just before closing people started throwing trash and it started to look bad... to be honest this is why I thought they closed it!!! I hope they open it soon so we can enjoy it once again...but if they do and if I see anyone throwing trash and leaving their mess there...I definitely will make sure they know that it is our park and they damn well better respect it!!! Citations/ fines given out might help to STOP these vagrants from on trashing this beautiful park.. and ALL others also!!!! read more

This spot is such a gem! But with every gem they are some cons. There gate is closed so parking on site is no longer allowed. We parked by the highway exit and walked a half mile with all our stuff. Definitely bring a wagon for the walk and all your stuff. We got to the creek and it was busy so be prepared for crowds. Since it's a natural spring the water it was a bit cold. Bring water shoes as the creek floor is filled with rocks. I enjoyed hanging in the floatie and enjoying the scenery. read more

Foster Park - Scenic views - Parks Near Me - Ventura, California

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First time at Foster residence but not our last! We loved the tranquillity and the Forrest camping feel. Absolutely stunning place, very quite! The bathrooms are super clean and well maintain. Campsites are big with plenty of room, your neighbor is not directly next to you. We have been to sites where it's too enclosed. Stayed at site 8 full hook ups, there are some sites with no hook ups.The Parkhost lady is super nice. Came by and introduced herself and gave us the rules to follow as well as what to do near us. Be careful if you wonder off the trail as there is lots of poison ivy here. Nice hiking trails to go on walks, the Ventura river is near by. Ojai valley ranch market is 8 minutes away, fresh meat and anything else you may need to make delicious food. Glad we got to experience it. This place is perfect for night photography, we had over cast the second night so didn't get much star pics. Very little light pollution so it's awesome. We will be back soon. read more

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The bike trail is such a pretty ride! It's a 9 mile ride from Foster park and dups you right into the heart of downtown Ojai. I ride my bike on much longer and difficult rides regularly. However if you are someone who doesn't do a lot of trails or mileage, this really is an easy, pretty ride. The path is paved like 99% of the time, there are a few pretty bridges, and there are signs along the way, I promise you won't get lost. There's plenty of shade from the large trees making the weather so nice even if it's a hot day. Plus, you can see the little downtown Ojai area when you're done! read more

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Great place for the kids to play! Right off the freeway too. The park has lots of shade & is very clean!! Great for a picnic & swimming in the river. Dont forget your sunscreen & water shoes!! (Lots of rocks) For those who ride the bus: the #16 bus leaves you right by the entrance! read more

Foster Park - My Kids playing in the river - Parks Near Me - Ventura, California

What a beautiful scenic area, only minutes away from downtown Ventura. It's a total change of climate and topography then the beach area that is only maybe 20 minutes away. I look forward to staying at a camp next time I go up there for a weekend getaway, it's close to Ojai, downtown Ventura, and so many other places up the coast. Santa Barbara Carpinteria. There is an old amphitheater out there. It seems almost unused I would love to see more events there. It's a definite destination for locals and travelers. read more

Do NOT take site 8. Tiny. Absolutely no portion is level. Garbage everywhere. One foot of leaves puled around the picnic table. Access to the river across the street is dangerously steep and lots of poison oak. The "amazing" trail is not maintained. I'd not be back. read more

Nice outdoors area for walking/jogging/biking for some outside exercise. The actual park is closed to the public so no public bathrooms or availability to barbecue due to COVID. A lot of folks who are here don't do the social distancing or the masks , at least when we came out the other day. I can't give 5 stars because the Park is closed due to the lockdown and i cannot really experience the park like normal so this review is mostly about the people who attend the park. If you're trying to hit a nice little walking/running/bike path I would consider this a place for that I'm sure once things open back up it'll be better and I'll be able to update my review to reflect that as well read more

I loved this park! The river is one of the cleanest I have seen. The water is so clear and cold but it is very slippery be careful and wear shoes the rocks are pointy and they hurt my bare feet. Perfect for during the week relaxation but during the weekends it gets packed with people having parties. Many drink and smoke and bring grills and dogs so be prepared. If you come early you can enjoy the river in peace read more

Foster Park - The small waterfall of the river - Parks Near Me - Ventura, California

It's probably hard for most to imagine that Foster Park once was more that merely a Park ,a bridge, & the often spoken of Foster Park Bowl. No, it was once a sleepy little town with homes, businesses, & the railroad at the center of it all, that is until the mid to late sixties when it would be torn down to make way for the Ojai Freeway. What was left was a quiet little park that E.P. foster donated to the City in order to conserve the land. Its a great place to go for camping or if you would like to spend a day surrounded by shaded trees and nature, it used to be a quiet place to go, but as the years have gone by at the traffic has grown, you can't ignore the whirring sound of engines passing by. The next time your driving the Ojai Freeway into Casitas Springs, try and imagine it almost 50 years ago when it was more than just an asphalt road and it was place people called home. read more

Foster Park - Forgotten Foster Park- Book Released 6//8/15 - Parks Near Me - Ventura, California

This park is another shining example of why it is so great to live in Ventura County. Kudos to the Ventura County Parks employees and the Rangers for what they do. Park is small, quiet and very clean. I had site 8 which is huge and super fun for the kids. Lots of oak trees, climbing rocks and even a bridge over a stream in my campsite. The hiking in the area is outstanding and there are some cool old relics to see like the old amphitheater. The park is well policed by the camp host and the ranger who I saw quite frequently. This is definitely a low key family park not for partiers be advised. The hookups are in good shape and placed well. Excellent fire rings and the concrete slabs were some of the best I have seen. My site had one that was 63' I was blown away. I have really enjoyed Tapo St and Foster. I'm going back in March! read more

Foster Park - Trail from residence to red mountain campgrounds. - Parks Near Me - Ventura, California

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Took holiday pictures there and took my senior pics two years ago here and it's such an amazing beautiful place to hang out and site see

This place was great my son had a blast in the river. Some parts of the rivers water look a little murky green color and some clear and clean you just have to look for the right spot. Lots of fish in the river we also found frogs! Its great for kids to explore don't forget sunscreen and to bring food and water as the restaurants and markets are a bit far from this place. read more

Close to the freeway, so there is a lot of traffic noise. Some folks seem content to let the dogs they brought bark most of the night, too. Not much in the way of trees, it was mostly a dusty road with camp sites branching off of it. read more

They don't allow dogs here so it is perfect to bring your cats on a leash. Parking is not free, but I don't mind supporting my County. I like going for walks in this park....it has helped me lose weight. Park is not huge, but I like it. read more

So quiet and just off the highway to Ojai. Plenty of shade, plenty of parking...nice and peaceful.

Stayed for 2 nights and enjoyed it very much. Only negative is the constant road noise from Hwy 33. It goes on into the wee small hours and is very hard to ignore. Overall satisfactory and would do again. Close to Ojai and Ventura. Campground host does a good job of keeping noise and undesirables to a minimum. read more

Very clean, well maintained facility. Large concrete pads. The camp host was very friendly and helpful. Also well patrolled by rangers keeping things safe and peaceful. read more

well, we hadn't made Memorial day weekend reservations and this was the only walk-up campground in area with available sites so we took it happily. It is close to road, road noise, small, not really close to any hiking trails and the playground was closed. Short walk to neat, deserted ampitheater built in 1928. Wouldn't be my first choice but awfully glad it was there when we were desperate. Bathrooms were okay, not filthy, not totally clean, no liners for toilet seats. V. Close to ojai a nd lake casitas which was great. $20 for tent site, $34 for RV. read more