Camping in the 805 Region of California: Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties
If you're looking for a way to get outside, slow down and experience the natural beauty of California's Central Coast, camping in the 805 region of California is a great place to start. From oceanfront campsites and sandy beaches to oak-covered mountains, inland lakes and rugged coastal landscapes, the 805 region offers camping experiences for just about every type of outdoor adventure.
The 805 region covers Ventura County, Santa Barbara County and San Luis Obispo County, creating one of California's most diverse areas for outdoor recreation. You can wake up next to the Pacific Ocean, spend the day hiking through coastal mountains, paddle on a lake or explore miles of open beach, all within the same general region.
Whether you're searching for beach camping in the 805, family campgrounds, tent camping, RV camping, camping near Santa Barbara, camping near Ventura or camping near San Luis Obispo, there are plenty of places to get outside.
Photo by Alfred Boivin on Unsplash
How We Selected These Camping Areas
The camping destinations below highlight highly rated and frequently reviewed camping areas in each of the three 805 counties. Google ratings and review counts can change over time, so the ratings shown here are a snapshot of publicly available Google user review information researched in August 2026.
Best Camping in Ventura County
Ventura County is an ideal destination for campers who want a combination of beach camping, mountain camping and outdoor recreation. The county stretches from the Pacific coastline into the Los Padres National Forest, with opportunities for hiking, fishing, surfing, wildlife viewing and camping beneath the stars.
Emma Wood State Beach
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Location: Ventura, California
For classic beach camping in Ventura, Emma Wood State Beach is hard to beat. Located directly along Pacific Coast Highway west of Ventura, the campground puts you close to the ocean and offers an easy way to combine camping with beach walks, sunsets, surfing and coastal exploration.
The location is particularly appealing for campers who want to spend less time driving and more time outdoors. The campground is also close enough to Ventura for restaurants, supplies and other activities when you want a break from camp life. Publicly available Google review information shows a 4.6 rating with thousands of reviews.
Lake Casitas Recreation Area
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Location: Ventura/Ojai area, California
For campers who prefer lake camping in Ventura County, Lake Casitas Recreation Area offers a very different experience from the county's coastal campgrounds. The recreation area surrounds a large reservoir and provides opportunities to enjoy nature, fishing, boating, hiking and other outdoor activities.
The large recreation area offers hundreds of campsites and accommodates tents, tent trailers, campers and RVs.
Faria Beach Park
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Location: Ventura County, California
Faria Beach Park is a favorite for coastal camping near Ventura. Situated along Pacific Coast Highway, the campground delivers the kind of California camping experience many outdoor enthusiasts are looking for: ocean views, fresh coastal air and easy access to the beach.
The area is especially attractive to people who enjoy combining camping with surfing, fishing, beachcombing and watching the sunset over the Pacific.
Hobson Beach Park
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Location: Ventura County, California
Hobson Beach Park offers another opportunity for oceanfront camping in Ventura County. Located along the Pacific Coast Highway, it provides access to the coast and is well suited to campers who want a simple outdoor getaway without traveling far from the Ventura area.
Spend the day walking the beach, watching the waves, fishing or simply relaxing beside the Pacific before settling in for an evening outdoors.
Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Location: Santa Paula, California
If you're looking for family camping near Ventura, Ventura Ranch KOA offers a more activity-oriented camping experience in the Santa Paula area. The campground is surrounded by a natural canyon setting and provides opportunities for families to spend time outdoors together.
It is a good alternative for campers who want more amenities and activities than a traditional campground. The property is also known for family-oriented activities and outdoor attractions.
Best Camping in Santa Barbara County
Santa Barbara County combines some of the most scenic beach campgrounds in California with mountain, lake and backcountry camping. The county's coastline is particularly popular because campers can wake up near the Pacific and spend the day exploring beaches, trails and coastal communities.
Carpinteria State Beach
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Location: Carpinteria, California
Carpinteria State Beach is one of the most popular places for camping near Santa Barbara and one of the highest-rated camping destinations in the 805. The campground sits beside a broad stretch of coastline and offers easy access to the beach.
Camping here makes it easy to turn a weekend into a full outdoor getaway. Walk the shoreline, explore tidepools, enjoy the coastal scenery and take advantage of nearby Carpinteria for food and supplies.
Santa Barbara County's beach campgrounds are among the region's most popular outdoor destinations, particularly during the summer and fall camping seasons.
Refugio State Beach
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Location: Goleta, California
Refugio State Beach is a beautiful choice for beach camping in Santa Barbara County. The campground is located along the coast west of Santa Barbara and provides a scenic setting for enjoying the ocean, beach and surrounding coastal landscape.
Campers can spend their days walking along the shoreline, exploring the coast and enjoying the slower pace of an overnight beach camping trip.
Gaviota State Park
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Location: Gaviota/Goleta, California
Gaviota State Park is another strong option for camping on the Santa Barbara coast. The park combines beaches, coastal scenery and access to outdoor recreation, making it a good base for travelers who want to explore the western Santa Barbara County coastline.
The combination of ocean views and nearby hiking opportunities makes Gaviota a natural choice for an active camping weekend. The park includes coastal and inland terrain, giving campers opportunities to explore beyond the campground.
Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Location: Santa Barbara County, California
Not every camping adventure in the 805 needs to happen beside the ocean. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers lake camping near Santa Barbara surrounded by the Santa Ynez Mountains.
The area is well suited to campers looking for fishing, hiking, boating and a more inland outdoor experience. Santa Barbara County lists tent, trailer and RV camping among the recreation area's options, along with hiking, fishing and boating activities.
Jalama Beach County Park
Google Rating: 4.8/5
Location: Lompoc, California
For campers looking for a more secluded California beach camping experience, Jalama Beach is worth the drive. Located along a remote stretch of Santa Barbara County coastline, Jalama feels removed from the busier beach communities.
The combination of ocean scenery, hiking, beach exploration and a more isolated setting makes it particularly appealing to campers who want to disconnect and spend more time outdoors.
Photo by Victor Larracuente on Unsplash
Best Camping in San Luis Obispo County
San Luis Obispo County may be the ultimate outdoor camping destination in the 805. The county offers dramatic beaches, sand dunes, coastal mountains, lakes, forests and some of the Central Coast's most recognizable landscapes.
Whether you're searching for camping near Pismo Beach, camping near Morro Bay, coastal camping or a campground near San Luis Obispo, there are plenty of ways to get outside.
Montaña de Oro State Park
Google Rating: 4.9/5
Location: Los Osos, California
Montaña de Oro State Park is one of the standout outdoor destinations in the entire 805. With a very high Google user rating and thousands of reviews, it is a natural choice for campers and outdoor enthusiasts looking for dramatic coastal scenery.
The park is known for rugged cliffs, beaches, trails and sweeping views of the Pacific. Camping here provides an opportunity to combine camping, hiking and coastal exploration in one trip.
For hikers and photographers, Montaña de Oro is particularly appealing because the landscape changes from beach and coastal bluffs to inland hills and trails.
Morro Bay State Park
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Location: Morro Bay, California
Morro Bay State Park is a great choice for camping near Morro Bay and exploring one of the Central Coast's most recognizable landscapes. The park sits beside the bay and provides access to hiking, birdwatching, boating and coastal recreation.
The iconic Morro Rock provides a dramatic backdrop, while nearby Morro Bay offers restaurants, shops and other attractions when you're ready to leave the campground for a while.
Hearst San Simeon State Park
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Location: San Simeon/Cambria, California
Hearst San Simeon State Park is an excellent option for camping near Cambria and San Simeon. The area combines coastal scenery, hiking opportunities and access to one of the most scenic stretches of Highway 1.
It's a particularly good choice for campers planning a longer Central Coast road trip. Spend a night or two outdoors, explore the nearby coastline and continue north or south along Highway 1.
Morro Strand State Beach
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Location: Morro Bay, California
Morro Strand State Beach delivers another classic beach camping experience on the Central Coast. The campground sits near the ocean with views toward Morro Rock and provides opportunities for fishing, surfing, beach walks, wind sports and birdwatching.
Morro Strand is a popular choice for anyone searching for beach camping near Morro Bay and wanting to spend more time outdoors.
Pismo State Beach
Google Rating: 4.4/5 for the Oceano Campground
Location: Oceano, California
Pismo State Beach is a great option for camping near Pismo Beach and exploring the southern San Luis Obispo County coastline. The area is surrounded by dunes, beaches and coastal scenery, making it a natural destination for outdoor recreation.
The Oceano Campground provides convenient access to the beach and nearby dunes. Google user reviews frequently highlight the campground's proximity to the beach, clean facilities and unique sand-dune environment.
Why Camping in the 805 Should Be on Your Outdoor Adventure List
One of the best things about camping in Ventura, Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties is the sheer variety of landscapes within a relatively compact region.
Want to sleep next to the Pacific? Choose a coastal campground.
Want mountains and oak trees? Head inland.
Want fishing and lake recreation? Try one of the region's reservoirs.
Want hiking and dramatic scenery? Explore the coastal parks and mountains.
Want a family camping trip? The 805 has campgrounds with activities and amenities designed for families.
And for those who simply want to unplug, pitch a tent and spend a night beneath the stars, there are plenty of opportunities to escape the noise and reconnect with the outdoors.
Plan Your Next 805 Region of California Camping Trip
Before heading out, check current campground conditions, fire restrictions, weather, trail conditions and reservation requirements. Popular 805 campgrounds can fill quickly during summer, holiday weekends and other peak travel periods.
Whether you're planning tent camping in Ventura County, beach camping in Santa Barbara County, camping near Pismo Beach or a hiking and camping trip in San Luis Obispo County, the 805 offers an incredible variety of ways to get outside.
Pack your tent, grab your hiking shoes and start exploring. The 805 is your backyard for outdoor adventure.
Search Our Business Directory
Find additional camp areas and campgrounds using our 805 Business Directory. Discover local businesses, services, and resources to help make your next outdoor adventure even better.
Published August 15, 2026, In 805 Media (in805.com)