Emma Wood State Beach Campground California
Emma Wood State Beach Overview
Emma Wood State Beach campground has 90 beach-front primitive campsites and all have beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. All campsites are for self-contained vehicles only (no tent or car camping allowed). The campsites are not too level and may contact a mixture of asphalt, dirt, rocks and debris; but hey – you can’t beat the beachfront property! The maximum trailer/RV length is 40 feet.
This is a primitive campground and there is no water, dump station, electricity, phones or tables. There are about 6 vault toilets located at the check in station. You can make reservations from mid-May through Labor Day. After that it is first-come, first-serve. Keep in mind that high-tides may close the campground at any time (elevation is only a few feet).
Group and hike/bike camping are also available at Ventura River Group Camp. The group sites offer developed tent camping for groups of up to 30 people and primitive RV camping for groups up to 50 people and 20 vehicles. The maximum length for an RV is 45 feet. Facilities include restrooms, water (no hook-ups), fire rings, tables, and a lighted parking lot.
Emma Wood State Beach – Area Recreation
Emma Wood State Beach has a moderate climate and is popular for surf fishing, swimming (although the water is chilly), biking, beach combing, photography, whale watching and wildlife viewing. A freshwater marsh at the southwest end of the beach attract raccoons, songbirds and red-tailed hawks. The beach also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site.
Faria Beach County Park campground is just a few miles up the coast. And you may also like Lake Casitas Recreation Area.
Make a Reservation for Emma Wood State Beach
Amenities
- Fire Rings
- Group Camping
- Pets OK
- Restrooms (Vault Toilets)
Activities
- Beach
- Beach Access
- Beach Combing
- Biking
- Bird Watching
- Creek
- Fishing
- Hiking
- Historic Sites
- Iron Ranger
- Kayaking
- Kite Surfing
- Mountain Biking
- Nature Trails
- Ocean
- Photography
- Picnicking
- Stargazing
- Surf Fish
- Surfing
- Swimming
- Walking Trails
- Whale Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Emma Wood State Beach sold out? Get an alert when a campsite becomes available at Emma Wood State Beach!
Create AlertBest Campsites
Take your pick - all are beachfront!
Regions
Campsite Types
- ADA
- Group
- Primitive
- RV
- Trailer
Season:
Year Round
Elevation:
4
# of Campsites:
90
Emma Wood State Beach Photos & Video
Emma Wood State Beach Comments & Reviews
Visited Emma Wood State Beach Campground lately? We'd love to hear about your adventure. Did you find us useful? Did we forget something? Anything our community should know before heading out to Emma Wood State Beach?
We were wondering what the fee to camp at Emma Woods Beach is and how long can we stay. Thank you!
HI Diane,
Camping at Emma Wood State Beach is $40 per night (peak season) and $30 per night (off season). There’s also a $7.99 reservation fee. You can stay up to 14 consecutive days at Emma Woods State Beach campground. You can click on the ‘Make A Reservation’ button to check availablity, pricing and make reservations.
Do you offer Day passes?
Hi Sonia,
You can park right next to Emma Wood State Beach and you don’t need a day pass. You do need a reservation to enter the campground area.
What section of campgrounds are back up to ocean and not parallel with the ocean. Thanks.
Hi Jamie,
I’d say 90% of the campsites at Emma Wood State Beach campground are back in. You can get an idea from the photos.
Would a small tent be allowed next to our RV for our grandson?
Hi Christiane,
Emma Wood State Beach campground only allows self-contained RVs or Trailers. Tent camping is not allowed. Sorry about that.
does Emma Wood State Beach gave any portable toilets
Yes, Emma Wood State Beach has vault toilets down by the check in station/kiosk under the bridge.
We have a van, two service animals’ and a pop up toilet tent. Would this work here?
Hi Amy,
Not sure if the host/park ranger will allow. I recommend you give them a call to check at: 805 968-1033
Hello,
I am planning to try and get a couple nights in at Emma Woods North beach with a RV on a first come first serve basis. I have never done this before. Is it as simple as driving up and finding a spot and parking and then paying the park Ranger? Or do you pull up to a gate and they tell you if there is space and which spaces? Lastly, what is the earliest time you can show for first come first serve? Thank you and stay safe.
Paul
Hi Paul,
Great question! If a ranger is on duty, you’ll check in with them first to see what first-come, first-serve campsites are available at Emma Wood State Beach. If there isn’t a ranger on duty (self-pay), you can go pick any that are not occupied and/or reserved. Thanksgiving weekend will probably be busy – maybe sold out, but midweek and other weekends (November – May) should have a good amount of campsites available. Check in is 2pm, but you can get there around 11am and see if any sites are available. If you’re planning on the Thanksgiving weekend – I’d advise trying to get there on Tuesday or Wednesday to try and get a site. Hope this helps. Best of luck and have fun!
Will spot 80 work for a 29″ class A?
Hi Ricky,
Campsite #80 is listed with a pad length of 28 feet. With that said – there’s some overhang area and room to angle your trailer if needed. It should fit fine.
I know we are allowed 2 vehicles with extra charge, is there room for 2 cars at the campsite?
Hi Kimberly,
It depends on the campsite, but most all of the campsites at Emma Wood State Beach can fit two vehicles.
Hello,
Is there a gate that closes at a certain time? I am wondering if I arrive after hours if I’ll be able to get to my reserved spot.
Hi Mary,
As far as I know, the gate remains open when the campground is open.
Which spot would be better for a 32 foot RV, site 16 or site 85?
Hi Kim,
Campsite #16 lists a parking pad length of 26 feet. Campsite #84 has a parking pad length of 45 feet.
Are you allowed to pull a motor home straight in for a better view out the front? My site is #10
Hi R.C.
Yes – you can!