Emma Wood State Beach
CA-1, Ventura, CA 93001, United States
Overview
Located west of Ventura off Highway 101, the North Beach Campground at Emma Wood State Beach has 90 primitive campsites for self-contained RVs and trailers that are divided between upper and lower campgrounds. There are no amenities of any kind, so tent camping is not allowed. The maximum RV length is 40 feet. The campsites aren’t level and contain rough pads made of dirt, asphalt, and other materials. These sites are not accessible for disabled guests. Emma Wood also has four tent-only group camps and a group RV site. Specialty campsites include a hike-and-bike campground for people passing through overnight and an en-route camp for RV campers who are staying overnight for a short period due to late arrival. The park’s peak season runs from the middle of May through Labor Day. Dogs are only allowed in the campgrounds and day-use areas.
Best Campsites at Emma Wood State Beach
Below are Power Camper’s recommended sites if you want to have the best experience at Emma Wood State Beach Campground.
Most Convenient: Sites #1–5
- Closest to the entrance
- Quick access to both highway and beach access road
- Next to additional parking areas
Most Private: Sites #23, #85–90
- Site 23 set apart from other sites on both sides
- Sites 85–90 are located at end of the campground road
- Downside: Sites 85–90 farther from the entrance and highway access
Best Tent-Only Group Site: B
- Close to nature trail, restrooms, and parking
- More secluded and private
- Located farther from highway and railroad noise
Unique Experiences
- Bring your fishing pole along for a peaceful day and the chance to catch corbina, cabezon, perch, and other plentiful species along the shore.
- Lounge by the water with your camera at the ready-to-spot dolphins playing and jumping just off the beach.
- Head to the southeast part of Emma Wood State Beach to see the Ventura River estuary and watch for great blue herons and songbirds.
- If you walk along the beach by the mouth of the Ventura River, you’ll be able to find two enormous concrete rings that used to support cannons back when Emma Wood’s beach was used as a WWII coastal defense area.
Emma Wood State Beach Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
40 FeetMax Length of Stay
30 daysMax people per site
30Max vehicles per site
5Fires allowed?
No fires allowedPets allowed?
Yes, but not on beach/trailsEmma Wood State Beach Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesThe North Beach Campground at Emma Wood only offers primitive camping for self-contained RVs. Sites in the main campground are $40 per night during peak season and $30 the rest of the year. A single night in the en-route RV camping area for late arrivals costs $30 per night. Hikers and bikers who are only passing through may stay at the hike-and-bike site for $10. Reservations are available by phone at 1-800-444-7275 or online at www.reservecalifornia.com. Each reservation will be charged a nonrefundable $7.99 fee. Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
Group camps are located in the Ventura River area. The four tent-only group sites (A, B, C, and D) and the RV group site may be reserved at www.reservecalifornia.com or by calling 1-800-444-7275. A standard tent-only group site is $130 per night with a maximum of 30 people and 5 vehicles. The RV primitive group site is $360 per night. It can accommodate up to 50 people and 20 self-contained RVs.
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
To cancel a reservation, call 1-800-444-7275 or submit a cancellation request on www.reservecalifornia.com. Campers who cancel will lose their original booking fee and an additional $7.99 penalty for canceling. If you cancel after 6 p.m. the evening before you’re scheduled to arrive, you will be charged for the first night even if you aren’t there.
Emma Wood State Beach Campground Cost
Standard Campsite during peak season
$40Standard Campsite during rest of the year
$30Group Campsite
$360Activities
Fishing
Whale Watching
Hiking
Bike Trails
Surfing / Windsurfing
Swimming
Canoeing / Kayaking
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Campfire Rings
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to Emma Wood State Beach
Emma Wood State Beach doesn’t offer any amenities, so most nearby campgrounds will provide a more comfortable stay for guests who value campground resources.
However, Emma Wood is unique for group camping because it has multiple sites, including a group RV campsite. This may make it the better option for extremely large groups that exceed the occupancy limit at other campgrounds.
Carpinteria State Beach
Carpinteria State Beach differs significantly from Emma Wood since it offers full hookups with 30-amp electric at many of its sites. This location also has multiple group sites for a higher nightly cost of $180 for the smallest sites. The max occupancy ranges from 25 to 40 people.
Point Mugu State Park
The Thornhill Broome campground has some tent-only sites and mixed-use sites that allow tents. RVs and trailers have a size restriction of 31 feet long and 12 feet wide. There are some potage water spigots and vault toilets.
The Jolla Group Campsite can fit more guests than the Ventura River sites, with an occupancy limit of 50 guests and 16 vehicles. This state park also features a backcountry site without any amenities roughly 2.5 miles from the main campground.
Leo Carrillo State Park
Leo Carrillo's campground includes some sites with 20-amp, 30-amp, and 50-amp power. There is a dump station on site. RVs and trailers must be under 31 feet in length and 13.5 in height, and tent camping is allowed. Restrooms, drinking water, and pay-per-use showers are available within the campground. Dogs are allowed on the beach in some areas.
Refugio State Beach
Refugio State Beach has more trees and isn’t located as close to highways and other sources of noise. It’s also more expensive, with regular sites available at $45 per night and premium sites available for $55 per night during the peak season. There are no hookups, but the campground has a store, flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Tent camping is permitted.
