Emma Wood State Beach RV & Campground Guide
California
Emma Wood State Beach
in Ventura, CA, became an official state beach in 1957. Named after Emma Grubb Wood, who owned a sheep ranch rich in oil that once covered the property, this beach is located on the Santa Barbara Channel along the west side of the Ventura River estuary. It's now a popular destination for fishing, swimming, walking, and surfing.
Spring 51-70 F
Summer 61-73 F
Fall 47-73 F
Winter 47-65 F
Ventura, CA
Oxnard, CA
RV Resorts & Campsites in Emma Wood State Beach
There are two main camping opportunities close to and on the state beach. Since the campsite locations near the state beach generally do not allow tent camping, Emma Wood State Beach is a great destination for RVers.
If you do not own an RV, consider getting a rental from RVshare. There are many different RV models and sizes to suit your party size and budget. All RV rentals include insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Emma Wood State Beach Campground
Emma Wood State Beach offers 90 beachfront primitive campsites for self-contained vehicles. Due to small turnaround areas, the maximum RV length allowed is 40 feet. Imagine waking up on the beach without having to drive anywhere. This the perfect spot if you want to stay close to the ocean, have a self-contained RV unit, and are planning a shorter stay. Prices are $40/day for spots on the North Beach front.
• Water hookup: No
• Electrical hookup: No
• Sewer hookup: No
• Wi-Fi: No
• Pet-friendly: Yes, pets on leashes are allowed
• Other amenities: Hiking and biking trails, WWII Coastal Artillery remnants, Mission San Buenaventura
Ventura River Group Campground
If you want to stay in the area for a longer period of time and require extra amenities, then the Ventura River Group Campground is your next best and closest option. The campground is located near the Seaside Wilderness Park, and the Emma Wood River Trail is easily accessible from the campsite. This trail, which goes directly to the beachfront, is great for hiking in the oceanside wilderness. The campground offers access for RVs up to 45 feet in length. Site fees start from $130 per night and go up to $360 per night for a group RV site.
What to Do at
Emma Wood State Beach
Inside Emma Wood State Beach
With all of the trails, surrounding wilderness areas, and beautiful views, there is no shortage of activities to enjoy at Emma Wood State Beach. If you want to enjoy the water, be sure to bring your swimming trunks and fishing gear. The beachfront biking and walking trails are also fun. This is a popular destination for both visitors from afar and local residents due to its beautiful moderate temperatures and well-preserved wilderness areas.
Outside Emma Wood State Beach
While Emma Wood State Beach may feel isolated, it's only 3.5 miles from downtown Ventura. This area is home to plenty of local attractions, restaurants, shopping, and even wine tours. The region basks in a beach-friendly culture.
Restaurants
Lure Fish House
Located 1.9 miles from Emma Wood State Beach, Lure Fish House offers local cuisine, seafood, and vegetarian and vegan food options. Many consider it the top restaurant in Ventura for seafood.
Type: Seafood
Location: Ventura
Pete’s Breakfast House Restaurant
Located in Ventura just 3.2 miles from Emma Wood State Beach, this is the top American food restaurant in the area. It is a great, affordable place to order a breakfast plate. Take a break from cooking breakfast and doing the cleanup and enjoy a delicious breakfast or brunch out at this local spot.
Type: American
Location: Ventura
Café Nouveau
This is a popular spot for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. While known for American fusion food choices, they also offer vegetarian and vegan options as well as coffee. This cafe is located less than 3 miles from Emma Wood State Beach.
Type: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Location: Ventura
Beach House Tacos
Located 2.1 miles from the state beach, this restaurant is rated highly for quick bites in Ventura. They specialize in Mexican food and seafood, and they offer vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free options. If you’re looking to switch things up and enjoy some delicious fish tacos, then Beach House Tacos could be a great option.
Type: Mexican
Location: Ventura
Dargan’s Irish Pub & Restaurant
Just 2 miles from the state beach in Ventura, Dargan’s is a great location for small to medium-sized groups looking to get out and enjoy some local Irish fare. Past patrons rave about how similar this establishment is to pubs in Ireland. They are also vegetarian-friendly and are open for lunch, dinner, late-night dining, and drinks.
Type: Irish Pub
Location: Ventura
Shopping
Ventura Harbor Village
Rated best for shopping in Ventura, the Harbor Village is a quaint little harbor area. Here, you can enjoy some ice cream, shop for specialty gifts, eat delicious seafood, and take part in some whale watching while enjoying the sunset. There is a lot to do in this little shopping village area.
Location: Ventura
Ventura Flea Market
If you really want to see something different, then the Ventura Flea Market may appeal to you. With over 300 shops, this a great place to shop for some unique memorabilia from local artists and vendors.
Location: Ventura
Antique Adventures
If you love antiques and oddities, then you’ll love this mall. It offers a place for vendors to sell a variety of antiques and odd items. If you’re staying at Emma Wood State Beach for a long period of time, this can be a great place to wander into times' past.
Location: Ventura
Sightseeing
Serra Cross Park
Located less than 2 miles from Emma Wood State Beach, Serra Cross Park is a must-see attraction. It provides incredible panoramic views of a beautiful large cross that was built to commemorate the Franciscan Order in 1793.
Location: Ventura
Ventura to Ojai Paved Bike Path
If you’re looking for a good workout and a bit of adventure, then this bike path will not disappoint. The path is fully paved, making it great for all types of pedal bikes. It also has room for walkers, so if you’re not into cycling, you’ll enjoy walking this trail.
Location: Ventura
Ventura Botanical Gardens
If you love beautiful plants, you’re sure to enjoy this hike. You'll get to see views of Ventura and its breathtaking coastline. The hillsides and gardens contain beautiful and rare plants and flowers that you can enjoy as you hike to the top.
Location: Ventura
How to Get to
Emma Wood State Beach
It is quite easy to access Emma Wood State Beach since there is only one highway that brings you there. If you're traveling north from Ventura, take U.S. 101 N toward Santa Barbara. Take exit 72 toward State Beaches and continue on CA-1 N. Then, turn left onto State Beach Access Road. It is approximately 3.4 miles from downtown Ventura.
If you are traveling south from Santa Barbara, take U.S. 101 S to CA-1 S/Pacific Coast Highway in Ventura County. Take exit 78 from U.S. 101 S and follow CA-1 S/Pacific Coast Highway to State Beach Access Road. It is approximately 25 miles from downtown Santa Barbara.
Entering Emma Wood State Beach
Emma Wood State Beach is open daily from dawn to dusk. You can purchase annual passes depending on the type of vehicle you drive and how often you plan to visit the beach.
Day permits : $5
Per vehicle
Annual permits : $50
Per vehicle
You'll love taking an RV trip to Emma Wood State Beach. Once you’ve explored and enjoyed all of what this beautiful state beach has to offer, you'll most certainly enjoy the sights and sounds of Ventura. While you’re there, please tag RVshare in your social media posts. While you’re at it, would you like to share photos from your adventure with RVshare at [email protected]? The site may feature your adventure in an upcoming blog post or with followers on social media.