Ventura County, California sits far south along the California Central Coast. The Chumash tribe settled there and among its neighboring counties 10,000-12,000 years ago. Ventura County officially split from Santa Barbara County on January 1, 1873, as a lingering result of the Mexican-American War. A few years prior, San Buenaventura became the official first city in the county and began to grow after the county split. Other cities soon followed suit with Port Hueneme and Nordhoff (Ojai) arriving in 1874, Santa Paula in 1875, and several more cities in 1887. A few more became established in 1892, followed by Oxnard in 1898. Now a modern society, Ventura County features a unique variety of adventures for its residents and visitors.
Several state parks are located near Ventura County, California, like Malibu Creek State Park, Point Mugu State Park, Leo Carrillo State Park, and Chumash Painted Cave State Historic Park. At each of them, you can enjoy hiking, swimming, rock climbing, mountain biking, fishing, body surfing, horseback riding, windsurfing, camping, and more. Other hiking opportunities are located throughout the county’s popular trails of Arroyo Verde Park Loop and Two Trees hike.
Family-friendly activities are abundant as well, like America’s Teaching Zoo and Underwood Family Farms. The former offers animal encounters, shows, and different teaching programs at Moorpark College. The latter also provides educational opportunities through tours while allowing children and families to experience an in-demand farm and the opportunity to pick their own produce. The county also is home to several eateries, especially seafood options.
Ojai Music Festival – This annual four-day event occurs in June. It features music and many other art forms, like films, lectures, and more.
Ventura County Fair – This annual fair happens every August. Its visitors can enjoy games, food, arts, and livestock.
Chopperfest – This annual motorcycle event is held in December in Ventura. It showcases motorcycle designs and builds and features live musical entertainment, food, and beer.
Channel Islands National Park, which is found off the coast of Ventura and includes five of the eight Channel Islands, offers visitors opportunities for diving, hiking, canoeing, backcountry camping, snorkeling, and kayaking. In total, it spans a little under 250,000 acres. Some of the areas exhibit evidence of human life dating back as far as 37,000 years.
Sequoia National Park, three and a half hours northeast of Ventura County in the city of Three Rivers, houses giant sequoia trees, which, by volume, are the world’s largest trees. Visitors commonly enjoy horseback riding, snowshoeing, skiing, rock climbing, and hiking, one of the most popular activities. The park consists of cabins, lodges, and campgrounds in select areas, as well as small shops for necessities and novelties.
Kings Canyon National Park is next to Sequoia National Park. It also houses sequoia trees and the “Nation’s Christmas Tree” as popularized by former U.S. President Calvin Coolidge. Horseback riding, rock climbing, tree touring, and backpacking are some of the recreational activities enjoyed by visitors.
In 1957, Emma Wood State Beach, which is in Ventura, received its official state beach title. It is popular for walking, fishing, surfing, and swimming. The beach was named after a sheep rancher who formerly owned the property.
Point Mugu State Park is a short drive from Oxnard. It features 70-plus miles of hiking trails. It also consists of valleys within the Santa Monica Mountains, a beach, sandy cliffs, and a river canyon.
Carpinteria State Park is often referred to as Carpinteria Beach. The park offers camping spots, surf fishing, and snail and shell hunting. It is located about 12 miles from Santa Barbara.
The Hollywood Sign is an iconic California landmark that many people enjoy visiting. It is visible from multiple areas, including far off and up close. Three hiking paths allow a closer view. Each of the paths ranges in level of difficulty.
Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, also known as the TCL Chinese Theater, is a famous still-operating movie theater that opened in 1927 and offers guided VIP tours. Its outside sidewalk features famous feet and handprints of movie stars.
Old Mission Santa Barbara, 50 minutes northwest of Ventura County, is one of the most popular California missions. It was the 10th established mission by the Spanish Franciscans and was founded in 1786. It features a lush landscape and historic architecture, such as a stone lion that was carved by a Chumash Native American.
If you're looking for campgrounds in Ventura County, Evergreen RV Park in Oxnard features 94 sites and full-hookup access. It is approximately 10 minutes from the beach. The park supports both 30- and 50-amp power, offers Wi-Fi, and allows pets.
In Santa Paula, you can enjoy a stay at the Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday. This 76-acre campground, situated at the foot of Ventura County's highest mountain, Topa Topa, provides full and partial hookup sites, Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, a dump station, and much more.
Ventura Beach RV Resort has 144 back-in and pull-through RV sites with access to 30- and 50-amp electricity, full hookups, a beach, and a river. There are laundry facilities onsite as well as showers and a pool.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Ventura County, CA, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Ventura County?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Ventura County from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Ventura County?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.
