Preview: Founded in 1782 as Mission San Buenaventura, the city of Ventura has evolved into a community of bookstores, coffee shops, and art and antique emporiums, with a more relaxed lifestyle than is typical of the rest of Southern California. The original mission and the Old Historic District surrounding it have been restored and are worth a visit. Although the coast here is not as dramatic as that to the north, there are fine, scenic
beaches along the county's 42 miles of shoreline. Views of the Channel Islands are possible from almost any coastal location. Inland, the Los Padres National Forest covers the county from its eastern to western borders and encompasses the Sespe and Chumash Wildernesses. Two large lakes, Casitas to the west and Piru to the east, provide visitors with a variety of water-sport opportunities. Campgrounds included in this chapter are: Wheeler Gorge, Holiday, Rose Valley, Middle Lion, Piedra Blanca, Lion, Beaver, Potrero Seco, Pine Mountain, Reyes Peak, Ozena, Reyes Creek, Dome Springs, Rancho Nuevo, Tinta, Nettle Springs, Chuchupate, Pine Springs, Half Moon, Thorn Meadows, Kings Camp, Gold Hill, Twin Pines, Dutchman, Lake Piru Recreation Area, Blue Point, Lake Casitas Recreation Area, Camp Comfort County Park, Hobson County Park, Faria County Park, Rincon Parkway, North End, Ventura River, Steckel County Park, Kenny Grove County Park, Oak County Park, Foster Regional Park, McGrath State
beach, Big Sycamore Canyon, Thornhill Broome, and La Jolla.
© Copyright Richard McMahon published by Falcon Publishing all rights reserved.
Duration: 40 Separate campgrounds
Best Time to Go: All year, but many only open spring to fall
This travel guide comes from:
Camping Southern California Guide Book