Emma Wood Sb Group Campground

Open — The Group Campground is currently open and accepting reservations year-round. Note that the separate Emma Wood North Beach Campground is closed through at least June 2026 for construction, but the Group Camp facility remains fully operational.

About

Emma Wood State Beach Group Campground, officially known as Ventura River Group Camp, is located at the mouth of the Ventura River in Ventura, two freeway miles from the main Emma Wood North Beach area. The facility offers four developed group campsites, each accommodating up to 30 people, which can be reserved individually or combined for larger groups. A primitive RV camping area is also available for groups up to 50 people and 20 vehicles, with a maximum RV length of 45 feet. The developed group sites feature restrooms, drinking water (no hookups), fire rings, picnic tables, and a lighted parking lot. Campers must carry their gear a short distance from the parking area to the campsites. The campground provides direct beach access and sits along the Omer Rains Coastal Bike Trail, which connects to San Buenaventura State Beach and runs along the coast. The Ventura River estuary attracts diverse wildlife including raccoons, songbirds, and great blue herons, while dolphins are occasionally visible offshore. Moderate ocean temperatures make the area popular for swimming, surfing, and fishing, with catches including perch, bass, cabezon, and corbina. The offshore Channel Islands are visible from the beach. Dogs are allowed in the campground area but not on the beach. Reservations are required year-round for all camping at the group campground.

Directions

From northbound Highway 101, take exit 72 for Main Street. Turn left and continue to the west end of Main Street. From southbound Highway 101, take exit 71 for Main Street, turn right at the bottom of the ramp, then make an immediate right on Park Access Road following signs for the Group Camp.

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