Outdoors
Lakes, rivers and beaches near Oxnard where swimming is allowed on public land.
Good to know: Most natural swimming areas have no lifeguard; check water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming.
Once visitors have scaled the rugged cliffs using the stairwell from the Landing Cove, they will be rewarded with a campground perched on the bluffs with magnificent coastal views.
Wheeler Gorge Campground is a great place for families to explore the Los Padres National Forest all year long. Informative tours of the area are led by forest rangers at the nearby visitor center.
Holiday Group Campground is a relaxing location to enjoy nature all year long; a quick escape from the bustle of the city. It provides access to a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, biking and horseback riding.
Fantastic ocean views and relaxing beach time is practically guaranteed at Scorpion Canyon Campground, the most family-friendly campsite on Santa Cruz Island.
Los Alamos Campground is located 90 minutes from Los Angeles, offering a restful experience without the lengthy travel time.
Upper Oso Campground provides ample opportunity for exploration of California's coastal mountains. It is a family-friendly campground, equipped with equestrian sites, and is close to a variety of trails and several mountain streams.
Nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountain Range, Sage Hill Campground is a great group camping spot with easy access to the Santa Ynez River.
Channel Islands National Park encompasses five remarkable islands and their ocean environment, preserving and protecting a wealth of natural and cultural resources.
The waters that swirl around the five islands within Channel Islands National Marine Sanctuary create a special place for several species of plants and animals.
Distances are straight-line miles from downtown Oxnard. Listings come from Recreation.gov’s federal recreation database; check each official page for hours, fees, fire restrictions and closures before you go.
Anacapa Island (National Park Service), about 17 miles southwest of Oxnard as the crow flies. Next are Wheeler Gorge (22 mi) and Holiday Group Campground (23 mi).
Federal agencies including USDA Forest Service, National Park Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Each listing links to its official page for hours, fees, closures and current conditions.