Silver Strand is a pristine, radiantly sunny beach in Oxnard, Calif., not to be confused with the state beach a few hundred miles south that has the same name. Camping at Silver Strand and the surrounding area is highly popular due to the beach’s beauty and its proximity to great naturescapes and campgrounds. Several private camping areas and state parks are within a short distance of Silver Strand. Here’s a list of 10 excellent Silver Strand camping sites in and around Oxnard (listed in order of proximity to the beach, all within a 25-mile radius).
1. McGrath State Beach
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McGrath State Beach is just over five miles north of Silver Strand, allowing campers to enjoy both beaches easily. Since Silver Strand does not have its own campsites, McGrath is your best bet if you want to camp as close to Silver Strand as possible (in a tent or an RV). You can commute between McGrath and Silver Strand in 10 minutes or less without leaving Oxnard.
McGrath is an excellent location for fishing, surfing, and birding. Swimming is allowed, although the tumbling waves of this beach are often more conducive to surfing. One of McGrath State Park's best features is its beachside camping.
2. Evergreen RV Park
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Evergreen RV Park is a simple, well-kept RV park less than eight miles from Silver Strand. If you’re interested in RV camping near Silver Strand, Evergreen is one of the most convenient places to stay. This quiet, pet-friendly community has 94 full hookup RV sites overshadowed by towering palms. The park has hot showers, restrooms, and a dog run, making Evergreen a simple, convenient, and comfortable option for camping close to Silver Strand.
3. Ventura Beach RV Resort
Ventura Beach RV Resort is a private camping resort near the coast, less than 12 miles north of Silver Strand. Just slightly further from Silver Strand than Evergreen, Ventura is arguably the more upscale option for those interested in RVing close to the beach. The resort also offers tent sites, but with restrooms, showers, washing machines, Wi-Fi, and a pool with an adjacent hot tub, you won’t exactly be roughing it at Ventura Beach RV Resort.
4. Point Mugu State Park
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Point Mugu State Park begins about 13 miles south of Silver Strand. This sprawling state park has multiple campgrounds inside it, including Sycamore Canyon Campground, which is right on the coast roughly 17 miles from Silver Strand. Point Mugu has easy and moderate hiking trails, as well as exquisite views of the coast under the shadow of the breath-taking Santa Monica Mountains.
5. Emma Wood State Beach
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Emma Wood State Beach is about 14 miles north of Silver Strand. It is yet another beautiful beach with onsite camping. This seaside park is great for swimming, surfing, and fishing, with plenty of perch, bass, corbina, and flamboyant-looking cabezon fish. Emma Wood offers primitive camping for self-contained vehicles, while group tent or RV camping is available at the adjacent Ventura River Group Camp.
6. Foster Park
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Foster Park is a Ventura County park about 17 miles northeast of Silver Strand. The park's two dog-friendly camping areas, Foster Residence Campground and Foster Red Mountain Campground, offer multiple RV and tent sites with nearby restrooms. Foster Park is a popular destination in a beautiful inland area with great hiking, biking, and equestrian trails. The Ventura River flows through the park, contributing to the verdant scenery of the area.
7. Faria Beach Park
Faria Beach Park is another Ventura County park about 17 miles north of Silver Strand’s coast. The park, situated between the ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, offers excellent views of the Channel Islands. Faria Beach includes campsites as close to the shore as you can get without going in the water.
8. Lake Casitas Recreation Area
Lake Casitas Recreation Area is just over 23 miles north of Silver Strand, located on a large inland lake. This winding park offers multiple camping grounds, with restrooms and showers. You will find great amenities throughout Las Casitas, from picnic areas to hiking and biking trails to waterfront access. This is an excellent destination for those who love fishing and boating, with multiple launch sites, fishing spots, and even a few sinks designated for cleaning fish.
9. Leo Carrillo State Park
Leo Carrillo State Park is a coastal area roughly 23 miles south of Silver Strand, which you can access with a quick drive up California’s scenic State Route 1. The park features easy, moderate, and difficult hiking trails, and rugged rock faces overlook its sandy beach. Leo Carrillo State Park offers a diverse experience of nature close to Oxnard.
10. Ventura Ranch KOA
Ventura Ranch KOA is about 24 miles northeast of Silver Strand. This 76-acre forested campground sits at the foot of Topa Topa, Ventura County’s highest mountain. With Silver Strand about half an hour’s drive away, this KOA does not provide beachfront camping, but it will provide a great getaway into nature within a reasonable distance of Silver Strand. If you want to experience majestic mountains and beachside sunbathing on the same day, Ventura Ranch KOA is among the best options on this list.
11. Your backyard in Silver Strand
If you love Silver Strand beach camping, you may find that the best launching point for your beach adventure is your own home in Oxnard, Calif. A beautiful coastal city, Oxnard provides residents with convenient access to Silver Strand beach. The surrounding area is a paradise of beaches, forests, and mountains.
Ann Howarth is a local real estate agent with some of the best listings for Oxnard and Silver Strand homes. Her listings include properties as close to the beach as you can get, with mind-blowing views and easy access to Silver Strand. For regular access to Silver Strand beach in a lovely coastal California city, get in touch with Ann Howarth to see what Oxnard offers.
