Emma Wood State Parks on the Beach - Guide to Emma Wood State Beach

Emma Wood State Beach in Ventura, California (In City of Ventura)

Emma Wood State Beach is a protected beach in California, located west of the city of Ventura. The beach was named after Miss Emma Catherine Wood.

Surfing in Emma Wood State Beach

Although popular for fishing, it is probably most famous for its amazing surf.

Emma Wood has a great shore break which has resulted in many surf contests.

Fishing and Swimming in Emma Wood State Beach

Moderate temperatures help make Emma Wood State Beach popular for swimming and fishing. Catches include perch, bass, cabezon and corbina. The Ventura River estuary is at the mouth of the Ventura River at the southeast end of the park. It attracts a variety of wildlife including raccoons, songbirds and great blue herons. Dolphins are occasionally seen just offshore. The park also features the crumbling ruins of a World War II coastal artillery site. The offshore Channel Islands can be seen from the beach.

RV Campsite in Emma Wood State Beach in Ventura, California

Camping in Emma Wood State Beach

Emma Wood State Beach offers family camping for self-contained vehicles only and group camping is available at Ventura River Group Camp.

Emma Wood State Beach offers primitive camping for fully self-contained vehicles ONLY. Tents are not permitted. No water, restrooms, electricity, fire rings, or phones or dump station are available. There are 90 campsites, which are not level and may contain a mixture of asphalt, dirt, cobble and ocean debris. Maximum vehicle length is 40 feet, due to small turnaround areas.

Camping at Emma Wood State Beach is reservation only from mid-May through Labor Day. The rest of the year, it is a first come, first serve availability. There is a one night only enroute camping at Ventura River Group Camp 2 miles South on Main Street in Ventura. During the off season, camping is on a first come first serve basis. High tides may close the campground at any time. Railroad tracks and Highway 101 are adjacent to the campground which can be noisy. Leashed dogs are permitted in the campground only, and are prohibited on the beach.

Group camping is available at Ventura River Group Camp, with reservations required year around. This group campground is separated by 2 freeway miles from Emma Wood State Beach. The group sites offer developed tent camping for groups of up to 30 people and primitive RV camping for groups up to 50 people and 20 vehicles. The maximum length for an RV is 45 feet.

Ventura River Group Camp offers four developed group campsites, each with a capacity of 30 people. Groups may reserve one or more campsites, subject to availability. Camping gear must be carried a short distance from the parking lot to the campsites. Facilities include restrooms, water (no hook-ups), fire rings, tables, and a lighted parking lot.

A primitive RV camping area is also available for groups up to 50 people and a maximum RV length of 45'.

Reservations are required year-round for all camping at Ventura River Group Camp.

There is a day use area in the park, and beach access is available. A bike path connects the park to nearby Ventura and also to the coast highway to the north.

Location of Emma Wood State Beach

Location: Use following Coordinates: 34.2852787°N 119.3256688°W in a GPS for exact locations. Emma Wood State Beach is located west of Ventura. The family campsites are two miles west on Highway 101 (State Beaches off ramp). Ventura River Group Camp is at the west end of Main Street in Ventura.. Emma Wood Park can be reached at 805-968-1033.

Here is a detailed list of other state beaches of California besides Emma Wood State Beach.