Overnight along 101, Ventura/Oxnard, CA

I stayed at a beach campground that was run my State of California, I don't recall the cost, as it was 2006, but I don't think it is to unreasonable.

Just don't know they have empty spot in the summertime.

Certainly less than 1/4 tank of gas. . . You could waste a couple of gallons of gas while looking for a 'free' spot, but that can be expensive too. . .

Fred.

Sorry but it ain't gonna happen. The local police are hip to all the games people play trying to stay on or around the coast in the summer, including a few walmarts. IF you can even just drive in to one of the campgrounds, plan on at least $28 and up.

The local police are hip to all the games people play trying to stay on or around the coast in the summer, including a few walmarts.
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I'm not trying to game the system; I know all about the shenanigans that go on at the beach parks. Just looking for an overnight without having to shell out $35-$45 for a "crammer" CA state park site. :R

JT wrote:
I need an overnight spot around the Ventura/Oxnard area that is free or cheap, easily accessible to 101, and that is not a CA state park. (Crammed full, and hardly cheap!)

Cheap is a relative term. In that area (NO free overnighting), and with your requirements, it doesn't get any cheaper than Ca State Parks.

I know. Two years ago I tried to find some/any places that are!

"...it doesn't get any cheaper than Ca State Parks."
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"Cheap" is relative, I know! ;) All of the CA state parks in that area (and pretty much everywhere else) are $35.00-$45.00 per night, *IF* there's any space available in them at all. Still looking....

Check out Elks clubs in the area or any Ventura County parks.

JT wrote:
The local police are hip to all the games people play trying to stay on or around the coast in the summer, including a few walmarts.
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I'm not trying to game the system; I know all about the shenanigans that go on at the beach parks. Just looking for an overnight without having to shell out $35-$45 for a "crammer" CA state park site. :R

Whether or not you are "gaming" the system is debatable IN THIS AREA. People come to the beach in droves during the summer, stay in day use (because it's free), leave, and do exactly what you are asking about: camping on the coast essentially for free. There is nothing cheaper than state or county parks around that area. If you want free, you simply need to get off the coast. It's that simple..

You asked, and this is reality in the summer. Sorry.....

Just asked for a suggestion for an overnight, not for a patronizing lecture about squatting freeloaders. Thanks. :R

Though Walmart Oxnard says no overnighting......the parking lot is also shared by a Sam's Club and other store. There are always a few campers in there between the McDonalds and Sam's Club, right or wrong.
If you are retired Mil there are two campgrounds($30 a night) onboard NBVC.
Ventura Beach RV Resort $70 a night. IT is right on the 101. Don't know about the beaches but, there are also tons of campers all along the PCH.
Good luck,
Billy

As others have said, not much at all during summer, but if it is mid week, say Sunday thru Thursday, about the only place in the area that you want to stay isThornhill Broome$35.

Those days are not what you call a "crammer" Many open spots.
NO patronizing lecture about squatting freeloaders from anyone here just the facts of life here on the coast..............