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JT's avatar
JT
Explorer
Aug 03, 2014

Overnight along 101, Ventura/Oxnard, CA

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!) Walmarts in the area are "no overnighting" and there are no truck stops. If anyone has a suggestion to offer, I'd appreciate hearing it! Thanks!

18 Replies

  • Just asked for a suggestion for an overnight, not for a patronizing lecture about squatting freeloaders. Thanks. :R
  • 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.
    ---
    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.....
  • Check out Elks clubs in the area or any Ventura County parks.
  • "...it doesn't get any cheaper than Ca State Parks."
    ---
    "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....
  • 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!
  • 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.
    ---
    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
  • 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.
  • 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.

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