Foster Red Mountain Campground

For Californians seeking an accessible and enjoyable outdoor escape that caters to families, Foster Red Mountain Campground in Ventura offers a welcoming and convenient option. Nestled at the foothills of the scenic Ventura County landscape, this campground provides a comfortable setting for both RV and tent campers, making it an ideal choice for those looking to reconnect with nature without venturing too far from urban centers like Los Angeles.

Foster Red Mountain Campground is renowned for its family-friendly atmosphere and the dedication of its camp hosts, who often go above and beyond to ensure a pleasant stay. It’s a place where children can enjoy swings and explore, and adults can relax amidst mature shade trees. The campground's proximity to the Ventura River and the popular Ojai Valley Trail adds layers of recreational opportunities, making it a versatile destination for various outdoor activities.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide you with all the essential details about Foster Red Mountain Campground. We’ll explore its strategic location and how easily it can be accessed from major Californian cities, outline the range of services and amenities provided, highlight its unique features that draw visitors year after year, and furnish you with important contact information. Our aim is to give you a clear, engaging, and factual overview, helping you plan your next memorable camping trip right here in California.

While every campground has its unique characteristics, including potential noise from nearby roads for some sites, Foster Red Mountain Campground consistently receives praise for its friendly environment, clean facilities, and the overall positive experience it offers, particularly for families. It’s a testament to the kind of accessible and enjoyable outdoor adventures that are readily available to Californians.

Foster Red Mountain Campground is conveniently located at 247 Casitas Vista Rd, Ventura, CA 93001, USA. This address places it squarely within Ventura County, offering excellent accessibility for residents throughout Southern California. A significant advantage for many Californians is its ease of reach from major population centers, particularly Los Angeles. Unlike some more remote mountain campgrounds, Foster Red Mountain Campground typically avoids the need for extensive travel on winding mountain roads, making the journey less stressful and more enjoyable for families and those with larger RVs.

The campground is situated near Highway 33, which provides a direct route to the park. While this proximity ensures easy access, some reviews indicate that sites closer to the road may experience traffic noise. However, for many, the convenience of the location and the amenities outweigh this consideration. It's often recommended to check the campground map and reviews when making reservations to select a site further from the highway if noise sensitivity is a concern.

Beyond its direct road access, a key highlight of its location is the immediate proximity to the Ojai Valley Trail. This popular paved trail is perfect for biking, walking, and jogging, connecting the campground directly to both the charming town of Ojai and the coastal city of Ventura. This allows campers to explore the local area without needing to drive, offering a fantastic opportunity for leisurely excursions.

Additionally, the campground boasts access to the Ventura River, which runs through or adjacent to Foster Park. While parts of the recreation area on the "other side of the river" may occasionally be under construction or closed (as noted in a recent review from July 2023), direct access from the campground or within Foster Park itself often remains for enjoyment of the river. This river access provides opportunities for play, relaxation, and a refreshing natural element to the camping experience. The campground's strategic placement truly balances natural immersion with urban convenience, as it's only about 10 minutes from stores, gas stations, and the vibrant downtown Ventura area, including the beach.

• Tent Camping Sites: Provides designated areas suitable for traditional tent setups, often with natural shade.
• RV Camping Sites: Offers sites capable of accommodating recreational vehicles and trailers, with various lengths available (some up to 92 feet).
• Full Hookups: Select RV sites provide full hookups, including water, sewer, and electric (30 and 50 amp options), ensuring a comfortable stay for RVers.
• Restroom Facilities: Features flush toilets that are generally described as clean and well-maintained by the camp hosts.
• Showers: While some past information might indicate no showers, recent reviews and current information suggest hot showers are typically available, often for a fee. (Note: one review mentions the men's restroom being broken, which can impact shower availability at times).
• Fire Rings with Grills: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring and grill, perfect for campfires and cooking, subject to current fire restrictions.
• Picnic Tables: Individual picnic tables are provided at each campsite for convenient outdoor dining.
• On-Site Camp Host: Dedicated and friendly camp hosts (like "Dane" mentioned in reviews) are usually available to assist campers, maintain facilities, and provide a welcoming presence.
• Swings/Play Area: A highlight for families with children, offering swings and space for play within the campground.
• Drinking Water Access: Potable water is available at various points throughout the campground.
• Trash Disposal: Conveniently located trash and recycling dumpsters for waste disposal.
• Pet-Friendly: Welcomes well-behaved pets, typically requiring them to be on a leash.
• Online Reservations: Campsite reservations can be made online, and it's highly recommended, especially during peak seasons.

• Family-Friendly Environment: Renowned for being an excellent campground for families, offering amenities like swings and a safe atmosphere for children.
• Exceptional Camp Hosts: Consistently positive reviews highlight the helpfulness, friendliness, and dedication of the on-site camp hosts, significantly enhancing the camping experience.
• Proximity to Ojai Valley Trail: Direct access to this popular paved bike and walking trail, perfect for exploring the beautiful surrounding areas and reaching Ojai or Ventura by bike.
• River Access: Located near the Ventura River, offering opportunities for play and relaxation by the water (check current status of recreational areas).
• Mature Shade Trees: Many sites are covered with plenty of mature trees, providing natural shade, which is particularly welcome during warmer California days.
• Easy Accessibility: One of its main draws is its ease of access from major Southern California cities, avoiding challenging mountain roads.
• Variety of Sites: Offers a mix of tent-only sites and RV sites with full hookups, catering to diverse camping preferences.
• Cleanliness of Facilities: Campers frequently commend the cleanliness of the restrooms, a testament to regular maintenance.
• Hiking Opportunities: Beyond the Ojai Valley Trail, there are smaller trails attached to the campground for short, enjoyable hikes.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: Despite being accessible, many find the campground to offer a pleasant and relaxing environment, particularly away from the highway-adjacent sites.

Address: 247 Casitas Vista Rd, Ventura, CA 93001, USA

Phone: (805) 654-3951

Mobile Phone: +1 805-654-3951

For the most up-to-date information, including reservation availability, current conditions (like recreation area status or restroom repairs), and specific park rules, it is highly recommended to visit the official Ventura County Parks website or contact them directly using the provided phone numbers.

Foster Red Mountain Campground is an outstanding choice for Californians seeking a comfortable, family-friendly, and highly accessible camping experience. Its prime location in Ventura, easily reachable from major Southern California cities without navigating challenging mountain roads, makes it an incredibly practical option for weekend getaways or longer family vacations. This convenience means less time traveling and more time enjoying the great outdoors.

What truly sets Foster Red Mountain Campground apart for local Californians is its emphasis on a positive and welcoming environment. The consistently praised on-site camp hosts, who are often described as helpful and friendly, contribute significantly to a comfortable and enjoyable stay. For families, the presence of swings and ample space for children to play freely is a huge draw, making it a stress-free environment for parents and a fun one for kids.

The array of services, including full hookups for RVs and well-maintained restrooms and showers, caters to a wide range of camping styles, ensuring comfort for almost everyone. The natural shade from mature trees offers a pleasant respite during sunny days, and the picnic tables and fire rings at each site enhance the traditional camping experience.

Furthermore, the campground's strategic position offers direct access to the popular Ojai Valley Trail, providing Californians with immediate opportunities for biking and walking amidst beautiful scenery. The proximity to the Ventura River also adds a natural play area, although it's always wise to check on current access and conditions. Despite some sites being close to the highway, many campers find the overall benefits – the friendly atmosphere, the convenient amenities, and the ease of access to both natural recreation and urban necessities in Ventura – far outweigh this minor consideration. Foster Red Mountain Campground isn't just a place to camp; it’s a readily available, enriching outdoor haven designed for the enjoyment and convenience of California families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Foster Red Mountain Campground

247 Casitas Vista Rd, Ventura, CA 93001, USA