Kenney Grove Park

Introduction / Overview

Nestled just outside the charming agricultural community of Fillmore, Kenney Grove Park offers Californians a delightful blend of rustic camping and convenient access to the treasures of Ventura County. This well-established county park, managed by the Ventura County Parks Department, provides a peaceful retreat amidst groves of oak trees and surrounding orchards. It's a place where the sounds of nature prevail, offering a refreshing break from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet remaining surprisingly close to local amenities and popular Southern California attractions.

Kenney Grove Park is a versatile campground, accommodating a range of outdoor enthusiasts from those with large RVs to traditional tent campers. Its appeal lies in its straightforward approach to camping, providing essential facilities in a quiet, natural setting. Visitors often commend the park for its generally clean restrooms and the overall tranquil atmosphere, which makes it a popular spot for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. While some past visitors have noted variations in site layout and the need for quarters for showers, the park consistently receives positive feedback for its peaceful ambiance and its role as an accessible getaway.

The park is a testament to the diverse camping opportunities available in California, offering a less overwhelming experience than some of the larger, more commercial campgrounds. It’s an ideal spot for a quick weekend escape, a family reunion, or a longer base for exploring the rich cultural and natural attractions of Ventura County and beyond. Kenney Grove Park encapsulates a sense of being "tucked away" in nature while still being part of a vibrant local community, making it a valuable resource for Californians seeking to reconnect with the outdoors.

Location and Accessibility

Kenney Grove Park is conveniently located at 823 Oak Ave, Fillmore, CA 93015, USA. This address places it just minutes from the quaint downtown area of Fillmore, often referred to as "The Last, Best Small Town" in Southern California. The park's setting amidst oak trees and orchards offers a sense of rural escape, yet its proximity to town means easy access to groceries, dining, and other essential services.

For Californians, especially those residing in Ventura County, Los Angeles County, or even farther north in Santa Barbara County, Kenney Grove Park boasts excellent accessibility. It’s easily reachable via well-maintained roads, with major highways like CA-126 providing a direct route to Fillmore. This straightforward access makes it a popular choice for spontaneous weekend trips or planned vacations, as campers can quickly transition from urban environments to the serene natural setting of the park.

The park's location also serves as an excellent central point for exploring a wide array of Southern California attractions. Within a relatively short drive, visitors can reach the stunning beaches of Ventura and Oxnard, the charming coastal city of Santa Barbara, and even the larger metropolitan areas for day trips. Attractions such as the Fillmore & Western Railway, Lake Piru, and numerous hiking trails in the nearby Los Padres National Forest are also within easy reach. Despite some reviews noting the "sandy and gravely" nature of the sites and a potentially "oddly laid out campground," its overall accessibility and proximity to both natural beauty and urban conveniences make it a highly desirable destination for California locals seeking a convenient and enriching outdoor experience.

Services Offered

• Diverse Campsite Types: Kenney Grove Park offers 58 campsites that can accommodate tents, trailers, and RVs. Sites vary to include dry camping (no hookups), electric/water hookups, and a limited number of full hookup sites (electric, water, and sewer).
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite typically includes a picnic table and a fire ring with a grill grate, perfect for outdoor cooking and enjoying campfires.
• Clean Restroom Facilities: The park provides flush toilets in its regularly maintained restroom facilities, ensuring convenience for all campers.
• Coin-Operated Showers: Showers are available within the park, though they require quarters for operation. While some past reviews mention cold water, more recent information suggests hot water is available when quarters are used, though temperature consistency can vary.
• Drinking Water Access: Potable water spigots are available throughout the campground, ensuring easy access to fresh drinking water.
• Trash Collection: Daily trash collection helps maintain the cleanliness of the park grounds.
• Laundry Facilities: The park offers on-site laundry facilities, a significant convenience, particularly for extended stays.
• Playground: A dedicated playground area is available for children, providing a safe and fun space for younger campers.
• Amphitheater: An open-air amphitheater is located within the park, potentially used for events or gatherings.
• Horseshoe Pit & Ball Field: Recreational areas for activities like horseshoes and a ball field are available for visitor use.
• Camp Host: A camp host is typically on-site to assist with visitor needs, provide information, and help maintain the park.
• Pet-Friendly: Pets are generally welcome in the campground, with a small nightly fee and requirements for leashing and responsible waste disposal.

Features / Highlights

• Oak Tree and Orchard Setting: Nestled among mature oak trees and surrounded by agricultural orchards, providing a tranquil and scenic environment.
• Proximity to Fillmore: Located just minutes from downtown Fillmore, offering easy access to local shops, restaurants, and historical attractions like the Fillmore & Western Railway.
• Varied Site Options: Caters to all camping styles, from rustic tent sites to full hookup RV spots, allowing campers to choose their preferred level of amenities.
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: With a playground, open spaces, and a generally quiet environment, it's well-suited for family camping trips.
• Convenient Southern California Base: Serves as an excellent base for exploring a wider region, including coastal cities like Ventura and Santa Barbara, and numerous natural areas.
• Peaceful Retreat: Often described as a quiet campground, ideal for those seeking relaxation and a break from urban noise.
• Well-Maintained Facilities: Generally praised for clean restrooms and overall upkeep of the grounds.
• Community and Group Areas: Features family and group barbecue areas, making it suitable for gatherings and reunions.
• Year-Round Camping: The campground is open year-round, allowing for flexibility in planning visits across different seasons.
• Accessibility for Larger RVs (with caveats): While some sites can be tight, many accommodate larger RVs, making it a viable option for a wide range of recreational vehicles.

Contact Information

Phone: (805) 654-3951

Mobile Phone: +1 805-654-3951

Address: 823 Oak Ave, Fillmore, CA 93015, USA

For reservations, current availability, and the most up-to-date fee schedules, Californians are encouraged to contact the Ventura County Parks Department directly using the provided phone numbers or visit their official website. Many county parks, including Kenney Grove Park, allow for online reservations, which is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons or for specific site types. It's always a good idea to confirm details about amenities, such as the quarter-operated showers and any specific site characteristics, when making a reservation to ensure a comfortable stay.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Californians, Kenney Grove Park stands out as an exceptional local camping destination, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, essential amenities, and unparalleled convenience. Its location in Fillmore, just a short drive from major population centers across Ventura and Los Angeles Counties, makes it an ideal spot for a spontaneous weekend getaway or a planned family vacation without the burden of extensive travel. This accessibility is a key factor, allowing residents to quickly escape urban environments and immerse themselves in the tranquility of the outdoors.

The park's suitability for locals is further enhanced by its diverse range of camping options. Whether you're a seasoned RVer with a large rig seeking full hookups, or a family looking to pitch a tent under the shade of ancient oaks, Kenney Grove Park accommodates all preferences. Each site offers a picnic table and fire ring, fostering that classic camping experience of outdoor meals and evening storytelling around a crackling fire. While some visitors have shared experiences regarding cold showers, it’s generally understood that the showers are coin-operated and can provide hot water, a welcome amenity after a day of hiking or exploring.

Moreover, Kenney Grove Park serves as an excellent basecamp for exploring the rich attractions of Ventura County. From the historical charm of downtown Fillmore to the stunning beaches of Ventura and Oxnard, and the scenic trails of the Los Padres National Forest, there’s an abundance of activities just a short drive away. The park’s family-friendly atmosphere, complete with a playground, makes it a safe and engaging environment for children, allowing parents to relax while the kids explore.

In essence, Kenney Grove Park provides Californians with a genuine and accessible camping experience. It’s a place to unwind, reconnect with nature, and create lasting memories, all within the beautiful confines of their home state. Its blend of convenience, comfort, and natural charm makes it a highly suitable and cherished destination for local outdoor enthusiasts.

Kenney Grove Park

823 Oak Ave, Fillmore, CA 93015, USA