mcgrath state beach

Drive in with your camper and enjoy. Beautiful sunsets and beach. Took my motorhome and watched the sunset through my dining room window. This is paradise of sorts. Bring steaks and baked potatoes, of go to a pizza place and bring it, or have it delivered.

The place now closed to the public due to flooding caused by the Ventura Water Department dumping 6.7 million gallons of treated water into the estuary daily.

McGrath State park has been closed for years due to high waves that came in and now looks like save some type of animal in there so there is no progress on the campground.

Safe family beach. Lots' of beginner waves if you want to try surfing. The bay view is pretty with the Santa Monica Mountains setting the backdrop.

We had a great time. Our camp host was very hospital. We are up past 10pm with a gruop of over 20 people and weren't never

We have been going to this spot for 10 years to camp...but now they have new unprofessional volunteers, who like to call the police on everyone. We left a bag of trash at our spot, while at the beach, and animals got to it...they called the State Rangers!!! We were watching kids dvd movie after 10 in tent...they called the cops. We were singing and playing guitars on a Sat. night....they called the cops! We have never had a problem before like this. The day we were checking out...the volunteer came by 6 times to harass us...until I told him he wasn't very professional....and he said " I aint got no idea, what you is talking bout"...Hope they get new staff soon! Beach is nice and cool...bathrooms are cleaned every day...some shade in spots...fire rings....coin showers are decent...watch out for squirels and any food you leave behind...even in tent! .....And for God's sake don't make any noise!!!!!,

We go to Ventura/Santa Barbara at least 1/2 dozen times a year, and ALWAYS stop at McGrath. We bike, picnic, hike, and sit near the dunes to watch the waves, birds, and people. Even when windy it is beautiful. I have been uncomfortably cold on a blustery day, but have NEVER seen it "brutally cold". The scenery and peacefulness outweighs temporary discomforts. Recommend that the state keep McGrath OPEN. I would even volunteer one weekend a month to man booth if that would help!

As of April 11, Mcgrath has re-opened, partially and maybe temporarily. Weekends only until after Memorial day. They will look at the park again to determine weather to open 7 days a week or weekends only.If you are into real style camping, Mcgrath is your park, It has become a bird sanctuary, a great surf fishing spot and peaceful....Open Fridays at 8:00 a.m. til Sundays at noon.

Our stay was ruined by generators running all day. We have a generator, but limit it to running an hour a day so that others can enjoy the sounds of nature. We have now stayed at a couple of places where there are posted set times of 2 hour blocks three times a day which help keep the noise down. There is a large sand berm you need to negotiate your way around to get to the beach. I was not impressed and will never go back.

Not sure there is the money to move the burm of sand that keeps closing this beach, but it has not been open consistently for the past year.

McGrath is a nice camping site, but there was a closed sign on it as we drove by. I know it was closed back in June as well. I hear the marsh area has flooded out the campground. It is a nature area, so I guess that is to be expected. lol

I rarely bring food, other than wine and snacks, when I camp at McGrath State Beach. The restaurants in Ventura are so convenient and the takeout from the Vons Market on Seaward is nearby. But camping on or near the beach and the late night grunion runs always make this a good camping site.

A nice stop if you are traveling up the coast. Pack a roll of quarters for showers. If you are not used to the coast, pack an extra tarp as wind protection. Beach Access.

Our group of 4 families with a total of 10 small children had a great time here. Our campsites were very close to the only walkway to the beach. The children had no problem walking it. We enjoyed the activities on Saturday for the children. Make sure to take ant killer spray, canopies (some sites have no shade), and extra folding tables. Don't forget s'more supplies. We had wonderful sunny weather during the day. At night it gets very cold.

The campground is well set-out with privacy (trees), and FLAT site (eliminating need for leveling!). Nearest civilization is touristy Ventura Harbor Village, 1.5 mi (walk or drive), only fair. Beach is 1/4-mi walk, pleasant.