Camping combines the best of all kid-friendly elements: playing outside, getting dirty, sleeping in tents and eating s’mores. And in Ventura County, with our gorgeous coastlines and pristine beaches, camping usually includes days at the beach. What could be better?

So grab your camping gear out of the storage facility and try some of our favorite local camping sites right here in Ventura County:

Leo Carrillo State Beach:  28 miles north of Santa Monica on Pacific Coast Highway. Tide pools, 1.5 miles of beach, coastal caves, surfing, fishing. $45 per night. Information: 805-488-1827, Ext.107. Reservations: www.reserveamerica.com

Point Mugu State Park Camping:  15 miles south of Oxnard on Pacific Coast Highway. Beach access by walking under PCH, 70 miles of hiking trails which are part of Santa Monica Mountains. Possible to ride bikes from Satiwiwa in Newbury Park directly into camp site location. $45 per night. For more information: 805-488-5223.

Hobson Beach County Campground:  101 freeway to the Seacliff/State Beaches exit.  7 miles north of Ventura. 31 sites for tents and RVs, showers, fire rings. Right on the ocean. $30-$45 per night. 805-654-3951. First come, first served.

Rincon RV Parkway:  6 miles north of Ventura. Roadside parking for RVs only. Obtain permit from rangers. 127 sites. $25 per night. First come, first served. 805-654-3951.

Faria County Campground:  5 miles north of Ventura. 42 sites for tents and RV’s. RV hookups. $30-$45 per night. First come, first served. 805-654-3951.

Emma Wood State Beach:  1.5 miles north of Ventura. 90 primitive sites for RVs only. $20 per night. Reservations are required May 15-September 3. Otherwise, open on weekends, only. 800-444-7275.

Emma Wood Group Camp:  Far north end of Main Street, Downtown Ventura. Four group tent sites, max. 30 people per site. One RV site available, max. 20 RVs and 50 people. Hike and bike campsites available, too. Reservations required. Open year round. 800-444-7275.

Ventura Beach RV Resort:  800 W. Main Street, Downtown Ventura. 19 acre full service RV park and campground. 144 RV sites. 36 tent sites. 805-643-9137.

McGrath State Beach Camping:  2211 Harbor Blvd. Oxnard, CA.  5 miles south of Ventura, off Hwy 101 via Harbor Blvd. 174 campsites. RVs up to 45 feet. No hookups. Set between river banks and sand dunes. $25 per night. Open year round. 805-654-4744. Reservations 800-444-7275.

Lake Casitas Camping:  11311 Santa Ana Road. Info: 805-649-2233. Lake, fishing, water park, playgrounds and 400 campsites. $25 per night. Reservations: 805-649-1122.

For great camping, rock climbing, photo tips and more outdoor info, check out the Ventura outdoor blog from Real Cheap Sports, an independent outdoor store in downtown Ventura.

Tell us where you’ll be camping this summer!