Resources
Parks and Recreation Frequently Asked Questions
Are DJs, bands or amplified music allowed at any of the Ventura County Parks?
No person shall operate any sound amplification device in such a manner that it will be audible at a distance in excess of 100 feet from the sound amplifying equipment, unless a “Sound Amplification Device Permit” is first obtained from the Director. A permit for sound amplification devices shall be filed with the Director. A general description of the sound amplification device which is to be used, the volume in decibels of the sound which will be produced, and any other information which the Director finds necessary will be required to make a fair determination as to whether a “Sound Amplification Device Permit” should be issued. The Director shall issue a “Sound Amplification Device Permit” when he finds that the operation of such a sound amplification device will not unreasonably disturb other users of the County Park or adjacent residences, even though the sound will be audible for a distance in excess of 100 feet.
Are jumpers allowed at any of the Ventura County Parks?
Yes, jumpers are allowed at Camp Comfort, Dennison, Foster, Oak, Saticoy, Soule, Steckel, Tapo Canyon, and Warring Parks only. Jumper permit fees are waived if the reserving party has also resaved as designated picnic area. A $125 permit fee is required for any party reserving a jumper in an area that is not a designated reservation area. Please see the Rent & Fee policy regarding rules for Self-Made Group area set-ups.
Are pets allowed at any of the Ventura County Parks?
Dogs are permitted in County Parks except in those areas set by the Director and appropriately posted. Dogs are permitted in areas designed for overnight camping, when the dog owner is in possession of a valid overnight camping permit. All dogs must be kept tethered on a leash not exceeding six (6) feet in length. Max of two dogs per site. Pet fees apply. “Service Dogs” are authorized if leashed and are fee exempt.
Can reservations be made at beach parks?
County Parks is taking reservations for the beach parks. Please visit www.venturaparks.org to reserve your spot.
Does a reservation fee include vehicle entry fees?
Reservation fees do not include gate or additional vehicle fees. A $5.00 per vehicle weekend, $2.00 weekday or $15.00 per bus entry (12 persons or more) gate entry fee are applicable to all regional parks. Additional vehicle fees for camping sites are $16.
Does it cost to make a change to a reservation?
A non-refundable reservation fee of $23.00 shall be charged for community center and day use reservations, a $15.00 for per campsite at time of reservation when calling and $10.00 for individual campsite reservations when booking online. The first change to all camping reservations is complimentary (except for beach front end shortening) as long as it is made at least 7 days before the first day of the reservation for camping reservation. A Day Use or Community Center change must be made at least 45 days before the first day of the reservation for facilities and group use. There is a $15.00 fee for each additional change. A maximum of three changes per reservation allowed. Community Center and Day Use changes will be subject to the cancellation policy if changes are made less than 45 days prior to the reservation date.
Beach parks only: Changes to the front end of a reservation to shorten the stay will be imposed a $10 per day charge for each day shortened, plus a $15 change fee.
How are County parks funded?
The County Parks Department is funded through revenues received from user fees, state, and federal grants. The Department is not funded by local tax dollars. All user fees are retained by the Parks Enterprise Fund for the continued maintenance and enhancement of its recreation facilities.
How can I reserve a meeting room or other community center area?
The Ventura County Parks Reservation Center (805) 654-3951 handles the reservations for Community Centers and Day Use Facilities.
How can I reserve an athletic field?
Ventura County Parks offers a limited range of sports facilities for organized sports or a friendly pick-up game, including, softball fields, tennis courts, basketball courts and volleyball courts. Reservations for softball fields can be requested by emailing County.Parks@Ventura.org
How do I make a reservation for a group picnic area?
Ventura County parks offers a variety of group facilities that can be reserved. Since these sites are very popular, we suggest reserving early. Picnic areas and Community Centers are available up to 180 days in advance of your requested date. To reserve a picnic area or to find out more about special use permits, please contact the Parks Reservation Center at (805) 654-3951 Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m or Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
How long can I camp at a Ventura County Park?
Maximum cumulative length of all single stays in any one campground is 30 days during peak season (March 1 through October 31) and 30 days during the off-season (November 1 through February 28) per calendar year. Maximum cumulative length of all single stays in the County-operated park system is sixty (60) peak-season days and sixty (60) off-season days per twelve (12) month period.
Maximum stay is 14 consecutive days in County parks (with the exception of the Rincon Parkway). Campers at Hobson Beach Park and Faria Beach Park must vacate the park for seven (7) days after a single stay of three (3) days or more before occupying either Hobson Beach Park, Faria Beach Park, or Rincon Parkway. Campers at any park other than Hobson Beach Park, Faria Beach Park, or Rincon Parkway must vacate the park for 48 hours after a single stay of more than three (3) days before re-occupying the same park. The Director may authorize on a case-by-case basis an extension to these lengths of stay for persons directly affected by an emergency duly declared by the County.
Maximum stay for the Rincon Parkway is no more than seven (7) days during the period of March 1 through October 31 or no more than fourteen (14) days during the period of November 1 through February 28.
After parking for five (5) or more continuous days during the off-season, campers must vacate the Rincon Parkway and remove their recreational vehicle, and no person shall park the same recreational vehicle within the Rincon Parkway until at least seven (7) days have elapsed from the date of departure. After parking for three (3) continuous days during the peak-season, campers must vacate the Rincon Parkway and remove their recreational vehicle within the Rincon Parkway until at least seven (7) days have elapsed from the date of departure. Campers at Rincon Parkway must vacate the parkway for seven (7) days after a single stay of any length before occupying either Hobson Beach Park or Faria Beach Park.
Is alcohol allowed at any of the Ventura County Parks?
Alcohol is allowed at any of the Ventura County Parks. However, it is unlawful for any person under the age of 21 years to have any alcoholic beverage in his possession within the confines of a County Park. Additional parameters may be required for consumption and service of alcohol during Community Center reservations.
What are the hours of operation at the Parks Office?
Office Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In person service is by appointment only.
Call Center Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
What is the difference between individual and group reservations?
An Individual reservation is a specific campsite by a single party. The same party can reserve up to four (4) campsite maximum for inland parks. This does not apply to Beach parks where an individual may only have one site per individual per stay. A Group reservation may reserve a minimum of five (5) sites up to the campground capacity. In addition, a Group reservation is used for group use areas. A Special Use Permit may be required for Group Reservations requesting exclusive use of a campground.
Why does it cost to use a County park and does not cost to use a City park?
The County Parks Department is funded through revenues received from user fees, state, and federal grants. The Department is not funded by local tax dollars. All user fees are retained by the Parks Enterprise Fund for the continued maintenance and enhancement of its recreation facilities. Most city parks are funded through the city general fund and/or park district using tax dollars.
Why is insurance required for park events?
Insurance is required when extraordinary activities are conducted. Permits for alcohol sales, special use and/or one day sales require insurance. Please call to see if your activity will require insurance.