A few weeks ago, the kids and I, “braved” some of the best glamping in California at KOA’s Ventura Ranch. As you can see, we were really roughing it in our Deluxe Log Cabin! In partnership with Toyota and the National Center of Families Learning, we learned that the art of camping has definitely been fine-tuned since I was a kid. And while I love adventure, I’m hooked with California glamping.
California Glamping
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KOA Ventura Ranch Review
KOA’s Ventura Ranch Inn is a76-acre campground nestled in Heritage Valley at the foot of Ventura County;s highest mountain, Topa Topa. Next to a creek that we hiked and created awesome memories, there was little noise and the cleanliest of air. Not far from Ojai and Santa Paula, Ventura Ranch Inn is only 15 miles from the beach and makes for a fantastic summer getaway.
Ventura Ranch Inn has four types of accommodations and these vary from rustic camping to what we experienced – California glamping at its best. We stayed in a Deluxe Cabin (more details below) and loved it. The next time we go, we’re definitely trying the teepees!
Here are a few other reasons why we all LOVED Ventura Ranch Inn…
Camping Activities
In addition to the picturesque location, Ventura Ranch offers so many great things to do. Free activities at Ventura Ranch include a huge jumping pillow that the kids loved. Of course they also loved the pool, which we hear will have a slide in the coming months! The pool was large with various depths, perfect for kids of all ages and swim abilities. It was not heated, though we didn’t mind. Ventura Ranch also offered free nature walks, including a Big Foot Walk that older kids would love, and Movie Night Under the Stars. Just check the calendar of events as your checking in (or check online) to find out what activities are scheduled!
Ventura Ranch also offers several activities at a fee. In addition to the activities above, there is also zip lining, a rock wall, race car pedal bikes and a t-shirt tie die craft that was so much. You pay at the front reception area and then given wrist bands to access your activity.
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The kids loved every activity we tried, though you could have a fantastic time without the extras. My favorite had to be watching my babies brave the rock wall, though the girls would probably say their favorite was the zip line. We also loved making tie dye shirts together. All of the Ventura Ranch staff working at these activities were nice and efficient, making the experience feel organized. Everything run on time, too. Overall, all the activities at Ventura Ranch made for a unique camping experience.
Ziplining at KOA
Deluxe Cabin at Ventura Ranch KOA
The accommodations at Ventura Ranch KOA were diverse enough for all levels of camping expertise, with everything from traditional camp sites to two bedroom log cabins. For this trip, we stayed in a Deluxe Cabin with a bathroom. Though my friend and I have camped before, being that it was just us two moms with our four kids, the glamping option was perfect for us. The Deluxe Cabin was GORGEOUS! Our deck overlooked the most beautiful canyon view and made for a peaceful spot to enjoy our morning coffee.
The Deluxe cabin had a loft space that came with two cots and storage, along with a large carpeted area. The kids played in this space and, ideally, should have slept there too. But since they’re still on the baby side of life, they all ended up in bed with the respective mama. In the back of the cabin was a decent sized room with a queen size bed and large closet. The linens were crisp, clean and the bed was very comfortable. Calling this camping (or even glamping) was a huge stretch, but this mama LOVED it!
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In the living space was also a pull out couch that could sleep even more people. The kitchen was stocked with everything you would need to cook at home, like knives, cutting boards, even a microwave and coffee maker!
The biggest difference in our glamping experience was the bathroom – we had our own private, indoors, super clean bathroom. In fact, I can’t even tell you what the campground bathrooms looked like, but I heard they were decent. I remember taking coin operating showers as a kid, and I gotta tell you, this was nice 🙂
Each log cabin site also had a gas grill on the deck, which we used each night to cook dinner. One night we made grilled pizzas and the kids had a blast! Of course we also had a traditional firepit to make smores and sit around at night.
California Camping At Its Best
Ventura Ranch KOA was a blast. We will definitely be back and bring along Daddy D. It was exactly the pace we needed after the business of moving has taken over our lives lately. The stars were bright, the friendships were positive and happy, and the memories I made with my babies are ones we won’t soon forget.
I would 100%, without a smidgen of doubt, recommend this campground as a great option for a summer camping getaway in California.
