We just went this past weekend. We throughly enjoyed our camping adventure this weekend. We spent time down at the creek, we walked through the aviary, spent time at the playground, etc. Highly recommend this park and campground. Very family friendly, and clean. We are looking forward to our next visit! read more

We've been camping at steckel for numerous years and have never had any negative interactions with host or anyone for that matter. We camp with locals of Santa Paula and are all in agreement that the host Brie is the worst host we've ever came across, her husband is rude and they both lack people skills. They husband and son approached our campsite about 15 till 10pm and without introducing/identifying themselves as the camp host rudely told us to quiet down and shut radio off. Our group had the whole cul de sac of rv campsites reserved that weekend and we are all aware and practice good camping etiquette, we were in no way in violation of noise and our conversation had been toned down because we had children sleeping in a tent. He was told to work on his approach and identify himself next time. Then comes brie at exactly 10 pm rudely telling us to wrap it up, at this point I had enough. We exchanged words and she got emotional and cried, I asked her to leave our campsite and I'd be filing a complaint with park management. Contact Staff Management if you have any issues with hosts. Parks Manager Jeri Cooper Jeri.Cooper@venturacounty.gov Parks Operations Chad Bowie Chad.Bowie@venturacounty.gov read more

I'm rating and reviewing the section of the campground that I camped at. I did not get to check out the entire day visit area or the rest of the campsites. My campsite was #14. I was with a group so all of us were able to have this cul-de-sac area to ourselves. Just a few available sites, but they were not occupied while we were there. As you pull into the campground you will find a kiosk to pay for the day visit. There is no check-in area for campers. You just go to your site and rangers or camp host will make their rounds and check at that time if you have reservations. I had to call because I had no clue what to do or where to go. As it turns out there is a sign for campers as you turn the corner to enter the property, that campers turn right. I was looking straight as I pulled in so I completely missed that. As you enter the park visitors will go left and campers will go off to the right. Most of us arrived on Thursday so the campground was pretty quiet (month of Jan). I was towing a teardrop trailer, I've gotten much better at backing in so it was not a problem. Some of the sites near me made it easy for some to just pull-thru. Not far from me were the restrooms/showers and also the camp host. The dumpster was nearby as well. I thought that was great, then I thought it might draw critters to the area. During my stay it wasn't an issue. But, we did see a good size raccoon walk through our part of the campground and one of our campers found footprints on the table. So watch what you leave out overnight. You could hear the stream that just below us. We didn't find the time to make it down to the stream, but I did find time to sit on a log with the view of the stream and have my breakfast. Bathrooms were ok. Trash cans were full, sinks were a little unkept. I found this to be surprising because all our campers had their own bathrooms in their trailers. And I mentioned the campground was pretty empty. Showers are coin operated. I did not use the shower. Camp host (wife) was pleasant, her husband not so much. The wife approached our group one night and said they could deliver firewood to our site for $20. So the next evening I went to the camp host site and rang the Ring doorbell. No answer on the first ring so I tried one more time before I walk away. A guy came out and I mentioned that we wanted to buy some wood and if it could be delivered to our site as mentioned the other night. The wife came on the Ring call (she was at work) and said yes I could have some wood delivered later in the evening. Husband turned around and mumbled I'm going back in to finish my nap. So there's that. We got our wood and that's all I have to say. There is a bird sanctuary that I did not get to check out but saw it each time we left the campground for an outing. Hearing the birds chirp, especially in the morning, was cheerful and pleasant. I would like to return to this campground again. There is so much to see in the town nearby. read more

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Let me start by saying that this campground is beautiful. It's close to the creek, has an aviary that the kids love, and this was actually our second visit. Our first stay was wonderful, which is why we decided to come back. Unfortunately, this visit was completely overshadowed by our experience with the camp host, Brie. Throughout the weekend, she repeatedly harassed our group of parents and children over what appeared to be a simple misunderstanding regarding reservations. There is a picnic area with tables that apparently requires a reservation, but there was no signage indicating this. We had no way of knowing that the area was reserved. Rather than approaching the situation with understanding, Brie was rude and confrontational from the start. She even attempted to have our group banned from returning to the campground. To make matters worse, she called the sheriff on us after telling us we needed to leave the picnic area. At the time, no one else was using the space. When the deputies arrived, we explained the misunderstanding, and they quickly left. They were professional and seemed to recognize that this was not a matter that warranted law enforcement involvement. The ranger we spoke with was much more reasonable and understanding of the situation, which we appreciated. I almost gave this campground a one-star review solely because of this experience. The property itself is wonderful, but a hostile camp host can completely change the atmosphere of a family camping trip. Based on other reviews, it appears we are not the only visitors who have experienced Brie's inhospitable attitude. Future campers should be aware that while the campground is beautiful, your experience may depend heavily on your interactions with the camp host. read more

Camp host ruin the experience. So rude!! From the moment we arrived the staff was incredibly disrespectful. She seemed so eager to get us off the site even though we had a reservation. Two people visited us in the beginning and were very abrasive. The website to reserve a spot doesn't specify that if you rent a campground that you can spend the night only if your camping but if you are there to hang out for the day you must be gone by 10. Tell me how that makes sense. I'm paying the same price as those who are sleeping overnight but not allowed to stay past 10?? We followed the rules but I thought it was unfair so be aware of that NEW rule. Lastly we started cleaning up and heading out at 10. By 10:10 PM another park staff member came and very rudely expressed that only one person needs to stay to put the remaining flame/fire out, she said we needed to be gone already. I was so upset mainly because me and my group felt like we couldn't enjoy our time there. This is not how anyone who pays for a reservation (gives business) should feel. I've been coming here for years and never had these issues. So incredibly rude ,so disappointing, and disrespectful. Will not be coming back and telling all of my friends to stop coming here. Please be aware that if you visit here it's guaranteed that you will be met with the same attitude as we were as I saw them visiting read more

This place is great, really great views and hiking but remember you will be close to the highway,limited hookup sites, and you gotta book online. Definitely worth it I highly recommended checking it out especially for a one night stop. read more

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I decided to make it a solo trip for my b-day. Everything was great the day i arrived. unfortunately, a group of young loud kids came & camped across from me. They were so loud @ night & through the morning. Camp host did his last drive around & thats when everything went to shit!!! I camped there so many times & i think it will be my last. read more

Really cool, beautiful place! Right by the water with a strong flow and decent amount in the creek. A lot of peacocks walking around the area. It's a shame that it's ruined by the camp host lady with short hair. Most rude, disrespectful host I ever met. Zero communication skills and shows up to yell at you every 30 min with crazy eyes and no emotional control. Really would like to come back but hopefully they change the host soon because we felt unwelcome the entire time. read more

Beautiful, serene, rural park. Love it. However, know they now charge an entrance fee. Such a shame.

Steckel Park is an absolute gem! There is so much to do! A lovely aviary, with gorgeous birds. And I even see wild peacocks on occasion. There are plenty of picnic tables and grills to have a delicious meal with your family. There is a beautiful creek, as well. The only thing I wish I could change about this park is the number of visitors who litter. It is unfortunate because the park employees work so hard to try and keep it clean. If you are looking for a hidden gem in the Santa Paula area, this park is for you! read more

My boyfriend and I stayed here over New Year's Eve and had a great time! We enjoyed exploring the aviary as well as the creek. The location was far enough from the city to where it felt remote, but it was close enough to where we could make a quick trip into town to grab some last minute materials. Their bathrooms were some of the cleanest I've seen in a campground and they always had toilet paper and soap. Check in was very simple as well, we just drove up to our spot. If you are sensitive to noise, then I wouldn't suggest a spot close to the road or close to the aviary as the cars and the birds can be a bit noisy. Overall, I would recommend staying here. read more

Steckel Park - Aviary - Parks Near Me - Santa Paula, California

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This campground is a nice spot for a weekend family trip. The campground itself was clean and had a lot of shade. The bathrooms were clean for the most part (not perfect but good enough to survive the weekend). The aviary was nice, and we also went swimming in the creek. One tip: if you're a light sleeper, avoid choosing a site near the road, as the passing cars can be a bit noisy. read more

Steckel Park - Creek - Parks Near Me - Santa Paula, California

Full of Karen's telling you what to do, no lighting so you can't find a damn thing when driving in to find your site. Shower was full of urine and dirty and the shower only work if you use quarters. No one at the site to help. Except Karen who does not help you at all. People who got nothing better to do than interfere with you read more

Campgrounds are a decent size and not too crowded like some in the area. There are a good amount of trees at some of the campsites. Overall though, I think we won't be returning. The sites are pretty full of rocks, some with no decent places for tents. The trees aren't allowed to be utilized, so no hanging trash bags, running a tie out for pets and no hammocks even with eco-friendly straps to avoid damage. The firepits aren't maintained, you'll need a shovel. Bring toilet paper, the porta-potties were already out on a Saturday morning. The worst is the highway noise. The campsites are all so close to it that the noise drowns out conversations. Dennison is also on this Hwy, but we found it much more peaceful on our last trip. read more

Peaceful getaway right outside Ventura. Affordable and worth exploring RV hookups and dry camp read more

Steckel Park - Trail - Parks Near Me - Santa Paula, California

Meh, I could see how this would be good for kids/families, but as a couple traveling I think we could've done better. On the plus side, it's a great campsite if you want to be close to town, and there's a beautiful stream just steps from your site. It was perfect for an overnight getaway from LA since there's so much to do in Ojai. Otherwise there's bit too much noise from the road, and we had a tough time parking our 27 ft. camper on site 24 since it was impossibly un-level. But I'm sure others will have an easier time than we did. The bird sanctuary is cool but again, noisy at night. I wouldn't go back to this site but I'd recommend families check it out since there's a lot of outside fun to be had. read more

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I had the most lovely Sunday and Monday there. Sunday I went to a group barbecue and it was many tables under a covering with a full massive barbecue area and sufficient seating. There was also a large grass area where we played games. Then I went camping in campsite number one and slept to the drizzling rain and sounds of the creek babbling and awoke to the cries of the peacocks and saw the mom in this picture with her little ones. She was making big scratches and allowing her little ones to eat the bugs and grub read more

Steckel Park - She made large scratches, her little ones learned how to eat overnight damp w/grub underneath - Parks Near Me - Santa Paula, California

This campground is actually super nice and very easy to find. There's a little river that runs through that you can listen to all day and all night. The grounds also has a little bird exhibit which is cool. The bathrooms are clean and you're able to shower with quarters! Howie the camp host is extremely helpful and super nice. Definitely made us feel welcome and will for sure be returning in the future for another quick turnaround trip. Right up the road, 3 minutes away by the college is a beautiful hike- Santa Paula Punchbowls. Definitely recommend coming for an easy campsite close to anything you need. read more

Steckel Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Paula, California

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Only saw the ranger once at check in by camp site. He was pleasant. Our campsite was fully shaded by large pretty trees and rocks. We did a little clean up to our site though. Saw a lot of beer caps and waterbottle caps all over the ground. Overall We enjoyed the day time setting up and resting. Very little bug issues with Just a few flies. The biggest issue was our neighbors to both sides! Can't really blame the camp site for it but do wish the rangers would enforce the quiet time once it hit 9-10:00pm. The large group next to us had a large movie screen blaring their program. Once it ended after 10:00 they played "club" music way past 1:00AM!! Tried contacting the ranger but got no where just an answering machine. Had one of the worst sleeping experiences ever at a camp site these campers had no consideration for others. The campers to the other side had little kids playing hide and seek loudly until midnight. In the morning the same campers with the loud kids had a lady banging a pan with a metal spoon loudly to wake up those kids at 7:00 AM with no consideration for us or anybody else for that matter! She pretty much woke up the entire camp with her horrific alarm. The bathrooms had no soap and the water barely came out and no mirror. Two stalls but only one locked. They had also scattered port-a potties thankfully I didn't have to use it at all. In the morning my husband couldn't use the bathroom near our campsite due to vomit in the sink and the stalls were plugged up. He walked to the front of the camp and thankfully it was in better shape. So yeah we will not be returning here. Also we were by a busy street that had cars constantly going by but it was nothing compared to the rude noises from the other campers. I'd give the camp 3 stars for the pretty shady trees and rocks and day time experience. If I could give night time experience I'd say a zero or negative? read more

Reserve at your own risk! I paid for a reserved spot this past weekend and when I arrived there was another tent already set up in my spot, and no one there. The campsite host was nowhere to be found nor were there any park rangers or staff of any kind to be found. For what it's worth 2 other groups of campers were also looking for some help checking-in and finding an open plot. When I called out to the phone numbers posted in the park, those offices were already closed. To complicate the matter even more, when I called back Monday to get a refund, I was told there would be no refund as my reservation date already passed, and was then put on a punitively long hold (40 minutes) for asking to speak with a manager. Eventually I spoke with someone who told me my only recourse was to send an email to a generic email address. read more

i absolutely love the little hike to the river, so calming and beautiful there are also many wild birds that is so awesome to see read more

Steckel Park - nature - Parks Near Me - Santa Paula, California

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Super chill and beautiful camping spot! Given it is off season, but we showed up Saturday wanting to camp that night. We had plenty of options for tent camping! Check in was easy, they have slips at the entrance with a scan tron that took us directly to the book a site page. It was $23 per night, and $1 extra per pet. Maximum 6 people, 3 tents OR cars. The spots were big and all had tables and trashes and fire pits. Some had really big cook pits. A beautiful river ran through behind the sites. The bathrooms were clean and had toilet paper. And they had an amazing aviary with a variety of birds. We will definitely go back! read more

Camped there. Loved it. Except for the stinking port-a-potty with the broken door latch. That took some slight of hand talent. And the park ranger was super friendly (think Ned Flanders). Peacocks strolled through my campsite. WARNING--They sound like a distressed, dying cat. Not that I spent an hour trying to find & rescue the damn cat. Because I didn't....... read more

Steckle Park is just a few miles out of Santa Paula, but a world away! Sitting along Santa Paula Creek, Steckle Park is one of Ventura County's oldest parks. It has camping and day use BBQ spots. There are also group camping and group BBQ areas that can be reserved. Horse shoe pits hiking and exploring along the creek are popular attractions. Just across the creek is a KOA Campground, where motor home and trailer campers are welcome. Steckle Park is also home to an aviary. Built about a hundred years ago, the aviary was almost shut down a few years ago. Due to the public outcry and a wave of public support ( in the form of contributions and volunteer labor) the aviary was rebuilt and renovated. Kids and adults love to check out the birds on display. read more

Horrible packed!!Easter Sunday not a good idea to come without reservations ! They are no allowing more car inside the parking lot of the park! read more

Steckel Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Paula, California

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I love this campground but be aware the road in from Santa Paula is CLOSED. As in, turn around and drive back to the 101, up to the 33, and through Ojai. You will hit another road closure but before you start crying they will let you through. Would have been nice of the parks to let us know but figured I would. Safe travels!!! read more

Pulled in here random to check it out. Looks to be all kinds of places to camp, park your massive RV, rent a cabin, a teepee or a covered wagon even. The RV area was packed and looked like a gypsy village...not real private and road noise seemed high from the 150. Chilled for a while and headed back on the road. read more

Nice place for family and kids. The creek had some water and the kids enjoyed playing in the water. The park has a grass area and it was nice to play kick ball. We enjoyed it. read more

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Regarding camping, there are good and bad aspects. Enjoyed the shady campsite which really kept it cooler on a hot day, not many bugs, nice fire pit. Did not enjoy the loud neighbors. Quiet hours start at 9pm, but good luck on that. People had a large screen watching a UFC fight until almost 10pm. Unable to contact a campground host or ranger. Loud music coming from nearly every campsite during the day and well past quiet hours. If you are looking for peace and quiet in the outdoors look elsewhere. read more

Hmm. Where to begin? We camped at campsite #22 it was very big and somewhat isolated from other campers. I would recommend site 23 as well because it's a little bit more isolated. The campsite in general is very pretty with lots of trees and history. It was a little difficult to find a spot to set up my roof top tent but we made it work due to the low trees. Beware yellow jackets. The host didn't really check in as they do in other campsites and there were people blasting music from different areas. Quiet hours were not respected and host didn't seem to mind. It wasn't quiet until 2 am. Water level near campsites are very minimal there are some nice knee length water spots where the picnic areas are. If your trying to be loud and party this is the place for you. If your someone who enjoys the quietness avoid weekends because it's a party house. read more

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We love this campground. Close to home. Nice hikes. The aviary is fun to check out. Rustic setting, but paved parking for the RV. Town is not too far if you forgot anything and campers always share with each other. Feels very relaxing and listening to the stream at night is wonderful. read more

Amazon needs a beak trim. Pretty sad. I would be willing to do it for free. Otherwise the creek was fun to explore and the cockatoo was super cool. read more

The pits. noisy 4:am neighbors, very loud traffic noise, you can smell the porta potty from plot 24, this place blows. Now the drunk lady next lot over has lost her dog, so she's shouting for it, it's 4:30. read more

Cute little park in Santa Paula, they had tons of bbqs and picnic tables for family events or day use, camping spots available too. I enjoyed looking at all the birds and beautiful scenery, definitely a nice place to bring the family or a date. read more

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This park is in little old Santa Paula, but it's great if you don't want to go to a park that is super crowded with people fighting where to bbq and you want to drink. It costs $2 to for the day and if you go left there is a huge grassy area and picnic tables where you can set up a volley ball net or play footbal if you like. If you go towards the right they have campgrounds where you can stay over night. These costs $20. Even when we only go for the day we still like to go towards the campgrounds because you have a huge area to yourself and it's just cooler. Not that many people stay over night, although we have camped there a couple of nights. It was awesome because there was only one other group that stayed there and they were kind of far so you can be as loud as you want and have music. The only thing that was kind of creepy was once we all got in our tents coyotes started howling really close and it sounded like there was 30 or 40 of them. But coyotes are not dangerous. The last place i used to live, they lived right across the street and howled every night. It just sounds creepier when you're outside too and so close to them.The man who looks over the grounds and lives in a little trailer has peacocks just walking around. Also, they have an area with many cages and all kinds of different birds you can see. Some even talk! We were just there this weekend having a b-b-q and a pinata, and I'm happy to report that they now have bathrooms on the campground side. No more porta potty! They even have a shower, which I didn't pay attention how much money you have to put in it. It would of been so much nicer to have these bathrooms when we camped there before. This is a great place if you don't feel like driving too far or out of the city, but feel like camping. Or just going on a whim. read more

Steckel Park - Parks Near Me - Santa Paula, California

Unless you pay close attention to your surroundings, you'd drive right by this aviary assuming it was just another camp site. Not sure if we'd ever venture to camp here but taking some time to walk around is well worth it - if you like nature that is. From doves to peacocks, it's a pleasant walk to take your kids on as they enamor over the different types of birds and their unique sounds. Don't miss it. Your kids will enjoy it. [we have two kiddos, 9 and 2 yrs old] read more

Steckel Park - Intelligent. Has a vocabulary and makes your child(ren) smile as it communicates. - Parks Near Me - Santa Paula, California

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We drove in and paid the $2 day fee to enjoy the recently renovated aviary. The geese, doves, peafowl, and cockatiels are back as is the talking cockatoo. The park is clean with shady picnic areas and updated bathrooms. I have wonderful childhood memories of company picnics at the group picnic area, when I spent most of my time exploring the creek for wildlife. Even during this dry year in June, the creek is flowing. The park is almost empty on weekdays, but fills up on weekends ($4). Besides the group sites, there are single picnic tables scattered under the shady oaks with close parking, as well as a camping area. read more

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The RV section is great. Full hookups at a fair price. Camp host monitors entire park along with the Park Rangers. Stayed there many times. The issue I have are the dumpsters located near the restrooms/showers. The are over flowing with trash after the weekend, but are not emptied until Thursday ! The stench is sickening to snyone camping in the area downwind from them. Emptying schedule needs to be changed :-)))) read more

The camp site is big but the only downside is there's only one bathroom/shower and its far from your site,and also there is no sink for cleaning some of your camping stuff.and its close to the road so at night you can hear the car passing. There is a small area where there is a cage for different kind of birds its good for the kids to see during the day. read more

We just stayed here over the weekend, and it's still one of our favorite spots. This camping experience was especially nice because there was a young peahen and her five little baby chicks that just strutted all over that campsite with no regard for anyone watching. She kept walking them right into our site and grazed our tent many times over. Now how cool is that for wildlife up close and personal? The prices are now $4 for day use, and $22 per site and that goes to campground maintenance, not taxes. There's an aviary that really needs a bit more TLC, but I think I've been told that although it is located in the park, the aviary is separately funded. It's nice that the campground doesn't usually fill up, and there are some spots that make you feel secluded, even when others are camped almost next to you. There's lots of shade from the many mature oaks planted throughout the park. There are a few spots with a water fountain or spigot. Fire pits are mostly all with grates and yes, there are flush toilets and coin-op showers. Also, there is a group camp area. We've reserved that before when we had a large family celebration camp out. Their prices are very reasonable. It is first come, first serve for the camping, however you can also call the Ventura Parks and Rec and they will reserve a site for you in advance. I think there is a small fee that goes with that. The advantage to that is you can reserve a specific site. This makes sense if you will be travelling a distance, when you have specific requests (near a bathroom or water), if you want to book sites next to each other, or if you know the camp ground and have certain sites you prefer. Otherwise, since they only seem to fill up on holidays, save the extra money, and have an adventure. Whatever sites have not been booked in advance are up for grabs by whoever gets there first. Oh, and did I mention, there is a creek bed you can follow, and depending on how adventurous, there are hot springs and so many other water adventures located nearby. read more