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McGrath State Beach’s lush streamside woodlands, coastal dunes, wide beach and marshlands protect a surprising diversity of plants and animals, including more than 245 bird species. The mouth of the Santa Clara River - one of Southern California’s last undammed rivers - has been designated as the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve, the highest level of protection within the State Park system.
Park News Alert
NOTICE: Because of damage to the park’s campsites, facilities, roads and other infrastructure caused by recent flooding, McGrath State Beach is closed until further notice. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Alternative camping in the vicinity of McGrath State Beach is available at Carpinteria State Beach, Emma Wood State Beach, and Point Mugu State Park. San Buenaventura State Beach in Ventura is open for day use. For more information, please go to the web pages for these and other California State Parks.
Please Note: For the current status of this park, please call 805-968-1033.
NOTICE: Because of damage to the park’s campsites, facilities, roads and other infrastructure caused by recent flooding, McGrath State Beach is closed until further notice. Updates will be provided as new information becomes available.
Alternative camping in the vicinity of McGrath State Beach is available at Carpinteria State Beach, Emma Wood State Beach, and Point Mugu State Park. San Buenaventura State Beach in Ventura is open for day use. For more information, please go to the web pages for these and other California State Parks.
Please Note: For the current status of this park, please call 805-968-1033.
Getting There
The beach is five miles south of Ventura off Highway 101 via the Seaward off ramp. Take Harbor Blvd toward Oxnard.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
The beach is five miles south of Ventura off Highway 101 via the Seaward off ramp. Take Harbor Blvd toward Oxnard.
The Day Use Annual Pass is accepted at this park.
Seasons/Climate/Recommended Clothing
Located between Ventura and Oxnard, the park enjoys cool summers and mild, wet winters. Spring and fall bring crisp, often windy days. Dense fog rolls in, even in summer, so wise visitors dress in layers.
Located between Ventura and Oxnard, the park enjoys cool summers and mild, wet winters. Spring and fall bring crisp, often windy days. Dense fog rolls in, even in summer, so wise visitors dress in layers.
Operating Hours & Contact
The park is open from 8am – 10pm. The entrance gate is locked at 10pm without exception.
For a recorded message about the park call 805-968-1033
The park is open from 8am – 10pm. The entrance gate is locked at 10pm without exception.
For a recorded message about the park call 805-968-1033
Tips & Rules
From March through September, beachgoers must watch out for the well-camouflaged nests and chicks of the western snowy plover, a small shore bird struggling to survive on California beaches. Some activities, like kite flying, are not recommended - nervous plovers may abandon their eggs or chicks if disturbed.
Dogs are to be kept on leashes no longer than six feet, and in a tent or enclosed vehicle at night. Only registered service dogs are allowed in park buildings, on trails or on the beach.
From March through September, beachgoers must watch out for the well-camouflaged nests and chicks of the western snowy plover, a small shore bird struggling to survive on California beaches. Some activities, like kite flying, are not recommended - nervous plovers may abandon their eggs or chicks if disturbed.
Dogs are to be kept on leashes no longer than six feet, and in a tent or enclosed vehicle at night. Only registered service dogs are allowed in park buildings, on trails or on the beach.
Camping
The campground has 174 developed sites with picnic tables and fire rings, and restrooms with coin-operated hot showers. A group campsite and a Hike-and-Bike site are also available. Campers are allowed a single night stay in the Hike and Bike site.
Make Campground Reservations
The campground has 174 developed sites with picnic tables and fire rings, and restrooms with coin-operated hot showers. A group campsite and a Hike-and-Bike site are also available. Campers are allowed a single night stay in the Hike and Bike site.
Make Campground Reservations
Activities
Beach walkers, sunbathers and surf fishers enjoy McGrath’s 2.5 miles of beach. Due to dangerous rip currents offshore of McGrath SB, swimmers, surfers, and water sport enthusiasts are encouraged to head northwest on Harbor Blvd. two miles and enjoy San Buenaventura State Beach. This wide and level guarded beach is close to the sights of Downtown Ventura. Admission to the park is free when your current camping tag is displayed on your windshield.
Lifeguard services are provided during peak summer season. When no lifeguard services are provided it is strongly recommended that only experienced ocean swimmers, surfers and body boarders enter the water.
A mostly barrier-free nature trail extends .2 miles through jungle-like vegetation along the banks of the Santa Clara River. Pick up a free trail guide at the entrance station. Free summer programs interpret the park’s history and habitats.
Beach walkers, sunbathers and surf fishers enjoy McGrath’s 2.5 miles of beach. Due to dangerous rip currents offshore of McGrath SB, swimmers, surfers, and water sport enthusiasts are encouraged to head northwest on Harbor Blvd. two miles and enjoy San Buenaventura State Beach. This wide and level guarded beach is close to the sights of Downtown Ventura. Admission to the park is free when your current camping tag is displayed on your windshield.
Lifeguard services are provided during peak summer season. When no lifeguard services are provided it is strongly recommended that only experienced ocean swimmers, surfers and body boarders enter the water.
A mostly barrier-free nature trail extends .2 miles through jungle-like vegetation along the banks of the Santa Clara River. Pick up a free trail guide at the entrance station. Free summer programs interpret the park’s history and habitats.
Natural Resources
Nine separate ecosystems meet at McGrath State Beach: river, freshwater marsh, brackish marsh, coastal dune, ocean, sandy beach, estuary, coastal freshwater back dune lake, and riparian woodland. Water patterns on the land change constantly as the estuary and even some campsites are covered by water one day and left drying in the sun the next. As a result, visitors never see the same McGrath State Beach twice.
In spring and fall, visitors can see migrating and year-round native birds. Among the rare, threatened or endangered animals protected here are the California least tern, brown pelican and least Bell’s vireo. Native fish include steelhead trout and the endangered tidewater goby. Raccoons, gray foxes, great blue herons, weasels, brush rabbits, legless lizards and bobcats also live here. Plants blooming in the area are rare Ventura marsh milk vetch, once thought to be extinct, salt marsh bird’s beak, arroyo willow, beach evening primrose and poison oak.
Nine separate ecosystems meet at McGrath State Beach: river, freshwater marsh, brackish marsh, coastal dune, ocean, sandy beach, estuary, coastal freshwater back dune lake, and riparian woodland. Water patterns on the land change constantly as the estuary and even some campsites are covered by water one day and left drying in the sun the next. As a result, visitors never see the same McGrath State Beach twice.
In spring and fall, visitors can see migrating and year-round native birds. Among the rare, threatened or endangered animals protected here are the California least tern, brown pelican and least Bell’s vireo. Native fish include steelhead trout and the endangered tidewater goby. Raccoons, gray foxes, great blue herons, weasels, brush rabbits, legless lizards and bobcats also live here. Plants blooming in the area are rare Ventura marsh milk vetch, once thought to be extinct, salt marsh bird’s beak, arroyo willow, beach evening primrose and poison oak.
Park History
Native History
For thousands of years, native people, primarily the Chumash, lived in this area. In summer and fall, when the Santa Clara River slowed, the Chumash set up temporary camps and harvested the area’s bounty. They used the local spiny rush plant to weave intricately crafted baskets. Human use of petroleum in this area was first documented when the Chumash used asphaltum deposits to caulk their tomol canoes, to waterproof baskets, and to affix decorative items to a variety of objects.
Dominick McGrath
Young Dominick McGrath came to California from County Longford, Ireland, in 1848. He made his fortune selling wool, mutton and hides in the gold fields. McGrath purchased more than a thousand acres of land near the mouth of the Santa Clara River and started a highly successful farm. As he prospered, Dominick and his family and friends often visited the river, the beach, and the surrounding area. Dominick McGrath’s descendants sold 295 acres to the State of California in 1961, so the public could also enjoy this coastal wetland habitat. The land was declared a state park in 1962.
Oil and Water
The need for fossil fuels can wreak havoc on the natural environment. In 1993, an oil pipeline near McGrath State Beach ruptured, spilling more than 2,000 barrels of crude oil into McGrath Lake, contaminating the lake and some surrounding dunes. After years of cleanup, the lake and its environs are still being restored.
Native History
For thousands of years, native people, primarily the Chumash, lived in this area. In summer and fall, when the Santa Clara River slowed, the Chumash set up temporary camps and harvested the area’s bounty. They used the local spiny rush plant to weave intricately crafted baskets. Human use of petroleum in this area was first documented when the Chumash used asphaltum deposits to caulk their tomol canoes, to waterproof baskets, and to affix decorative items to a variety of objects.
Dominick McGrath
Young Dominick McGrath came to California from County Longford, Ireland, in 1848. He made his fortune selling wool, mutton and hides in the gold fields. McGrath purchased more than a thousand acres of land near the mouth of the Santa Clara River and started a highly successful farm. As he prospered, Dominick and his family and friends often visited the river, the beach, and the surrounding area. Dominick McGrath’s descendants sold 295 acres to the State of California in 1961, so the public could also enjoy this coastal wetland habitat. The land was declared a state park in 1962.
Oil and Water
The need for fossil fuels can wreak havoc on the natural environment. In 1993, an oil pipeline near McGrath State Beach ruptured, spilling more than 2,000 barrels of crude oil into McGrath Lake, contaminating the lake and some surrounding dunes. After years of cleanup, the lake and its environs are still being restored.
Accessible Features
Camping
There are 10 paved sites that may be usable, including some with accessible tables. Assistance may be required to get water spigots and trash disposal. Restroom stalls are too small for wheelchairs, but have grab bars and may be usable for some persons. Showers are not wheelchair accessible.
Trails
Nature Trail: A .2 mile nature trail leading to an overlook of the Santa Clara River is generally accessible. Surface is a combination of hardened earth and boardwalk. Free descriptive brochures (including large font) available at entrance station. Trailhead is at northwest corner of parking lot, with accessible parking available.
Beach/Shore Access
Beach wheelchair is available. Call 805-648-3321 in advance to reserve one.
Be the first to add a trip in this destination!Camping
There are 10 paved sites that may be usable, including some with accessible tables. Assistance may be required to get water spigots and trash disposal. Restroom stalls are too small for wheelchairs, but have grab bars and may be usable for some persons. Showers are not wheelchair accessible.
Trails
Nature Trail: A .2 mile nature trail leading to an overlook of the Santa Clara River is generally accessible. Surface is a combination of hardened earth and boardwalk. Free descriptive brochures (including large font) available at entrance station. Trailhead is at northwest corner of parking lot, with accessible parking available.
Beach/Shore Access
Beach wheelchair is available. Call 805-648-3321 in advance to reserve one.
Nearby Community Trips
