McGrath State Beach

Ventura County

McGrath State  Beach, Ventura County, California
McGrath State  Beach, Ventura County, California

McGrath State Beach

Ventura County


McGrath State Beach

Notice: "Due to flooding, as of 7/10/2019, McGrath State Beach is closed until further notice. The park will reopen when flood waters recede and cleanup/repairs have been done." (still posted as of 2/2024) Find updates at McGrath State Beach

Situated between Ventura and Oxnard, McGrath State Beach is well known for its wide, sandy beach, its streamside woodlands, its marsh and coastal dunes, and for the variety of wildlife found in the area. More than 245 species of birds have been sighted around the state beach. McGrath Beach extends for 2½ miles. Dangerous rip currents make it an unsafe location for wading and swimming.


map of McGrath State Beach, Ventura County, CA

Flooding Problems at the Campground

The mouth of the Santa Clara River has been designated as the Santa Clara Estuary Natural Preserve, giving it the highest level of protection in the state park system. This degree of protection is good for the wildlife, but it has created problems for the park.

Winter flooding of the campground area is normal, but in 2013, 2014, and later years the lack of sufficient rain and runoff in the Santa Clara River failed to break through the sand barrier that typically builds up at the mouth of the river over the summer. As a result, river water backed up into the park higher and longer than usual, forcing park officials to close the park. As of December 2018, McGrath was open for camping in section one only, first-come, first served basis. Day-use areas were closed. As of July 10, 2019, the entire park was closed and has remained closed.
For the current status of this park, please call (805) 968-1033.

McGrath State Beach, Ventura County, CA



McGrath State Beach Neighbors

At the southern end of McGrath State Beach a tall stack marks the location of the Mandalay Generating Station owned by Reliant Energy. Also adjacent to the beach is the West Montalvo Oil Field. Wells next to McGrath Lake were angled to reach out to offshore oil fields.


Beach Supplies

Beach Break Surf Shop is located a relaxing 1½ miles up the coast at Ventura Harbor if you walk along the beach. There you can pick up sun tan lotion, shirts and sweatshirts. Other shops and restaurants are found at the harbor too. For grocery stores, Vons is located straight out Gonzales Road and left on Rose. And then Starbucks is right across Rose Avenue from Vons. Another Starbucks is on Ventura, south of Gonzales. For pizza head to Toppers at 111 E. Gonzales.


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety