Happy Camp Canyon Regional Park — Attraction in Moorpark

Happy Camp is neither happy, nor a true camp... It's a rural, arid grassland in the rolling hills north of Moorpark, along a restricted dirt fire road where you may not camp overnight and where motor vehicles are not permitted. The hike during 3 seasons out of the year is usually warm to hot, unexciting and features your basic Southern California endemic shrubs, grasses and some invasive weeds. There are a few trees here and there, but most are stunted and scrubby due to lack of water. Also note that you may not take your dog hiking with you into the Happy Camp area but horses are allowed?

If you do choose to hike or mountain bike in Happy Camp, bring plenty of water, snacks and proper clothing. Numerous rattlesnakes, coyotes, bobcat, deer and the occasional mountain lion can be found here, so enjoy and of course - be careful. There are also lots of ticks, so be prepared. When I've hiked into Happy Camp, I've had decent cell coverage with Verizon, but I've heard from friends of mine that their reception was poor. Firearms and bows are not permitted, however for self-defense you can bring pepper spray and I advise doing so.

Happy Camp would do far better if it were converted back into a real camp with an improved road for vehicles, a 24-hour camp host to monitor the site and a small fee to pay for routine maintenance. This way more people, including elderly and handicapped individuals can enjoy...

Happy Camp gets 5 stars because for Moorpark, it's the best of the best. If you're a hiker, outdoor runner, or nature enthusiast and live in Moorpark, there really isn't anything better. The trails here go on FOREVER if you keep going. But there are plenty of obvious places to turn around. Use All Trails app to get an offline map of the area where GPS still works with no cell service. It is really nice for seeing where you are and staying on trail when you're too far away from a cell tower. Be careful here, there are rattlesnakes. There's a point where it says no dogs beyond. I've seen plenty of dogs beyond that point though. It's a pretty flat trail until you get way back there. Not a lot of elevation for at least a few miles. To get there you take Happy Camp Canon Road. You park on the side of the golf course. Just head towards Rustic Canyon Golf Course, but right before their parking lot you'll find a little dirt lot to the right. This is the trailhead parking. There's also trail access from the West. This is by far the best trail...

Day time or night time hikes or runs are fabulous on the hiking trail following the paved road up to the Rustic Canyon Golf Course. About a half mile past the course, you enter a pristine chaparral environment. The trail continues on for many miles taking either the high or bottom trail. Read the signs providing you with information about the canyon for a fuller enjoyment and trail blazing experience. Early mornings and late evenings provide for better wildlife sightings. There are two entrances, one on Campus Park Dr., and the second off Broadway. Bring you camera and watch out for rattle snakes and deeper into the canyon mountain lions. Never hike alone deeper...