Steckel Park — Attraction in Santa Paula

Steckel park has separate campground and day use areas. They are a separate location from and also are NOT affiliated with KOA.

River / creek is full of toxic algae and petroleum (petroleum is common in the area). Creek has some inviting looking spots, but I would NOT go in or let my children or dogs go in either. Toxic algae generally kills dogs and can give 'swimmers itch' rash to humans. There are no warning signs to let people know.

Campground...well, the first night had people coming through at all hours into the adjacent day area and partying despite the day area being closed. They were mere feet from the campsites. There was also a number of suspicious looking vehicles repeatedly coming through and blaring music (noise alert). Campsite #1 is the worst being affected by this. There didn't seem to be a host around on duty (no patrol) and they didn't close the gates to keep non-campers out at night. (Side note: Campsite #1 is located next to the aviary and river so during the day there are people walking through non-stop.) The noise was so bad and the people so creepy we almost didn't stay our second night, but did and it had none of the same issues oddly.

More on the campsites - they were large and could fit multiple cars (for an added fee or people work around this by street parking outside the park), partially shady, and offered limited privacy.

The aviary was located next to Campsite #1. Birds included lovebirds, a rooster, doves, peacocks, and more. It was very cute, but the exhibit didn't provide any info on the birds or why in the world they are there. Note also that at least one peacock runs cage free and visits campsites. Waking up in Campsite #1 next to the aviary with all the bird noises was very cool.

Bugs!!! I know it's camping, but whoa. The tent was covered in bugs - four different types of spiders (multiple each), stink bugs, tiny stick bug/praying mantis things, something jumpy that could have been a tic, and lots of somethings about the size of a chigger. We observed numerous big traps around the property so they must have some invasive overpopulation of bugs.

Restrooms in the campground section were small (two potty stalls for each gender plus two all gender showers). It and the surrounding campsites smelled like sewage. Shower was hot and hot water was basically on demand, but pressure dropped to a trickle when someone was using the restroom. Shower takes quarters ($1.25 for seven and a half minutes).

Additional two restroom houses in the day area without showers. The one I used in the day area was consistently very clean.

I did not see anywhere to purchase wood at the campground (?) though there were rings at each site and people using them.

Approx. less than 30 minutes drive to the beach, but MUCH hotter here. Santa Paula did not appear as affluent as surrounding towns and including Ventura.

Pet friendly for an...

I had a little problem with the rangers about paying for 1 night, but I paid it and have record of it.i had to go to the DMV the next morning and I knew i wouldnt b back by 11. When i got back hadn't been hear 2 min. And a ranger was on me about the night before. I said I paid it, his records said different. I couldn't log into the account without purchasing a spot, so he made me pay twice but after he left I was checking my tent for spiders and found a ticket wrapped around a tent post and tied with a rubberband. So the way it was attached, I or annyone would not have found it until they broke down thier tent. The ticket said that if I didnt pay for the night that I paid twice for, by 8:00 am I would be banned from the park for life. The thing that gets me is woildnt you put the ticket where someone would find it. Maybe the table, but it was practically invisible. Not cool at all. I think some messed up power tripping ranger is in the wrong line of work. Other the the threatening extortion note I like it. I almost forgot, the showers are cold you cant turn them...

This is a beautiful park with some shade trees and a playground and bird anctuary, $2 parking fee per day on weekdays, and $5 per day on weekends. Pay with the envelope provided at the entrance, even though there isn't an attendant available. Read the envelope. There IS a County code for not displaying the receipt in the dash of your vehicle. There is a bathroom area but haven't been in there yet. Lots of picnic tables and BBQs. The creek is really nice and relaxing. We picked up some trash left behind by other people in the creek area. Trying to help keep our creeks and streams clean. Please pick up your trash, if you visit. I saw another lady picking up trash as well. But overall the campgrounds and BBQ area's are clean. We haven't tried camping yet, but would like to. Such a nice little park tucked away just below the mountains. People try and rearrange the rocks in the stream to eliminate stagnant water from breeding mosquitoes. Bring your repellant. I heard about snakes but...