Another family and mine, recently went camping to Lake Casitas for the weekend (first week of July). We had a blast. We stayed in Campground "C" since it was closest to the water park (near the entrance) and it seemed to have the most shaded camp sites. We stayed in site C9. It was nice since it was near the brook that runs along the camp site. However, due to the proximity to the camp road as well as to Hwy 150, it could get a little noisy at night. Next time we will stay on site C11 or C12. The ideal site seems to be site C18 since it is close to the rest rooms and a water faucet but in general most sites seem great with plenty of shade. Speaking of the restrooms, it would be nice if they were maintained daily and had an air freshner. However, it is "camping" and it beats the porta-pottys that Camp "D" has to deal with. There was a large group in the middle of the camp that stayed up late, which wasn't too bad except for their generator when it kicked on. On Saturday night we were awaken by four rangers' sirens, chasing a vehicle along Hwy 150, and then within the camp, which added to the whole camping experience. Sunday morning we were awaken by a racoon trying to get to our cereal - mental note: don't forget to put cereal and chips inside vehicle next time. But overall, we had a great time sitting around the fire at night, sharing stories, and having an overall great time relaxing. Some of the older kids there rode their bikes around the camp. Other folks brought hamacs and simply relaxed all day.
Saturday morning, we went to the water park. Our kids had a great time. It is no raging waters or anything since it only has two main attractions - a large 18" play area where kids get soaked by water shooting off in different ways and directions, and a 36" deep water river that people ride using inner tubes. The play area's water is a cool while the river's water is a little warm. There are shady areas but you need to be one of first to get in so you can nab them. Oh yeah, regarding the entrance: get there at least half-hour early. I recommend you either buy tickets before you get there or make sure you show up earlier. If the park gets too full, they stop selling tickets until later in the day. After 5:00pm, it's half price. You can bring coolers, but there is a 5.00 fee and no glass of any kind is allowed - they inspect the coolers. Oh yeah, they have coin operated showers inside -- everything there is cleaner than at the campsites, including restrooms of course.
We went to Ventura for Dinner and came back to camp -- so much for roughing it. Upon entering, we parked near the entrance because Lake Casitas Rec had set up a giant inflatable screen where they were showing Ice Age for free. We stayed for a bit but decided call it a night.
In the morning, we were planning to rent bikes, but decided to go to the beach instead and then head home. Everyone had a great time and so we will probably go back before the summer's end