Campus Park’s dog park sits at the edge of a working sports complex, which means the ground here is sand and decomposed granite rather than grass—a lot like walking on a beach but firmer. You’ll notice immediately that it’s shadeless except for a couple of small structures, so morning or late afternoon visits feel considerably better than midday, especially in summer when Oxnard heat builds fast.

Dogs can run off-leash throughout the fenced area, and the gate system is straightforward: single gate entry, typical four-foot fencing. There’s no size or weight restriction posted, and the park sees mixed use throughout the day—early morning brings the serious regulars with their dogs, while afternoons tend toward a quieter crowd. A water fountain for humans exists on the grounds, but bring your own water bowl since there’s no dog-specific fountain, and that sand will work dust into your dog’s coat fast.

The park is small and contained, roughly an acre, so it’s not a destination for long-distance hiking. What it does offer is convenient neighborhood access for Oxnard residents; it’s located right at 5th and H Streets in an area with moderate foot traffic. The terrain is flat throughout, which suits dogs of any age or mobility level. The surrounding area is fairly developed, so expect some street noise from nearby traffic. Hours are typically dawn to dusk, though the park can get surprisingly busy during spring and fall weekends when the weather is mild. In summer, you’ll have the place largely to yourself before 7 a.m., and the hard-packed surface drains quickly after any rare rain, keeping the ground usable year-round.