Looking for apple picking near Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard or elsewhere in Ventura County? Although there are no public U-pick apple orchards in our immediate area, families can still enjoy this classic fall tradition with a day trip to Santa Paula, San Luis Obispo, Tehachapi or Oak Glen.
Whether you want a relaxed afternoon of apple picking or a full fall adventure with hayrides, farm animals, cider pressing and fresh-baked pie, these orchards are worth the drive.
Apple crops and picking conditions can change quickly. Always check the orchard’s website or social media—or call directly—before making the trip. U-pick may end early if an orchard sells out.
Last updated August 31, 2026.
🍎 Closest Apple-Picking Experience
The Painted Pony Farm — Santa Paula
Address: 15315 Ojai Road, Santa Paula, CA
2026 status: Open for scheduled group tours
Admission: Contact the farm for group pricing
Reservations: Required
The Painted Pony Farm is the closest apple-picking experience to Camarillo, Ventura and Oxnard, but it is not a public drop-in orchard. Apple picking is offered as part of scheduled educational group tours.
During a hands-on farm visit, children may have an opportunity to pick apples, visit the pumpkin patch, meet baby animals and learn about life on a working family farm.
🐴 Farm animals
🍎 Apple picking when available
🎃 Pumpkin-patch visits
🐥 Hands-on educational activities
📚 Group farm tours
Best for: School classes, homeschool groups, Scouts, playgroups and other organized groups.
Before planning a visit, contact the farm to confirm apple availability, group size requirements and pricing.
Visit The Painted Pony Farm website
Apple Picking North of Ventura County
⭐ Best All-Day Farm Experience
Avila Valley Barn — San Luis Obispo
Address: 560 Avila Beach Drive, San Luis Obispo, CA 93405
2026 apple season: Began August 29
U-pick hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Farm-stand hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Admission: Entry to the farm is free; produce and selected activities cost extra
Avila Valley Barn is one of the best choices for families who want more than apple picking. The farm combines seasonal U-pick produce with animals, food, baked goods and classic fall attractions.
Its 2026 apple-picking season is underway, but availability can change daily. Check the farm’s current U-pick update before driving.
🍎 U-pick apples
🌻 U-pick flowers
🫐 Seasonal U-pick berries
🚜 Tractor hayrides
🐐 Animal feeding area
🐴 Weekend pony rides
🌽 Hay maze and seasonal farm attractions
🎃 Pumpkin patch later in the season
🥧 Homemade pies and bakery treats
🍦 Ice cream and sweets
🌽 Roasted corn and farm food
📸 Fall photo opportunities
The farm’s Gopher Glen Apple Orchard is also open during apple season. Its current hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m.–6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m.–6 p.m.
Best for: Families looking for a full fall outing with activities, food and apple picking in one place.
Check current conditions at Avila Valley Barn
⭐ Best for Organic Apple Picking
SLO Creek Farms — San Luis Obispo
Address: 6455 Monte Road, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Expected season: September through November
Typical apple-season hours: Thursday–Monday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Admission: No orchard admission fee; pay for what you pick
2026 status: The farm plans to reopen in September; confirm the opening date before visiting
SLO Creek Farms is a 14-acre certified-organic orchard where families can pick apples directly from the trees. The farm grows several varieties that ripen at different points throughout the season.
Depending on availability, varieties may include Gala, Early Fuji, Jonalicious, Empire, September Wonder, Sundancer, Granny Smith and Braeburn.
🍎 Organic U-pick apples
🌸 Seasonal U-pick flowers
🎃 Pumpkins when available
🥬 Seasonal vegetables and herbs
🧺 Picking baskets available
🌳 Picnic area
🍺 Hard cider for adults
Pets are not permitted in the orchard. The farm recommends calling before visiting because weather and crop conditions can affect its schedule.
Best for: Families primarily interested in picking organic apples in a quieter orchard setting.
Check the SLO Creek Farms picking schedule
Apple Picking in Tehachapi
⭐ Simple, Traditional U-Pick Experience
Knaus Apple Ranch — Tehachapi
Address: 19042 Cherry Lane, Tehachapi, CA 93561
2026 opening date: To be announced
Admission: No entrance fee
Payment: Cash only
Knaus Apple Ranch is a small, family-owned orchard known for a straightforward pick-your-own experience. The orchard grows Red Delicious and Golden Delicious apples and has welcomed families since 1970.
🍎 Pick-your-own apples
🌳 Traditional family orchard
🛍️ Seasonal goods in the barn
🧺 Bring your own picking bags
🚗 Free admission
Knaus sold out early during its 2025 season. The farm has not announced its 2026 opening date yet, so do not make the drive until an opening announcement appears on its website.
Best for: Families who want a simple apple-picking trip without the crowds and attractions of a large fall festival.
Check Knaus Apple Ranch for its 2026 opening announcement
Apple Picking in Oak Glen
Oak Glen is Southern California’s best-known apple-growing destination. It is the farthest option in this guide, but it also offers the largest collection of orchards, bakeries, cider stands and fall attractions.
Apple season generally runs from late August through November, depending on the orchard and crop supply. October weekends can be extremely busy, so families should arrive early or consider visiting on a weekday.
⭐ Best Overall Oak Glen Experience
Los Rios Rancho — Oak Glen
Address: 39611 Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, CA 92399
2026 apple season: Labor Day weekend through Thanksgiving weekend, while supplies last
Admission: Free
Parking: Free
Reservations: Not required
Los Rios Rancho is Southern California’s largest operating apple farm and one of the most complete fall destinations in Oak Glen. The ranch grows more than 30 varieties of traditional and heirloom apples across approximately 100 acres of orchards.
Its 2026 season begins Labor Day weekend. Different apple varieties ripen throughout the season, so check the farm’s current crop report before visiting.
🍎 U-pick and pre-bagged apples
🚜 Tractor rides
🍏 Apple-cider pressing
🌽 Corn maze beginning September 20
🎃 Pumpkin picking later in the season
🐴 Horse-drawn wagon tours on select weekends
🐐 Petting zoo and miniature farm
🎶 Weekend live entertainment
🥧 Fresh pies and baked goods
🍖 Farm-kitchen meals
🥾 Nature trails and gardens
🍺 Hard-cider tastings for adults
U-pick visitors should check in at the Northside Orchard. Picking baskets are provided, and closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Best for: Families who want apple picking and enough fall activities to fill most of the day.
See the 2026 Los Rios Rancho apple-season information
⭐ Best for Apples and Living History
Riley’s Farm — Oak Glen
Address: 12261 S. Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399
Regular hours: Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Apple price: $3.50 per pound
Admission: No general admission charge for regular farm visits
Reservations: Not required for regular U-pick
Riley’s Farm combines a working apple orchard with living-history programs, a colonial village, seasonal dinners and family activities. More than 30 apple varieties grow throughout the farm, including apples from historic trees more than a century old.
🍎 U-pick apples
🍓 Other seasonal U-pick fruit
🥧 Bakery treats and five-pound apple pies
🍺 Fresh cider and hard cider
🏛️ Living-history experiences
🪶 Colonial crafts and activities
🎭 Seasonal dinner theater
🌳 Historic orchard scenery
Fruit is sold by weight. Some special events, activities and historical programs require separate tickets.
Best for: Families who enjoy history, themed experiences and apple picking.
Check Riley’s Farm U-pick availability
⭐ Best Smaller U-Pick Orchard
Stone Pantry Orchard — Oak Glen
Address: 11993 S. Oak Glen Road, Yucaipa, CA 92399
Season: Labor Day through Thanksgiving
Weekend hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m.
Weekdays: By appointment
Pricing: Produce is sold by the pound
Stone Pantry Orchard offers a smaller, hands-on alternative to Oak Glen’s largest farms. Visitors receive a picking pole and bag to gather seasonal produce from the orchard.
🍎 U-pick apples
🍐 U-pick pears
🫐 Seasonal blackberries
🎃 U-pick pumpkins
🍺 Press-your-own apple cider
🌳 Small-orchard atmosphere
Call ahead for weekday visits and confirm which crops are available before driving.
Best for: Families focused on picking fruit and pressing cider in a smaller orchard.
⭐ Best Relaxed Orchard Stop
Casa Solano Orchards — Oak Glen
Address: 38005 Potato Canyon Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399
Season: Labor Day through Thanksgiving
Hours: Vary throughout the season
Casa Solano is a family-run orchard offering a quieter, more traditional Oak Glen experience. Apple varieties change as the season progresses, so not every variety will be available during every visit.
🍎 U-pick apples when available
🍏 Fresh apple cider
🥤 Cider slushies
🍺 Hard cider for adults
🚚 Food trucks on select weekends
🐕 Dogs welcome under the farm’s current policy
Check the orchard’s website or social media before visiting for current hours, U-pick availability and weekend activities.
Best for: Families looking for a smaller orchard with apples, cider and a relaxed atmosphere.
🍏 Special 2026 Apple Event
Stone Soup Farm Apple Fair — Oak Glen
Address: 12131 S. Oak Glen Road, Oak Glen, CA 92399
Dates: October 3–4 and October 10–11, 2026
Hours: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Admission: $25 for ages 4 and older; ages 3 and younger are free
Reservations: Required
Parking: Free
Stone Soup Farm will not offer public U-pick apples during its 2026 season because its crop is limited. However, families can still enjoy the orchard during its reservation-only Apple Fair.
🍎 Chef-led apple tasting
🍏 Heritage apple tasting
🧃 Cider-pressing workshop
🪓 Unlimited tomahawk toss
🌻 Seasonal gardens
🛝 Children’s interactive garden and play space
🛍️ Organic marketplace
🍽️ Seasonal food and drinks available for purchase
The farm expects to offer pre-picked apples rather than public apple picking this year.
Best for: Families who want an intimate, ticketed apple-themed experience without the crowds of a large orchard.
See Apple Fair details and reservations
Which Apple Orchard Is Best for Your Family?
Closest group experience: The Painted Pony Farm
Best all-day farm outing: Avila Valley Barn
Best organic U-pick orchard: SLO Creek Farms
Best simple apple-picking experience: Knaus Apple Ranch
Largest fall destination: Los Rios Rancho
Best for apples and living history: Riley’s Farm
Best small Oak Glen orchard: Stone Pantry Orchard
Best ticketed apple event: Stone Soup Farm Apple Fair
Before You Go Apple Picking
Apple availability is determined by weather, ripening schedules and how many visitors arrive earlier in the season. A farm may be open even when U-pick apples are temporarily unavailable.
🍎 Check the farm’s crop report on the morning of your visit.
📞 Call smaller orchards before making a long drive.
⏰ Arrive early, especially on October weekends.
👟 Wear closed-toe shoes suitable for dirt and uneven ground.
🧴 Bring sunscreen, water and hats.
💵 Carry cash because some small farms do not accept cards.
🧺 Find out whether the orchard provides bags or requires you to bring your own.
🐕 Check the pet policy before bringing a dog.
🚗 Allow extra travel time for Oak Glen during peak fall weekends.
More Fall Family Fun
Do you know of another apple orchard Ventura County families should visit? Email shaylah@macaronikid.com so we can consider adding it to this guide.
Apple availability, hours, prices and activities may change without notice. Macaroni KID Camarillo–Ventura–Oxnard recommends confirming all information directly with the farm before traveling.
Special Thank You to kidSTREAM, our 2026 Fall Fun Guide Sponsor!
Want More Fall Family Fun?
Explore our 2026 Fall Fun Guide for Camarillo, Ventura, and Oxnard to find pumpkin patches, apple picking, harvest festivals, Halloween events, Día de los Muertos celebrations, Thanksgiving activities and more seasonal fun.
🍂 Bookmark this page and check back often! We’ll continue adding events and information as local organizers announce new details.
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