
Scary Dairy
Explore the eerie, graffiti-covered abandoned dairy barns of Camarillo State Hospital, a site steeped in history and paranormal lore.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Safer and more scenic views

Scary Dairy
Best Time
Safer and more scenic views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the eerie, graffiti-covered abandoned dairy barns of Camarillo State Hospital, a site steeped in history and paranormal lore.
"Great place to hike, take photos of abandoned spaces and graffiti, and take in some nice views."

🚗 Parking Fee & Payment
Pay the $6 day fee via QR code. Arrive early for better parking spots.
🦟 Bug Spray is Essential
Mosquitoes are prevalent and hungry! Don't forget to bring bug spray for a comfortable visit.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abandoned Dairy Barns
Former Camarillo State Hospital grounds
Explore the eerie remnants of a dairy farm once used for patient therapy. Graffiti art adds a modern layer to the historical decay.

Historical Significance
Camarillo State Hospital grounds
This site was part of a mental hospital, rumored to be the inspiration for 'Hotel California.' It's a place steeped in history and local lore.

Hiking Trails
Surrounding plains and hills
Enjoy varied hiking trails offering views of farmland and hills. The wide paths are family-friendly and great for photography.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking and Access
Best Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Camarillo State Mental Hospital’s Abandoned Dairy Farm
🚗 Parking Fee & Payment
Pay the $6 day fee via QR code. Arrive early for better parking spots.
🦟 Bug Spray is Essential
Mosquitoes are prevalent and hungry! Don't forget to bring bug spray for a comfortable visit.
Terrifying Encounter in the Middle of Nowhere.
Miles Davis talking about Charlie 'Bird' Parker's stay at the Camarillo State Hospital. Bird's famous composition "Relaxin' at Camarillo" was inspired by this six-month stay.
🚶♀️ Easy Access Points
While fenced, look for breaches to access the dairy. Be cautious when slipping or climbing.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spot for abandoned space and graffiti photography. Wide trails are perfect for family photos.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Fee & Payment
Pay the $6 day fee via QR code. Arrive early for better parking spots.
🦟 Bug Spray is Essential
Mosquitoes are prevalent and hungry! Don't forget to bring bug spray for a comfortable visit.
🚶♀️ Easy Access Points
While fenced, look for breaches to access the dairy. Be cautious when slipping or climbing.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great spot for abandoned space and graffiti photography. Wide trails are perfect for family photos.
👻 Paranormal Activity
Some visitors report EMF spikes and orbs. Energy can feel overwhelming after extended stays.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Scary Dairy to be an interesting historical site with unique photo opportunities, especially for its abandoned dairy barns adorned with graffiti. The hiking trails are pleasant, though the $6 parking fee and prevalent mosquitoes are noted drawbacks. Some report paranormal experiences, adding to its eerie allure.
"Beautiful place, $6 parking (which can be paid via posted QR code) and a short ~10-12 minute walk to the actual site. Note everything is fenced off but you can still access it by slipping, climbing, or using some of the breached fence areas."
James
"The grounds of.the former State Mental Hospital are almost completely taken over by CSUCI, but this area remains as a historical reminder of an Era long gone.
The remains of a dairy farm are here, one that patients in the hospital who were deemed able to work, were assigned here as a form of therapy and productivity.
Like much of the former hospital property (now university,) it is said that the ghosts of former patients and employees haunt the area, and many forms of paranormal activities have been reported.
Whether you believe in ghosts or not, this is an interesting and varied hiking area, with trails that go to the barn and dairy, and all around the surrounding plain and hills.
Great place to hike, take photos of abandoned spaces and graffiti, and take in some nice views of California farmland... and maybe a ghost or two."
Jonathan P.
"Great east hike with the family. If you have little ones this is a great trail to take. Very wide trails and lots of spots for picture spot. Bathrooms at the parking lot so take advantage of them before you head out."
Iam Poopoo
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Scary Dairy is located on the grounds of the former Camarillo State Hospital, now largely occupied by CSUCI. Access is typically via the university campus roads. Parking is available for a fee.
Public transportation options to the CSUCI campus may be available, but direct routes to the specific dairy site are unlikely. It's best to check local transit schedules for routes serving the university.
The area features wide trails suitable for walking and hiking. GPS or a map of the CSUCI campus might be helpful to locate the dairy remnants.
Yes, restrooms are available at the parking lot, so take advantage of them before heading out to explore the dairy site.
During daylight hours, it's generally safe for exploration, especially with families. However, the 'scary' reputation comes from its abandoned nature and potential for paranormal activity, particularly at night.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No specific tickets are required for entry to the grounds, but there is a $6 day fee for parking.
Parking costs $6 per day and can be paid using the QR code posted on-site.
The main site is fenced off, but there are breaches that allow access. The trails are generally wide and suitable for walking, but some areas might require careful navigation.
There are no official operating hours posted for the abandoned site itself. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to check CSUCI's pet policy if you plan to bring a dog, as the area is on university grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
The abandoned dairy barns themselves, with their graffiti art and decaying structures, are prime photography subjects. The surrounding farmland and hills also offer scenic backdrops.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. It's a popular spot for urban exploration and capturing unique, atmospheric shots.
A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the scale of the structures and landscapes. A camera with good low-light performance might be beneficial if you're exploring during dusk.
Drone usage may be restricted on CSUCI property. It's crucial to check university regulations and local airspace rules before flying a drone.
Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) can provide beautiful lighting for the landscape and structures. Midday offers clear views but can result in harsher shadows.
🎫 👻 Paranormal & History
The site is rumored to be haunted by former patients and employees of the Camarillo State Hospital. Visitors have reported paranormal activity, including EMF spikes and sightings of orbs.
The dairy was part of the Camarillo State Hospital, where patients deemed able to work were assigned as a form of therapy. The hospital itself is rumored to be the inspiration for the Eagles' song 'Hotel California.'
Reports include EMF spikes, seeing orbs on camera, and a general feeling of overwhelming energy after spending too long at the site.
While some seek out the 'scary' aspect at night, it's generally not recommended due to safety concerns and reduced visibility. Daylight exploration is preferred.
Information about the history of Camarillo State Hospital can often be found through local historical societies, online archives, and university resources related to CSUCI.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and plenty of bug spray, as mosquitoes are a common nuisance. While the 'scary' aspect might appeal to older kids, younger ones might be more interested in the open spaces for running around and the visual interest of the graffiti art on the old structures. Ensure children are supervised closely, especially near any fencing or potential access points.
📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers
Beyond the main structures, the surrounding landscape offers opportunities for broader scenic photography. Consider visiting during the golden hour for dramatic lighting. Be aware of the access points and exercise caution when exploring any potentially unstable areas. Respect the site's history and avoid damaging any structures or art.
👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts
While many seek out the eerie atmosphere, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety. Some enthusiasts report that the energy can become quite intense after prolonged exposure. Documenting your experience with spirit gadgets or cameras might yield interesting results, but always approach such investigations with a grounded perspective.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Lore of Scary Dairy
Adding to its mystique, the Camarillo State Hospital is widely rumored to be the inspiration behind the Eagles' iconic song, 'Hotel California.' This association has fueled local legends and drawn paranormal enthusiasts to the area. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the palpable sense of history and the stories whispered about the site create an undeniably intriguing experience.
Today, much of the former hospital grounds have been repurposed by CSUCI (California State University Channel Islands). However, the abandoned dairy structures remain as a stark reminder of a bygone era. The graffiti art that now adorns the walls adds a contemporary layer to the historical decay, creating a visually striking juxtaposition that appeals to photographers and urban explorers alike.
Exploring the Site: What to Expect
The grounds offer more than just the dairy barns. You'll find hiking trails that wind through the surrounding plains and hills, providing scenic views of the California farmland. These trails are described as wide and family-friendly, making it a suitable destination for a casual outing. Remember to wear appropriate footwear for walking and exploring.
Be prepared for the elements and potential wildlife. Bug spray is highly recommended, as mosquitoes can be quite prevalent and active, especially during certain times of the day. The energy of the place can also be intense for some, with reports of EMF spikes and overwhelming feelings after extended stays, adding to the site's 'scary' reputation.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit