Scary Dairy - Image 1
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Scary Dairy

4.7
·18 reviews·Camarillo, United States

Explore the eerie, graffiti-covered abandoned dairy barns of Camarillo State Hospital, a site steeped in history and paranormal lore.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Daylight hours

Safer and more scenic views

CrowdMedium
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Scary Dairy - Image 1

Scary Dairy

Best Time

Daylight hours

Safer and more scenic views

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the eerie, graffiti-covered abandoned dairy barns of Camarillo State Hospital, a site steeped in history and paranormal lore.

4.7
(18 reviews)

"Great place to hike, take photos of abandoned spaces and graffiti, and take in some nice views."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 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.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Abandoned Dairy Barns

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

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

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.

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Planning Your Visit

Parking and Access

A $6 day fee is required for parking, payable via QR code. While the main site is fenced off, many areas have breaches allowing access. Be prepared for a short walk to the dairy remains.

Best Time for Exploration

Visit during daylight hours for a safer and more scenic experience. Evenings can be 'scary' and bug spray is highly recommended due to mosquitoes.

Best Times

When
Daylight hours
Why
Safer and more scenic views
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

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. Reddit

🦟 Bug Spray is Essential

Mosquitoes are prevalent and hungry! Don't forget to bring bug spray for a comfortable visit. Reddit

reddit.com

Terrifying Encounter in the Middle of Nowhere.

reddit.com

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. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Great spot for abandoned space and graffiti photography. Wide trails are perfect for family photos. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Fee & Payment

Pay the $6 day fee via QR code. Arrive early for better parking spots. Reddit

🦟 Bug Spray is Essential

Mosquitoes are prevalent and hungry! Don't forget to bring bug spray for a comfortable visit. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Easy Access Points

While fenced, look for breaches to access the dairy. Be cautious when slipping or climbing. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunities

Great spot for abandoned space and graffiti photography. Wide trails are perfect for family photos. Reddit

👻 Paranormal Activity

Some visitors report EMF spikes and orbs. Energy can feel overwhelming after extended stays. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(18 reviews)

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

Abandoned dairy barns
Graffiti art
Hiking trails

What People Dislike

Mosquitoes
Fenced-off areas

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Yes, restrooms are available at the parking lot, so take advantage of them before heading out to explore the dairy site. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No specific tickets are required for entry to the grounds, but there is a $6 day fee for parking. Reddit

Parking costs $6 per day and can be paid using the QR code posted on-site. Reddit

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. Reddit

There are no official operating hours posted for the abandoned site itself. It's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and visibility. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed. It's a popular spot for urban exploration and capturing unique, atmospheric shots. Reddit

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. Reddit

Drone usage may be restricted on CSUCI property. It's crucial to check university regulations and local airspace rules before flying a drone. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 👻 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. Reddit

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.' Reddit

Reports include EMF spikes, seeing orbs on camera, and a general feeling of overwhelming energy after spending too long at the site. Reddit

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. Reddit

Information about the history of Camarillo State Hospital can often be found through local historical societies, online archives, and university resources related to CSUCI. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Scary Dairy can be a surprisingly good spot for families looking for a unique outdoor adventure. The wide, easy hiking trails make it accessible for younger children, and the relatively short walk from the parking lot is manageable. It's a great opportunity to talk about local history and the concept of abandoned places in a safe, daylight setting. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 Photographers & Urban Explorers

For photographers and urban explorers, the Scary Dairy offers a compelling canvas. The abandoned dairy barns, adorned with vibrant graffiti, provide a rich subject matter for capturing atmospheric and edgy shots. The juxtaposition of decay and modern art is particularly striking. Reddit

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. Reddit

👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts

If you're drawn to the supernatural, the Scary Dairy's connection to the Camarillo State Hospital and the 'Hotel California' legend makes it an intriguing destination. Visitors have reported paranormal activity, including EMF spikes and visual anomalies like orbs. Reddit

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. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Lore of Scary Dairy

The Scary Dairy is more than just an abandoned farm; it's a historical relic tied to the Camarillo State Hospital. This former psychiatric hospital, operational from 1936 to 1997, played a significant role in the community. The dairy farm itself served a therapeutic purpose, providing patients with meaningful work and a connection to the land. This aspect of its past contributes to the site's unique atmosphere, blending agricultural history with the complex legacy of mental healthcare. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

Exploring the Site: What to Expect

Visiting the Scary Dairy involves a short, approximately 10-12 minute walk from the designated parking area. While the primary structures are fenced off, visitors often find ways to access the site through breaches in the fencing. It's important to exercise caution and be mindful of your surroundings when navigating these areas. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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