The parking lot at River Ridge Playing Fields fills before 9 AM on Cowboys Back Together Saturday — and it is cash only. Every standard vehicle pays $20 at the gate, every oversized vehicle pays $40, and once the lot hits capacity, the lot is done. There is no overflow lot.
There is no attendant coming out to wave you toward an adjacent field. You circle back down Ventura Road and figure out the next move from there. That is the part nobody mentions in the highlight reels about Dallas Cowboys Training Camp in Oxnard, and it is the exact reason a charter bus or party bus rental to training camp makes more sense than most groups realize until they are standing in a full parking lot at 9:05 AM.
The Dallas Cowboys Training Camp at River Ridge Playing Fields (2501 Ventura Road, Oxnard, CA 93036) runs from July 29 through August 18, 2026 — the Cowboys' 20th training camp season in Oxnard. Open practices are free. They also draw enormous crowds from all over Southern California, from Cowboys fans making the 60-mile drive up US-101 from Los Angeles to groups rolling in from Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, and Ventura.
One bus handles all of that routing in one clean move: everybody picks up together, pays one flat rate, and lands at training camp as a group — while everyone in a separate car is still hunting for a $20 bill in cash and an open space in the lot. Partybusoxnard.net makes comparing charter bus and party bus options for the Oxnard run straightforward — one quick form or a call to 820-348-8290, and you can see pricing in under 30 seconds.
This guide covers exactly how drop-off works at River Ridge Playing Fields, what the parking situation looks like on the biggest days, which dates draw the biggest crowds, and how to match the right vehicle to your group size.
Why Rent a Party Bus or Charter Bus to Dallas Cowboys Training Camp in Oxnard
Walk through the parking math first. The main lot at River Ridge opens roughly three hours before each practice — around 8:45 AM for an 11:45 AM session, 7:30 AM on weekends — and on peak days like Cowboys Back Together Saturday (August 1) or the joint practice and scrimmage with the New Orleans Saints (August 18, 2:00 PM PDT), hundreds of vehicles line up before the gates ever open. Published reports from prior camp seasons note cars waiting in line before 7 AM on opening weekend.
When the lot hits capacity, that is it. A single charter bus carrying 40 passengers claims one large-vehicle space at $40 cash instead of stacking up 10 cars at $20 apiece — and the whole group arrives together rather than scattered across whatever parking remains on a side street.
Then there is the coordination problem. Training camp fans drive in from across Ventura County and the greater Los Angeles metro, and turning 25 or 30 people into a caravan on US-101 on a summer weekday morning is a real logistical undertaking. An Oxnard charter bus rental handles the single pickup point — from Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Camarillo, or wherever your group is starting — and delivers everyone to the camp together.
No one gets separated, no one misses the Opening Ceremony while circling Ventura Road, and nobody has to be the one who handles the navigation through an unfamiliar part of town. You just arrive. That is the whole point.
Charter Bus and Party Bus Drop-Off at River Ridge Playing Fields
The official rideshare pick-up and drop-off location for Dallas Cowboys Training Camp is Stone Creek Drive, Oxnard, CA 93036 — not the main parking lot entrance on Ventura Road, per the Visit Oxnard training camp guide. For a charter bus dropping a large group, Stone Creek Drive is your target for passenger drop-off. The bus deposits your group there, your group walks in to join the public entry queue, and the bus stages nearby rather than occupying a space in the cash-only main lot during the session.
If your group wants the bus to park on-site rather than stage nearby, large vehicles — RVs, buses, and trailers — are permitted in the main lot at 2501 Ventura Road for $40 per day, cash only. That lot is first-come, first-served and has limited capacity. On big days like Cowboys Back Together Saturday, it is a genuine gamble: arrive by 8 AM or accept that the lot may be at capacity when you pull in.
For most groups, the Stone Creek Drive drop-off and a staged bus is the safer plan for popular sessions. The directions into the lot from US-101 are published on the Cowboys' own site: exit Oxnard Boulevard, turn right, make your first left onto Town Center Drive, make a left onto Ventura Road, travel one mile and River Ridge will be on your right before Vineyard Avenue.
Parking is cash only — no exceptions. Both the $20 small-vehicle rate and the $40 large-vehicle rate require cash at the gate. The lot runs on a first-come, first-served basis with limited capacity.
If your group is driving separately, anyone without cash in hand risks losing their spot while someone runs for an ATM. A charter bus pays once, in one transaction, for the whole group — and arrives in one vehicle instead of 10.
One important rule that catches first-timers off guard: there is absolutely no tailgating permitted at River Ridge Playing Fields during training camp, per the official training camp guidelines. This applies in the parking lot, too. A bus group that plans to set up and linger in the lot before heading in will be stopped at the gate.
Plan any pre-practice gathering off-site.
The 2026 Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Schedule — Key Dates for Group Planners
Training camp runs from Wednesday, July 29 through Tuesday, August 18, 2026, with most open practices beginning at 11:45 AM PDT. Public entry opens two hours before each practice — so 9:45 AM for an 11:45 AM session, or 12:00 PM for the afternoon sessions. The parking lot opens roughly three hours before practice.
General admission is free, first-come first-served, until capacity is reached.
The dates that draw the biggest crowds — and where a bus reservation matters most — are the special events scattered across the camp calendar. July 31 (Oxnard Fan Night) is a community evening event at The Collection at RiverPark featuring Cowboys Cheerleaders, mascot appearances, trivia, and giveaways — a great warm-up night for groups staying the weekend. Saturday, August 1 is Cowboys Back Together Saturday, the camp's official Opening Ceremony, beginning at 11:15 AM PDT with live entertainment, Rowdy the mascot, exclusive merchandise, and giveaways from American Airlines.
This is the single busiest day of training camp — the lot fills earliest, entry queues are longest, and demand for parking and rideshare peaks hardest. Book your bus for August 1 as early as possible. Thursday, August 6 is Heroes Appreciation Day presented by USAA, when military personnel and first responders with valid ID receive complimentary general admission parking and two reserved sideline VIP spots — a high-attendance day for group visits from military communities across Ventura County.
The final day of Oxnard camp, Tuesday, August 18, features a joint practice and scrimmage against the New Orleans Saints at 2:00 PM PDT — the second-biggest crowd day of camp. Public entry for this session opens at 12:00 PM. Arrive earlier than you think you need to.
Note that the Cowboys' joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams on August 11 takes place at the Rams' facility in Woodland Hills — not at River Ridge — so groups planning to attend that session will need transportation to a different site entirely. Check the official Cowboys training camp calendar before finalizing your dates, as individual practice times and day-of schedule changes are listed there.
Getting Your Group to Training Camp — Routes, Drive Times, and Traffic
River Ridge Playing Fields sits just off US-101 in north Oxnard, at the intersection of Ventura Road and Vineyard Avenue. The approach from Los Angeles is straightforward: northbound US-101, exit Oxnard Boulevard, turn right, make your first left onto Town Center Drive, left onto Ventura Road, and the complex is on the right just before Vineyard Avenue. The parking entrance is at 2501 Ventura Road.
For GPS navigation, the Visit Oxnard guide and the Cowboys' own site both confirm this is the correct approach — not the Vineyard Avenue side.
| From… | Approx. distance via US-101 | Typical drive time (off-peak) |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Los Angeles | ~60 miles | 75–90 minutes |
| Burbank / Hollywood | ~50 miles | 60–75 minutes |
| Thousand Oaks | ~25 miles | 28–35 minutes |
| Simi Valley | ~35 miles | 38–45 minutes |
| Camarillo | ~10 miles | 12–18 minutes |
| Ventura | ~10 miles | 12–18 minutes |
| Santa Barbara | ~40 miles | 45–55 minutes |
Those times reflect off-peak driving. On a summer weekday morning between 8 and 10 AM, US-101 between the 23 interchange and the Oxnard Boulevard exit can run 15 to 25 minutes slower during peak camp sessions. On Cowboys Back Together Saturday, camp-bound traffic has been reported backing up visibly before the Oxnard exits as early as 8 AM.
A charter bus from Los Angeles or Thousand Oaks puts that stretch on the bus — your group is together and moving, not each managing their own commute.
Fans arriving by Amtrak can take the Pacific Surfliner to the Oxnard Transportation Center, which sits approximately five miles from the training camp site. From the station, a rideshare to Stone Creek Drive takes about 10 minutes. Gold Coast Transit District has historically promoted Route 23 service with temporary stops at Ventura and Vineyard as an alternative to driving — check GCTD's website or call them at 805-487-4222 for current camp-season service before your trip, since route schedules are confirmed closer to camp dates.
Inside Training Camp — Admission Options, Rules, and What to Know
General admission to all open practices is free, with no tickets required. Entry is first-come, first-served until the site reaches capacity, and the Visit Oxnard guide notes that arriving early is essential — "early" on Cowboys Back Together Saturday means before 9 AM for comfortable entry at a 9:45 AM opening. If your group upgrades, Sideline Access is available through SeatGeek at $20 per person — it includes fence-line access along the practice field, a chance for player interaction after practice, and early entry 30 minutes before general admission opens.
The Yaamava’ Hospitality Deck runs $100 Monday through Thursday and $150 Friday through Sunday and on scrimmage days — a shaded platform along the south sideline with premium seating, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages, and light snacks included. Both options include early entry.
The prohibited-items list at River Ridge Playing Fields is strict and enforced consistently. No tailgating anywhere on the premises — this applies in the parking lot as well as inside the fields. No backpacks (small diaper bags are permitted).
No coolers or ice chests. No outside food. No bicycles.
No pets. Strollers are not allowed in the bleacher areas. The official rules are published on the Visit Oxnard training camp page — review them before your group packs.
What you should bring: layers. Oxnard mornings in late July and August run cool and foggy along the coast — a lightweight jacket or hoodie is often welcome by 9 AM, even when the afternoon warms up. Sunscreen and a hat for the midday session when the marine layer burns off.
A refillable water bottle. And if your group wants autographs, players walk the fence line for roughly 15 minutes after most practices — bring a Sharpie and something worth signing. The accessibility request process requires 72 hours advance notice, submitted via the Cowboys' online form, for any reasonable accommodation at the camp.
Note that in your quote request if any member of your group needs it.
Which Vehicle Fits Your Training Camp Group?
Training camp is a single-location, daytime event — which means your vehicle choice comes down to group headcount and where everyone is starting from, not luggage volume or long-haul amenities. Here is how the full vehicle lineup breaks down for an Oxnard training camp run.
| Vehicle | Typical capacity | Best for | Key features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sprinter van | Up to ~14 | Small close-knit groups, VIP access holders | Climate control, USB charging at every seat, tinted windows |
| 25-passenger party bus | ~20–25 | Fan groups wanting a celebratory ride out and back | Built-in sound system, LED lighting, perimeter seating |
| 15–35 passenger minibus | ~15–35 | Mid-size groups, easy maneuvering through Oxnard surface streets | Powerful A/C, reclining seats, greater flexibility on narrower routes |
| 40–56 passenger charter bus | Up to 56 | Large fan groups, corporate outings, multi-stop pickups across Ventura County | Overhead storage, climate control, WiFi, power outlets, onboard restroom |
For most Cowboys fan groups making a day trip from Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, or the greater LA area, a minibus or 40-passenger party bus covers the typical group size comfortably. For a corporate outing or a larger fan group coming from multiple pickup points, a full charter bus gives you the range and the restroom for the longer ride out from Los Angeles. If accessibility is needed, note it when you request your quote — that detail shapes which vehicles are available for your date.
Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Transportation: All Your Options Side by Side
Training camp is a free event, which can make groups underestimate how competitive the arrival logistics actually get. Here is an honest breakdown of every realistic way a group gets to River Ridge Playing Fields, and what each costs and delivers on a peak day.
| Option | Cost shape | Arrive together? | Drop-off point | Parking challenge | Best group size |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private charter bus or party bus | One flat rate, split by the group | Yes — one vehicle, one arrival | Stone Creek Dr drop-off or main lot at $40 cash | One oversized-vehicle fee, handled | 15–56 |
| Drive yourself and park | $20 cash per car + gas per car | No — caravans split on US-101 | Main lot at Ventura Road (if space remains) | High on big days — lot fills before 9 AM | 1–4 per car |
| Rideshare (Uber / Lyft) | Per car each way + possible surge | No — multiple cars, multiple ETAs | Stone Creek Drive | None — but post-practice surge fares apply | 1–4 per car |
| GCTD Route 23 | Low transit fare; free for youth and seniors | No — individuals board separately | Ventura & Vineyard temporary stop | None | Solo or 2–3 travelers |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner + rideshare | Per ticket + rideshare from station | Only if all on same train | Stone Creek Drive | None | Out-of-town visitors; not groups |
For one or two people, GCTD Route 23 or a rideshare is the right call — no reason to put a four-person group on a charter bus. But the moment your party grows past two or three cars' worth of people, the coordination cost of separate vehicles — different arrival times, scattered parking, the all-cash lot, and multiple fares — tips decisively toward one bus. The per-head math closes fast: a 30-person group on a charter bus is one parking fee and one departure time, while 30 people in 8 cars is $160 in lot fees alone, eight separate navigations through the US-101 Oxnard exits, and eight spots to find in a lot that may not have eight left.
Call 820-348-8290 to compare options for your group size.
Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Party Bus and Charter Bus Rental Prices
Pricing on an Oxnard charter bus or party bus rental depends on three variables: vehicle size, total hours the bus is held for your group, and the date. To give you an idea of the planning range, a 15–35 passenger minibus typically runs $200–$275 per hour on weekdays, while a 40–56 passenger charter bus generally runs $200–$350 per hour — on either weekday or weekend. A mid-size party bus in the 25–30 passenger range falls in the $250–$375 per hour range on weekends.
These are planning figures to help you get oriented; the actual quote for your specific date, pickup location, and route comes when you use the form or call.
Here is how that breaks down on a typical training camp day trip. A group of 35 fans driving from Thousand Oaks reserves a 35-passenger minibus. Pickup at 8:00 AM from a single meeting point in Thousand Oaks, at the Stone Creek Drive drop-off in Oxnard by 8:45 AM — 45 minutes before general admission opens at 9:45 AM for an 11:45 AM practice.
Practice wraps around 1:00 PM. The bus picks up the group at Stone Creek Drive by 1:30 PM and returns to Thousand Oaks by 2:15 PM. A 6.5-hour rental for that scenario gives you a clear budget to work from.
Split across 35 people, the per-head cost is often competitive with what each car would pay in gas and parking individually — and nobody has to navigate the US-101 Oxnard exits twice. See the Oxnard party bus prices page for current rate ranges, or call 820-348-8290 any time for a free quote on your exact date.
The busiest booking dates are Cowboys Back Together Saturday (August 1) and the Saints scrimmage (August 18) — if your group is targeting either of those days, lock in a vehicle as early as possible. Right vehicle, right day, right price: those three things get harder to align the longer you wait. Partybusoxnard.net lets you compare options in under 30 seconds at any time of day, no account required.
Frequently Asked Questions About Getting to Dallas Cowboys Training Camp
Where does a charter bus or party bus drop off at River Ridge Playing Fields?
The designated rideshare and large-vehicle drop-off point for training camp is Stone Creek Drive, Oxnard, CA 93036, per the official Visit Oxnard training camp guide. For bus groups, this is where passengers exit and walk to the public entry queue. If the bus wants to park on-site rather than stage nearby, large vehicles (RV/Bus/Trailer) are permitted in the main lot at 2501 Ventura Road for $40 cash per day — first-come, first-served.
On peak days, that lot fills before 9 AM, so the Stone Creek Drive drop with the bus staged nearby is the more reliable option for the busiest sessions.
Is parking really cash only?
Yes. Both the $20 standard-vehicle rate and the $40 large-vehicle rate are cash only at the gate, per the training camp's published rules. There is no card payment option.
If your group is driving separately, anyone without cash in hand loses their spot while someone runs to find an ATM. A charter bus pays once, in one transaction, and only if the group is parking the bus on-site.
Is admission to training camp actually free?
Yes — general admission to all open practices at River Ridge Playing Fields is free, with no tickets required. Entry is first-come, first-served until the site hits capacity. Two paid upgrade tiers are available through SeatGeek: Sideline Access at $20 (fence-line access plus early entry 30 minutes before gates open) and the Yaamava’ Hospitality Deck at $100 Mon–Thu / $150 Fri–Sun and scrimmage days (shaded premium seating, complimentary non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks, early entry).
On Cowboys Back Together Saturday, upgrading to early entry sideline access is worth considering — the free admission queue can be long by 9:45 AM.
Which days at training camp have the biggest crowds?
Cowboys Back Together Saturday (August 1, Opening Ceremony at 11:15 AM PDT) and the joint practice and scrimmage with the New Orleans Saints (August 18, 2:00 PM PDT) are the two peak-crowd days. The parking lot has historically filled before 9 AM on opening Saturday. Heroes Appreciation Day (August 6) also draws strong attendance from military communities across Ventura County.
Weekday practices between those marquee events tend to have noticeably more room to breathe.
What can't I bring to Cowboys training camp?
The prohibited list at River Ridge includes: no outside food, no coolers or ice chests, no backpacks (small diaper bags are the exception), no tailgating anywhere on the premises — including the parking lot — no bicycles, no pets, and no strollers in the bleacher areas. The rules are published on the Visit Oxnard training camp page and enforced at entry. Plan accordingly before your group packs.
How early should a bus group arrive?
For a standard 11:45 AM practice, general public entry opens at 9:45 AM and the parking lot opens at approximately 8:45 AM. For a bus group using the Stone Creek Drive drop-off, arriving at the drop point by 9:15 AM gives the group comfortable time to queue before entry opens. For Cowboys Back Together Saturday or the Saints scrimmage, target the drop-off by 9:00 AM — earlier is safer.
For premium ticket holders with early entry included, arriving 15–20 minutes before your early access window opens is the right buffer.
Is the August 11 joint practice with the LA Rams also at River Ridge in Oxnard?
No. The Cowboys’ joint practice with the Los Angeles Rams on August 11 takes place at the Rams’ facility — Rams Village in Warner Center, Woodland Hills — not at River Ridge Playing Fields in Oxnard. If your group is planning to attend that session, you need transportation to a different venue entirely. All other open practices through August 18, including the Saints scrimmage on the final day, are at River Ridge.
Can a bus group get player autographs after practice?
Players typically walk to the fence line for approximately 15 minutes after practice concludes. Staying post-practice is the best opportunity for autographs and photos. Tell your bus group the plan in advance so everyone stays together and the bus pickup window is set accordingly.
Bring a Sharpie and something worth signing — mini footballs and hats are crowd favorites — and position your group near the fence as practice winds down.
Are ADA-accessible vehicles available?
Yes — ADA-accessible buses are available through the network Partybusoxnard.net connects you with. Note your accessibility requirements in the quote request. At the training camp itself, accommodation requests require 72 hours advance notice submitted through the Cowboys’ official online form — plan ahead if any member of your group needs assistance on-site.
When should I book for the best availability and vehicle selection?
For Cowboys Back Together Saturday (August 1) and the Saints scrimmage (August 18), book as soon as your date is confirmed — those are the two dates when vehicle availability tightens fastest across Ventura County. For mid-camp weekday practices, two to three weeks of lead time is generally workable, but the earlier you call or fill out the form, the better your options on price and vehicle type. Call 820-348-8290 right now if one of those peak dates is your target.
Book Your Dallas Cowboys Training Camp Bus in Oxnard Today
The right bus for your training camp group is one quick form or one call away. Whether it is a 14-person Sprinter van from Camarillo, a 25-passenger party bus from Thousand Oaks, or a 56-seat charter bus pulling a fan group from Los Angeles up US-101 for Cowboys Back Together Saturday, Partybusoxnard.net makes it easy to compare vehicles and pricing from a large network of bus companies serving Oxnard and the surrounding Ventura County region. No account required.
Free quote in under 30 seconds. Any time, any day.
The camp runs July 29 through August 18, 2026, and the busiest dates fill fast. Call 820-348-8290 right now to get pricing for your group — or use the online quote tool on this site to see options instantly. The parking lot is cash only and has limited capacity.
Your bus is neither of those things.
Also planning a different Southern California stadium run? The guide for SoFi Stadium group transportation covers the Cowboys’ regular season home away from home for LA fans, and Kia Forum bus rentals handles arena events in Inglewood for groups making a full Southern California weekend out of the trip. For all Oxnard-area sporting event transportation, Partybusoxnard.net has you covered.
