Camping Near Santa Barbara

Embrace the tranquility of Santa Barbara camping, where oceanfront breezes and scenic bluffs create the ultimate coastal escape.

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5 Best Campgrounds Near Santa Barbara, CA

  • El Capitan State Beach

    Location MarkerSanta Barbara, CA

    El Capitan State Beach offers breathtaking ocean views, lush coastal vegetation, and access to the beach. This campground is perfect for families and adventurers alike, with opportunities for hiking, picnicking, and swimming.

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  • Refugio State Beach

    Location MarkerSanta Barbara, CA

    Refugio State Beach is a picturesque campground located just north of Santa Barbara. It features palm-lined beaches, excellent kayaking, and fishing. Campers enjoy stunning sunsets and peaceful evenings by the ocean.

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  • Carpinteria State Beach

    Location MarkerCarpinteria, CA

    Carpinteria State Beach is known for its gentle surf and sandy beaches, making it perfect for families with young children. The campground is within walking distance of downtown Carpinteria, offering easy access to local shops and restaurants.

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  • Gaviota State Park

    Location MarkerGaviota, CA

    Gaviota State Park offers a rugged and scenic camping experience along the coast. The campground features hiking trails that lead to panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. It’s an excellent spot for those looking to explore natural beauty.

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  • Lake Cachuma Recreation Area

    Location MarkerSanta Barbara, CA

    Lake Cachuma offers lakeside camping with stunning mountain views. It’s a favorite for fishing, boating, and hiking enthusiasts. The campground provides modern amenities and is just a short drive from Santa Barbara’s city center.

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5 Hardest-to-Book Campgrounds Near Santa Barbara, CA

  • El Capitan State Beach

    Location MarkerSanta Barbara, CA

    Due to its stunning coastal views and proximity to Santa Barbara, El Capitan is one of the hardest-to-book campgrounds in the region. Its popularity means reservations are often fully booked months in advance.

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  • Refugio State Beach

    Location MarkerSanta Barbara, CA

    Refugio’s palm-lined shores and excellent beach access make it a sought-after destination. The limited number of campsites and high demand contribute to its difficulty in securing a reservation, especially during the summer.

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  • Jalama Beach County Park

    Location MarkerLompoc, CA

    Located just outside Santa Barbara, Jalama Beach offers a unique coastal camping experience. Its remote location, combined with limited availability, makes it one of the hardest-to-book campgrounds in the region.

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  • Gaviota State Park

    Location MarkerGaviota, CA

    Gaviota State Park’s rugged beauty and proximity to hiking trails make it a favorite among nature lovers. The limited number of campsites and high demand during peak seasons make it challenging to secure.

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  • Carpinteria State Beach

    Location MarkerCarpinteria, CA

    Carpinteria State Beach is one of the most popular beach campgrounds in the area. Its proximity to town and family-friendly atmosphere mean that campsites fill up quickly, making it a difficult spot to book.

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5 Best Campgrounds for RV Camping Near Santa Barbara, CA

  • Lake Cachuma Recreation Area

    Location MarkerSanta Barbara, CA

    Lake Cachuma is perfect for RV campers looking to enjoy the beauty of the mountains and lake. The campground offers full hookups, spacious sites, and a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing and hiking.

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  • Ocean Mesa Campground at El Capitan

    Location MarkerSanta Barbara, CA

    Ocean Mesa offers premium RV camping with stunning ocean views and resort-like amenities. Located next to El Capitan State Beach, it’s a great spot for RV travelers looking for a mix of nature and luxury.

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  • Carpinteria State Beach

    Location MarkerCarpinteria, CA

    Carpinteria State Beach offers RV sites with easy access to the beach and downtown Carpinteria. The campground’s prime location and amenities make it a top choice for RV campers exploring the Santa Barbara coast.

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  • Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort

    Location MarkerSanta Barbara, CA

    Rancho Oso is nestled in the Santa Ynez Mountains and offers full RV hookups, horse trails, and scenic views. It’s perfect for RV campers who want to experience the wilderness while still enjoying modern amenities.

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  • Gaviota State Park

    Location MarkerGaviota, CA

    Gaviota State Park offers RV campers a rugged coastal experience with access to hiking trails and scenic views. The sites are spacious, and the park provides a peaceful escape from the city, ideal for RV travelers.

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5 Best Campgrounds for Tent Camping Near Santa Barbara, CA

  • El Capitan State Beach

    Location MarkerSanta Barbara, CA

    Tent camping at El Capitan offers a serene experience with ocean views and the sound of waves. The campground is surrounded by coastal vegetation, providing privacy and shade, making it a favorite for beach campers.

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  • Refugio State Beach

    Location MarkerSanta Barbara, CA

    Refugio State Beach is ideal for tent campers who want to be close to the ocean. The campsites are shaded by palm trees, and the proximity to the beach makes it a perfect spot for relaxation and water activities.

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  • Jalama Beach County Park

    Location MarkerLompoc, CA

    Jalama Beach offers remote, windswept campsites along the rugged coastline. Tent campers love the solitude and natural beauty of the park. It’s a great place for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy the ocean.

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  • Gaviota State Park

    Location MarkerGaviota, CA

    Gaviota State Park provides tent campers with access to hiking trails, ocean views, and a peaceful environment. The campground is quiet and surrounded by natural beauty, making it a great spot for those who love the outdoors.

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  • Lake Cachuma Recreation Area

    Location MarkerSanta Barbara, CA

    Tent camping at Lake Cachuma offers lakeside views, spacious sites, and access to hiking trails. The campground is well-equipped with modern facilities and is perfect for campers who enjoy both water and mountain activities.

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Camping near Santa Barbara guide

Overview

Situated along the stunning Pacific coastline, Santa Barbara stands out as one of California's most sought-after resort destinations. The county is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, boasting several picturesque state beaches with highly coveted campsites. Consider visiting Carpinteria State Beach or the palm-fringed shores just a short distance away. While exploring the coast, don't miss the opportunity to visit Channel Islands National Park, especially during gray whale season. You can embark on a half-day whale watching excursion from Santa Barbara Harbor or opt for an overnight backcountry camping adventure on Santa Cruz Island. For a cooler summer camping experience, head to Los Padres National Forest, where Paradise Campground offers spacious sites with modern amenities and easy access to the Santa Ynez River.

Where to go

Channel Islands National Park

Seeking a secluded camping experience? Each of the five Channel Islands features an established campground, while Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands provide limited backcountry options. The most popular sites are Scorpion Canyon and Del Norte Campgrounds on Santa Cruz, accessible by foot, private watercraft, or kayak.

Los Padres National Forest

Los Padres National Forest offers over 60 campgrounds, including dispersed sites. Paradise Campground boasts expansive sites shaded by towering oak trees, with the Santa Ynez River nearby for angling and swimming. Flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables make this campground a comfortable glamping-like experience in nature.

Santa Barbara Area State Beaches

El Capitán provides 131 sites for RV parks & camping and tent camping, all nestled among sycamore and oak trees. Just three miles further, Carpinteria State Beach caters to fishing enthusiasts who appreciate this stretch of coastline dotted with hiking trails and picnic areas.

When to go

Spring typically attracts visitors to Santa Barbara for the annual International Film Festival and the Vintners Festival Weekend, while June brings the outdoor California Wine Festival. Summer is the peak season, with crowded beaches and fully booked campgrounds. Expect mild weather year-round, with rainfall usually occurring between December and February. Channel Islands National Park offers year-round camping opportunities on all five islands.

Know before you go

  • The Channel Islands are only accessible via park concessionaire boats or private vessels. Campers must arrange transportation in advance for any overnight stay.
  • Advance camping reservations are mandatory for all Channel Islands campgrounds. No public transportation is available on the islands, and bicycles are prohibited.
  • Campsites at El Capitán State Beach can be reserved up to six months ahead.
  • While dogs are permitted in El Capitán campgrounds and day-use areas, they are not allowed on the beach.
  • Always store food securely and dispose of trash in animal- and bird-proof containers.

Nearby attractions

  • Experience the beauty of coastal camping at Rincon Parkway. Set up your site along the scenic shoreline, enjoy various beach activities, and drift off to sleep with the soothing sound of ocean waves. Embrace the relaxed atmosphere and create lasting memories in this coastal paradise.
  • Discover coastal camping bliss at Faria Beach Park. Establish your campsite near sandy shores, partake in beach activities, and witness breathtaking sunsets. Immerse yourself in the laid-back beach lifestyle, listen to the calming ocean waves, and forge unforgettable experiences in this seaside haven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find free camping options near Santa Barbara?

While free camping options near Santa Barbara are limited, you can find some opportunities in the nearby Los Padres National Forest. Remember to always follow Leave No Trace principles. The forest offers various locations for free dispersed camping, such as areas along forest roads. These sites are typically available on a first-come, first-served basis and may have minimal amenities. It's essential to research and prepare accordingly for a more rugged camping experience.

Is beach camping allowed in Santa Barbara?

Direct beach camping on the sand in Santa Barbara is generally not permitted. However, there are several campgrounds near the beach that provide easy access to the coastline. Popular options include Carpinteria State Beach, El Capitan State Beach, and Refugio State Beach. These campgrounds offer coastal camping experiences just steps away from the shore. You can find more beach camping options in the Santa Barbara area online.

What are the best camping spots for families in Santa Barbara?

Santa Barbara offers several family-friendly camping options. Carpinteria State Beach is a top choice, featuring calm waters and easy beach access. El Capitan State Beach provides spacious sites and opportunities for nature exploration. For a more rustic experience, consider Los Padres National Forest, where Paradise Campground offers riverside camping and hiking trails suitable for all ages.

Are there any glamping options near Santa Barbara?

Yes, there are several glamping options near Santa Barbara. Some popular choices include luxury safari tents at El Capitan Canyon, which offer a blend of comfort and nature. Additionally, you can find upscale yurts and cabins in the Santa Ynez Valley. These glamping sites often feature amenities like comfortable beds, private bathrooms, and sometimes even kitchenettes, allowing you to enjoy the outdoors without sacrificing comfort.

What are the best times to camp in Santa Barbara for avoiding crowds?

To avoid crowds in Santa Barbara, consider camping during the shoulder seasons of spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). These periods offer mild weather and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. If you're planning a trip to Channel Islands National Park, winter months (December to February) can be less busy, though you should be prepared for cooler temperatures and potential rain.

Are there any RV parks & camping sites with full hookups in Santa Barbara?

Yes, Santa Barbara offers several RV parks & camping sites with full hookups. Some popular options include:

  • Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park: Located near downtown, offering full hookups and ocean views.
  • Rancho Oso RV & Camping Resort: Situated in the Santa Ynez Valley, providing full hookup sites in a scenic mountain setting.
  • Ocean Mesa Campground: Located near El Capitan State Beach, offering RV sites with full hookups and resort-style amenities.
These parks typically provide electricity, water, and sewer connections, along with other amenities like Wi-Fi and laundry facilities.