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Santa Barbara County Parks Camping

Cachuma Lake County Park

California State Parks closing campgrounds in SLO, Santa Barbara counties

There is extensive family camping at Cachuma Lake County Park. This is about a thirty minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara via California-154. There are over 400 first-come first-served sites, 130 of which have full or partial hookups. Any size RV can be accommodated. The park also has a few cabins and yurts available for rent, and these may be reserved. Also, convenient to Santa Barbara Wine Country.

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Jalama Beach Group Campsites

Jalama Beach County Park offers two group campsites. Abalone Point can accommodate up to 20 people and 8 vehicles. It is located only yards from the water. Amenities include 5 picnic tables, a fire ring and BBQ. Motorhomes are counted as 2 vehicles.

Starfish Cove can accept up to 40 people and 8 vehicles. This group area is more inland than Abalone Point. Starfish Cove has 7 picnic tables, 2 preparation tables, a sink and a pair of 30-amp RV pedestals.

A two-night minimum stay is required for weekends and 3 nights on holiday weekends. Check-in time is 3:00 PM, check-out is 1:00 PMGroup Site Fees: $250 or $280 plus a $30 reservation fee

Where To Go Camping Near Santa Barbara: 4 Serene Campgrounds

Santa Barbara County is rich in culture, history, and activities for all interests.

While there is no shortage of hotels and other places to stay, camping near Santa Barbara is a great way to experience some of the beautiful landscapes that make this Central Coast region so unique.

The warm, southern California weather makes it an easy camping trip to prepare for and there is a wide variety of campgrounds to suit your Santa Barbara camping needs.

From mountains to oceans, there is no shortage of great options for camping in Santa Barbara, but here are four of the best.

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General Camping Information For

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.

  • Choose from a variety of campsites, all close to the beach.

  • Enjoy amenities such as showers, a camp store, and grill.

  • Group campsites are available.

  • Sleep Warm and Comfortable

    Point Sal State Beach

    Beach Camp on Your Next Date Night

    A remote and rugged beach in far northwestern Santa Barbara County. Pedestrians may access Point Sal State Beach for day use via Brown Road and Point Sal Road. Motor vehicle and bicycle access and camping are not permitted. Access is from sunrise to sunset for recreational purposes only. Visitors should allow sufficient time to return to the trailhead on Brown Road by sunset. The beach has no recreational facilities. and swimming is unsafe due to rip tides. Good views and abundant wildlife. Check with CalParks for future access status.

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    Also Check: How To Prepare For Camping

    El Capitn State Beach

    Note: This post contains affiliate links, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase using one of these links. Thank you for supporting this free content!

    One of the best options for beach camping in Santa Barbara is El Capitán State Beach.

    Its located a little less than 20 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara, just off of the Pacific Coast Highway.

    This is a large campground, as there are 142 campsites that can accommodate tents and most vehicle types including RVs and trailers up to 42 ft.

    There are no hookups at El Capitán, but there are tons of useful amenities such as showers, laundry, flush toilets, free beach wheelchairs, and drinking water.

    A short nature trail in the campsite follows the shoreline to a small bay, where there is a high quality surf break and a reef thats great for snorkeling, diving, tidepooling, and fishing.

    Since the beach is so accessible, this is a great place to camp if you are interested in any of the marine activities that Santa Barbara offers. If youre lucky, you may get to see larger marine animals such as seals and dolphins!

    Theres plenty of shade from native oak and sycamore trees, which makes the campground very comfortable on a hot day. Adjacent to this lovely Santa Barbara campground, there is a large grassy picnic area where great blue herons can be seen.

    Gaviota State Park is another spectacular part of Santa Barbara County and is easily accessible from El Capitán.

    ~ Live At Beautiful Cachuma Lake While Working For A Good Cause ~

    Would you like to contribute to a great organization while living in the spectacular environment of Cachuma Lake in Central California’s famous Wine Country? Just 20 minutes from Santa Barbara and the quaint Danish town of Solvang, the Neal Taylor Nature Center is a thriving nonprofit located within the popular Cachuma Lake Recreation Area.

    The Nature Center attracts Cachuma Lake campers and locals mainly from the Central Coast, but also from all around the country and internationally. Many school groups come to the Center as a highlight of their field trip schedule. Our focus is on environmental education and bringing an appreciation of nature to all who visit.

    We are looking for camp hosts to start beginning September 1st 2021 and hosting through April 2022 – a lovely time of year here! Preferably 6 months but 3 months possible. Responsible, self-directed, organized, friendly people are always welcome to help here!

    Depending on your abilities, duties include office and computer work, opening and closing the Nature Center, cleaning, running our gift shop, and taking care of our birds and fish. If you’re interested in or have training in working with our many school groups, we could especially use you, although this is not a requirement. We are also always looking for hosts with strong computer skills and/or outdoor maintenance experience.

    . Please either email your form to or mail it to:

    Neal Taylor Nature Center

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    County Riding & Hiking Trails Advisory Committee

    The County Riding and Hiking Trails Advisory Committee was established by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors in an advisory capacity to review programs, policies and procedures affecting county recreational riding and hiking trails and their use. Committee members are concerned with the location, development and maintenance of the recreational trails system countywide, to provide public access and links to the Los Padres National Forest, parks, beaches, and other public recreation areas. The committee is comprised of a maximum four members from each of the five Supervisorial Districts, and serve at the pleasure of the appointing Supervisor. CRAHTAC meets regularly on a bi-monthly schedule.

    What To Pack For A Santa Barbara Camping Trip

    Jalama Beach ~ Santa Barbara County, CA ~ A Campground Fav!

    Lightweight tent: This lightweight North Face Stormbreak 2-person tent weighs only 5 pounds 5 ounces, which is a nice low weight given the cost. Its a good 3-season tent with loads of headroom, easy pitching design for fuss-free set-up, and theres plenty of room for two people to share.

    Sleeping bag : While you may be camping in California, that doesnt mean it doesnt get cold at night especially on the California coast or in the desert in the winter! You can spend a fortune on a sleeping bag, but you dont have to.

    For a comfortable sleeping bag that wont break the budget, I recommend the REI Trailbreak 30 and . You can go more high-tech, but then youre looking around the $300 range. Great if you camp a lot, but for beginners, you may want to start with a more affordable version until you decide you really are a camping person.

    Sleeping pad: This is what takes you from cold, uncomfortable nights on rocky ground to tent comfort! You can buy a cheaper version like the REI Trailbreak Self-Inflating Pad, but Id recommend going with the Flash Thermal if hiking the trail in spring or fall, when the nights can get really cold!

    First aid kit: Youll want to pack a small kit with the things you need but in my opinion, its better to buy a pre-made first aid kit as itll likely cover things you might forget. I recommend this HART Weekend First Aid kit, which has all you need for 2 people for 2-3 days of camping.

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    Getting To Cachuma Lake

    Since Cachuma Lake is up along the mountains, it can be a bit of a tedious drive getting there. Youll have to take the 101 from either direction to get to the general vicinity. Then youll take highway 154 into the mountains to get to the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. The roads are known to get very foggy at times, with visibility just a few feet in front of you. The roads are very winding as well, so you really have to pay attention to what youre doing. You will probably lose cell phone service during parts of this drive, but you should have service all throughout the campground.

    Rancho Oso Rv & Camping Resort

    Image Source:https://www.yelp.com/biz_phot…

    Rancho Oso RV & amp Camping Resort is a medium-sized RV park located in the hills north of Santa Barbara. Unlike other campgrounds in Santa Barbara, California, this RV park is equestrian-themed, and it features many amenities that are popular with kids. The resort is situated on 310 acres, and the history of this camping area goes back to 1845.

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    Santa Barbara Sunrise Rv Park

    Why you should camp here: Easy city access, with full hookups to accommodate any size rig.

    • Reservation accepted: Yes
    • Camping types: RVs, trailers, and fifth wheels
    • RV Hookups: Yes

    Located right in the city of Santa Barabara, this little RV park has 31 sites with full hookups. The sites can accommodate between 25-foot and 45-foot motorhomes, trailers, campervans, or fifth wheels. The park also offers private showers/bathrooms, laundry, free wifi, and basic cable. Plus, pets are welcome!

    Sunrise RV Park is located next to a shady park park and just blocks from the beach. Plus, it is right across the street from the zoo, making this a great spot for families. There is easy access to the downtown trolly and opportunities to explore historical sites. Though there arent any trails out your front door, numerous trailheads are within a short drive, allowing you to plan an adventure that is right for you!

    What People Are Saying About Santa Barbara Sunrise Rv Park

    9. Carpinteria State Beach Campground in Santa Barbara County ...

    The best park I’ve stayed at. Friendly and helpful staff, blazing fast internet, walking distance to the beach and some great restaurants, and the spaces aren’t too cramped like some other parks. The bathrooms and laundry room are extremely clean as well. Ian, Google Review

    Location

    • Free strong Wi-Fi and Cable TV

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    Cachuma Lake Group Campsites

    Cachuma Lake has 10 group camping areas for group sizes ranging from 32 to 120. Group sites have picnic tables, food preparation tables, BBQ grills, large fire rings, and piped water. Some sites have electric lighting and outlets. the Apache Pines group site has 13 RV pads, each with water and electrical hook-ups.

  • Choose from a wide range of campsites, many with great lake views and full hook-ups.

  • Find a marina with boat rentals and great bass fishing.

  • Enjoy the swimming pool, nature center, and hiking trails.

  • Cachuma Lake Campground

    Sleep Warm and Comfortable

    Tent Trailer And Rv Camping

    Jalama Beach County Park maintains 107 campsites, all overlooking the ocean or beachfront. Each site has a picnic table and BBQ pit, with hot showers, restrooms and water nearby. 31 sites offer electrical hookups, and dump stations are available.

    Campsites reservations are available online by clicking on the “Make a Reservation!” button on the left. Reservations may be made up to 6 months, to the day, of the check-in date. Keep in mind that summer is our busiest time, and that campsites fill fast. Check-out is 1:00 pm. Campers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

    View a detailed Camping Map .

    For the safety and enjoyment of all, a maximum of 8 persons and/or 2 vehicles are allowed to be at any single campsite at any time. These limits will be strictly enforced and groups that exceed any of these limits will be required to purchase and set up at an additional campsite. If no additional campsites are available, you may be asked to leave the park. Vehicles MUST be parked at the location of the parking permit.

    Failure to comply with park rules can result in a County Notice to Appear Citation with fine and/or eviction. Santa Barbara County Code Chapter 26:

    Sec. 26-61- Vehicle parking at campsite. No person shall park, permit, or maintain more than two motor vehicles at any campsite within any county recreation area without the prior authorization of a CSD employee on duty within the area.

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    Why Youll Love Santa Barbara Sunrise Rv Park

    Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park prides itself in its hospitality, providing a comforting at-home atmosphere when staying here. Not only is this park within walking and biking distance to miles of pristine beaches, numerous wineries, breweries, restaurants, art and history museums, and loads of other outdoor activities, it is also just across the highway from the Santa Barbara Zoo! The numerous amenities at this park and its proximity to nearby attractions will make you want to keep coming back again and again.

    The 10 Best Camping Spots In Santa Barbara California

    Paradise Campground | RV Camping Los Padres National Forest | Dry Camping Santa Barbara

    Located north of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara is a little bubble with a Mediterranean feel and an abundance of coastal charm that offers a relaxing environment to explore and vacation any time of the year.

    This oceanside city offers mild temperatures, ocean views, cool breezes, and sunshine. On top of that, it is a hub for hiking, mountain biking, surfing, swimming, and even paragliding. It is an adventurers dream spot, especially for those looking to escape the winter cold.

    If youre hoping to visit Santa Barbara and dont want to spend big bucks on a hotel or rental, your best bet is to find a campground or RV park. Not only will this be a bit cheaper, but staying overnight in the outdoors will connect you even more to the natural vibes of Santa Barbara. Luckily, there are a plethora of campgrounds and RV parks to choose from. Here, weve outlined ten of the best-rated options in the Santa Barbara region to get you started on planning your adventure.

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    Things To Do In The Area

    So if youre staying at Cachuma Lake, youll probably do some fishing or boating or hiking while youre there and just enjoy the scenery. But if youre looking to do things nearby, youve got a few options:

    10 miles / 15 minutes from Solvang and Los Olivos

    20 miles / 30 minutes from Santa Barbara

    Solvang is a small Danish town in the Santa Ynez Valley with tons of traditional shops, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants. You have to stop by and try the Aebelskivers with the strawberry drizzle and/or powdered sugar. If youre interested in learning more about Solvang, weve featured it a few times on our blog.

    Next to Solvang is another small historic town named Los Olivos, which has a more Country/Western theme to it since thats the era it was founded. Los Olivos also has lots of nice shops, wine tasting rooms, and restaurants. In-between Solvang and Los Olivos are a handful of wineries where you can enjoy wine tastings as well.

    Though Santa Barbara is a little further away, its still less than a 30 minute drive and there is tons to do in the area. Especially if you love food and wine! State Street is the main downtown area for shops and food and wine tasting.

    You can check out these posts:

    Top 10 Campgrounds And Rv Parkssanta Barbara California

    Santa Barbara is a coastal town in Southern California. This area is popular with tourists, and RV campgrounds in Santa Barbara, California also see their share of Los Angeles residents searching for a place to park their RVs for the night. Santa Barbara is located about 100 miles north of L.A., and most RV parks in the Santa Barbara, California area are situated near the beach.

    Beach access is this towns best amenity, and the campgrounds in this area make sure to capitalize on this fact. Since this city is located near all of the amenities of Los Angeles, RV parks in Santa Barbara are great places to start on a sweeping RV trip throughout California. The weather in this area stays bright and sunny all year long, so check out these 10 options for RV camping in Santa Barbara that can each provide you with the best-possible opportunity to soak up some rays.

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    Youth Speak Out Event Returns With Focus On Youth Mental Wellness In A Post

    Youth Speak Out is back! After a break during the pandemic, the Youth Council is happy to announce their first online Youth Speak Out event on Monday, March 28, 2022, at 5:30 p.m.

    This yearâs Youth Speak Out, a fully-virtual event, is called SBYC Speak Out on Mental Wellness the event topic for 2022 is mental health for young people.

    El Capitan State Beach

    Carpinteria State Beach Campground Map

    Why you should camp here: Located on the beach, this is a fun place to spend a relaxing beach weekend.

    • Reservations accepted: Yes
    • Camping types: Tents, RVs, trailers
    • RV Hookups: No

    North of town on the coast, is El Capitan State Beach, a popular spot for a beach weekend. Though this spot can get a little busy, there are plenty of camping opportunities nearby that helps to keep people spread out. There are 130+ family campsites open year-round and five group sites that can hold from 40 to 100 people. There are also ten accessible sites with firm surfaces and accessible tables. The campground has bath and shower houses and a camp store in case you forgot any necessities.

    It is a short walk from most sites to the beach that is perfect for swimming. If youre looking for some exercise before a dip, choose from a self-guided nature trail that heads out to the rocky point overlooking the beach or a 10-mile loop through the hills above, which offers up some amazing views of the Pacific Ocean. On occasion you may even spot some more experienced surfers enjoying the waves when the swells are west to west-southwest.

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