Santa Barbara is synonymous with sandy beaches and that?s probably why the two share a common acronym. Sandwiched between the Pacific Coast and the golden Santa Ynez Mountains, it offers the adventures one can dream of, both at sea and in the peaks. Hence, the best camping destinations around Santa Barbara consist of either a seaside escape or mountainside seclusion.
The area?s rich landscapes provide plenty of options depending on where you feel like going. Here are seven of the top camping locations to keep in mind for your next getaway.
1. Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America (KOA) is an extensive system of privately owned campsites with 500 locations across the United States. Seasoned campers, RV enthusiasts, and newcomers alike will find something to love at KOA grounds. Santa Barbara has four KOA camping sites?two Holidays and two Journeys. KOA Holidays serve as base camps for exploration, offering numerous activities for guests, while KOA Journeys provide convenient, pull-through sites with essential amenities for RV campers, perfect after a long day on the road.
If you prefer a glamping setup and deluxe cabins, the Ventura Ranch KOA Holiday, a 76-acre retreat, is the place to go. The Santa Margarita KOA Holiday offers a more rustic, rural stay among the oaks and pines. RV campers and tent campers are also welcome to hook up or pitch their tents at the available sites.
Meanwhile, KOA Journey options include Bakersfield, a full-service RV campground that serves as a great base for exploring nearby Sequoia National Forest. Lost Hills KOA Journey is another pull-through site with full hookups and 30/50-amp service.
2. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
Another expansive 3,000-acre retreat is the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. This reservoir opens into the wild outdoors, making Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains its backdrop. Guests can find practically anything that makes for a relaxing getaway ? excellent fishing, boating, hiking and wildlife-viewing excursions.
Its mild temperature and sunny skies make it a beautiful destination even during the winter months, as the place is a year-round campsite. The amenities within the area include a general store, a gas station, a coin-operated laundromat and hot showers, making it an ideal campground for RV campers.
3. Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park
Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park is a family-owned, fan-favorite for many RV camping enthusiasts. The place is full of hookups for 30 and 50-amp electric, free Wi-Fi and spacious sites for bigger rigs. It?s conveniently located near Highway 101 and is a great base for those looking to access beaches, historical sites and restaurants in Santa Barbara.
Guests can enjoy private showers and a laundry room. While freeway access means accompanying noise, a 12-foot wall offers sound and sight buffers to get away from all the hustle and bustle. This well-maintained park provides dependable service that campers will keep coming back to whenever they?re in the city.
4. Refugio State Beach
Twenty-two miles west of Santa Barbara is the scenic seaside retreat Refugio State Beach, known for palm-lined beaches in true California style. Expect breathtaking sunsets and an excellent fishing spot.
The tranquil beach is home to 67 campsites, group sites and many hiking and biking trails. However, no RV hookups are available, so camping reservations are recommended. Guests can also treat themselves to the family-friendly amenities in the area, like a basketball court, campfire center and BBQ areas.
5. Jalama Beach County Park
Jalama Beach County Park, located an hour west of Santa Barbara, is a secluded coastal retreat with extensive conveniences, making it perfect for camping, surfing, fishing and nature photography. The park features over 100 campsites, seven ocean-view cabins and a general store with the famous Jalama Burger.
Accommodations include tent sites, RV hookups, cabins and group areas. For a more proper stay, there are one- and two-bedroom cabins with full bathrooms and kitchenettes. Visitors can enjoy scenic hiking trails, whale watching and beachcombing. Strong winds and rough surf make it ideal for experienced surfers. Accessible year-round, Jalama Beach offers a peaceful escape into nature with breathtaking ocean views and diverse outdoor activities.
6. Arroyo Burro Beach County Park
Also known by the locals as Hendry Beach, Arroyo Burro Beach County Park is a scenic coastal spot just 10 minutes away from downtown Santa Barbara. Picturesque bluffs surround the area, while the cool grassy spots are ideal for a picnic. It?s a family and dog-friendly stretch of shoreline with BBQ grills and an educational Watershed Resource Center.
The oceanfront Boathouse Restaurant offers dining, while the more adventurous can explore the nearby trails at the Douglas Family Preserve. Free wheelchairs and seasonal lifeguards make it accessible for all. Just remember, the park closes at sunset.
7. Shoreline Park
Shoreline Park is a popular blufftop park overlooking the beach and harbor. Visitors can enjoy whale watching from the grassy cliff while a stairway leads down the coast for easy access. Since it?s part of the California Coastal Trail, those who love to walk and bike can access 700 miles of coastal paths.
Amenities in the area include restrooms, a hydration station and an audio tour. It?s also pet-friendly, as dogs on leash are welcome. It is truly the perfect place to feel the ocean breeze and listen to the waves crash.
Start Your Santa Barbara Camping Trip
Whether you?re planning for a quick pop-up, pitch tent and go or an overnight stay in Santa Barbara, these camping destinations offer a glimpse into the natural beauty of the coastal and mountainous southwest California. Hike through scenic trails, gather around a campfire and warm some s’mores ? these seven destinations make for amazing times for your next camping escape.
