Camper submitted image from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area - 1
View All
Camper submitted image from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area - 2
Roads
Camper submitted image from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area - 3
Buildings
Camper submitted image from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area - 4
Water
Camper submitted image from Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area - 5
Nature

Free Camping Collection

Established Camping

Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Air Quality at this campground may currently be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp Area, near Goleta, California, is a unique spot that offers a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean right from your campsite. This area is perfect for a quick stop or an overnight stay, especially if you’re looking to enjoy the beauty of the coastline without breaking the bank.

The location allows for easy access to the beach, and visitors have mentioned the breathtaking scenery, making it a great place to unwind. One camper noted, “It’s free and you are camping cliffside over the ocean,” which captures the essence of this spot. While amenities are limited—there are no toilets or electric hookups—there are trash cans available, and you can enjoy a peaceful night under the stars.

If you’re up for a little adventure, take a short walk over the nearby Amtrak bridge for some fresh air and a different perspective of the area. Just keep in mind that this is primarily a rest area, so it’s best suited for those looking for a brief escape rather than a full camping experience. Whether you’re passing through or planning a quick getaway, Arroyo Hondo Vista Point offers a memorable stop along the California coast.

Fee Info

Free - 8 hour limit

Suggest an Edit

Location

Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area is located in California

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

34.47018534 N
120.13870503304946 W

Open in Google Maps

The Dyrt Alerts

Get reservations at sold-out campgrounds.

Learn More

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Unknown
  • Verizon
    Good
  • AT&T
    Good
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • Cabins

Features

For Campers

  • Trash
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Showers
  • Drinking Water

For Vehicles

  • Big Rig Friendly

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.


PERMIT might be REQUIRED

We curate permit requirements across the US for our PRO members. Try PRO to see if Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area needs a permit.

Contact

General Info


Reviews

Add Review

5 Stars

4 Stars

3 Stars

2 Stars

1 Star

29%
43%
0%
0%
29%

3.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 6, 2023

CLOSED

Area was closed off. Couldn’t stay at this location

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 3, 2022

Nice

It’s a nice easy stay, but for 8 hours only. Beautiful view of the sea. Has trash cans and is dog friendly.

Month of VisitAugust
Reviewed Aug. 23, 2021

Beautiful spot

Awesome place to stop for a few hours. I would have slept in my car but I got there around 1pm and stayed til 4 then moved on. The place is beautiful and you can get down to the beach, and walk across the bridge. The only downfall is there is no bathrooms.

Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area by Amber M., August 23, 2021
  • Review photo of Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area by Amber M., August 23, 2021
Reviewed Apr. 27, 2021

Great place for one night

Easy to find, right on the highway one, some other campers were there. It’s not a place to stay for to long but for spending one night it’s perfect , we stayed for about 12 hours

Siterigth
Month of VisitApril
Reviewed Sep. 22, 2020

Great view and Free Parking for 8 hours!

This is a California Highway rest area right off the 101 just north of Goleta/Santa Barbara. As the sign says, one is allowed to park their 8 hours. You’ll see many long haul big rig drivers there as well as campers looking for a quick respite.
We decided on a whim to check it out coming from Studio City. We made sure to get there early enough to get a spot looking over the Pacific Ocean. Coincidentally the people next to us had their first time camping at ‘free site’ as well.
We were concerned that since it was a rest area, we weren’t able to put out our folding picnic set but we were able to cook a quick meal right in front of our van before turning in for the night. In the morning, we made a quick breakfast and took a short 15 minute walk over the Amtrak bridge that passes through a special trout canal.

  • Review photo of Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area by MomentoMori C., September 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area by MomentoMori C., September 22, 2020
  • Review photo of Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area by MomentoMori C., September 22, 2020
  • (5) View All

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the elevation of Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area?

    Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area is located at 94 feet.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is good.