Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
Reviewed Oct. 19, 2023

Huge County Campground with Numerous Site Types

The lovely county run park in the hills above the Santa Barbara coastline, is a great campground offering a wide variety of camping experiences from full hook ups to grass covered spaces under the trees along the shores of this lovely reservoir. The sites offer the usual camp picnic table and fire ring, and the many group sites offer large grills and even a few picnic shelters. 

The sunshine is typically abundant in this California park, and even without full hook ups you can easily get all the power you need with an appropriately sized solar panel system. We’ve run on solar for over 10 years, and it saves us thousands of dollars each year for our full-time camping life. 

The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious. Water spigots were plentiful throughout the campground. The coin operated showers got the job done, but since we were there during a chilly March, things could have been warmer. But hey, everything important got clean… 

The lake is perfect for boating, but since it’s a drinking water reservoir, there is no body contact with this body of water. So plan on using the campground pool to cool off during the summer months. Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area, and kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. 

The campground offers some excellent yurts and cabins for nightly rent right on the shores of the lake. These are often booked out so plan ahead. 

The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something, including ice, snacks, fire wood, and gas.  There is also a cool pub down by the boat ramp which offers live music in the weekends.  The nearby tourist town of Solvang offers a great day trip to sample the amazing Dutch pastry treats, pick up some groceries, wine tasting, or a night out on the town.

Month of VisitMarch
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023
  • Review photo of Cachuma Lake Recreation Area by Shari  G., October 19, 2023