Campgrounds near Santa Ynez, California provide diverse camping experiences within Los Padres National Forest and surrounding recreation areas. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area accommodates tent campers, RVs, and those seeking cabin or yurt accommodations with full hookup options. Mt. Figueroa Campground offers more primitive tent and RV camping in a densely wooded setting with shade from live oak trees. The area features both established campgrounds with amenities like showers and electric hookups as well as more remote options for those seeking solitude, all within proximity to Santa Barbara wine country and coastal access points.
Most campgrounds in the region require reservations, particularly during spring and summer months when wildflowers bloom across the hillsides. Drinking water availability varies significantly between developed sites like Flying Flags RV Resort, which offers full hookups, and more primitive options like Mt. Figueroa where no drinking water is available. Several campgrounds experience seasonal closures or limited access during winter months. Fire restrictions are common during dry periods, with complete bans possible during high fire danger. Cell service becomes increasingly limited in campgrounds farther from towns, with many forest sites having no coverage. A camper described the region noting, "Figueroa Campground is surrounded by live oaks and gorgeous manzanita trees, so there is a lot of shade available. There are no hook ups, and only pit-toilets are available."
Camping in the Santa Ynez area provides excellent access to outdoor recreation, including hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and wildlife viewing. Cachuma Lake draws visitors for fishing and boating while prohibiting swimming. Several campgrounds serve as gateways to backcountry trails and wilderness areas. The proximity to Santa Barbara wine country makes these campgrounds popular for visitors combining outdoor recreation with winery tours. As one reviewer noted, "The campground is a bit of a haul to get back to, and is often used as a base for backpackers entering the San Rafael wilderness or the Manzana Creek trail." Campers frequently mention wildlife sightings including birds, deer, and occasional encounters with black bears, particularly in more remote camping areas within Los Padres National Forest.
"I am a native of Santa Barbara, CA, so I grew up going to Cachuma Lake. Cachuma Lake’s main recreational area is on a bluff overlooking the lake."
"We stayed during the recent storm of the century in Central California so weren’t able to take advantage of what the park has to offer. The sites are very long and not too jammed together."
$45 - $320 / night
"It's convenient, easy drive-up and set up tent camping. The campground and the bathrooms are well taken care of and clean. It's also nice that the beach is nearby."
"This campground doesn’t feel too much like you’re out in the wilderness, but it is on a cliff above the beach on California’s central coast so who’s to complain?"
"Thus is a roadside RV park that is a nice size and super friendly. We stayed here on Valentines weekend. It was mostly quiet and the camp host was delivering breakfast to the campsite, super cheap."
"Close by solvang town and many pretty hiking trails"
$45 - $350 / night
"Low key but nice beach side campground along California’s Central Coast. Not to far from Santa Barbara. A bit of a surfers paradise because of some of the spots not far from the campsite."
"This is the furthest spot away from the ocean we’ve ever stayed, but the site was large and exposed, which meant our solar panels were able to get all the charge they needed each day to easily power everything"
$30 - $34 / night
"Figueroa Campground is a 33-35 site campground behind Los Olivos, CA. It is surrounded by live oaks and gorgeous manzanita trees, so there is a lot of shade available."
"While visiting Los Padres National forest on a Valentines Weekend, we unfortunately couldn’t do much camping near the higher altitudes due to high wind gusts so we headed toward the other camps, Davy Brown"
"This was the second time during our stay, where a worker came and blew the leafs away from our site. So appreciated. Hiking trails around. We like the walk to the goats and to the beach."
"If you find yourself up near Santa Barbara, this luxury RV Resort and Campground is a real splurge."
"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."
"The entrance and exit are build for traffic going south, so you have to be comfortable doing a freeway u-turn if you're going north."
$35 / night
"I love that the campsite is right next to the beach, less than 5 minute walk."
"This campground is right next to the beach and is well loved by the many return campers I spoke with."
"Jalama Beach offers great walks along a long beach that is nestled in a cozy bay. Surfers, couples & families can enjoy this beautiful place."
$40 - $44 / night
"We took a small drive and we must’ve seen 60 more turkeys crossing the road. We stayed in the smaller loop and loved it. Every campsite up there was taken and it didn’t feel crowded at all."
"In walking the campground there are some spaces I definitely wouldn't want, but there are some great spots here. The outer campsites have plenty of space, privacy, and tree coverage."
RangerWe loved this BLM campground. We got lucky that the road had been graded after the storms. The blooms appeared almost magically as the sun hit those areas. We saw more already on the second day on our way east. Stunning
ScoutIt’s very quiet out there and the host doesn’t do a lot of prying, pretty much kept to themselves the whole time , which I liked. The sene is pretty, lots of trees and thick mountains with lots of trails , also an out door theater down the road that’s apparently pretty old , so all around it was nice quiet peaceful place to camp.
GuideWe didn't expect much, but we stayed one night enroute from San Diego to San Francisco.
The lake was pretty, the site was nice, but we couldn't see the lake from the site. We just didn't spend much time here.
GuideWe had never visited Pismo Beach before, but wanted to camp on the sand (it's allowed!)
We drove onto the beach from the Pier Avenue entrance to Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area and headed south. There were a few other vehicles, but we found out the area right near the ramp was day use only.
Continued south on the sand about a mile until we got out of the day use area . There is a creek you have to cross before you can overnight camp. And the internet told us that at high tide it's not passable. So we timed our crossing to be at lower tide.
There's lots of hard packed sand, but the hard packed sand is where the tide comes up to. Then inland of the hard packed sand is some medium packed sand, and inland of that is soft white fluffy sand. You want to park on the medium sand.
We tried to get a little further inland so we wouldn't wake up in the middle of the night with our camper drifting out to sea, but as soon as you get onto the soft sand, you sink like a rock. We had brought two sheets of 2'x4' OSB just in case we got stuck (to put under our dually wheels) and ended up using them since we went a LITTLE too far inland.
But once you're settled, it's a lot of fun!
We loved sitting on the beach with a campfire!
We only stayed one night, but we're likely to go again next time we go up that way!
RangerDry camped for 40 bucks a night spent a couple nights beach and sunset is fantastic the site are pretty nice size very busy campground but fun and the best general store ever!!
RangerThis place is always packed and hard to get into, months in advance or sneak a night here and there, just too close to the Big City. But this place is an absoulute Sh!t Show, every type of person camper, families and on and on.... but the beach is spectacular and it is a Fun place to hang out....just be in the mood for the Show
RangerWeather was cool, a little rain, and they do not take reservations in the Month of March and we had our pick as the ranger let us drive around and pick our spot. That kind of Thing rarely happens at Carpinteria CGs so it was Fun and few people, very weird and COOL, the town is with in walking distance and tones of drinks and food places
Ranger3 Stars because its free and close to Santa Barbara........ Tried to disperse near Gaviota, and was told by the ranger to come here it was late and dark so we went there, got a good nights rest and enjoyed My Coffee in the morning with an amazing view, fun walk on a cool little bridge that closed
RangerGreat secluded Beach, no internet or cell service so be prepared, best Burger joint general store ever. Some amazing sites, tad expensive but a very cool spot to unwind and beat the crowds.
Can be windy, but its the beach!
Camping near Santa Ynez, California benefits from a Mediterranean climate with temperatures averaging 74°F during summer months and 50°F in winter. The area sits at approximately 600-800 feet elevation within the Santa Ynez Valley, with several campgrounds offering oak-covered sites that provide natural shade. Seasonal creek access varies dramatically, with most waterways running primarily from December through April depending on rainfall patterns.
Hike Figueroa Mountain trails: Mt. Figueroa Campground serves as an excellent base for hiking enthusiasts. Located in Los Padres National Forest, the area offers numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. "There are TONS of awesome trails around to walk, hike, or bike," notes Bailey A. who camped at Mt. Figueroa Campground in late November.
Visit local wineries: The Santa Ynez area is within 20 minutes of multiple wineries. "There is fantastic wine tasting available in any of these small towns, and everywhere in between - you are in the heart of Santa Barbara's wine country! There are endless tasting rooms available inside the towns, and countless vineyards that you can visit," shares a camper from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area.
Fishing at Cachuma Lake: Cachuma Lake draws visitors for fishing throughout the year. "Cachuma Lake is a great place for wildlife viewing and birding. I am a photographer, and love seeing all of the birds that hang out around Cachuma," reports Amanda M. from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Remember that swimming is not permitted in the lake as it serves as Santa Barbara's drinking water source.
Explore historic sites: Cold Springs Tavern near Los Prietos Campground offers a glimpse into local history. "The real treat is how close the campground is to Cold Springs Tavern that is clearly the hot spot in the area," mentions Brendan E. who stayed at Los Prietos. This historic stagecoach stop dates back to the 1880s and serves traditional Santa Barbara-style tri-tip.
Beach access options: While camping near Santa Ynez, many visitors appreciate the proximity to coastal areas. "Just south of point conception. Amazing fields of poppy flowers and then boom right on the coast," notes Megan B. about Jalama Beach County Park. This remote beach location requires driving 14 miles from the main road but rewards visitors with seclusion.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Campers frequently mention wildlife encounters as a highlight. "We stayed in #12 &13. It was so nice. The bathrooms were clean and the site was so beautiful. It was turkey mating season and they were all over the place," says Jennifer S. about Los Prietos Campground. Many campgrounds in the area feature diverse bird populations and occasional larger wildlife.
Resort-style amenities: Some campers prefer more developed facilities. Flying Flags RV Resort offers substantial amenities for those seeking comfort. "Free WiFi, a full laundry facility, pools, and a hot tub, every aspect of your stay is covered. For a relaxing time, they have poolside cabanas, a communal fire pit, picnic areas, and a communal TV lounge with pool and foosball tables," shares a reviewer who visited Flying Flags RV Resort.
Scenic drives: The journey to several campgrounds becomes part of the experience. "The drive out to Jalama is amazing, not to mention the gorgeous beach it eventually leads you to," says Codee C. who rates Jalama Beach County Park as one of their all-time favorite campgrounds despite frequent evening winds.
Water availability varies: Not all campgrounds provide drinking water. At Mt. Figueroa Campground, "No water at all so make sure you pack it in!" warns Christopher B. This is particularly important during summer months when temperatures can reach the 90s.
Wind conditions: Several coastal campgrounds experience significant winds. "This can be an extremely windy stretch of beach. During the day it will blow onshore and at night it will blow offshore," explains Michael K. about Jalama Beach County Park. Campers should secure tents properly and be prepared for changing conditions.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "The camp site has one of our favorite locations - Buellton and Solvang in the Santa Inez Valley. We love the wading pool and kid-friendly activities. Our family will keep coming back here," shares Jason M. about Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara, highlighting why reservations are essential.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between campgrounds. "Super remote campsite. I commend the RVs and Trailers that drive down the narrow road. The site has Starlink internet, but it's kinda spotty. If you have a Cell Booster(WeeBoost), I got two bars with TMobile, but outside of that, there is no cell reception," reports Mike G. about Jalama Beach County Park.
Choose campgrounds with activities: When camping with children in the Santa Ynez area, select sites offering specific amenities. "Great place for kids and families. Went during the week so wasn't too crazy packed. They have a pool, playground, 24 hour bathroom and showers included with your stay. Also have a small restaurant in case you don't feel like cooking," recommends Mario R. from El Capitán State Beach Campground.
Bring insect protection: Several campgrounds report significant insect activity. "There are a lot of flies from sun up to sun down. Harmless but annoying," notes Noah about Mt. Figueroa Campground. Parents should pack appropriate repellents and protective clothing for children.
Plan for bathroom accessibility: When camping with young children, bathroom proximity matters. "The bathrooms are nice and clean, the campsites are very nice, I loved that each of them have its own fire pit, some have picnic tables. And you're just far enough away from everyone that you can enjoy their company or be as private as you like," shares Keisha M. about camping at Mt. Figueroa.
Check fire restrictions: Fire regulations change seasonally and vary by location. Many campgrounds implement complete bans during high fire danger periods, particularly from June through October. Always verify current restrictions before your visit as children often look forward to campfires as part of the experience.
Know your route: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "I would recommend a 4 wheel drive vehicle to get to the spot depending on which route you take. If you follow the google maps directions, the road is a bit rough in spots," advises Bailey A. about reaching Mt. Figueroa Campground. RVers should research road conditions in advance.
Site dimensions vary significantly: At Flying Flags RV Resort, "Nice campground, but narrow spots that are close to each other. We have a 35 foot 5th wheel with sides that fit okay. Getting out was a little tighter because of the narrow roads," reports Tonya C., highlighting the importance of confirming site dimensions before arrival.
Consider hookup options: Several campgrounds offer limited hookups. "Our site had 30 amp Hookup but had to get water from the spigot by the bathrooms before we hooked up. Also easy dump site on way out," notes Samuel N. about Jalama Beach County Park. RVers should plan accordingly for partial hookups at many locations.
Premium sites offer better views: At Ocean Mesa/Sun Outdoors, "We had a premium site at $185 a night and it was nice, but it was on the main entrance road so that was a little annoying. Site 91, not very much shade from the afternoon heat, but plenty from the morning sun with a massive live oak," shares Ryan S., suggesting RVers consider site location carefully for optimal experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping allowed along the Santa Ynez River?
Yes, camping is permitted along portions of the Santa Ynez River, primarily at designated campgrounds. Paradise Campground offers 11 reservable sites along the river, each shaded by large oak trees and equipped with fire pits, BBQs, and nearby water access. The campground accommodates tents and campers up to 40 feet with standard Forest Service amenities. Nira Campground, while small and primitive, provides another option in the San Rafael wilderness behind the Santa Ynez Valley. For specific regulations on dispersed camping along the river, consult the Los Padres National Forest website, as rules may change seasonally.
Where are the best camping spots in Santa Ynez?
The Santa Ynez area offers several excellent camping options. Mt. Figueroa Campground is a scenic 33-site campground behind Los Olivos with abundant shade from live oaks and manzanita trees. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, though facilities are primitive with pit toilets only. For campers seeking water views, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area provides tent sites, yurts, cabins, and RV spots on a bluff overlooking the lake, with additional smaller campgrounds at lake level. The Los Padres National Forest also contains several noteworthy campgrounds, including Nira which serves as an excellent base for backpackers entering the San Rafael wilderness.
What RV campgrounds are available in Santa Ynez?
RV campers visiting Santa Ynez have several good options. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers full hookup sites for RVs on a bluff with panoramic lake views. For those willing to travel a short distance, Le Sage Riviera RV Park provides well-maintained sites with excellent proximity to water, though reservations are recommended well in advance. While not directly in Santa Ynez, nearby options like Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara provide additional RV accommodations. Note that many of the more primitive Forest Service campgrounds in the immediate Santa Ynez area have size limitations and no hookups, so confirm vehicle length restrictions before planning your trip.
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