Best Campgrounds near Buellton, CA
Campgrounds near Buellton, California range from full-service RV resorts to primitive sites in the surrounding mountains and coastal areas. Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton provides upscale accommodations with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and glamping options. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can access Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, Jalama Beach County Park, and several state beaches including El Capitán, Refugio, and Gaviota. The Santa Ynez Valley and nearby Los Padres National Forest offer varied terrain from oak woodlands to coastal bluffs.
Reservations are essential at most established campgrounds, particularly during summer months and weekends. Many campgrounds in the region remain open year-round due to the moderate Central California coastal climate, though winter can bring occasional rain. Facilities vary significantly, with Flying Flags offering full hookups, on-site dining, and resort amenities, while more remote sites like Mt. Figueroa Campground provide basic facilities with vault toilets and no drinking water. Cell service is inconsistent in mountainous areas but generally reliable at developed coastal and valley campgrounds. A visitor to Mt. Figueroa noted, "There are no hook ups, and only pit-toilets are available. There is NO DRINKING WATER available, so be sure to bring plenty of water, especially if you plan to hike or backpack through the area."
The region's campgrounds receive consistently high ratings for their proximity to wineries, beaches, and hiking trails. Campers at Jalama Beach County Park praise the beachfront sites and famous Jalama Burger available at the camp store. Several visitors mentioned the scenic 14-mile drive to Jalama through farms and coastal sage scrub with abundant wildflowers in spring. Tent campers report preferring the grassy sites at Carpinteria State Beach over the asphalt RV areas. According to feedback on The Dyrt, Figueroa Campground offers excellent shade from live oaks and manzanita trees, with nearby hiking trails that showcase spectacular wildflower displays in early spring. Wildlife sightings are common throughout the region, with reviews mentioning black bears, coyotes, and monarch butterflies depending on the specific location and season.
