Campgrounds surrounding Buellton, California sit at elevations ranging from sea level to over 4,000 feet in the nearby mountains. This region experiences a Mediterranean climate with dry summers and mild winters, though mountain campgrounds can see nighttime temperatures drop near freezing during winter months. Most campgrounds open year-round due to the moderate weather, with springtime bringing wildflower blooms across the hillsides.
What to do
Hike Figueroa Mountain trails: Mt. Figueroa Campground provides access to numerous trails with varying difficulty levels. "We brought our dog with us and she had a great time. There are TONS of awesome trails around to walk, hike, or bike," notes camper Bailey A. about the Mt. Figueroa Campground. The trails are especially beautiful in spring when wildflowers bloom.
Explore tidepools: Jalama Beach County Park offers excellent tide pooling opportunities during low tide. "The beach is very big and beautiful. You can walk quite a distance if you go to the left; to the right, there is a lot of driftwood but is still somewhat walkable," reports reviewer Lee D. about the Jalama Beach County Park. Marine wildlife sightings are common along the shoreline.
Wildlife photography: Cachuma Lake Recreation Area provides excellent bird watching and wildlife photography opportunities. "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 - ducks, coots, Western and Clark's grebes, loons, osprey, hawks, turkey vultures, turkeys, quail, American white pelicans, cormorants, etc," shares Amanda M. The lake also offers pontoon boat tours specifically for wildlife viewing.
What campers like
Beach access: El Capitán State Beach Campground sits directly above the coastline with easy beach access. "Anything on the beach side is your best bet, otherwise you will get stuck by the train and highway, and that's no fun for anyone," advises Alisa B. about the El Capitán State Beach Campground. The campground has both oceanfront and inland sites.
Swimming pools: Several private campgrounds near Buellton offer swimming pools for when ocean temperatures aren't ideal. "Flying Flags RV Resort& Campground is one of my favorite RV resorts. Free WiFi, a full laundry facility, pools, and a hot tub, every aspect of your stay is covered," says reviewer SmallRVLifestyle V. about the Flying Flags RV Resort. Many campers appreciate having pool access during hot summer months.
Dark night skies: The more remote campgrounds offer excellent stargazing opportunities. "This is a really good place to camp. It's far from anything major so the night sky is very visible," explains Noah about Mt. Figueroa Campground. The higher elevation sites typically provide clearer viewing conditions compared to coastal locations.
What you should know
Insect activity: Several campgrounds report seasonal insect issues. "In August, as other reviews mention, there are a lot of flies from sun up to sun down. Harmless but annoying," warns Noah about Mt. Figueroa. Another reviewer adds, "The flies were absolutely unbearable. No chance of relaxing without being totally swarmed by flies and eaten alive by whatever my family got bit up by."
Water availability: Mountain campgrounds often lack drinking water. "No water at all so make sure you pack it in!" advises Christopher B. about Mt. Figueroa Campground. Similarly, Gaviota State Park has limited facilities, so campers should arrive prepared.
Wind conditions: Coastal campgrounds can experience significant wind. "Despite the often overcast skies and evening winds, the weather is almost always enjoyable," notes Codee C. about Jalama Beach County Park. At night, campers should secure tents and belongings against potential strong gusts.
Tips for camping with families
Accessible playgrounds: Several family-friendly campgrounds include play areas for children. "We had a blast! The camp has a pool, playground, 24 hour bathroom and showers included with your stay," shares Mario R. about Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara. The campground also offers bike rentals and easy access to beach activities.
Swimming options: Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers alternatives when beach swimming isn't ideal. "Cachuma also has a pool (for an additional fee), gameroom, playgrounds/jungle-gyms, and disc golf courses available," reports Amanda M. about the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Note that swimming is not permitted in Cachuma Lake itself.
Junior ranger programs: State parks like El Capitán and Refugio offer educational programs during summer months. "The campground and the bathrooms are well taken care of and clean. It's also nice that the beach is nearby," mentions Dianne S. These programs typically run on weekends and holidays from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: RV sites vary significantly in size and amenities throughout the area. "Getting out was a little tighter because of the narrow roads. It was okay, just smaller than other campgrounds," cautions Tonya C. about Flying Flags Resort. RVers with larger rigs should call ahead to confirm site dimensions.
Hookup availability: Only certain campgrounds offer full 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," shares Samuel N. about Jalama Beach. Many campgrounds offer partial hookups or none at all, so planning is essential.
Reservation timing: Popular RV campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer months. "Just wish it was easier to get a weekend reservation in the summer," notes Dianne S. about El Capitán State Beach. Reservations for state park campgrounds typically open six months in advance and fill within minutes for summer weekends.
