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Best Campgrounds near Buellton, CA

703 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Buellton, California (99)

    1. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    59 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 686-5055

    "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."

    "As with many southern California lakes, there is no human contact with the water due to it being a reclamation center. Unlike many other southern California lakes, this one has a pool!"

    2. El Capitán State Beach Campground

    46 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 585-1869

    $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?"

    3. Flying Flags RV Resort

    21 Reviews
    Buellton, CA
    0 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 783-5247

    "This park 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."

    "It is located in Buellton, CA very near the historic town of Solvang, as well as Lake Cachuma and Los Padres National Forest. The campsite is in a beautiful setting surrounded by green rolling hills."

    4. Refugio State Beach Campground

    25 Reviews
    Solvang, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-1033

    $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"

    5. Jalama Beach County Park

    38 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 736-3504

    "The road winds for 14 miles through farms and the California coastal sage scrub ecosystem which when we were there, April, was just going off with wild flowers.  Gorgeous sunsets to boot!"

    "This campground is right next to the beach and is well loved by the many return campers I spoke with."

    6. Mt. Figueroa Campground

    21 Reviews
    Los Olivos, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $30 - $34 / night

    "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"

    "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."

    7. Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    19 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 879-5751

    "If you find yourself up near Santa Barbara, this luxury RV Resort and Campground is a real splurge."

    "Great trails to hike or Mt. Bike ride. Easy access to the beach. Very friendly staff. Nice amenities. One of my favorite places. Will be back again."

    8. Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area

    11 Reviews
    Solvang, CA
    11 miles
    Website

    "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."

    9. Gaviota Campground — Gaviota State Park

    11 Reviews
    Solvang, CA
    10 miles

    $45 / night

    "I love that the campsite is right next to the beach, less than 5 minute walk."

    10. Camp Out @ Free Dog Farms

    2 Reviews
    Solvang, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 256-5436

    $75 - $195 / night

    "▫️Common area is really cool ▫️Hosts are friendly and welcome you with a glass of wine or beer and give you a tour of the property ▫️Dog friendly

    Cons ▫️Some sites have highway noise ▫️It very expensive"

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Recent Camping Photos near Buellton, CA

210 Photos of 99 Buellton Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Buellton, CA

703 Reviews of 99 Buellton Campgrounds

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Carpenteria State Beach

    Good location

    This was our first stop out of LA, great location. The beach was nice but beware of tar staining. The showers required tokens but the token machine was out of order. A bit annoying for the price of the site.

  • Tommy B.
    Aug. 24, 2025

    pismo state beach

    Busy campground

    This used to be a really nice park. Now, there doesn’t seem to be any pride in taking care of it.

  • Missy R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    North Beach Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Perfect spot for the beach and gatherings with friends

    I love Pismo Beach! The sites are large and perfect for a group of friends. They have incredible amenities. The beach is steps away. And the community has a good walking path and restaurants within walking distance.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 17, 2025

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Close to Walkable Swimmable Beach / Close to Town / Nice Sunsets / Crowded

    Santa Cruz non-hook-up sites have: asphalt parking (close to level); picnic table; fire pit.  Individual restrooms with flush toilets and hot/cold water sinks cleaned daily but get lots of use.  Showers (tokens) cleaned but may have beach sand on floors.  Check feet / shoes for TAR from beach before entering tent / RV!  Baby oil helps take it off... plastic bag(s) helps to contain shoes.  Spaces can be tight... neighbor's RV was about two feet from ours.  Non-hook-up fee was $43.00 plus $8.25 online reservation fee.  "Enroute" camping may be available if campground is "full"... no hook-ups or tables - and have to leave by 9am - but you might have more space!   Inquire at front gate even if sign says "campground full".  Quiet after 10pm on Friday night even though campground and group sites were very full.  Thanks fellow campers!  Nice wide and safe swimming beach - close to quaint town - make this a CALIFORNIA CLASSIC.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 15, 2025

    Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach

    Good Location Close to Beach & Lagoon

    Prior reviews accurate. Hook-up sites close together... non-hookup have more separation. Popular with families and groups Grass around tent sites still green. Most parking spots close to level but bring some blocks. Individual large restrooms with flush toilets and sinks. Nice large showers take state park tokens. Nice lagoon walking path but some parts flooded right now. Campground protected from blowing sand because dunes in front of it. Nice area to start beach walks or rent dune buggies. Close to Pismo Beach for many restaurants and pier. Classic California...

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 12, 2025

    Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    Beautiful location. Close to town

    Beautiful location. Close to town. Walkable, hike-able, bike-able, rideable via paths. No dogs on beach. There is a dog beach further up the coast. Sites are pretty tight. Lots of families and tent camping. Need token from kiosk for showers. Train comes by every once in a while. I stayed in Santa Cruz in my 25’ motorhome with no hook ups. Had my own picnic table and fire ring. May stay again only because of the nice walkable paths. Watch where you step near the tar pits.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area Campground

    Vehicle on beach camping

    You are driving onto the beach and camping, what more to ask for! The actual camping section of the beach is a little tight even with an empty 160 available sites (vehicles) still available. So weekends or sold out nights pirably too tight for me. Cars may drive by any time of the night. The waves sound and general experience is worth it, especially considering you can move into the more open day use are for the 7am-10pm day time.

    I would recommend AWD unless you are able to plan your trip to stay on the firm sand. Don’t go Into The soft sand without awd

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 6, 2025

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Abundant Wildlife

    Tried out on a whim - note, NO swimming in the lake because it’s a source of drinking water. Get a waterfront spot for sure. General store pricey and there are yellow jackets during heat of day. BUT, gorgeous sunset and lake trails, big open campground with spacious spots. Def a fishing spot.

Guide to Buellton

Camping near Buellton, California, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a family-friendly spot or a peaceful retreat, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Beach Access: Enjoy the sandy shores at Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach. It's just a short walk to the beach, making it perfect for sunbathing or beach games. One camper mentioned, "The beach is a short walk away," making it easy to enjoy the sun and surf.
  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails around Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. There are plenty of paths for hiking and biking, with one reviewer noting, "Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area."
  • Wildlife Watching: At Jalama Beach County Park, keep an eye out for local wildlife. A visitor shared, "Surfers, couples & families can enjoy this beautiful place," highlighting the diverse activities available.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. One review stated, "The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious," which is a big plus for families.
  • Scenic Views: Many enjoy the stunning views at El Capitán State Beach Campground. A camper mentioned, "Our site had an ocean view," making it a picturesque spot for relaxation.
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Lake Casitas Recreation Area are great for families. One reviewer noted, "This is a huge place, with lots to do," emphasizing the variety of activities available for kids and adults alike.

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Emma Wood State Beach, have minimal facilities. A visitor pointed out, "Completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms," so be prepared for a more rustic experience.
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. One camper at Lopez Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland," indicating that it’s best to arrive early.
  • Wildlife Precautions: If you're camping at places like Wheeler Gorge Campground, be aware of wildlife. A camper shared, "They let us know there was a bear in the area," so keep food secured and be cautious.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Bug Spray: Mosquitoes can be a nuisance, especially at Jalama Beach County Park. One camper advised, "Bring bug spray and citronella or thermacills," to keep the bugs at bay.
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area enjoyed the "boating and fishing," which kept everyone entertained.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand is a must. A visitor at Oceano County Campground mentioned, "There's a great Mexican restaurant down the road," but it's good to have some treats ready for the kids.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookup Availability: Make sure to check if your chosen campground has electric hookups. A reviewer at Lake Casitas Recreation Area noted, "The sites are clean and the pads are very flat," which is great for RV parking.
  • Be Prepared for Fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for pets or amenities. One camper at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "We paid online and... getting charged $5 a day extra for pets," so budget accordingly.
  • Know Your Vehicle Size: If you're driving a larger RV, check the campground's size restrictions. A visitor at TV Tower Road Dispersed Camping advised, "I drove the entire road and would not recommend doing that without four-wheel drive," highlighting the importance of knowing your vehicle's capabilities.

Camping near Buellton, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. With beautiful campgrounds and plenty of activities, it’s a great spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What RV parks and campgrounds are available in Buellton, California?

Buellton and the surrounding area offer several options for RV travelers. Flying Flags RV Resort is the premier RV destination in Buellton itself, featuring full hookup sites in a beautiful setting surrounded by rolling hills. For those willing to venture a bit farther, Oceano Campground — Pismo State Beach provides both hookup and non-hookup sites with decent separation between campsites, particularly in the non-hookup area. The campground offers flush toilets, sinks, and showers, with excellent beach access. Other options in the region include Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach and several private RV parks that cater to varying preferences from basic to luxury accommodations.

Where can I find camping near Buellton, CA?

Buellton offers excellent access to several camping options in the Santa Ynez Valley. Mt. Figueroa Campground is a scenic 33-35 site campground nestled behind Los Olivos with abundant shade from live oaks and manzanita trees. Each site includes a fire ring and picnic table, though amenities are basic with pit toilets and no hookups. For beach camping within driving distance, Jalama Beach County Park offers a stunning coastal experience about 30 miles west of Buellton. The 14-mile access road winds through farms and coastal sage scrub, leading to beautiful beachside camping that's especially gorgeous during wildflower season in spring. Other nearby options include Los Padres National Forest campgrounds and several state parks within a short drive.

What amenities does Flying Flags Buellton offer for campers?

Flying Flags RV Resort in Buellton provides an extensive array of amenities for a premium camping experience. The resort features numerous full hookup RV sites complemented by rental options including tents and cabins for those without RVs. Families particularly enjoy the wading pool and kid-friendly activities that keep children entertained. The grounds are exceptionally clean with well-maintained facilities throughout. Campers appreciate the convenience of an onsite restaurant, eliminating the need to leave the property for meals. The location is another major advantage, situated near historic Solvang, Lake Cachuma, and Los Padres National Forest. Spring, particularly April and May, offers perfect weather for camping at this resort. The beautiful setting amid green rolling hills enhances the overall experience, making it a favorite destination for many returning campers.

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