Best Dog-Friendly Camping near Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Barbara, California, is one of the Golden State’s quintessential beach towns. With pristine beaches and immaculate ocean views, you’ll want to stop and smell the roses (and the ocean air).

The best camping near Santa Barbara is just up US Route 101 at El Capitan State Beach. If you’re looking for mountains or free camping, your next best choice is the nearby Dick Smith Wilderness. With an RV resort nearby and tent campsite options available, you should have no problem finding a place to sleep. No matter whether you prefer the beach or the mountains, you’ll find campgrounds to suit you near Santa Barbara, CA.

Best Dog-Friendly Sites Near Santa Barbara, California (87)

    1. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

    47 Reviews
    Carpinteria, CA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 968-1033

    $45 - $180 / night

    "Took my son here for a weekend to explore Santa Barbara. There is no overnight parking in the park unless you have a previously reserved car camping campsite."

    "You can walk into town and eat at the amazing restaurants quaint Carpenteria has to offer. Or you can listen to the waves roll in from your campground as you cook something up over the camp fire."

    2. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    57 Reviews
    Santa Ynez, CA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 686-5055

    "There's a dog park, and playgrounds, and a pool (since you can't swim in the lake because it's drinking water... which was strange to us as Utahns when all reservoirs are drinking water and we still swim"

    "It's close enough (about 20-30 min) to Solvang and Santa Barbara so you can take little day trips if you are staying a while. Dog friendly!"

    3. Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Summerland, CA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 966-9954

    "Easy access to Santa Barbara too."

    "It's right in the city - near to the beach and zoo (biking distance for us).  Only flaw is it's right next to the freeway.  But it's ideal if you want to visit Santa Barbara!"

    4. Los Prietos

    12 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $40 - $44 / night

    "each site is allowed one car, but there is parking right outside the site along the road.

    The site is near many trails and about 6 miles from the red rock day use area."

    "Our camp host was extremely nice and came around with dog treats for every single dog there so they all loved her. Water spouts vlose to each site and bathrooms surprisingly super nice."

    5. Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

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

    "Awesome campground 20 min from Santa Barbara. Its small and really well maintained. Pool, hiking trails, great wifi. Walk down to the beach or just chill at your site."

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

    6. Paradise Campground

    9 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 434-1996

    $40 - $84 / night

    "A canopy of sprawling oak trees covers almost all the campsites, growing in a ring around an open grassy field."

    "Each campsite is very nice with shade under large oak trees, fire pits, bbq, and nearby trash and water.  Bathrooms were clean.  Camp host very nice."

    7. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    39 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 649-2233

    "This campground is located in Santa Barbara County just west of Ojai. Beautiful mountain scenery. It’s great for tents and RVs.

    The lake offers fishing and boating, no body contact."

    "Casitas Lake near Ojai in Ventura County has something for everyone, especially parents with children off from school in the summertime."

    8. Thousand Trails Rancho Oso

    7 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "We chose it because it was near Santa Barbara. And it was affordable (with Thousand Trails). So near to Santa Barbara is a relative term. It’s a 35 minute drive on a lovely windey mountain road."

    "I drove up the 101 by the coast of Santa Barbara on a Wednesday. It was beautiful, and pretty chilly by the water. Then I made the climb up the mountains to Rancho Oso."

    9. Earl Warren RV Park

    4 Reviews
    Santa Barbara, CA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 350-4556

    $70 / night

    "Just a simple RV park outside of the campgrounds! I was happy to stay here in my van while in town to work. Great hot showers and quiet. Shore power plug in."

    "Very quiet, next to the golf course. Shade available at some parts of the lot but not all."

    10. Rincon Parkway RV Overnight

    17 Reviews
    Oak View, CA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 654-3951

    $43 - $47 / night

    "127 Slanted or parallel dry camp asphalt spots located along the Pacific Ocean and PCH approx 8 miles north of Ventura and 20 miles south of Santa Barbara off the Seaside Exit."

    "We had a dog and newly walking baby with us, so we REALLY had to keep an eye on both of them.  We brought little baby gates which helped. "

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 87 campgrounds

Dog-Friendly Camping Reviews near Santa Barbara, CA

853 Reviews of 87 Santa Barbara Campgrounds



Guide to Santa Barbara

Discover the joy of camping with your furry friends near Santa Barbara, California, where several campgrounds welcome pets and offer a range of amenities and activities.

Tips for camping with dogs near Santa Barbara

  • Ensure your pet is comfortable by bringing their favorite bedding and toys to the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, which offers spacious sites and plenty of room to roam.
  • Keep your dog hydrated and cool during warm days at Lake Casitas Recreation Area, where you can find drinking water and shaded areas.
  • Always clean up after your pet to maintain the beauty of Faria Beach Park, which is known for its friendly atmosphere and beach access.

Dog-friendly activities while camping near Santa Barbara

  • Enjoy hiking trails with your dog at Los Prietos, where you can explore the natural beauty of the Los Padres National Forest.
  • Take your pet for a swim at the nearby beaches after a day of camping at Emma Wood State Beach, where the ocean is just steps away from your campsite.
  • Engage in fishing or kayaking at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, which allows pets and offers various water activities.

Pet-friendly campgrounds include

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Santa Barbara, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Santa Barbara, CA is Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach with a 4.2-star rating from 47 reviews.

What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Santa Barbara, CA?

TheDyrt.com has all 87 dog-friendly camping locations near Santa Barbara, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.