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Best Campgrounds near Santa Ynez, CA

813 Reviews

Santa Ynez has many different camping options throughout the area. Wheeler Gorge Campground draws campers with its good views and clean facilities. Just eight miles from Santa Ynez, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area has big campsites that come with fire pits, picnic tables, and space to park two vehicles. El Capitán State Beach Campground sits right by the ocean, making it easy to get to the water. Some campsites have more privacy than others, and you'll find good shade at sites with California Oak trees. You'll need to make reservations at most places like Refugio State Beach Campground, particularly during busy times. Try to book early since weekend and holiday spots fill up fast. Most campgrounds have bathrooms and showers, and some even have laundry you can use. Spring and fall bring the best camping weather to Santa Ynez with milder temperatures. The summer gets crowded, so plan your trip well ahead of time if you want to camp then.

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Best Camping Sites Near Santa Ynez, California (109)

    1. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

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

    "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."

    2. El Capitán State Beach Campground

    46 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    11 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
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (877) 783-5247

    "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"

    4. Refugio State Beach Campground

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

    $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. Mt. Figueroa Campground

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

    $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"

    6. Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

    19 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    11 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."

    7. Arroyo Hondo Vista Point Rest / Camp area

    9 Reviews
    Solvang, CA
    10 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."

    8. Gaviota Campground — Gaviota State Park

    11 Reviews
    Solvang, CA
    12 miles

    $35 / night

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

    9. Jalama Beach County Park

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

    "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."

    10. Los Prietos

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

    $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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Santa Ynez, CA

260 Photos of 109 Santa Ynez Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Santa Ynez, CA

813 Reviews of 109 Santa Ynez Campgrounds

Guide to Santa Ynez

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

What to do:

  • Explore the beach: At Oceano County Campground — Pismo State Beach, you can take a short walk to the dunes or drive right onto the beach. One camper mentioned, "Short walk to the dunes, 5 minute drive to downtown Pismo Beach."
  • Hiking and biking: Cachuma Lake Recreation Area has numerous trails for hiking and biking. A visitor noted, "The sunshine is typically abundant in this California park, and even without full hookups, you can easily get all the power you need with an appropriately sized solar panel system."
  • Fishing and boating: At Lake Casitas Recreation Area, you can enjoy fishing and boating. One reviewer said, "The lake is beautiful and right in the middle of the entire recreation area."

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious."
  • Wildlife sightings: Many enjoy the chance to see wildlife. One camper at Oceano County Campground shared, "We saw and heard hawks, turkey vultures, owls, and many other birds."
  • Proximity to attractions: Campers love being close to local attractions. A reviewer at Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach said, "Carp itself is one of my favorite little towns."

What you should know:

  • Limited amenities: Some campgrounds, like Emma Wood State Beach, have very few amenities. A camper noted, "Completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms."
  • Crowded during peak season: Popular spots can get crowded. A visitor at Lopez Lake Recreation Area mentioned, "Check-in involved parking our van and standing in line like Disneyland."
  • Wildlife precautions: Be aware of wildlife, especially at Wheeler Gorge Campground. One camper said, "They let us know there was a bear in the area."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Look for places like Lake Casitas Recreation Area, which has a water park for kids. A reviewer mentioned, "The campground is broken down into a bunch of different camping loops, each with different amenities and vibe."
  • Plan for activities: Make sure to have activities planned, like hiking or fishing. A camper at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area said, "Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area."
  • Pack snacks and drinks: Keep everyone happy with snacks and drinks on hand. One camper at Oceano County Campground mentioned, "There's a great Mexican restaurant down the road also."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check for hookups: Make sure to check if the campground has electric hookups. A visitor at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area noted, "The sites with hookups will actually be pull-through sites, which was nice."
  • Be prepared for fees: Some campgrounds charge extra for pets or amenities. A camper at Lake Casitas Recreation Area mentioned, "We paid online and we pull up and all of a sudden getting charged $5 a day extra for pets."
  • Know your vehicle size: Make sure your RV fits the campground's size restrictions. A reviewer at Emma Wood State Beach said, "Spots 25 and above are more closer together."

Camping near Santa Ynez, California, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Santa Ynez, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Santa Ynez, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 109 campgrounds and RV parks near Santa Ynez, CA and 9 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Santa Ynez, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Santa Ynez, CA is Cachuma Lake Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 57 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Santa Ynez, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 free dispersed camping spots near Santa Ynez, CA.

What parks are near Santa Ynez, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Santa Ynez, CA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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