Best Cabin Camping near Santa Ynez, CA

Recent Cabin Reviews near Santa Ynez, California

227 Reviews of 15 Santa Ynez Campgrounds

• 

  Andrea R.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 24, 2019

  Thousand Trails Rancho Oso

  Nice.

  Part of the Thousand Trails network. There is very clean bathrooms, room for RV'S, a rec center, store, pool, hot tub. There is a small creek and plenty of hiking trails.

• L

  Lana W.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 1, 2023

  Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

  Luxury campground near Santa Barbara

  The staff here were very pleasant, and the sites were beautiful paved, level sites with privacy hedges between each (at least where we were). The bath house was very clean and showers were spacious and clean. Kids were having a great time at the pool. I wanted to use the hot tub, but there were 5 little kids in it. There was a big, CLEAN dishwashing sink. The laundry room was small, but everything worked great. The only real negative was the cost which was astronomical, but keeps it nice.

• 

  Amanda M.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 3, 2018

  Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

  Cachuma Lake - in the heart of Los Padres National Forest

  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. There you can find tent sites, yurts, cabins, and full hookups for RVs. There are also smaller campgrounds at lake level - we prefer to stay in the Mohawk Shores campground, which is at lake level. The Mohawk Shores campsites are in a more densely packed oak grove, offering more shade and more privacy than the upper-level campgrounds. A few years ago they started pricing the “lakeside” sites in Mohawk more expensively than the rest of the sites in the area; ironic though, since the lake has been so empty the last few years due to the drought, and these sites are no longer lakeside.

  The campsites each have their own picnic table and firepit with a grate, and water spigots are available in various places around the campground. Mohawk has its own bathroom with flushable toilets and coin-operated showers - the bathrooms and showers are kept clean. I prefer to shower in the showers located in the upper-level campgrounds, as they are in their own individual, lockable stalls, rather than the locker-room type set up in the bathroom in Mohawk. There are multiple dumpsters available for trash AND recycling around all of the campgrounds.

  Caution: There is a lot of poison oak around the park!

  We have rented a yurt a couple times, and hope to do so again soon. The yurts have bunk beds inside (bring your own bedding!), an overhead light, and a heater. Outside each yurt is a picnic table, charcoal barbeque, a firepit, and a water spigot.

  We will often bring an easy-up to use in the day-camp areas in the upper-level of the park. There are oak trees all over the park, but if day use site with a table under a tree gets snagged, it’s nice to have the easy-up for shade - if you have one, I would recommend bringing an easy-up if you are going to camp in the upper level campgrounds, not all of the sites have shade.

  A small but well-stocked general store is available, as well a small (expensive) gas station. Cachuma also has a pool (for an additional fee), gameroom, playgrounds/jungle-gyms, and disc golf courses available.

  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. I have gotten my best birding photos at Cachuma Lake. Deer can often be viewed on the shores of the lake, and we have even seen bobcats and foxes. Pontoon boat tours to view wildlife launch every day from the marina.

  Keep in mind that you CANNOT SWIM in Cachuma Lake. Silly, I know, but they justify it because Cachuma lake is Santa Barbara’s drinking water source. You are allowed to boat, kayak, and fish on the lake, but no swimming! Motor boats and pontoon boats are available to rent, and now they even have kayaks to rent hourly! My dad has a small 14 ft fishing boat, and we enjoy taking the boat out on the lake to fish and sightsee.

  There are endless trails around Cachuma Lake in Los Padres National Forest. There are some mellow hikes around the perimeter of the lake itself, offering nice views of the lake and the surrounding Santa Ynez and San Rafael mountains.

  Figueroa Mountain is near Los Olivos - Grass Mountain and Figueroa Mountain are both beautiful hikes, especially in the spring when the wild flowers are in bloom. Both are strenuous, steep hikes, but the views are totally worth the effort.

  Cachuma lake is about a half an hour from the city of Santa Barbara, 15 minutes away from Santa Ynez (if you like to gamble check out the Chumash Casino), 20 minutes away from Solvang, and 20 minutes away from Los Olivos. There is fantastic wine tasting available in any of these small towns, and everywhere in between - you are in the heart of Santa Barbara’s wine country! There are endless tasting rooms available inside the towns, and countless vineyards that you can visit to wine taste. A popular wine trail is on Foxen Canyon Road - it is a lovely drive on a country road with some really beautiful and quality wineries and vineyards.

  Solvang is a fun town to visit - it was originally a community full of Danish immigrants, so the Danish theme has stuck. It is very touristy, but even as a native, I still enjoy going to Solvang. There are a lot of shops, antiques, candy stores, restaurants and tasting rooms to visit. We are partial to the Solvang Restaurant, and for more than just their Danish Aebleskivers. If you don’t know what an aebleskiver is - its DELICIOUS. Aebleskivers are round Danish pancakes that are shaped like a ball - they serve them with amazing homemade raspberry jam and powdered sugar. Everything at the Solvang Restaurant is good, from their traditional breakfasts to their Scandinavian offerings to their sandwiches.

  More Food Recommendations:

  Cold Springs Tavern is a historic site dating back to the 1880s when it was a stagecoach stop. Cold Springs Tavern has a full bar and serves some quality meat selections, including famous Santa Barbara style tri-tip. If you are there on a Sunday, they start serving traditional tri-tip sandwiches around 11am - BEST tri-tip sandwiches around! They cook up the meat on giant barbeques outside, and serve the sandwiches hot off the grill - just tri-tip and fresh garlic bread, YUM. They have homemade salsa and homemade BBQ sauce to dress the sandwich with. Sundays at Cold Springs Tavern is a popular spot for locals to go have a beer or a drink with tri-tip, and there’s always a fun atmosphere.

  If you are in the mood for some quality Mexican food, Dos Carlitos in Santa Ynez is a favorite spot.

  Los Olivos Grocery has a great deli with delicious sandwiches - both hot and cold - and a good selection tasty deli side dishes. The store also has a good selection of local wines.

  CAMPSITE SPECS

  Fees: $30/night

  **Plumbed Toilets: Yes

  **Drinking Water: Yes

  **Showers: Yes (coins needed)

  **Picnic Table: Yes

  **Firepit: Yes

  **Cooking Grate: Yes

  **Shade: Yes

  **Cell Service: Yes - Limited

  Animal Bins/Food Lockers: No

  Trash: Yes

• 

  SmallRVLifestyle V.

  Ranger

  

  Apr. 25, 2020

  Flying Flags RV Resort

  Nice RV Resort Near Solvang

  Flying Flags RV Resort& Campground is one of my favorite RV resorts.  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. April, May is the perfect time to visit. 

  The resort features a plethora of housing options, including vintage trailers and airstreams, cottages, luxury tents, and RV/tent camping spots. 

  Free WiFi, a full laundry facility, pools, and a hot tub, every aspect of your stay is covered. For a relaxing time, they have poolside cabanas, a communal fire pit, picnic areas, and a communal TV lounge with pool and foosball tables. 

  If you have children there is a playground as well as bocce and horseshoes. There is a full fitness center in case you want to get your workout in without the heat. All of the amenities are very well maintained, including the bathrooms and showers. When you get hungry the campground/resort has a few options. 

  There is a full fitness center in case you want to get your workout in without the heat. I rode my bicycle to Solvang, which is 4 miles away. All of the amenities are very well maintained, including the bathrooms and showers. When you get hungry the campground/resort has a few options. There is a convenience store and snack bar on-site, as well as the Campfire Cafe, an eatery with a full menu that allows you to eat in or even deliver to your site.

  In case you are feeling like an adult beverage, Flying Flags has a fairly extensive wine and beer bar. There are also restaurants, convenience, and grocery stores within walking distance. The location of Flying Flags is perfect if you are looking to venture out for an evening or you are here for the wineries. 

  There are several museums in the area, including the Solvang vintage motorcycle museum. There are also golf courses, breweries, wineries, a casino/resort, and the Solvang farmers market. This resort and campground overall is a very nice spot to stop on a long journey, or just to get away for a while. 

  Well worth the trip. It seems like the RVs in the RV park are newer, the park is pretty upscale. I would assume most of the people are full-timers, retired couples who are spending some time in the park. Although it was beautiful weather, you hardly see people outside, it seems like everyone is keeping to themselves. I am not sure why that is.

• J

  Jess N.

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 14, 2019

  Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

  Great Central Coast Stop

  Leaving Ocean Mesa and can’t wait to go back. Clean facility. Heated pool and jacuzzi. Concrete pads and lots of trees. Connected to El Cap Canyon that has cabins and yurts. A really great store there with events like wine tasting and concerts. Hiking trails are also connected to the campground. Just a mile from a great beach with lots of parking. No ocean view but the amenities makeup for that.

• 

  Lee D.

  Legend

  

  Oct. 13, 2023

  Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

  Quiet in the off-season

  General: Many different options from tent sites to premium tent sites, water/electric, and FHU sites in addition to yurts and cabins. 

  Site Quality: Varies greatly depending on what type of site you choose. The only sites with gravel paved pads were the ones with water/electric hookups or FHU; all others were grass. Most seemed level. It was raining heavily when we were there and some of the sites were flooded. Very little to no separation/privacy between sites. We were in a w/e site, and it was long enough to easily accommodate two camper vans.

  Activities/Amenities: Off-season, everything was closed but in-season, there is a marina, boat rentals, restaurant, store, gas station, pool, and laundry. 

  Bath/Shower house: Clean but very basic. No hooks or shelves for toiletries. Cold water only. The shower looked nice but did not use so cannot comment on it. 

  IMO, the best options are the premier tent sites, yurts, and cabins as they offer the best lake views. We had not planned on camping here but after evacuating from Jalama Beach, we were told this park would honor our reservation. It rained most of the time we were there, and it was off-season, so I imagine it would be an entirely different experience in the summer when all amenities were offered and the campground was full.

• 

  Jeff M.

  Scout

  

  May. 27, 2019

  Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

  Glamping x10

  Private campground with jacuzzi and pool they keep clean, decent hiking trails off the back and a grassy area to chill. Short walk to beach (10-15 min) but easy place to camp.

• K

  Kristine V.

  Traveler

  

  May. 8, 2023

  Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara

  Would stay here again!

  Lovely place and lovely staff! It’s a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. They also have heated pool and jacuzzi, clean showers, and bathrooms. Trail and dog park available. Just kinda sucks you hear the cars passing at the 101. But I’d still come back.

• j

  jerry

  Traveler

  

  Jul. 6, 2023

  Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

  Camp ground site 143 partial hook ups

  Stayed at camp site #143 no shade trees very dusty site. Rental boats pontoon type are brand new. Boat rental opens at 7am close at 7pm boat harbor is very nice with new boat docks. If going fishing the K boats are nice but anchor line to short to use I bring my own 50’ of anchor rope and use their anchor. Came hear to get away from all the illegal fire works where I live. Not one fireworks at the park yea the dog had a great nights sleep. Plus the swimming pool was great open from 12 noon to 5:30pm they have plenty of chairs and have life guards

• 

  Andrea R.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 26, 2019

  Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

  It has a pool!

  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!

  The bathrooms are well maintained and there are flush toilets and coin operated showers. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. I tent camped, like always, but they have cabins, yurts and rv spots. The guys enjoyed the fishing.

  I still have a problem paying $25+ for a place in the dirt, but families love it.

• L

  Linda S.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 27, 2022

  Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

  Lots of different kinds of sites.

  Good experience overall. There are many kinds of sites including full hook up, partial, primitive, cabins & yurts. Many sites have views of the lake.

• C

  Claudia H.

  Traveler

  

  May. 2, 2024

  Pacific Dunes Ranch

  Best camping spot in the area.

  Stayed here in a cabin for 2 yrs because of work in area. Quiet, clean and away from the city. Love this place.

• C

  Carolyn W.

  Guide

  

  Sep. 10, 2020

  Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

  Camping with Water Views

  This was our first stay at Lake Cachuma. It is well worth it to get a Premium site as they have lovely views of the lake and sunset. We stayed in a larger group site with one other tent couple and the site was huge. There were a few big oaks for shade but otherwise you were on very dry hard packed dirt in the open. Water spigots and Port a Potties as well as bathrooms and showers ( pay showers) were conveniently located throughout the park. There is no real privacy here as sites are all an an open flat and there are not a lot of trees so camping without a shade tarp could be unpleasantly warm. There is no swimming in the lake but there boat rentals and fishing are allowed. Yurts and cabins are also available for reservation. There is a general store at the entrance and a gas station for all your needs. Oh, yes! A word of caution...my daughter put their tent under the Oaks for shade and evidently their were nests of spiders hatching as their tent was literally inundated with hundreds of thousands of spiders! The ranger said he had never seen anything like it. You might want to think twice about being under the trees, or at least know what spider nests look like!

• 

  Wutang P.

  Guide

  

  Dec. 9, 2018

  Flying Flags RV Resort

  Nice place

  Nice place and clean place, but not really a campground as it much as it’s an rv park with cabins. Not much nature. Use to go years ago when they had tent camping. Miss those days. Some good hikes down to the river bed and bike/ running trails

• C

  Carol R.

  Scout

  

  Jun. 7, 2019

  Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

  Pure delight

  It gets very hot in the summer. So we choose spring and fall/winter camping. Less people, quieter. Rv camping is on top of one another. Not really a campng feeling. I would never RV camp here. Tents, yurts and cabin areas are very nice and some are very private. Great fishing.

• 

  Amber M.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 23, 2021

  Camp Arroyo Grande

  Great spot

  Cool spot to explore, it’s an event ground space with cabins, pool, showers, trails, nice views, and a beautiful place to explore. I called around 4pm and was there for 1 night on a Thursday and it seemed like I was the only one there. Amanda was super sweet and got back to me immediately.

• 

  j O.

  Scout

  

  May. 25, 2018

  Jalama Beach County Park

  Beachfront Seclusion

  More than likely the beachfront sites will be booked, but be sure to call the ranher station just before for last-minute availability. Gorgeous spots with fire pits and picnic tables on the sand, just before a private beach accessible via the e0 minute, winding dead-end road. Facilities, a playground, tiered campspots and cabins, and a store all sit serenely at this quiet spot.

• J

  Jeff M.

  Guide

  

  Jul. 19, 2021

  Flying Flags RV Resort

  Great RV Park - but expensive

  This RV park is actually a resort in itself as it has three swimming pools, a large soccer field, basketball hoops, bocce ball courts, water splash area for kids, etc. it also has a small outdoor restaurant that serves pizza and chicken wings and a full-service General store. Lots of stylized cabins are also available. Only about 3 miles from Solvang. The only negative is it can be quite expensive but I guess supply and demand takes care of that. 

• 

  Penélope F.

  Ranger

  

  Sep. 5, 2020

  Flying Flags RV Resort

  Nice place for those who are looking to party!

  Nice RV park... It's pretty big and offers several options for staying from small cabins to full RV hook up sites. I personally was a little disappointed that place was packed as most places we have been staying had a 50% capacity restriction. Staff was friendly and helpful and definitely will return after pandemic is gone. Quiet time wasn't enforce which is nice for those wanting to party.

  Our site had a gas grill and fire pit which was nice for some of the chilly nights we had.

• 

  Crystal M.

  Scout

  

  Sep. 13, 2016

  Jalama Beach County Park

  Jalama

  One of my all time favorites - started camping there in the 4th grade... cough cough 35 years ago... still one of my favorites... can be a bit windy but the sunsets, walking the cliff lined beach, watching the surfers at Tarantula's - taking a Harley ride there for the day is amazing... burger and fries are crazy good... my friends and I have actually gone up camped and only bought food from the burger stand... 100% worth it. Not a fan of the cabins on the hill side but I guess if you are into glamping it's ok.

• n

  nick

  Scout

  

  May. 9, 2021

  Camp Arroyo Grande

  Boondocking with hookups

  Such an awesome unique space! Looks to be an old summer camp that is recently acquired to be a campground/outdoor event space. Amanda, the owner, is extremely sweet and accommodating. There is hookups for rigs, I saw two vans and a smaller/mid-sized SUV. They also have small private cabins to rent as well. We paid $35 for boondock camping and slept on the ridge overlooking two valleys. Half the price of pismo and Oceano, and half of the dismissive, gnarly attitudes. For what it is, it’s a little patch of heaven. Worth checking it out!

• 

  Chanel C.

  Legend

  

  Apr. 19, 2021

  Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

  Great camping for beginners

  + Great amenities— large restrooms with multiple stalls, hand soap, plenty of toilet paper, and clean showers. Each site has a fire pit with grill, picnic table, and parking for 2 cars

  + Beautiful California Oak trees surround the campgrounds and you get the most amazing variety of birds visiting.

  + Some sites have lake views! Our site#290 had a great view but the site itself was not the best. The grounds were every rocky and uneven. It was hard to find ground to set up a tent and most spots had rocks embedded into the floor so you would be sleeping on bumps.

  + FANTASTIC camp store. One of the best I’ve seen. They have everything you could need. It’s a gift store, mini mart, and a liquor store. You can buy eggs, milk, butter, and tons of shelf and can items. You can also buy a variety of beverages including wine and beer. The store carries plenty of snacks and candy, and you can get hot food items like hot dogs. They also carry camp gear in case you need— tents, chairs, sleeping bags, flash lights, cooking gear(stove, camp mugs/plates, fuel. Etc. Firewood is a little pricey at$8/bundle but when you need it, you need it! The store is SO CLUTCH because having to leave to purchase anything would be a longggg drive.

  + Lots if lake activities. You can bring your own boat and they have a small gas station for boat fuel. The camp shop also carry bait and other fishing gear. There are boat, kayak rentals, and you could also sign up for a lake boat tour. Only downside is no swimming or SUP boarding.

  + Lovely lake cafe with good hot food, beer/wine, and even cocktails. There is outdoor dining and even a fire pit for colder months. Careful during hot climate, there are yellow jackets everywhere. It makes sitting at the cafe unbearable. Service is friendly and the food is good. We tried their burger and fries and were not disappointed. Prices are a little high but it’s nice if you want to skip preparing and cleaning up a camp meal.

  + Quiet Time begins at 10pm which is great because I find this campground louder and more rowdy than others. It’s packed and people love running their music speakers super loud. They wait until the park rangers come around at 10pm to tell them to turn off their music. It’s definitely a fun crowd that comes here so heads up if you’re looking for a more serene camping experience.

  + There are yurts and cabins for rental that are a little more removed from the loud crowd. I definitely would love to try renting a yurt with a lake view next time I visit.

  Overall, this is a really fun campground with tons of convenience. Run out of booze? No problem. Head to the cafe or the camp store. Too lazy to cook? No problem, Lake Cachuma has options for you. Bored? Head to the lake or play some air frisbee. It’s also a great place for first time campers. You get a good introduction to nature, run activities, and camping while still having comfort and convenience just a few steps from your tent.

• 

  Care B.

  Legend

  

  Dec. 29, 2022

  Jalama Beach County Park

  Already obsessed

  If your directions take you somewhere before the beach just keep going until you’re there. The food at the small store/cafe is amazing. I’m in site 16 and was scared I wouldn’t have a view. Wow was I wrong, this site is what I would say is the best. Back in the corner looking down in it all!!! The spots I the middle are great but close, and close to the playground. If available I would have chosen a spot up above the cabins or on the lower loop right up against the ocean.

  I love the few trains that came through & to top it all off there was a LAUNCH at Vandenburg. Top notch experience, my mother also tells me my grandparents frequented here often :)

• 

  Sherrie R.

  Ranger

  

  Feb. 17, 2021

  Flying Flags RV Resort

  Full Service resort with close walking or biking distance activities

  The resort offers RV camping, cottages Airtream rentals, canned ham rentals and safari tent glamping. Endless amenities include soccer field, basketball court, bocce ball, pool/spa, playground, store, restaurant, LP refills, self service ice machine, firepit rentals, covered bike parking. Impeccably clean and well maintained. The site staff is very friendly, helpful and quietly accomplishes their tasks with hardly any disturbances to campers. Much appreciated. Was pleased to see roaving security regularly.

• 

  Kathleen D.

  Guide

  

  Jun. 1, 2019

  Jalama Beach County Park

  Change of Winds!

  I have been camping here since 1975!
  Jalama is a gem and for us old timers, watching it get popular was hard to take!
  This campground has beach front, a middle section and upper tears with some electric. It has two group sites and also cabins & trailers to rent. The store serves famous Jalama burgers and has supplies if needed! It also sells Jalama shirts, some have art on them from my friend Alan!
  The beach is very big and beautiful. Sunsets are beautiful! Be prepared for winds as this campground can blow at times and it’s no joke when the Jalama winds kick up!
  There are pay hot showers and a dump station for RV’s.
  It has a horse shoe pit, playground and plenty of areas along the river and on the beach to explore!
  There is no cell service but there is wi-fi and a pay phone. Bring a prepaid phone card if you need the phone.
  I love Jalama!

• M

  Michael P.

  Traveler

  

  Aug. 22, 2020

  Lopez Lake Recreation Area

  Our go to spot on the Central Coast

  I grew up going to Lopez since we lived in Santa Maria so maybe I’m biased. Unlike many other campgrounds on the central coast which are a little pricy and have you feeling a little packed like sardines- not so here. There are many types of sites to pick from; tent, rv, group, cabin. Of course we have our favorite “loops” and site within those. The full hookup sites are priced reasonably and you have a good amount of space between you and your neighbor (some are better than others). You are about 15 mins from the beach or 20-30 mins from SLO. The lake has good fishing. The marina store is well stocked with food and tackle. If you go during the summer there are water slides available for an extra charge. There is also an obstacle course and zip line- also an extra charge. I would recommend checking this place out.

• 

  Tracey

  Traveler

  

  Oct. 27, 2020

  Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

  Peaceful retreat from the craziness

  We just spent one night at Cachuma Lake (a Sunday), camping near Chumash Meadows. The tent camping sites were probably only ~30% full, which made for a very peaceful (albeit short) stay! The sites are big with picnic tables and fire pits, and many are shaded by large trees. The nearby toilet block was clean, as were the showers (a little further away). Our tent site had a view out to the lake, and was a bargain! 

  There is a store (with a not-so-great assortment of goods), a restaurant and a fishing/boat hire shop. The roads and paths make for great cycling, and there are trails to explore too.

  We drove through the whole camp ground checking out the various areas (full RV sites, partial RV sites, tent sites, yurts & cabins). The full RV sites were (not surprisingly) still pretty full, even in mid-October, but the rest were not. We loved the campground, and plan to return for longer next time. Its proximity to cute little nearby towns is a bonus!