Best Glamping near Taft, CA

Looking for a place to go glamping near Taft? The Dyrt lets you enjoy a unique, rustic Taft experience while glamping. You're sure to find glamping for your Taft camping adventure.

Best Glamping Sites Near Taft, California (16)

    Lee D.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area near Santa Ynez, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area near Santa Ynez, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area near Santa Ynez, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area near Santa Ynez, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area near Santa Ynez, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area near Santa Ynez, CA

    1. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    56 Reviews
    239 Photos
    879 Saves
    Santa Ynez, California

    Set amidst acres of wilderness flanked by the picturesque Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, lies glimmering Cachuma Lake. Here you will find practically everything you need for a relaxing getaway in the great outdoors. Mild temperatures, typically sunny skies, and celebrated fishing conditions make camping here during winter months exceptionally rewarding. The County entered into a long-term lease with the Federal Bureau of Reclamation in 1953 to manage the 9,000 acre Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Cachuma Lake was formed by the construction of Bradbury Dam in that same year. Located off scenic Highway 154 in the Santa Ynez Valley, Cachuma Lake is midway between the beaches and bustle of Santa Barbara and the Danish Community of Solvang. At any age... in any season... you'll find that the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers a fun and relaxing getaway.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo at Orange Grove RV Park near Edison, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Orange Grove RV Park near Edison, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Orange Grove RV Park near Edison, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Orange Grove RV Park near Edison, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Orange Grove RV Park near Edison, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Orange Grove RV Park near Edison, CA

    2. Orange Grove RV Park

    22 Reviews
    70 Photos
    81 Saves
    Edison, California

    Every one of our extra-long, pull-thru sites offers the shade of two or more leafy orange trees. With their snowy white trunks and fragrant, flavorful fruits, the trees form a 40-acre oasis of shade and serenity in Bakersfield’s desert climate. And guess what? You can pick all the sweet, delicious oranges you want. Swim, hike, and explore at California’s most unique destination – Orange Grove RV Park.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    $43 - $54 / night

    Campy F.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Reyes Creek Campground near Pine Mountain Club, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Reyes Creek Campground near Pine Mountain Club, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Reyes Creek Campground near Pine Mountain Club, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Reyes Creek Campground near Pine Mountain Club, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Reyes Creek Campground near Pine Mountain Club, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Reyes Creek Campground near Pine Mountain Club, CA

    3. Reyes Creek Campground

    15 Reviews
    47 Photos
    318 Saves
    Pine Mountain Club, California

    Overview

    Hammock spots, dipping holes and a fishing stream make Reyes Creek Campground an ideal hideaway. Located near the Sespe Wilderness alongside Reyes Creek you will find renewal and replenishment, Reyes Creek-style.

    Recreation

    Trail hiking, fishing, swimming, group camping, mountain biking, hunting, horseback riding, nature viewing, and recreational mining are favored activities. Day trips to higher elevation snow play in the winter is also enjoyed.

    Natural Features

    This shaded streamside campground located at 3,500 feet elevation boasts an ample supply of riparian oak and cottonwood trees. The creek area is well shaded and runs year-round. Overhead you may catch a glimpse of red-tailed hawks soaring above the trees. If you are lucky, you may see a California condor!

    Nearby Attractions

    Located south of Ozena Valley, this campground provides access to the Sespe Wilderness via the Reyes Creek Trail linking to the Piedra Blanc National Recreation Trail. This site is the trailhead for Gene Marshall-Piedra Blanca National Recreation Area ideal for hiking or mountain biking.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group

    $30 - $154 / night

    alan P.'s photo of glamping accommodations at Lake Casitas Recreation Area near Oak View, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Casitas Recreation Area near Oak View, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Casitas Recreation Area near Oak View, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Casitas Recreation Area near Oak View, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Casitas Recreation Area near Oak View, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Lake Casitas Recreation Area near Oak View, CA

    4. Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    40 Reviews
    95 Photos
    457 Saves
    Oak View, California

    Lake Casitas camping offers over 400 sites, so you can choose the camping experience that suits you best. Some sites are lakeside, close enough to hear the lapping water, others are nestled among the trees, and still more are located on hillsides offering splendid views of the sparkling lake.

    We have sites to accommodate tents, tent trailers, campers and RVs, all with picnic tables and fire rings, and some with children's playgrounds close by. Shower houses with bathrooms are located at the front gate and towards the back of the park. We also have a convenient, fenced, dry storage facility for recreational vehicles, boats, canoes & kayaks

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo at Songdog Ranch near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Songdog Ranch near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Songdog Ranch near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Songdog Ranch near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Songdog Ranch near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Songdog Ranch near New Cuyama, CA

    5. Songdog Ranch

    4 Reviews
    13 Photos
    63 Saves
    New Cuyama, California

    Songdog Ranch is not a dude ranch, nor some ritzy retreat. It is a secluded rustic get away for the 'real' and adventurous. There are no cattle grazing in the pastures, nor fields of fruit along our fence line. The only things ever raised here are small herds of wine glasses in the light of campfires.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 - $40 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Sycamore Campground near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sycamore Campground near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sycamore Campground near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sycamore Campground near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sycamore Campground near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Sycamore Campground near New Cuyama, CA

    6. Sycamore Campground

    7 Reviews
    10 Photos
    69 Saves
    New Cuyama, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo at Kern River County Park near Edison, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Kern River County Park near Edison, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Kern River County Park near Edison, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Kern River County Park near Edison, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Kern River County Park near Edison, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Kern River County Park near Edison, CA

    7. Kern River County Park

    11 Reviews
    5 Photos
    102 Saves
    Edison, California
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    Camper-submitted photo at Cuyama Oaks Ranch near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cuyama Oaks Ranch near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cuyama Oaks Ranch near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cuyama Oaks Ranch near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cuyama Oaks Ranch near New Cuyama, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Cuyama Oaks Ranch near New Cuyama, CA

    8. Cuyama Oaks Ranch

    1 Review
    49 Photos
    5 Saves
    New Cuyama, California

    Purchased in 2006 , Cuyama Oaks Ranch is 82 acres with majestic 360 degree mountain views and vast canyons for hiking and trail access all over the valley. Near many trail heads and outdoor activities, promises a high desert getaway. During the spring and summer months, the smell of wildflowers fill the air. Nestled in the shadow of the Los Padres Mountains and located deep within the hidden valley of enchantment, this ranch gives the visitor the high-desert experience of their dreams. We pride ourselves on our safe space for LGBTQIA people, but all are welcome. For the hikers and explorers out there, the ranch offers trails on the property and advice on local trail heads within 10 miles. The ranch is completely private and secluded, off HWY 166.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
    • RVs

    $55 - $200 / night

    Camper-submitted photo at Nira Campground near Los Olivos, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Nira Campground near Los Olivos, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Nira Campground near Los Olivos, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Nira Campground near Los Olivos, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Nira Campground near Los Olivos, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Nira Campground near Los Olivos, CA

    9. Nira Campground

    4 Reviews
    30 Photos
    167 Saves
    Los Olivos, California

    Overview

    Nira Campground is a beautiful site covered in oak trees and located along Manzana Creek. Whether you come to cast a line in the river, camp and relax, ride horses, mountain bike or hike, Nira offers a scenic location with a variety of recreation activities.

    Recreation

    Along with hiking, mountain biking, fishing and swimming, Nira Campground is a great starting point for backpacking and deer hunting expeditions into the San Rafael Wilderness. Located on Manzana Creek just upstream from the mouth of Davy Brown Creek, a trailhead provides access for various trails up and down Manzana Creek that enter the San Rafael Wilderness.

    Natural Features

    Nira Campground is surrounded and shaded by oak tree- covered mountains. Whether you're a beginner in the art of birdwatching, or an experienced birder, Nira will not disappoint. A bounty of birds such as king-fishers, juncos, Stellar jays, white-breasted nuthatches, warblers and many more flourish in this section of the Los Padres National Forest.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Manzana River runs through the campground where swimming and fishing are favorite activities. The trailhead for San Rafael Wilderness is easily accessible. Los Olivios, Santa Ynez, Solvang and Buelton are all within a one hour's drive.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $30 - $34 / night

    The Dyrt's photo of glamping accommodations at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso near Goleta, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso near Goleta, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso near Goleta, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso near Goleta, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso near Goleta, CA
    Camper-submitted photo at Thousand Trails Rancho Oso near Goleta, CA

    10. Thousand Trails Rancho Oso

    7 Reviews
    28 Photos
    138 Saves
    Goleta, California

    Bordered by the Los Padres National Forest and the Santa Ynez River, Rancho Oso RV Camping offers acres of beautiful scenery and endless opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and photography. Explore 310 beautiful acres of our RV camp in California, filled with history dating back to 1845. Put on your boots and hats (spurs optional), come to our RV camp in coastal California, and experience the Western atmosphere of Rancho Oso from our RV camping sites.Have a horse? Board it with us & take advantage of our Western Village and horse camping options with spacious pasture, covered corrals and more.

    Visit the Western Village, adobe, stables, conestoga wagons, cabins, stone lodge and all the unique amenities we have to offer at our RV camp in California. At Rancho Oso RV Resort, we encourage you to participate in the recreation events, entertainment, or sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery and wildlife native to our area. We are also just a scenic 30-minute drive from Santa Barbara or Solvang.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access
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Showing results 1-10 of 16 campgrounds

Recent Glamping Reviews near Taft, California

182 Reviews of 16 Taft Campgrounds


  • Esther Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Songdog Ranch
    Aug. 8, 2020

    Songdog Ranch

    Great Campsite near Carrizo

    Lots of campsite choices along the ridge with beautiful expansive views of the plain. During springtime, the wildflowers are beautiful. Site also has unique glamping options. Booked on Hipcamp. Owner is accommodating and sells firewood. Would recommend visiting during the cooler months as it's an open plain, but there are nice hand built pergolas at the picnic benches for some shade.

  • Andrea R.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    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.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    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.

  • Esther Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Sep. 6, 2020

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Camping near Santa Barbara

    I frequently stop by here on my drive up to the Central coast. This is a family friendly campground with lots of choices for camping -- tents, RVs, Yurts. Nice area to have access for lakeside fun. The area does get very hot during the summer with sparse shade.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    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.

  • K
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    May. 25, 2018

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Peaceful & filled with life

    I have been coming to this campground annually since around 2009, and I've loved every trip. The campground is on the larger side, filled with grassy and shaded sites all throughout it. There is a general store, clean bathrooms, and showers.

    The campground is based on a peninsula that juts into the lake, therefore it has waterfront campsites on both sides, and all the sites in the middle are only a matter of 2-3 campsites from a water's edge. When you first enter the campground, there are a few day use only spots near the general store. All campsites at the base of the peninsula are the ones that families tend to stick to, as there is a pool, its close to the store, and that is the only area on the campground with full and partial hookups. As you travel up the peninsula, limited Yurts and Cabins are along the waterfront. Most yurts have a foot trail down to the water. The Yurt I stayed in (we camped 3 nights and had a yurt the last two) slept 4-6 people, 6 if you have kids. Yurts do not have bathrooms. It has electricity and heat, two bunk beds, a view of the lake, a wrap- around patio with chairs, picnic table, fire pit, water source, grill, and ample parking space. I have never stayed in a cabin here before but they look really nice.

    The general store is filled with pretty much anything you could ask for. About 3 rows of dry grocery goods, 1 refrigerated section including a very impressive selection of local craft beers, ice machine, firewood, smores stuff, fishing poles/ odd's and end's, candy, trinkets and gifts, propane, camping supplies, cooking supplies, stationary, etc. The wine selection, on the other hand, is sub-par; so a stop in SB on the way up is a must if you need wine! Keep in mind the store closes week days at 4 and weekends at 5 if i'm not mistaken.

    I think the main thing that keeps this campground so peaceful (other than their strictly enforced quiet hour from 10pm-7am) is the fact that NO SWIMMING, speedboats, wake boarding or waterskiing is allowed in the lake because is is a source of drinking water in the area. That being said, you are more than welcome to rent a 4 or 6 person fishing boat or 6-10 person pontoon boat for the day or hourly at the marina fishing store. The lake is open to fish until 6pm if you have a vehicle or are on a boat- a park ranger will come around at 6 and let everyone with a car know its time to go. However, if you walk to the marina, you could fish all night for all they care. You can also purchase fishing licenses for the day, 2 days, or year, at a reasonable price (I got a year pass it was $53.74) along with endless fishing lures, bait (including live), hooks, line, and poles. In regards to actually catching fish- In the past years I always rented a boat and i caught a lot of bass and carp, an occasional rainbow trout. This time I had plenty luck from certain parts of shore! Tons of beautiful 3 lb rainbow trout and 2 lb crappie! The limit was 10 per person, and people around us definitely caught their limit, but we were conservative and only caught what we needed for the day. Some fish bite more in certain areas of the lake than others, if you don't mind to hike a mellow/ moderate journey you'll find plenty of little coves within a reasonable distance of the campground. If you're looking for a bit more strenuous of a journey word has it there is a trail that goes all the way around the perimeter of the lake- I, however, have not hiked the trail, as my husband and I were backpacking into the campsite and that was an adventure in its self and I was exhausted!

    Like I mentioned before, the bathrooms and showers are very clean. No mirrors in the bathroom, there are multiple bathroom buildings throughout the campground along with the showers. Showers are individual rooms that have a locking door. Showers are pay showers, so bring a lot of quarters if you plan to stink pretty. I think it was $1.50 for 3 minutes.

    Another note: This campground is near the water (the lake and the ocean) and you're in the mountains; which means it will be generally pretty windy (bring chapstick!). The wind dies down midday and at night. If you're trying to light a fire when the sun is setting- good luck. 20 minutes later- you're golden. It also gets very cold at night! I'm form Southern California, so by cold I mean mid to low 40's, then add wind- yikes. On the contrary, bring sun screen for the day- cause it gets pretty warm! I'm still suffering the repercussions of not wearing any after fishing all day lol.

    Overall the campground is aesthetically pleasing on many levels. From the abundance of grass (no dirt sites), trees, rolling hills of knee high grass, blooming flowers, wildlife (ground squirrels, birds including california condors, blue jays, hawks, etc.), and, of course, the gorgeous cascading mountains plummeting straight into the lake, there's not a thing about this campsite I couldn't love.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    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.

  • Mike N.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Oct. 5, 2020

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Quiet Lake Retreat

    This place is worth the drive to get to. Be sure to pack a hoodie out two just in case it gets chilly at night. Each site has a picnic table and a fire pit which you will be glad is there. Yurts are available to rent if you want to glam it up. There is a great general store as you enter the campground that has everything you may need or want. Super quiet at night as there is not a major highway nearby.

  • Tracey The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    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!

  • Chanel C.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    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.

  • Shari  G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Oct. 19, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Huge County Campground with Numerous Site Types

    The lovely county run park in the hills above the Santa Barbara coastline, is a great campground offering a wide variety of camping experiences from full hook ups to grass covered spaces under the trees along the shores of this lovely reservoir. The sites offer the usual camp picnic table and fire ring, and the many group sites offer large grills and even a few picnic shelters. 

    The sunshine is typically abundant in this California park, and even without full hook ups you can easily get all the power you need with an appropriately sized solar panel system. We’ve run on solar for over 10 years, and it saves us thousands of dollars each year for our full-time camping life. 

    The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious. Water spigots were plentiful throughout the campground. The coin operated showers got the job done, but since we were there during a chilly March, things could have been warmer. But hey, everything important got clean… 

    The lake is perfect for boating, but since it’s a drinking water reservoir, there is no body contact with this body of water. So plan on using the campground pool to cool off during the summer months. Hiking and mountain biking trails are abundant throughout the area, and kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon. 

    The campground offers some excellent yurts and cabins for nightly rent right on the shores of the lake. These are often booked out so plan ahead. 

    The camp store offers enough grocery supplies in case you forgot something, including ice, snacks, fire wood, and gas.  There is also a cool pub down by the boat ramp which offers live music in the weekends.  The nearby tourist town of Solvang offers a great day trip to sample the amazing Dutch pastry treats, pick up some groceries, wine tasting, or a night out on the town.

  • C
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    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!

  • Amanda M.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    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

  • Jen G.
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    May. 24, 2017

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Ranger Review: Optic Nerve Sunglasses at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, CA

    Campground Review:

    This would be the most epic campground ever for a huge family reunion! There is something for everyone here- RV sites, tent sites, cabins, yurts, even big group sites. There are tent sites overlooking Lake Cachuma, and tent sites in the shady grass, and almost everything in between. 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 in them), and a general store! There are close to 200 sites here, which is mind-boggling to me. It was an awesome campground, and we were cooking up plans for a someday party (be it friends or family) there.

    The restrooms are plentiful and clean, the quiet hours are well observed (though that may have had more to do with the fact that the campground was pretty empty while we were there), and the facilities are reasonably easy to navigate. Every employee we interacted with was helpful and professional. We rented kayaks for several hours while we were there and it was a blast! This place is a perfect little getaway a super reasonable distance from Santa Barbara and the surrounding areas.

    My only complaints were mostly about the tent sites. Some of them are a little too smashed together with unclear boundaries, and the footing consisted of kind of icky weeds. I know, it's me being absurdly nitpicky. But I can't give EVERY campground 5 stars... right..?

    Product Review:

    As Rangers for The Dyrt, we get products to test from time to time, and at Lake Cachuma we tested out some Optic Nerve sunglasses. We used them throughout our trip, but they came in especially handy while kayaking! The morning started out a little cloudy so we were worried that we wouldn't get a real opportunity to use them, but the sun eventually came out and the sunglasses were PERFECT. The pairs we got were polarized, which was great for cutting glare from the water (as well as driving throughout our whole road trip. The sunglasses were comfortable and seemed high quality, which was great considering they're nowhere near as spendy as some of the high-end brands of sunglasses. I'll admit I was too much of a wuss to see if they'd float in the lake, but they were awesome for keeping our eyes safe and protected (from the sun and from splashes)! If I had to have any gripe it would be that the wood grain print on the sunglasses I got (which I love) is pretty pixelated up close- completely a non-issue that only affects aesthetics, but might look better with a higher resolution for future printings.

    Pro Tip for Hungry Adventurers: DO NOT MISS Cold Spring Tavern just up the highway from Lake Cachuma. Delicious food, atmosphere that is simply out of this world, and a gorgeous setting. Seriously. Don't miss it. And if you live in Santa Barbara and you've never been... GO. NOW. You won't regret it.

  • D
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Mar. 9, 2023

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Excellent location

    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. Immaculate bathrooms and showers. Close to Los Olivos (great wine tasting) and Solvang. Disc gold course.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Aug. 13, 2018

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    Family Friendly

    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. There are several campsites around the lake. Some lakefront and some wooded. There is a Park store conveniently located. There are coin showers and flush toilets at many sites.

    The most fun is the water park. You can take a break from the heat and tube down the lazy river. Also there is a disk golf course.

    So much to do and see!

    You may even catch a glimpse of a rare California Condor.

    This campground is great for beginners and disabled.

  • S
    Camper-submitted photo from Cachuma Lake Recreation Area
    Oct. 10, 2020

    Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

    Amazing Staff & great place!

    Such a lovely place off the beaten path. The staff go out of their way to find solutions to help make your stay the best ever! I feel very lucky to have stayed there. And look see there’s Bambi!!

    Facilities kept really clean and lots of tp in the loos!!

    Truly a Great place where the staff really go above and beyond to make your stay an amazing one.

    Down the road is the very cool and quite eccentric town of Solvang which looks like a little bit of Holland transplanted into the middle of California desert! With Windmills and cheese shops galore! Great place to visit for the Christmas shop that is open all year round (Plus the amazing pancakes) Loads of microbreweries around here too really so much to see and do you need at least a week. 👍👍👍

  • Kristi D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Lake Casitas Recreation Area
    Oct. 29, 2023

    Lake Casitas Recreation Area

    Seems like a popular place

    Economical for California and the area. Off the beaten path from all the craziness by the beach.

    We are just passing through CA or it would not be my top spot. They nickel and dime a lot of things, showers pets. We paid online and we pull up and all of a sudden getting charged $5 a day extra for pets including a cat that doesn't leave the camper. Was not thrilled about that.

    Otherwise, it was scenic, had a camp store, was close to restaurants, had a gate to drive into, so the place was pretty secure. Seemed like a lot of people gathered on the weekends.

    We had the dirt campground which wasn't my favorite but all that was left, while the other campgrounds had cement pads. It was still pretty level.We did have cell reception, nice views and they had a water park for kids during summer months, though wasn't open while we were there.

  • Jenny S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Songdog Ranch
    Apr. 2, 2024

    Songdog Ranch

    Spacious and beautiful private property. Friendly, accommodating hosts!

    I stayed for a quick stop overnight and found the site as described. Just a table, fire pit, and water spigot.  The hosts are very accommodating and made sure I was able to find my site after dark and were very responsive to my texts!  Cell service was fine and I felt perfectly safe as a solo female!  I really enjoyed the ranch dogs coming to hang out with me! I'll be back to try one of the other sites with more amazing views!

  • ian S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Songdog Ranch
    Nov. 11, 2024

    Songdog Ranch

    Politicized campground

    Not a bad campground, but driving in, the owner has large political flags flying. In these highly divisive times, I don't want to stay at places that divide our country, I want to get away from that. Not recommended.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Camper-submitted photo from Songdog Ranch
    Nov. 27, 2022

    Songdog Ranch

    Very nice campground

    This is one of our favorite places to camp. The sites are spacious with potable water and the chemical toilets are actually clean. The host is friendly and sells wood, if you don’t bring enough.

  • Jake C.The Dyrt ADMIN User
    Camper-submitted photo from Cuyama Oaks Ranch
    Mar. 1, 2024

    Cuyama Oaks Ranch

    New to the Dyrt!

    Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!

  • Haley S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Campground
    May. 20, 2021

    Sycamore Campground

    Cozy and close to beach

    It was pretty busy and bustling when we stayed, but definitely a cozy spot. Great hikes nearby and the beach is just a short walk away! We saw lots of cute animals during our stay. The campsite pass also gets you free parking at pretty much any beach along the PCH.

  • R
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Campground
    May. 27, 2021

    Sycamore Campground

    Awesome camp near beach

    Neat and clean campsite. They have pay showers which are decent. Less than 1/2 mile walk to the beach. Bike or hiking trails.

  • Efrain A.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Campground
    Sep. 8, 2021

    Sycamore Campground

    Awesome camping

    It's a very nice place. It's small and have 4 showers and about 6 flushable toilets. To shower It's by coins and each coin is 2mins. I was there labor day weekend and was full and windy but great and quiet no issues at all.

  • Sarah S.
    Camper-submitted photo from Sycamore Campground
    Oct. 27, 2018

    Sycamore Campground

    Just what you need to get away

    Our campsite was in the trees which made it the perfect getaway from the city. Basic amenities. Dogs allowed. Easy to access.


Frequently Asked Questions

  • Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Taft, CA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Taft, CA is Cachuma Lake Recreation Area with a 4.3-star rating from 56 reviews.

  • What is the best site to find glamping camping near Taft, CA?

    TheDyrt.com has all 16 glamping camping locations near Taft, CA, with real photos and reviews from campers.