With mild weather and miles of scenic beaches, camping near Santa Barbara is popular all year-round. If you want to hit the road, set up a tent, or escape in the RV, the following campgrounds, all within an hour of Santa Barbara, are seriously worth checking out.
Ocean Mesa RV Park & Campground
Just fifteen minutes up the road from Santa Barbara is this scenic campground located right on the other side of Highway 101 from El Capitan State Beach. There are plenty of spaces for tent camping and a variety of RV accommodations.
For tent campers, spacious sites offer 20' circular leveled pads for tent set-up and nearby parking. Every tent site can accommodate up to 6 individuals. Each site has its own picnic table and a half-moon grill fire pit.
For RV campers there are a variety of space options: Back-up sites that extend up to 50 feet and offer water, sewer, cable TV, and both 30/50 amp electricity hook-ups. Each site has its own picnic table and a half-moon grill fire pit. There are also convenient Pull-Through sites with level concrete pads extending 50 feet. Sites include water, sewer, cable TV, both 30/50 amp electricity hook-ups, a picnic table, and a grill fire pit.
The campground offers a host of great amenities such as a heated pool and spa, Wi-Fi, cable TV, a large bathhouse and comfort stations, onsite laundry, an expansive grass lawn with horseshoe pits, a playground, and a friendly dog run. They also have a wonderful convenience store. For recreation there are 15 miles of hiking trails and easy access to the beach for surfing, kayaking, swimming, and more. Like all of the area beaches, you may encounter bits of tar in the water or on the sand, so stop in at the Ocean Mesa Market and pick up a bottle of Oil Slick Beach Tar Remover. It will keep you from tracking sticky tar back into your car, tent, or RV.
For more information or to reserve a spot, visit oceanmesa.com or call 805-879-5751.
Camping at Refugio State Beach
Located about a half-hour up the coast, Refugio State Beach's 66 campsites offer gorgeous views. There are 63 standard campsites that can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Campsites #34-36 and #60, due to their unobstructed ocean views, are designated Premium sites and cost an extra $10 per night.
Each site is equipped with a picnic table and barbecue pit. There are hot showers, restrooms, and water just a short walk away. There are no RV hookups. Reserve campsites well in advance through the California Department of Parks and Recreation. A small general store and snack bar is located at the center of the campground, near the shoreline.
For recreation, there is outstanding fishing and kayaking thanks to Refugio's usually calm waters. Keep an eye out for sea lions, seals, and dolphins. For hiking and biking there is a paved 5.2-mile trail that runs between Refugio State Beach and El Capitan State Beach.
Gaviota State Park Camping
Gaviota State Park is about 35 miles from Santa Barbara. Campers often choose to stay at Gaviota when they plan on hiking to Gaviota Peak, a lofty 2,458-foot summit accessible via a 6-mile trail with unforgettable views of the coastline and the Channel Islands. To access the sand and ocean you walk under a scenic train trestle. The wind can get pretty strong along this stretch of the coast; this part of the coast is famous for it.
The 41 developed campsites accommodate tents, trailers up to 25 feet, and RVs up to 27 feet. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging six months in advance from the current date using reserveamerica.com.
Camping at Jalama Beach
A little off the beaten path, Jalama Beach, about an hour from Santa Barbara, is the perfect place to fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. All 107 campsites at Jalama Beach Campground overlook the ocean or beachfront and can be reserved online through Santa Barbara County Parks. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and barbecue pit. The campsite also offers hot showers, restrooms, and water just a short walk away. Electrical hookups are available at 31 of the campsites and dump stations are also available.
Jalama Beach offers a variety of activities including fishing, swimming, whale-watching, seaside picnics, and expert-level surfing. There is also a playground for the kids. Jalama has a nice store and grill for groceries, souvenirs, and a quick bite to eat.
Jalama can get quite windy and have rough surf. Lifeguards are on duty during summer months; visitors swim and surf at their own risk.
No matter which Santa Barbara area beach you choose for camping, you will run the risk of getting tar on your feet, shoes, kayaks, or surfboards. Stop in at the campground store, or grab a bottle in advance from the Oil Slick shop, and pick up a bottle of all-natural, non-toxic Oil Slick Beach Tar Remover for a mess-free getaway. The Oil Slick Beach Tar Remover Wipes 20-pack also fits easily in any beach bag or RV cabinet.
For more on why tar even shows up on these beaches, see our guide to where beach tar comes from.
