The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Santa Barbara, CA

856 Reviews

The coastal city of Santa Barbara has camping options that work well for both tent and RV campers. Wheeler Gorge Campground sits in Los Padres National Forest, with good hiking trails nearby. You'll find basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and vault toilets there—nothing fancy but comfortable enough. Bridget M campground is currently closed but normally gives campers a quiet place to stay close to natural areas. Most camping areas have decent roads leading to them, but watch out during rainy seasons when some become muddy and harder to drive. Spring and fall camping in Santa Barbara means better weather—not too hot or cold. Summers can get pretty warm, and winters cool down quite a bit, especially at higher elevations. If you want more comfort in an RV, Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara has all the extras including full hookups, swimming pool, and a fenced area for dogs. It's close to the beach too, which is handy for swimming or walks. Santa Barbara has both forest and beach camping depending on what you prefer. Just check the weather forecast before you go so you pack the right gear. The area's mix of mountains and coastline makes for some really good camping spots throughout the region.

Map showing campgrounds near Santa Barbara, CaliforniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Santa Barbara, California (125)

    1. Santa Cruz Campground — Carpinteria State Beach

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

    $45 - $180 / night

    "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."

    "Nestled between Ventura and Santa Barbara just north of Los Angeles is this picture perfect State Beach campground."

    2. Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

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

    "There are tent sites overlooking Lake Cachuma, and tent sites in the shady grass, and almost everything in between."

    "It’s a Quite campsite near Santa Barbara if you don’t want to spend the night in the city! We booked the day before and as we arrived a few other sites were free."

    3. El Capitán State Beach Campground

    46 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (805) 585-1869

    $45 - $320 / night

    "This is campground is on a great stretch of California Coastline north of Santa Barbara, but it is very popular in the summer time, so make reservations."

    "Still, other than one windy day, we had a lovely time relaxing here, walking the limited beach bluff-top walk down to the beach and west toward Refugio."

    4. 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!"

    5. Los Prietos

    12 Reviews
    Goleta, CA
    10 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."

    6. 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."

    7. Refugio State Beach Campground

    25 Reviews
    Solvang, CA
    19 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"

    8. 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."

    9. 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."

    "A nice feature, (we did not take advantage of), is there is a water slide park near the entrance. As far as I know, this is a separate fee, but nothing astronomical."

    10. 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."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 125 campgrounds

Recent Camping Photos near Santa Barbara, CA

289 Photos of 125 Santa Barbara Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Santa Barbara, CA

856 Reviews of 125 Santa Barbara Campgrounds

Guide to Santa Barbara

Camping near Santa Barbara offers a fantastic mix of beautiful scenery, outdoor activities, and family-friendly spots. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Boating and Fishing: At Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, you can enjoy kayaking and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is perfect for boating... kayaking, canoeing, fishing or sailing on the lake is the perfect way to spend the afternoon."
  • Beach Access: Leo Carrillo State Park offers a beautiful beach nearby. A camper shared, "Beautiful campgrounds in a canyon next to the beach. Clean restrooms & showers."
  • Hiking Trails: Point Mugu State Park has great hiking options. One visitor noted, "Great location. Less than 1/2 mile to the beach, hiking and MTB/gravel trails accessible from the campground."

What campers like:

  • Scenic Views: Campers at Jalama Beach County Park rave about the views. One said, "Jalama Beach offers great walks along a long beach that is nestled in a cozy bay."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Lake Casitas Recreation Area is popular for families. A reviewer mentioned, "This is a huge place, with lots to do... Good cell service here at the park."
  • Quiet Camping: Many enjoy the peacefulness at Thornhill Broome Beach. One camper said, "Loved the quietness of this campsite. No water, no dump station, only portable bathrooms on site."

What you should know:

  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Emma Wood State Beach have very few facilities. A visitor noted, "Completely dry camping with no showers or bathrooms."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Carpinteria State Beach can get snug. One camper mentioned, "Spots are very snug. You can get stuck waiting for a while if your neighbors don’t know how to park their unit."
  • Wildlife Encounters: At Wheeler Gorge Campground, be prepared for wildlife. A camper shared, "They let us know there was a bear in the area and sure enough that night Bucky the bear was in our campsite."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Cachuma Lake Recreation Area that offer activities for kids. One reviewer said, "The flush bathrooms are clean and spacious. Water spigots were plentiful throughout the campground."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to bring bikes or kayaks for fun activities. A camper at Leo Carrillo State Park mentioned, "Nice short walk to the beach where dogs are welcome."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks handy is a must. One camper at Jalama Beach County Park noted, "There’s a small freshwater stream that flows right into the shore where your pets & kids like to splash around & play."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Point Mugu State Park said, "The spaces are pretty small, so they are not meant for large RVs."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Many campgrounds, like Emma Wood State Beach, don’t have electric hookups. One camper mentioned, "There are no toilet facilities here."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving at places like Lake Casitas Recreation Area, as nearby stores may be limited. A visitor noted, "The campground is broken down into a bunch of different camping loops, each with different amenities and vibe."

Camping around Santa Barbara offers a unique experience with its stunning landscapes and variety of activities. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Santa Barbara, CA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Santa Barbara, CA offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Santa Barbara, CA and 7 free dispersed camping spots.

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

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

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

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 7 free dispersed camping spots near Santa Barbara, CA.

What parks are near Santa Barbara, CA?

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

Keep Exploring