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Gracewood Santa Barbara

89%

· Goleta, Santa Barbara, California

54 acres hosted by Fred D.

1 Vehicle/Tent site

Near Channel Islands National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

This is an historic ranch with buildings dating from the 1880's to the mid 1930's and then some newer and spacious structures. See management for tours, history and accessibility to some structures and areas. This is a working ranch with a fascinating heritage going back three owners to an impressive land grant. There are 6 miles of trails and roads on the ranch shared by vehicles, hikers and equestrians. A map can be provided which will insure that neighboring properties are not trespassed on. All visitors to the ranch must have checked in with the office and management. There is an extra charge of $40.00 per person per day coming onto the ranch whether they are spending the night or just visiting. This charge is beyond and in addition to the charge made for the first four individuals on the reservation for each day. We find that many of our regular clients on the ranch are very friendly and helpful. Only 1 site is exclusively available right now Come stay at our rustic campsite under some large oak trees next to a little open area by an ecological pond on our working ranch! With 54 acres for our horses and avocados, we welcome guests to camp on a somewhat private part of the ranch (on occasion, equestrians may ride by). We can accommodate up to 8 more campers depending on the group type. We love welcoming families to the ranch, but like to approve larger groups ahead of time! At the campsite you'll find picnic tables, a fire pit for small fires, and running water. Minimal 110 Volt electrical outlet is at the campsite. There is a fully functional unique bathroom made out of a converted horse trailer with a toilet and sink a few hundred yards from the site. Walking around the property, you'll see an activity barn and a historic 19th century cottage which houses a private library. Permission may be granted for entry to these structures if requested. There is an outdoor shower at the campsite with cold water only. Some firewood may be provided at no cost. Campers, making reservations during cold winter months when the otherwise beautiful weather becomes cooler, should be aware that because of the proximity of a wind machine which makes a noise like a helicopter about 300 yards away from the campsite, on a neighboring property, may interrupt an otherwise peaceful and quiet experience. The wind machine comes on automatically when the temperature drops to around 37 degrees so that avocados in the orchard do not suffer from a freezing temperature. Please note the trigger temperature for the machines is taken at individual low points on the adjacent property and may reflect as many as 6 degrees lower than what is found on forecast sites. This machine probably might turn on maybe 7 nights in a year and only during the cold winter months. Headlamps are a great idea, otherwise, flashlights for sure. Minimal 110 V. electricity at campsite. The library and restroom are a little ways away from the campsite have lighting but it is very dark between the campsite and those facilities. We are located only two miles to the ocean beaches and about a mile to a major shopping center. UCSB is just minutes away. Bicycling is very easy as all roads and access are flat. Please return all furniture to the place(s) from which it was moved and thank you for putting out your fire(s) and carrying out your trash to the dumpster when leaving the campsite.Only 1 site is available right now due to COVID- 19. Come stay at our rustic campsite under some large oak trees next to a little open area by an ecological pond on our working ranch! With 54 acres for our horses and avocados, we welcome guests to camp on a somewhat private part of the ranch (on occasion, equestrians may ride by). We can accommodate up to 8 more campers depending on the group type. We love welcoming families to the ranch, but like to approve larger groups ahead of time! At the campsite you'll find picnic tables, a fire pit for small fires, and running water. Minimal 110 Volt electrical outlet is at the campsite. There is a fully functional unique bathroom made out of a converted horse trailer with a toilet and sink a few hundred yards from the site. Walking around the property, you'll see an activity barn and a historic 19th century cottage which houses a private library. Permission may be granted for entry if requested. There is an outdoor shower at the campsite with cold water only. Some firewood may be provided at no cost. Campers, making reservations during months when the otherwise beautiful weather becomes cooler, should be aware that because of the proximity of a wind machine which makes a noise like a helicopter about 300 yards away from the campsite, on a neighboring property may interrupt an otherwise peaceful and quiet experience. The wind machine comes on automatically when the temperature drops below 37 degrees so that avocados in the orchard do not suffer from a freezing temperature. Please note the trigger temperature for the machines is taken at individual low points on the adjacent property and may reflect as many as 6 degrees lower than what is found on forecast sites. This machine probably might turn on maybe 7 nights in a year and only during the cold winter months. Headlamps are a great idea, otherwise, flashlights for sure. Minimal 110 V. electricity at campsite. The library and restroom a little ways away from the campsite have lighting but it is very dark between the campsite and those facilities. We are located only two miles to the ocean beaches and about a mile to a major shopping center. UCSB is just minutes away. Bicycling is very easy as all roads and access are flat.

Activities

Wildlife watching

Natural features

Lake

Farm

Ranch

89%

168 Ratings · 128 reviews

Amy K.recommends

September 26, 2024

Gracewood Santa Barbara

Camped under some enormous, gorgeous oak trees, next to an avocado orchard and by a man-made pond with a fountain and friendly ducks. This is a horse ranch, and a historic ranch, which was fun to read about in the HipCamp materials that were left for us at the entrance. The restroom is a horse trailer tricked out with a clean plumbed toilet and sink. It's a languid walk along the pond from the campsite. There are lots of rusty and decomposing odds and ends around the property, like benches and boats and machinery. That's OK with me, but maybe not with someone who likes a tidier aesthetic. Enjoyed our stay.

Andrea O.recommends

September 2, 2024

Gracewood Santa Barbara

Quiet Campsite in Unique Location

This is a great tent camping location away from the hustle and bustle of the larger campgrounds in the area, but so close and convenient to beautiful beaches, Goleta and Santa Barbara. We appreciated having running water at the site, a cool outdoor shower, and a private bathroom nearby. There is even an electrical outlet onsite for emergency charging. The surrounding oaks trees provided lots of shade with a large clearing over the fire pit (tons of firewood available) for some excellent stargazing. We enjoyed the visiting ducks, horses, and birdwatching. This campsite is large, private, and has everything you need for a short stay.

Aaron M.recommends

August 26, 2024

Gracewood Santa Barbara

Private campsite under the oaks

We thoroughly enjoyed van camping at Gracewood. The large oak canopy on the edge of the property made for a very quiet and secluded space. There were plenty of tables for both food prep and dining. There was also tons of firewood ready to go by the fire pit. Fred was very helpful and provided very thorough instructions. The ducks are very friendly.

Gary B.recommends

August 17, 2024

Gracewood Santa Barbara

A pleasant, quiet and private spot in a super convenient location

Jacob G.recommends

August 4, 2024

Gracewood Santa Barbara

Father/Son camping trip

Fred’s land is a perfect escape. Beautiful property with a picturesque pond to relax next to and enjoy the beauty of nature. My friend and I brought our boys (6) and (4) on an annual father/son trip, and we had a wonderful time by the fire and watching the ducks in the pond.

Andre W.recommends

July 27, 2024

Gracewood Santa Barbara

I love this place. It is very quiet and peaceful. Thank you for allowing us to stay at your site again

Location

Goleta, Santa Barbara, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Chumash and Barbareño Chumash First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Fred D.

Joined in April 2016

Response rate: 100%Response time: Within 4 hours

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Hipcamp acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.