Discover the best beach camping near Santa Barbara

·

There are numerous public beaches to reward campers who travel to the Santa Barbara section of California's Central Coast. They include El Capitán State Beach, Refugio State Beach, Jalama Beach County Park, and Carpinteria State Beach, most of which offer beach camping not right on the sand but instead up atop bluffs overlooking the shore. A ferry to the secluded beaches of Channel Islands National Park also launches from nearby Ventura. Many state beach parks offer hookups for RVs, restrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables for campers. Elsewhere around the Santa Barbara coast, campsites range from blufftop sites with sunset views to beach campgrounds just a short walk from the sand. You can also find cabins, glamping sites, and private getaways with beach access in Santa Barbara. For the best beach camping experience, bring your own watersports equipment or opt for paddleboard, surfboard, or kayak rentals along the water. If you still have an appetite for adventure after exploring the waves, tide pools, and marine life, hit the hiking trails in nearby Los Padres National Forest.

93% (1K) 74 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Barbara

Arber-Moore's Ranch

1. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%
(567)
23mi from Santa Barbara · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands. Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land. That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite. We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink. Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites. The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area. Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more. We offer both tent and RV camping. The Majority of our Guests love it here: "Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts! Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area. The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly. Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$69
 / night
Private Beach Farm

2. Private Beach Farm

98%
(614)
15mi from Santa Barbara · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This is an incredibly historic site in Santa Barbara history. 2 tribes of Chumash Indians lived here for 10,000 years. This is where Spain landed and began colonizing the area. In the 1950's and 60's, this was the site of the World's largest orchid farm. There is a book called The Royal Rancho, if you are a history buff. We are a farm on the beach just North of Santa Barbara and Goleta, Ca. You will camp in a historic, glass greenhouse with incredible ocean views. Inside is a cob pizza oven that works awesome. (Bring your own firewood),,, a place to pitch tents and tiny artistic structures to explore. You will have a private bath and shower (Primitive, no electricity, but the hot shower has the best view in the world of any shower!) Bring your own toiletries and whatnot. Private beach access from our property. We have a barnyard with a multitude of farm animals. Limited electricity in greenhouse (A couple of extension chords). The fire ban is ONLY for open campfires. The pizza oven and YOUR bbq or propane flame is fine. If you are camping during the rain, be advised, it gets wet in the greenhouse. It's an antique after all!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$200
 / night
The Lodge at Deer Creek

3. The Lodge at Deer Creek

90%
(119)
47mi from Santa Barbara · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between the majestic Santa Monica Mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sunsets and stargazing from this 25 acre ocean view property. During the day you can swim or surf the famous Malibu waves, hike or bike in the mountains, or enjoy shopping at Pt. Dume or Cross Creek. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are just 15 minutes away along the beautiful coast.
Pets
from 
$75
 / night
Los Padres National Forest

4. Los Padres National Forest

95%
(452)
762 sites · Mission Canyon, California
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
El Capitán State Beach

5. El Capitán State Beach

96%
(94)
133 sites · Goleta, California
Enjoy year-round camping at this Santa Barbara-area surfer favorite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Waypoint Ventura

6. Waypoint Ventura

26mi from Santa Barbara · 34 sites · RVs
Waypoint brings a new and authentic overnight experience to Ventura. Set one block from the Ventura Pier and a short walk to the center of downtown, our campground offers the perfect base camp to enjoy California’s quintessential beach town. Kick back and relax at your campsite, or hang out and barbecue in our communal areas. We encourage you to enjoy our hotel property, and then take one of our bikes to explore the beaches, surf spots, hiking trails, and all that Downtown Ventura has to offer.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$95
 / night
Gaia Farm Campground

7. Gaia Farm Campground

96%
(98)
23mi from Santa Barbara · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Situated on a private and peaceful non-profit farm on the Gaviota Coast, our campsites provide a unique camping experience for the whole family. The sites feature uninterrupted views of the coast, native chaparral hiking trails, and access to a farm tour (suggested donation of $25/person). Our farm raises animals such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and more. We invite you to visit with the animals, hike our trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of our incredible land. Sites are primitive camping on gravel pads along our hiking trails. Approximately a five minute hike from parking. Water and composting toilets are provided.
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
$44
 / night
Rancho de Granville

8. Rancho de Granville

92%
(88)
24mi from Santa Barbara · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Midway between the ocean and Ojai, the ranch is 7 acres with plenty of trees, shade and grass. A sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the friendly horses and the curious chickens! This was the original stage coach stop between Ventura and the small community of Ojai . The old bunkhouse and barn remain! Please plan to arrive before 8pm.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$52
 / night
Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!

9. Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!

93%
(28)
27mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site · Lodging
Tucked away at the outskirts of Ojai, Caravan Outpost offers an unique experience hosted in one of our 10 Airstreams or 1 Tiny House on Wheels. Learn more about this land: This listing is for one of our 10 Airstreams located in a plush, beautiful Oasis in Ojai, California. Caravan Outpost is a garden filled with Airstreams in Ojai, CA. One of the most unique places to stay in all of America. The Outpost is family-friendly and located on the Ojai Valley bike path. Ride one of our complimentary bikes, enjoy the beautiful botanical garden, eat at a local delicious restaurant, hike one of the many trails, listen to our vinyl collection - Relax and enjoy!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$286
 / night
Emma Wood State Beach

10. Emma Wood State Beach

96%
(29)
93 sites · San Buenaventura (Ventura), California
Fish, surf, and explore WWII ruins at this Southern California beach.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Channel Islands National Park

11. Channel Islands National Park

96%
(68)
95 sites · Isla Vista, California
Set sail for one of the five wildlife-filled islands that make up this offshore park.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
McGrath State Beach

12. McGrath State Beach

82%
(17)
133 sites · Oxnard, California
Discover the natural splendor of McGrath State Beach.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Point Mugu State Park

13. Point Mugu State Park

93%
(64)
117 sites · Camarillo, California
Sandy beaches and mountain hikes await.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ocean Breeze

14. Ocean Breeze

26mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site · Lodging
WONDERFUL CALIFORNIA COASTAL LOCATIONS NEARBY Amazing location for ALL THE MOST LOVED SURFING, HIKING, BIKING,, ADVENTURE ENTHUSIAST, near Carpinteria and Santa Monica and OJAI! Camp anywhere you want at the nearby beaches and OJAI, Santa Monica Mountains and beyond! —why only camp at one place when you have hundreds of locations nearby to choose from!!! Then come home to a cozy living room and fireplace! And the King sized bed is aahhhmazing! Glamping can be fun, too!!! Enjoy the OCAEAN BREEZE!! And when the suns out PalmTree sunsets from your balcony! Aloha!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$76
 / night
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

15. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

96%
(12)
1 site · Malibu, California
Discover the wild side of Los Angeles in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

There are numerous public beaches to reward campers who travel to the Santa Barbara section of California's Central Coast. They include El Capitán State Beach, Refugio State Beach, Jalama Beach County Park, and Carpinteria State Beach, most of which offer beach camping not right on the sand but instead up atop bluffs overlooking the shore. A ferry to the secluded beaches of Channel Islands National Park also launches from nearby Ventura. Many state beach parks offer hookups for RVs, restrooms, fire pits, and picnic tables for campers. Elsewhere around the Santa Barbara coast, campsites range from blufftop sites with sunset views to beach campgrounds just a short walk from the sand. You can also find cabins, glamping sites, and private getaways with beach access in Santa Barbara. For the best beach camping experience, bring your own watersports equipment or opt for paddleboard, surfboard, or kayak rentals along the water. If you still have an appetite for adventure after exploring the waves, tide pools, and marine life, hit the hiking trails in nearby Los Padres National Forest.

93% (1K) 74 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Barbara

Arber-Moore's Ranch

1. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%
(567)
23mi from Santa Barbara · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands. Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land. That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite. We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink. Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites. The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area. Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more. We offer both tent and RV camping. The Majority of our Guests love it here: "Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts! Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area. The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly. Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$69
 / night
Private Beach Farm

2. Private Beach Farm

98%
(614)
15mi from Santa Barbara · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
This is an incredibly historic site in Santa Barbara history. 2 tribes of Chumash Indians lived here for 10,000 years. This is where Spain landed and began colonizing the area. In the 1950's and 60's, this was the site of the World's largest orchid farm. There is a book called The Royal Rancho, if you are a history buff. We are a farm on the beach just North of Santa Barbara and Goleta, Ca. You will camp in a historic, glass greenhouse with incredible ocean views. Inside is a cob pizza oven that works awesome. (Bring your own firewood),,, a place to pitch tents and tiny artistic structures to explore. You will have a private bath and shower (Primitive, no electricity, but the hot shower has the best view in the world of any shower!) Bring your own toiletries and whatnot. Private beach access from our property. We have a barnyard with a multitude of farm animals. Limited electricity in greenhouse (A couple of extension chords). The fire ban is ONLY for open campfires. The pizza oven and YOUR bbq or propane flame is fine. If you are camping during the rain, be advised, it gets wet in the greenhouse. It's an antique after all!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$200
 / night
The Lodge at Deer Creek

3. The Lodge at Deer Creek

90%
(119)
47mi from Santa Barbara · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between the majestic Santa Monica Mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sunsets and stargazing from this 25 acre ocean view property. During the day you can swim or surf the famous Malibu waves, hike or bike in the mountains, or enjoy shopping at Pt. Dume or Cross Creek. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are just 15 minutes away along the beautiful coast.
Pets
from 
$75
 / night
Los Padres National Forest

4. Los Padres National Forest

95%
(452)
762 sites · Mission Canyon, California
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
El Capitán State Beach

5. El Capitán State Beach

96%
(94)
133 sites · Goleta, California
Enjoy year-round camping at this Santa Barbara-area surfer favorite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Waypoint Ventura

6. Waypoint Ventura

26mi from Santa Barbara · 34 sites · RVs
Waypoint brings a new and authentic overnight experience to Ventura. Set one block from the Ventura Pier and a short walk to the center of downtown, our campground offers the perfect base camp to enjoy California’s quintessential beach town. Kick back and relax at your campsite, or hang out and barbecue in our communal areas. We encourage you to enjoy our hotel property, and then take one of our bikes to explore the beaches, surf spots, hiking trails, and all that Downtown Ventura has to offer.
Pets
Full hookups
from 
$95
 / night
Gaia Farm Campground

7. Gaia Farm Campground

96%
(98)
23mi from Santa Barbara · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Situated on a private and peaceful non-profit farm on the Gaviota Coast, our campsites provide a unique camping experience for the whole family. The sites feature uninterrupted views of the coast, native chaparral hiking trails, and access to a farm tour (suggested donation of $25/person). Our farm raises animals such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and more. We invite you to visit with the animals, hike our trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of our incredible land. Sites are primitive camping on gravel pads along our hiking trails. Approximately a five minute hike from parking. Water and composting toilets are provided.
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from 
$44
 / night
Rancho de Granville

8. Rancho de Granville

92%
(88)
24mi from Santa Barbara · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Midway between the ocean and Ojai, the ranch is 7 acres with plenty of trees, shade and grass. A sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the friendly horses and the curious chickens! This was the original stage coach stop between Ventura and the small community of Ojai . The old bunkhouse and barn remain! Please plan to arrive before 8pm.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$52
 / night
Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!

9. Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!

93%
(28)
27mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site · Lodging
Tucked away at the outskirts of Ojai, Caravan Outpost offers an unique experience hosted in one of our 10 Airstreams or 1 Tiny House on Wheels. Learn more about this land: This listing is for one of our 10 Airstreams located in a plush, beautiful Oasis in Ojai, California. Caravan Outpost is a garden filled with Airstreams in Ojai, CA. One of the most unique places to stay in all of America. The Outpost is family-friendly and located on the Ojai Valley bike path. Ride one of our complimentary bikes, enjoy the beautiful botanical garden, eat at a local delicious restaurant, hike one of the many trails, listen to our vinyl collection - Relax and enjoy!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$286
 / night
Emma Wood State Beach

10. Emma Wood State Beach

96%
(29)
93 sites · San Buenaventura (Ventura), California
Fish, surf, and explore WWII ruins at this Southern California beach.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Channel Islands National Park

11. Channel Islands National Park

96%
(68)
95 sites · Isla Vista, California
Set sail for one of the five wildlife-filled islands that make up this offshore park.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
McGrath State Beach

12. McGrath State Beach

82%
(17)
133 sites · Oxnard, California
Discover the natural splendor of McGrath State Beach.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Point Mugu State Park

13. Point Mugu State Park

93%
(64)
117 sites · Camarillo, California
Sandy beaches and mountain hikes await.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Ocean Breeze

14. Ocean Breeze

26mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site · Lodging
WONDERFUL CALIFORNIA COASTAL LOCATIONS NEARBY Amazing location for ALL THE MOST LOVED SURFING, HIKING, BIKING,, ADVENTURE ENTHUSIAST, near Carpinteria and Santa Monica and OJAI! Camp anywhere you want at the nearby beaches and OJAI, Santa Monica Mountains and beyond! —why only camp at one place when you have hundreds of locations nearby to choose from!!! Then come home to a cozy living room and fireplace! And the King sized bed is aahhhmazing! Glamping can be fun, too!!! Enjoy the OCAEAN BREEZE!! And when the suns out PalmTree sunsets from your balcony! Aloha!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$76
 / night
Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

15. Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area

96%
(12)
1 site · Malibu, California
Discover the wild side of Los Angeles in the Santa Monica Mountains.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field