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Cuyama Badlands

99%

· Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California

164 acres hosted by Songdog Ranch J.

3 lodging sites · 15 RV/tent sites · 2 tent sites

Great for groups

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for larger groups.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Best legacy: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

If you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians at Painted Rock remind us of those who lived before us. **Read on for more details.** Our Carrizo Camp is surrounded by the Carrizo Plains National Monument. This is truly a get away from it all camping. That's it. You, the coyotes and your own private moon. Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets and amazing stargazing. These UPPER SITES are NOT OHV friendly, but any of our canyon bottom sites are a great base for your riding adventures up in Ballinger Canyon OHV. We'll be happy to recommend a site for you. Our Ranch House and Glamp sites are available on occasion. This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side. Our offerings include fresh air and sunshine, amazing night sky, endless views, and plenty of space and privacy to enjoy your moments in nature. You'll find our amenities and activities puposefully sparse here. Upon booking, there are about 5 miles of dirt road on the property that you are welcome to explore on foot or by bicycle. Rustic is the theme here. There is no shower, no wifi, and no electricity available, but you will enjoy your own private spigot and the cellular service is acceptable. Within a short drive, you'll find plenty of hiking/biking and adventuring, and if you enjoy exploring by car, definitely take a loop drive through Carizzo Plains National Monument, or Mount Pinos and Lockwood Valley. Enjoy a beautiful dinner at the Cuyama Buckhorn and take in the view of the Caliente mountain range. For any sites located south of Ballinger Wash, your vehicle length is limited to 22' and no more than 4' overhang from the rear axle, so you don't get stuck in the crossing and block access for others. Towing services are 1-3 hours away. The AllTrails app will give a pretty good birds eye view of hiking in the area. Our friendly cancellation policies vary between 24 hours for simple campsites and 72 hours for our Glamp sites and Group sites. We do offer a buyout opportunity for the mesa, however the cancellation policy for that much stricter at 50% refund up until 1 week before check-in time. Be sure to check the Google for distance to Cuyama Valley, and your dates for availability and site descriptions. Upon booking, you can look forward to an information packed email to help you make the very best of your trip! We look forward to seeing you! *This land was sparsely populated by the Chumash Indian and is evident by the numerous cave painting that remain here near the Caliente mountain. In the era of the California Missions, this land was a part of the Spanish land grants. Currently the property is privately owned and is adjacent to large sections of publicly held lands.

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Horseback riding

Off-roading (OHV)

Natural features

Cave

Desert

Forest

Canyon

99%

4194 ratings · 1930 reviews

Mario M.recommends

November 24, 2024

Site 3 - Songdog West Campsites.

November Camping!!

Songdog never disappoints! It’s the go to spot for every season. I always appreciate Jim and Jennie checking up making sure everything is going well. Don’t bring your store bought firewood, buy it at the ranch. It’s convenient and the wood burns forever! If you forgot fuel or marshmallows, no worries. Their little store has you covered. Thanks again Songdog!

Emilio P.recommends

November 16, 2024

The Barbeque

We’ve been coming with a large group to Songdog for years now. We stayed at Wagon Camp for something like 4 years in a row and finally had to make the switch to the Barbecue and i dare say it’s even better. Killer views, lots of space, a sink!, and massive santa style pits for grilling. We’ll be back!

Kara S.recommends

November 15, 2024

Songdog Double Fire

Fall fun in Cuyama!

We returned for our 6th visit to Songdog. We stayed at the double fire campsite for the first time and loved all the extra picnic space and the Santa Maria grill. The ranch property is rugged and beautiful, the campsite always clean and with all the amenities you need for simple desert camping. Jim is always great and we got to meet his daughter, who was just as friendly and welcoming. See you again next year!

Malena C.recommends

November 12, 2024

Grand View

Beautiful spot, gorgeous views, very clean & each site is well distanced from the others.

Jenn Z.recommends

November 12, 2024

Site 4 - Songdog West Campsites.

We had such a great time camping at Songdog - beautiful views from the mesa, clean grounds, super attentive staff. Would absolutely recommend!

Sam Y.recommends

November 11, 2024

Site 2 - Songdog West Campsites.

Great spot, well appointed A+

Easiest camping ever and very friendly hosts - it's got all the amenities right within seconds of thinking about them. Great spot & definitely will book again. * And catching the Falcon 9 launch was icing on the cake.

Location

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