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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 in California: 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%

4183 ratings · 1922 reviews

Bonnie R.recommends

November 4, 2024

Grand View

Great Camping Experience

One of the most enjoyable camping experiences I've had! We were on a beautiful pinion pine covered hill with a 360 degree view of beautiful valleys. Each campsite has a covered picnic table and a great firepit.

Denise R.recommends

October 30, 2024

Site 2 - Songdog East Campsites.

I booked this site for my 2 sons. They had a wonderful time. They loved the fact that they felt like they had the place to themselves. The sites are spaced far enough apart so even when there are other people you do not see them. They also enjoyed the night sky start gazing with no light pollution.

Suzanne R.recommends

October 26, 2024

Grand View

A great hipcamp

We all loved camping at songdog! Night sky and open space. 360° views. Great hosts, friendly and helpful. The best. Will come again.

Gavin E.recommends

October 25, 2024

Site 4 - Songdog West Campsites.

Songdog was great - plenty of space and a great atmosphere, great spot to explore the area.

Kal K.recommends

October 21, 2024

Draw Camp in the Far West

I had an amazing stay, the night sky was bright and full of stars, the location was easy to get to, but yet, vary secluded. With firewood you can buy at the site, running water, and the ice chest they delivered to my camping spot, it made everything convenient for me to just show up, with a few things I wanted to cook over a fire and relax.

Aj S.recommends

October 21, 2024

Site 3 - Songdog West Campsites.

Bring the Pets and See the Stars!

Brought 2 dogs and some friends over to Songdog Ranch’s West site 3 which overlooks the drive in and a beautiful mesa. Plenty of space for an RV or 2 (we brought 2 SUVs and Tents). The site we had came with a table, trash can, fire pit, and 2 chairs. Incredible sunrises and sunsets but the real star of Songdog Ranch is the night sky. Jen welcomed us in shortly after we got there and told us the best time for the stars is during a new moon. Still got to see plenty before the moon came up and lit up the place. Saw plenty of constellations and a surprise SpaceX launch! Gonna make sure to bring a telescope next time, would definitely recommend for anyone trying to get away and enjoy some stargazing. If you forget anything they have a great little store that’s self serve and plenty of firewood at the main house/ windmill on the way in. Everything from propane cylinders to s’mores kits and even some hoodies for sale. Jim and the dogs greeted us when we came in the morning to grab a propane cylinder to cook breakfast. 10/10 would recommend

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