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Cuyama Badlands

99%

· Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California

164 acres hosted by Songdog Ranch J.

4 lodging sites · 14 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%

4170 ratings · 1912 reviews

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.

Ina R.recommends

October 21, 2024

Site 4 - Songdog West Campsites.

Amazing Place-book your trip now

Songdog Ranch Camp site 4 west, book yours- it’s wort it. It was awesome, the only thing I wish, was to check the weather before going as it was too hot for myself and my pup’s liking- the weekend I went was up to 98-100F- my bad that I didn’t check, neither of us is a fan of the heat- it was my first trip with my pup. We had some shade, not enough for us. We made the most of it though. We actually drove to Arroyo Burro Beach down in Santa Barbara to cool off. Let’s get back to the camp itself. The camp had a picnic table, 1 fire pit, 2 lounge chairs, trash bin and toilet available. The road to the camp has potholes, so drive slow and carefully. It was off leash, reason being why I chose the place to begin with; My pup had a blast exploring without being restricted to a leash. Being so hot, I also added the tub they have available, I believe it was 30$- worth the money. They also have piles of logs at the entrance - 1$ per log, also a cool little shop with trinkets in case you forget something. The flies were annoying, it comes with nature’s territory though. I was happy not to encounter any snakes, as I was a bit worried. The stars were amazing, the views all around-beautiful nature. The hosts were amazing, I got lost and Jen came up and led me to my camp site. Jim stoped by in the morning and check in and gave me some tips for exploring. I would definitely recommend and I would definitely go back given the opportunity. Thank you for sharing your beautiful land with us.

Aubrey O.recommends

October 14, 2024

Base Camp site

a fun birthday getaway

We loved camping at Songdog Ranch’s Base Camp site! It was a perfect getaway for the weekend. Our hosts (hi, Jen!) were so stellar. The campsite was tidy and so spacious, the 6 (and a pup) of us felt like we could have a dance party. We’d love to visit again, and maybe check out another one of their sites on the Mesa!

David K.recommends

October 13, 2024

Draw Camp in the Far West

Great spot. Great views. Hosts are awesome I will definitely be back.

Matthew K.recommends

October 13, 2024

Grand View

Excellent isolated spot with views

I've probably stayed at Songdong more than a dozen times, but this was my first time at the newest Grand View spot. It's one of the most isolated, which I loved. Same great setup as all the others; firepit, table, shade structure. You could easily setup 2 large tents in relatively flat spots here. You can also follow the road around to the south in the morning for a walk with your dogs without disturbing the other sites. Will book again. Look for the cool hidden pit toilet that I have dubbed, Grand Poo View toilet!

Justin L.recommends

October 13, 2024

The Barbeque

Epic camping spot

The best camping spot ever! Highly recommend Song dog ranch to family and friends.

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