Gracewood Santa Barbara

89%

128 reviews

· Goleta, Santa Barbara, California · 54 acres

Hosted by Fred D.

RV/tent site

· 8 guests max

Near Channel Islands National Park

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

Big rig-friendly

Spacious, level camping well-suited for travel trailers over 40 ft long.

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. Call if you need more than 1 site. 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.

RV details

Travel trailers, Fifth wheels, Toy haulers, Pop-up campers, Class A RVs, Class B RVs, Class C RVs, Campervans, and Cars allowed

Vehicles under 12 meters allowed

See notes on Driveway in regard to Site #2 for larger R.V.'s Most R.V. s and trailers will not be able to park in the campsite itself because of limitations due to trees and access. Those R.V.s and trailers can park immediately adjacent to the campsite by going to the end of the horse arena by the pond which is wide open and conveniently accessible. Regular size S.U.V.'s and cars or similar vehicles can park in the campsite itself.

Pull-through site

Accommodates slideouts

Surface type: Grass or field

Surface levelness: flat

Electrical hookup available

Less than 30 amps

Water hookup available

On-property hookup. Check with the host regarding the farm stay experience and custom lodging arrangements.

No sewage hookup

No TV hookup

Generators not allowed

What to expect

RV/tent site

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

8 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firewood provided, firepit, private. Fires must be small and in the designated fire pit located only at Camp Site #1. Never leave a fire unattended and dowse the fire with plenty of water (a provided bucket can be filled from the pond or from the hose in the sink) if leaving or if the wind comes up, especially during the night time hours.

Toilet available

Flush toilet. It is a really unique restroom made from a converted horse trailer a short distance from the campsite and near the library and carriage/activity barn.

No pets

Potable water available

Spigot, hose

Showers available

Cold water only. Outdoor shower is a la natural (under a tree out in the open)

Bins available

Trash bin. Trash dumpster is located behind the old yellow farm buildings. It can clearly be seen upon leaving the property by the large oak tree.

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit, bbq, sink or other dishwashing station

Picnic table present

Several are available of different sizes and condition. Your choice!

No wifi

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 2:00 PM

Early or late check-in may be available

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

Late check-out may be available

On arrival: Head straight to site

Cancellation policy: Super Strict (30 Days)

Minimum nights: 1 night

Accepts bookings: 12 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

2WD accessible

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Dining/Unique Setting/With Hostgood

$40.00

Hors d'oeuvres to full course meal by appointment and/or pre-notification reservation. Optional settings ranging from al fresco to museum/library/man cave, oceanview or outdoor picnic locations.

Special Event, Party, Get Togetherexperience

$40.00

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.

Reviews

89% Recommend168 ratings · 128 reviews

Amy K.

2 reviews

Recommends

· September 2024

Tent

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.

2 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Quiet Campsite in Unique Location

Tent

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.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Private campsite under the oaks

16 ft car

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.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent · With kids

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

Jacob G.

8 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· August 2024

Father/Son camping trip

Tent · With kids

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.

2 reviews

Recommends

· July 2024

Tent · With kids

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

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking