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The best camping near Gaviota State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Gaviota adventure.

80% (19 reviews)
80% (19 reviews)

A geologically unique California beach just steps from the Santa Ynez Mountains.  

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Community favorites near Gaviota State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Top-rated campgrounds near Gaviota State Park

100%
(774)

Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

32 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents43 acres ¡ Buellton, CA
When you camp with us it’s a full experience including a tour (upon availability 99% of the time), welcome drink and access to our common area which offers BBQ, wash sink, cold dunk tubs and shady lounge area under our pepper trees (see photos.) That said… Our base site rental fee is $75 for the first person which includes the propane tank and propane fire pit rental. We charge an additional $50 per person after the base site fee. Children under 15 are FREE. We love sharing our property with friends, family, HipCampers and dogs. Our property consists of: 43 rugged/hilly/mountainous acre with numerous flat plateaus and fantastic views. Each plateau has several great spots to car/van/truck camp, pitch a tent or park small trailers and small RVs. Larger RVs/Trailers fit on the front side of our property. SUMMER/FALL: Expect the landscape and views to be golden brown (not green and lush like in a lot of the photos posted which were taken this past winter/spring.) Thank you for your interest in camping with us! We look forward to your potential booking request. We have been doing this for a while now and we absolutely love it. We’ve learned a lot along the way so the following information, I know it’s a lot of info, please read in its entirety so that you get the most out of your stay with us. We chose to offer sites on a PER PERSON PRICING bases rather than a flat rate for each site. This way solo campers have affordable pricing and access to our camp. When you camp with us it’s a full experience including a tour (upon availability 99% of the time), welcome drink and access to our common area which offers BBQ, wash sink, cold dunk tubs and shady lounge area under our pepper trees (see photos.) That said… Our base site rental fee is $75 for the first person which includes the propane tank and propane fire pit rental. We charge an additional $50 per person after the base site fee. Children under 15 are FREE. Our property consists of 43 rugged/hilly/mountainous acres with numerous flat plateaus and fantastic views to pitch a tent or park small trailers and small RVs. Larger RVs/Trailers fit on the front side of our property. SUMMER/FALL: Expect the landscape and views to be golden brown (not green and lush like in a lot of the photos posted which were taken this past winter/spring.) PICKING YOUR CAMPSITE: When we are not sold out we place campers at campsites on a first-come-first-serve basis upon arrival. If we are sold out we will pre-pick your campsite based on where we feel each of our campers will be happiest given their individual camp set up, i.e. Tent, Van, Trailer, RV, and size of the group. All of our sites are spread out with plenty of space for social distancing. DRY CAMPING: All of our sites are DRY camping (no water/electricity.) We provide a picnic table and one umbrella and a propane fire pit with a propane tank. Please bring additional shade structures if you think you’ll need more shade. Our best sites, with little-to-no traffic noise, (and the best views) are on our back property. Best suited for tents, camper vans, trucks, and SMALL trailers or SMALL RVs. There is a semi-steep hill up to our upper property if you're towing a trailer you will need a powerful vehicle to make it up the hill. Sites on our lower property by the common area are easily accessible with views up the hills/mountains but come with some highway noise. We imagine it sounds like waves crashing and call it the "steel river." For your private camp area, please bring your own drinking water, water to wash dishes and if think you'll need: chairs, camp tables, umbrellas or shade structures, trash bags/cans (throw your trash in the dumpster out side our entry gate when you leave. Plan on being fully self-sufficient. Otherwise, feel free to use the common area BBQ, Sink, tables and chairs at the barn until 10 pm. MOST DOGS WELCOMED... WE PROHIBIT UN-neutered aggressive breed dogs. DOGS ARE FREE TO RUN UNLEASHED ALL OVER OUR LAND. The front of our property is all. Fenced. The back property just has barbed wire. ABOUT OUR DOGS: We have one female dog and three male dogs (one of the three is UN-NEUTERED) a 10-year-old yellow lab (Titan-Dan.) A 14-year-old American Dingo (Reno.) 5-year-old Great Pyrenees (Bandit.) And then there is Cannoli a 7-year-old female Great Pyrenees who adopted us we saw her come through the bushes from the neighbors property across the highway… She ran across the highway and jumped the medium and ran up to our gate, she hasn’t left since… COMMON USE AREA: Inside and near the barn include tables, chairs, hammocks, wood fire pit, outdoor propane BBQ and stove, wash sink and outdoor mineral shower, and mineral cold plunge tubs. FIRE SAFETY and PROPANE FIREPITS: We have “very safe” propane firepits and fire extinguishers at every site. Under the right conditions, we will light a real wood fire at the common area by the barn. Feel free to join us in the early evening until 10pm. PORTA-POTTIES: We have porta-potties next to the Barn, the Garden, Running Dog Flats, and the Art Studio. They are pumped clean every Thursday and are generally very lightly used. If you don’t want to use the porta-potties we recommend/encourage you to bring your own camp toilet, bags, and absorbent. WILDLIFE: Our dogs do a great job of fending off the resident bobcat and coyotes on the front portion of our property and by the barn, if they are barking in the night there's a reason. If you end up camping on the front portion of our property and think their barking will affect your sleep, bring earplugs ;-). Drinking-WATER, Dish Washing Water and Shade: All of our sites are dry camping i.e. there is no potable water available. Please bring all your own drinking/dishwashing water. We have a picnic table and 1 umbrella at all the sites. Please bring additional shade i.e. easy up or other shade structures if you think you'll need it. Cold Mineral Dunks and Hot Outdoor Mineral Shower: We have huge aluminum cowboy cold dunk tubs available at what we lovingly/jokingly refer to as our very own “Cactus Flower Beach,” which is not a real beach… It feels like a beach because we’ve decked it out with lounge chairs, a daybed cabana, 150K pounds of sand and tiki-hut umbrellas. It’s fun to hang out there when it’s hot under the shade of the pepper trees. NOTE: The Outdoor Shower screening is a tad see-through. If you are shy, wear a bathing suit. Please limit showers to 3-5 minutes max. Mineral Water Definition: Water from a mineral spring or well (i.e. our well) that contains various minerals, such as salts and sulfur compounds. TRASH: Please pack all your trash out to the large trash bin located at the entrance to our property. Please take your recycling with you. ELECTRICITY and Wi-Fi: We have charging stations in the barn for your computers, phones, etc. Password: HowdyDoody (Accessible in and near the barn common area.) COMMISSARY: We have farm fresh eggs and meats from the pork palace across the street, and other swag i.e Hats for sale in the barn. FEED THE CHICKENS AND GOATS: Please feel free to feed the goats and chickens your vegetable scraps and or bring them a treat they love full heads of cabbage, lettuce, cantaloupe and watermelon. CHILDREN: For safety, children must be always accompanied by an adult! OUR RECOMMENDATIONS for THINGS TO DO WHILE YOU VISIT THE AREA: WINE TASTING We are in the heart of the wine country with a tasting room less than one mile away and/or a few short miles into the bst wine tasting rooms and wineries in Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez. Google search some of our favorite: Babcock Winery, Brick Barn, Dierber-Starlane, Folded Hills winery (which is on mile south of us.) BEACHES, HIKING and the brand new ZIP-LINE and ROPES Adventure Course! 15% off Zip-line and Ropes Adventure Course. If your into adventure and not afraid of heights this is a must do while your in our area its a short 5 miles from our camp ground… (If you have a pet with you you can leave your pet in our kennel while you do this adventure.) Google search High Line Adventure in Bulletin and use 15% off code: FREEDOGFARMS15 Book on line open: Thursday - Sunday HIKES: You can hike all over our property (stay within our boundaries i.e. fence lines) , 1. Nojoqui Falls (1.5 miles south of our ranch) 2. Gaviota Wind Caves (6 miles south of our ranch) BEACHES: We are 5-6 minutes from the beach and Gaviota coast line. 1. Gaviota State Beach (6 miles south of our ranch) 2.Tajiguas Beach (15 miles south of our ranch) 3. Jalama Beach County Park (30-minute beautiful windy drive, but well worth it especially if you want to get one of the worlds best burgers at the campground store) RESTAURANTS/DINING: 1. Industrial Eats, Buellton 2. Ramen Kotori, Solvang 3. La Tequila Mexican Restaurant, Buellton (NOTE: They don’t actually serve tequila but the food is GREAT!) 4. Ginos Pizza, Buellton (they will deliver to our gate) 6. Hitching Post, Buellton 7. Trattoria Grappolo, 2 locations: Santa Ynez and Solvang 8. HOOK’d Bar and Grill at Lake Cachuma (20 minutes to the lake) FARM STANDS: 1. Folded Hills Winery and Farm Stand (farm animals to visit as well) (1 mile south of our ranch) 2. The Blueberry Farm (Seasonal Pick your own blueberries stand closes end of September-ish) (1 mile south of our ranch) FUN for KIDS and ADULTS: 1. Ostrich Land USA, Buellton (Feed the Ostriches and Emus) 2. Mendenhall's Museum of Gasoline Pumps & Petroliana, Buelton We look forward to hosting you. Sincerely, Sierra and Darin.
from 
$50
 / night
93%
(213)

Lisa S.’s Land

4 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs1 acre ¡ Solvang, CA
This is Glamping at its best! We have two cabins that have kitchens with mini frig, microwaves and sinks. Complimentary coffee and tea as well. Very comfortable queen beds. Each cabin has a living room and table area along with gas fireplaces inside and A/C. Outdoor courtyard area with firepit, picnic tables and string lights to enjoy the days or evenings. Each cabin sleeps two but both can be rented to sleep four. Both cabins are historic to the area.  All of this is in the center of the Santa Ynez valley close to Los Olivos , Santa Ynez and Solvang.Wine tasting, bike riding and hiking. Great restaurants and wineries within walking distance.
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$85
 / night
95%
(229)

Harmony's Glamping

10 sites ¡ Lodging90 acres ¡ Mission Canyon, CA
Nestled along a spring fed creek in the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara. Immerse yourself in the great outdoors while staying cozy in a Yurt, Teepee, or one of our Geo Domes. Each is secluded with a hot shower, propane fire pit, camp kitchen and a comfortable queen bed. Wake up to the sound of the birds chirping and the creek rippling. Hike to our very own 30' ft waterfall where you can take a dip, lay out and catch some sunshine. The trail is rugged so be ready to boulder and use your hands in some places. Our wood burning hot tub is freshly filled every time, and right along the creek for a natural hot/cold plunge experience. We also offer morning yoga, and relaxing massages for a fully rejuvenating experience. Enjoy some nearby experiences all within 30 minutes: -Cold Springs Tavern, historical stagecoach stop, live music and delicious BBQ -Wine Tasting in Solvang or on Stearns Wharf -State Street, Downtown Shopping and Restaurants -Beaches, LedBetter, East Beach, Butterfly, Hendry's Beach (Dog Friendly) -Painted Cave, a cave full of Indian paintings -Hikes, SaddleRock, Lizards Mouth, Hot Springs Please note that a high clearance vehicle is recommended! This is a mountainous bumpy dirt road with steep sharp corners. A regular car can make it, just be warned you may bottom out a couple times. We do have a Jeep Wrangler available for rent on site. ($80 a day) You can add it onto your booking under extras. We are not liable for any damage to you or your vehicle when entering our property, so do so at your own risk. Please feel free to reach out with any further questions. Text or Call: 805-698-8623 IG:@harmonys_glamping
from 
$150
 / night
100%
(428)

Ballard Walnut Grove

2 sites ¡ RVs22 acres ¡ Solvang, CA
We are a 4-generation family-owned and operated working farm, and have lived here since 1976. We are proud growers for Diamond Walnuts, and also have a busy Farm Stand with walnuts and produce, over 500 Christmas Trees, and a small event venue for rent. We love our farm and are happy to open our walnut grove to you and share the bounty and beauty that we have called home for over four decades. Ballard is 2 miles from Solvang, Los Olivos, and Santa Ynez. Our Walnut Grove is nestled in the village of Ballard and in the heart of the Santa Ynez Valley. Walking distance to two Tasting Rooms (Rideau & Lincourt), a Bakery (Bob's Well Bread), and a Fine-Dining Restaurant (Ballard Inn). Note that the trees lose their leaves in the winter and will leaf-out in late May. We offer 2 sites the Grove: one that accommodates larger RV's with up to 6 people (called "Diamond" - which has a larger area with soft solar lighting, picnic table, fire pit, corn hole, cozy bench for two, complimentary bundle of wood and a tasty treat. (This site also accommodates two RV's -just "add on" in Extras for each night of their stay.) The other smaller space (called "Chandler") is designed for a single RV or conversion van. Sprinkled with lighting, we include a picnic table, campfire pit with 3-4 pieces of split wood (you can add-on additional bundle for $10), Weber BBQ, bistro table and romantic bench swing. We include a treat for both our guests and their doggies. The two sites are 200 yards apart (that's two football fields) assuring your privacy. Please note in your request what you will be traveling in (RV, Trailer, Sprinter, etc). (** Please note that because we are a food-producing farm, we are only allowed to accept fully self-contained units (with built-in water and waste water tanks - sorry, no portable toilets ). No tents unless they are accompanying a self contained RV).
from 
$85
 / night
94%
(625)

Blue Sky Center

31 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents267 acres ¡ New Cuyama, CA
1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!
from 
$35
 / night
98%
(565)

Private Beach Farm

4 sites ¡ RVs, Tents50 acres ¡ Goleta, CA
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! 
from 
$200
 / night
99%
(66)

Zela G.’s Sky Mountain

1 site ¡ Lodging5 acres ¡ Santa Barbara, CA
Our land is unique in the variety of vegetation: pines, oaks, palms, citrus, chaparral. We are conveniently centrally located to many daily adventures. The Chumash painted cave is near by as well as the rock playground Lizards Mouth. We are on the old stage coach trail, and only five minutes from Cold Springs Tavern.
from 
$200
 / night
88%
(152)

Gracewood Santa Barbara

1 site ¡ RV, Tent54 acres ¡ Goleta, CA
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 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 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.
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$160
 / night
96%
(206)

Camp Dirt

2 sites ¡ RVs, Tents105 acres ¡ Lompoc, CA
Welcome to Camp Dirt! We're so excited to welcome you to our corner of the world.We offer an expansive dry mowed field with cottonwood trees and riparian habitat next to seasonal river. Our sites are very private next to working ranch vineyard. Keep in mind our sites do have dirt road access only and can have spotty cell reception. During fire ban propane fire pits are available and are complimentary.We have great amenities including toilets, picnic tables, and trash bins. Pets and generators are also allowed but only vehicles under 30 ft are allowed at our sites.Our guests love us too! "It was really nice to camp in the vineyard. Beautiful views, shade, great firepit with wood, picnic table and grass. Clean bathroom and even a kitchen sink!"
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$99
 / night
96%
(810)

Camp Arroyo Grande

21 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents29 acres ¡ Arroyo Grande, CA
Welcome to Camp Arroyo Grande! Enjoy our 29-acres that feature beautiful ocean views, oak woodlands, and plenty of rustic charm. All this is conveniently tucked into the hillside just steps away from the Village of Arroyo Grande where you will find restaurants, coffee, shopping, parks and roosters. The property is home to many youth groups and local non-profits, continuing a 135-year legacy as a Community Center and Retreat Space. The historic Tabernacle building has been hosting church and schools gatherings, dinners, fundraisers, weddings, family reunions, festivals and more since 1897. Community Events are likely to be taking place but follow quiet time guidelines. *pool is seasonal and subject to availability
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$35
 / night
88%
(113)

Rancho Relaxo

5 sites ¡ RVs, Tents18 acres ¡ Mission Hills, CA
Located on private property, 3 minutes from the historic La Purisima State Mission. Hiking trails on the 1500 acres State wildland. Located less than 5 minutes away from the wine tasting of the Lompoc Valley, home of the infamous "Wine Ghetto", Lompoc Valley Flower Festival and year AKC Dog Show. Skydiving less than 3 minutes away. 10 miles from Surf Beach and 21 miles from Jalama County Beach. Learn more about this land:Private Ranch natural preserve located by La Purisima Mission, Lompoc, Vandenberg Space Port and Village. Dry tent or self-contained camping. 
from 
$50
 / night
99%
(679)

Cuyama Oaks Ranch

8 sites ¡ Lodging, RVs, Tents82 acres ¡ CA
Hello! Our names are Ricky and Nathan. We own and operate an 80 acre ranch that is great for family's, kids, romantic getaways, and LGBTQIA+ safe. We cannot wait to host you and your group! We're excited to share our property with those who appreciate nature and what seclusion in the mountains has to offer. Located deep in the Cuyama Valley, close to wine country, and booming local vineyards (1.25 hrs past Ojai and 45 minutes past Santa Maria) our ranch promises the getaway experience you've been looking for. The Ranch is 80 acres with majestic mountain views and vast canyons for hiking and trail access. During the spring and summer months imagine sitting in your own personal cowboy pooltub looking up at the stars. Smell the sage and wildflowers in the air while you sip wine. Surrounded by the Los Padres Mountains and located deep within the hidden valley of enchantment, this ranch gives the visitor the high-desert glamping/camping experience of their dreams. For the hikers and explorers out there, the ranch offers trails and within 30 min in every direction there are local trails. . There is a designated area for tent camping and for RV's, Trailers, Vans, and tiny homes (no electric yet for RVs). We also offer glamping sites and all inclusive yurts. The ranch is completely private and secluded, off HWY 166. We welcome all animals, big and small. We are farm! We have pigs, goats, ducks, chickens, turkeys and more!
from 
$75
 / night

The best camping near Gaviota State Park guide

Overview

About

Gaviota State Park gives Hipcampers access to spectacular terrain with myriad things to do. Trailheads above the coastal bluffs lead hikers to the eastern part of the park, while ambitious hikers can see the beach from Gaviota Peak by tackling a loop trail, then relax tired muscles while soaking at Gaviota Hot Springs. Check out the Gaviota Wind Caves for a special treat. Anglers can dip their lines in from Gaviota Pier, which serves as a launch point for scuba divers and surfers heading into the Santa Barbara Channel. Gaviota State Park Campground contains 39 seasonal campsites close to the beach, some shaded by small trees. The open camping area is most suitable for RVs, but sites along the outer perimeter may offer tents more protection from wind. All campsites include a picnic table and fire ring with a built-in grill (but no hookups), and campers have access to restrooms with flush toilets and pay showers.If this campground is full or closed, check out El CapitĂĄn State Beach, Refugio State Beach, or nearby Jalama Beach County Park.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. Campsites can be reserved via ReserveCalifornia six months in advance, based on availability.
  2. Online bookings may extend from the arrival date to the desired departure date, depending on maximum stay rules.
  3. Each site accommodates up to eight people. Fees cover one vehicle and one towed vehicle or trailer—additional fees apply for more cars.
  4. From October to April, the campground may only remain open Friday through Sunday.
  5. Check-in begins at 2pm and check-out time is noon, but the park is open for day use from 7am to sunset.

When to go

Gaviota State Park is busiest in summer, the best time of year to swim, hike, or bike. Water sports are popular any time of year, and the mountains—rising 2,400 feet above the beach—offer scenic spots for a picnic lunch. During the off-season, between October and April, the park is closed during the week but remains open on weekends, weather permitting. 

Know before you go

  • Leashed dogs are allowed in the campground and day-use area, but not on trails or the beach.
  • Heavy winds can reach up to 50 miles per hour with the potential to snap tent poles. 
  • If you need supplies like firewood or snacks, the Gaviota Beach Store operates seasonally next to the campground.

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