12 Best Private Campsites Near Goleta, CA, US 2026

Looking for a camping adventure near Goleta, California? Hipcamp has over 66 private campsites for you to choose from. Whether you're into off-roading, swimming, or climbing, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Cuyama Badlands with 1681 reviews, Ballard Walnut Grove with 291 reviews, or Campsite 3 & 4 with 80 reviews. With an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $20, you'll find the perfect spot. Popular amenities include toilets, trash, and pet-friendly sites. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

100% (192)

Top-rated campgrounds near Goleta

Looking for a camping adventure near Goleta, California? Hipcamp has over 66 private campsites for you to choose from. Whether you're into off-roading, swimming, or climbing, there's something for everyone. Check out top campsites like Cuyama Badlands with 1681 reviews, Ballard Walnut Grove with 291 reviews, or Campsite 3 & 4 with 80 reviews. With an average price per night of $45 and options as low as $20, you'll find the perfect spot. Popular amenities include toilets, trash, and pet-friendly sites. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience!

100% (192)

Top-rated campgrounds near Goleta

1. Cuyama Badlands

99%

(4451)

38mi from Goleta · 34 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

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.** 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. That being said, and to maintain the balance here at home, we'd appreciate if you keep your dogs in your car until you get to your site. 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. 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. 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. **Forest Service law enforcement is actively ticketing unplated OHV on Ballinger Canyon Road. Be sure to know and abide by the laws.** Our friendly cancellation policies vary between 24 hours for simple campsites and 72 hours for our Glamp sites and Group sites. 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!

2. Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

99%

(1139)

21mi from Goleta · 38 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

Howdy, campers, We removed our 10-paragraph description, our reviews and photos say it all. Feel free to ask any questions, we will get back to you ASAP. Before you ask: Yes, we have two outdoor showers. Yes, you can use a propane camp stove or cook at our common area bbq in front of the barn where we light a real wood fire for campers to socialize with us, other campers and visit our speakeasy. Yes, we provide propane for the propane fire pits. Yes, your dog can run off-leash. Yes, each site has a picnic table, umbrella, propane fire pit. Most sites have a hammock and hammock stand. Please pack your trash out there is a dumpster at the front gate entrance/exit for your trash. Please close your umbrella when your not at the site, especially when it's windy. We have lost far to many very expensive solar light umbrellas due to the wind when it picks up. Please support our farm by buying eggs, hats, stickers, and other items, all for sale in the barn. We look forward to hosting you. Sincerely, Sierra, Darin, and The Freedog Crew!

3. Campsite 3 & 4

99%

(167)

35mi from Goleta · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Every campsite has its own picnic table, fire pit with grill, a large trash can, and a kitchenette table, a rustic outdoor loo, and gorgeous 360º view. They are semi-secluded and spacious. There are many hiking trails near by, a vast riverbed to explore, and a quail guzzler to check out! The absolute best part is the night sky views of the Milky Way.

4. Camp Dirt

97%

(231)

27mi from Goleta · 3 sites · Tents, RVs

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!"

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Sierra and Bandit Doing Perimeter Check.

F

Francisco

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

2 nights at Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

What an awesome place, and the hosts were amazing. So much more than the pictures can do justice.

CRISTIAN

3 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

Darin was the most welcoming and genuinely great host I’ve ever had the pleasure to deal with on HipCamp. Their property is beautiful and it was exciting seeing all of the farm animals, especially for my two year old. The fresh chicken and duck eggs were better than you could buy anywhere and the ribeye steak that Darin was so generous to grill and share with the rest of the guests was to die for. I will never forget this experience and sure to come back next spring.

A

Angel

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Great place to chill and take in the view. Relax and unwind

C

Cara

3 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

We loved camping at SongDog Ranch. Our family stayed in the Glamptank. It was so private, we felt like we were the only ones on the ranch. We'll be back to explore more of the camping/lodging options at SongDog!

c

chelsea

3 weeks ago

15 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I don’t want people to know how amazing this place is because I don’t want it to be booked!! But this is the best spot ever. Close to LA, firewood store and general store on site. Great hosts and even better experience

Seana

3 weeks ago

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

4 nights at Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

Everything about this place is absolute perfection. Will be coming back again and again.

K

Kurt

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I had a great stay at Songdog Ranch. The views are stunning and the whole area is incredibly peaceful. The campsites are spaced out nicely, so you get plenty of privacy. The night sky alone is worth the trip—absolutely incredible. The road leading up to the site is a bit rough, so take it slow. I’d definitely recommend arriving during daylight; finding the site at night would’ve been tough, and I probably would’ve needed to contact the hosts. Even though I didn’t have to interact with them, they left a personalized welcome card at my spot, which was a thoughtful touch and helped confirm I was in the right place. All in all, a fantastic experience. I’d absolutely recommend staying here!

N

Nan

3 weeks ago

20 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Cuyama Badlands

Great hosts and great experience on a beautiful piece of land! Our site was clean and prepped and had everything mentioned. We'll be coming back. Thank you Songdog Ranch!

j

jenny

3 weeks ago

19 ft campervan

With pets

2 nights at Cuyama Badlands

So dog ranch is very peaceful. The sunrises, sunsets and starry nights are absolutely breathtaking. Our host Jen was very accommodating.

L

Laura

3 weeks ago

1 night at Cuyama Badlands

We loved our stay at the Glamp Tank!! It was so comfortable and the host was so welcoming and thoughtful. We would definitely recommend and also stay here again or at another one of their sites when we're in the area.

J

Jenny

3 weeks ago

With pets

3 nights at Cuyama Badlands

Such a lovely place! Half the building is glass so we watched glorious sunrises and sunsets. We heard the coyotes singing at night. The tepid tub was magical. Pupdog had everything we needed and was cozy with the wood burning stove, even in late November.

Cathleen

3 weeks ago

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

2 nights at Freedog Farms @ Cactus Flower Ranch

We brought our trailer and two dogs. Absolutely gorgeous place with amazing views. Hosts are very friendly and helpful. We will definitely be returning!

m

mark

November 2025

18 ft campervan

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Jim is a wonderful and attentive host and the property is absolutely a dream. We will be back as soon as time allows!

M

Matthew

November 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Campsite 3 & 4

An outstanding spot - great scenery, privacy, tranquility., etc. Highly recommended.

J

Juergen

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Very nice place with wide views. Very friendly host. Overall good vibes. Definitely recommend.

Jonathan

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

This is such a great location and overall camping spot. I hope the owners don’t mind how often I am camping on their grounds enjoying the space and openness! I know I will always have a great camp here at any of the spots. Always a nice fire pit. A nice spot to camp, water and a trash can. Can’t go wrong and always appreciated.

S

Steve

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

I spent my 45 bday weekend glamping!! It was awesome! Jen and Jim were amazing hosts!! Thank you I will be back

T

Tasha

November 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

The glamptank site is remote, all tucked up in the corner by yourself with lots of privacy! The views and stargazing are incredible. Jen swung by a hour or so after I got to the spot, she’s a sweetheart. They provided drinking water and plenty of cooking equipment. Awesome escape for my dog and I. Thank you!!

N

Noah

November 2025

Tent

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

What a special way to spend my birthday. Really such a great spot that allows you to feel like your camping but has so many great amenities. The owners were so kind as well. We will be coming back!

Jean

November 2025

16 ft car

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands

Always an Epic time at SongDog Ranch! The place is peacefully quiet and surreal! Jim & Jen are fantastic host! Hospitality is at its best! See you again soon!!!