98% (3.7K)
Top-rated campgrounds
98% (3.7K)
Top-rated campgrounds
Stories from the community
S
Steve
2 weeks ago
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
See moreT
Tasha
3 weeks ago
With pets
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!!
See more
M
MF
November 2025
With pets
My wife Suzie and I, and our two pup-pups, Lucy & Juando, just returned from our 2-night stay at Songdog Ranch, where we bunked in at the cabin known as Pupdog Hill.
We really are having a hard time finding adequate language to describe the inherent magic and utter bliss that is undeniable, as it is “baked” into every board and boulder that exists beneath your feet, surrounding you with every breath you take.
I hope a few of our fotos will give you an idea of this stunning place. But you really have to experience Songdog Ranch for yourself.
We are beyond grateful to our indescribable hosts, Jim and Jenny. Simply, thank you.
Mark, Suzie, Lucy & Juando
See moreb
brian
November 2025
With kids
Family and I very much enjoyed the convent fire pit and the available firewood. Family enjoyed sleeping in the glamptank and im sure the kids will remember its uniqueness.
See more
S
Sarah
November 2025
Group trip
I love this place! The views are rivaled only by the vibe. This is the perfect place to relax.
See more
C
Clayton
October 2025
With pets
This was an awesome, secluded but easy to get to camp site. 10/10
See more
A
Alissa
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands
What an incredibly beautiful and peaceful place! Pupdog is the perfect place to escape, relax, and stargaze. Jen was super friendly and helpful. The shelter is well kept, comfortable, and cute with the perfect mix of amenities while still having a little bit of the glamp experience. It has lots of thoughtful little features (mat for the wagon, games, outdoor tub, kitchen supplies, etc). I truly cannot wait to go back and my dog can’t wait either :) Thank you Jen!
See more
J
Jenn
October 2025
Group trip
We had a small group come up to Nathan's ranch for my sister's birthday, and we rented out two of the glamping sites. We had so much fun, and it was awesome being away from the city with such amazing views. Seriously, the mountains were insane, and I don't think I've ever seen the Milky Way so clearly. Nathan was lovely, as are the animals—everyone should do the petting zoo. Definitely bring your earplugs if you're in Pink Pony #1 (the rooster is an early riser!) We'll be back for sure :)
See more
Christina
October 2025
With kids
We had such a great stay at Harmony’s Glamping! It’s incredible that you can feel completely tucked away in nature while being just 20 minutes from downtown Santa Barbara. The property is beautiful — surrounded by trees, with a creek running alongside the sites — and the yurts (we stayed in the Luxury Yurt + Creekside Fairy Dome) struck a perfect balance between comfort and adventure.
Harmony was an excellent host and made sure we felt well-prepared before arriving, especially with helpful notes about the drive in and things to bring. Definitely make sure you bring pots/pan and foil for cooking, and headlamps for light. Harmony had alot of the other essentials there for us such was, silverware, soap, sponge, shampoo, lighter, instant coffee, and paper towels.
This spot is ideal for anyone looking for an easy, nature-filled getaway without going too far off the grid. We left feeling refreshed and already talking about when we could come back!
See more
J
Jennifer
October 2025
With kids
I can’t say enough about our time at the creekside fairy dome! It was a magical location, Harmony was an amazing host and the hike to the waterfall was unforgettable! Loved it and will definitely be going back! 💕
See more
M
Manda
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Cuyama Badlands
Beautiful. Magical cabin and valley. We can’t wait to come back! Our little pups loved it too.
See more
Jenny
October 2025
With kids
Lovely! Nathan was a welcoming and gracious host. Our toddler loved meeting the animals and collecting eggs. The land and skies are breathtaking. We’ll be back!
See morei
isaac
October 2025
With kids
Beautiful views, well-supplied and felt like we were alone on the land under the beautiful Milky Way Galaxy. Who knew this little part of the earth was so near!
See more
S
Shaun
October 2025
3 nights at Harmony's Glamping
Harmony was very accommodating and even allowed for an upgrade to a different site. The drive down to the site is a little sketchy, but well worth it. We had the entire site to ourselves and was one of our best experiences camping/glamping ever. The dip in the water was refreshing and the nights were peaceful. We didn’t make it to the waterfall because of small dogs, but it didn’t bring our experience down. The ping pong and freezbie golf was a high light as well.
See more
E
Erin
September 2025
Group trip
Loved this place! I would definitely go back. You can really tell how much the hosts care about taking care of the environment and making it a wonderful place for people to experience. 10/10
See more
A
Alanna
September 2025
With pets
We were only able to stay 1 night but it was truly an amazing experience. Sierra and Darin have built an amazing space on such a beautiful property of land. From the first second we met them, they were very welcoming. They made us feel like we were home. Their hard work in the whole space shows. We brought our Australian Shepherd with us, who didn’t want to leave. We are 11/10 coming back, hopefully for more than just one night. I recommend for anybody that wants/needs to be surrounded by nature and good people.
See moreB
Brad
September 2025
Weekend Trip to Harmony's Glamping
My wife and I had an amazing time at Harmony's. It was so peaceful, relaxing and fun. Our area was clean and equipped with nice touches that made the stay more enjoyable. Our site felt very private and the community area was fun to hang out in and play games or just relax.
See moret
tom
September 2025
With kids
this is a magical spot, beautiful, unique building with an epic views of sunset down the valley. Jim and his family are so great to deal with, song dog is a go to for my family, but this cabin makes it even more special.
See moreL
Lauren
September 2025
With pets
Gosh, this is such a serene and lovely place. The location-- along a running creek with steelhead trout, lush trees and ample swimming holes-- feels magical given it's set in the midst of a much dryer and arid landscape. I will certainly return.
See moreC
Catherine
September 2025
With kids
Was a truly magical spot. You could tell Harmony has really put a lot of thought into the spaces she’s created for guests. It was a great place to unplug and will definitely go again!
See more
The best family-friendly glamping near Santa Barbara guide
Where to go
Channel Islands National Park
Craving some remote camping? Each of the five Channel Islands has one established campground, while Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands offer limited backcountry options. Scorpion Canyon and Del Norte Campgrounds on Santa Cruz are most popular, both accessed by foot, private boat, or kayak.
Los Padres National Forest
Choose from more than 60 campgrounds, including dispersed campsites, in Los Padres. Paradise Campground features spacious sites and plentiful shade from massive oak trees with the Santa Ynez River close by for fishing and swimming. Flush toilets, fire rings, and picnic tables make this campground a comfy piece of tent camping heaven.
Santa Barbara Area State Beaches
El Capitán offers 131 sites for tent and RV camping, all set among sycamore and oak trees, while three miles further, Refugio State Beach caters to angler campers who love this stretch of coastline dotted with hiking trails and picnic tables.
When to go
Springtime typically draws visitors to Santa Barbara for the annual International Film Festival and the Vintners Festival Weekend, while the warmth of June brings the outdoor California Wine Festival. Summer is, of course, peak season, when beaches are most crowded and campgrounds fill up. Expect mild weather all year, with rainfall usually between December and February. Camping is available year-round on all five islands in Channel Islands National Park.
Know before you go
- The Channel Islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats or private boats, and campers must secure advance transportation for any overnight trip.
- Advanced camping reservations are required for all Channel Islands campgrounds. No public transportation is available on the islands, and bicycles are not permitted.
- Visitors can reserve campsites at El Capitán State Beach six months in advance.
- Dogs are allowed in the El Capitán campgrounds and day-use areas, but are not permitted on the beach.
- Always safely store all food and secure trash in animal- and bird-proof containers.
Nearby attractions
- Discover the beauty of coastal camping at Rincon Parkway. Set up camp along the scenic shoreline, indulge in beach activities, and fall asleep to the soothing sound of ocean waves. Embrace the laid-back atmosphere and create lasting memories in this coastal paradise.
- Experience coastal camping bliss at Faria Beach Park. Set up camp near sandy shores, enjoy beach activities, and relish breathtaking sunsets. Embrace the laid-back beach lifestyle, listen to the soothing ocean waves, and create unforgettable memories in this beachside paradise.