River, stream, or creek camping near Santa Barbara

With a temperate climate, gorgeous shoreline, and incredible camping, this city earns its "American Riviera" reputation.

95% (830 reviews)
95% (830 reviews)

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12 top river, stream, or creek campgrounds near Santa Barbara

95%
(233)

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
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$150
 / night
100%
(37)

Camp RainDale

6 sites · Tents30 acres · Santa Paula, CA
There is a road that leads to the site when you enter the gate the road runs between the stream and the mountain there are 4 Camps to choose from so far. Many more on the way and you can ask if you would like to camp somewhere else on the property and we can work it out. The site runs along a flowing stream consisting of paths from camp to stream. There are many trees enclosing the entire camping area.
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$35
 / night
81%
(29)

Firefly Ridge on Sky High Drive

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Ventura, CA
Enjoy your own private, wild mountain top covered in protected California Oaks with 360° unobstructed views of nature. 10 minutes inland from the Beach in Ventura. 20 minutes from the center of Ojai. Quiet, dark skies! Off grid. Raw land. Rugged environment. There are multiple flat areas on which to pitch a tent - one grassy area right above where you park that can fit two small 2-person size tents or a few different spots on top of the hill (although the top is a bit rocky, so you’ll be more comfortable with a sleeping pad). The trail up to the top of the mountain from the parking spot is a bit STEEP and takes about 2-3 minutes to walk up to the top (where the best views are). The parking spot can fit a van but no larger vehicles. Pay very close attention to not block the neighbors’ driveways at any time. Our land comes as-is, it is a not a formal ‘campground’, so *WILD CAMPING* rules apply - respect the land, pack in-pack out, no trash left behind. No toilet, so come prepared! (Critical - you leave with *everything* you’ve come with. No digging holes to potty.) The road up to the top of the mountain is essentially a one lane paved road, with some hairpin turns. Google Maps tells you “you have arrived” slightly before you reach the parking space that you can see in the pictures. Please also note in the pics that the parking space is flat once you’re fully in it, but there is a slight angle where you pull in, so longer vehicles may not park perfectly flat. Try to arrive *before sunset* - a few campers have had trouble finding their way in the dark as there are no street lights up there. No open fires or BBQs!! Full fire ban in effect! Be ***extremely*** careful, this region is a High Fire Risk and needs to be protected. Protect these ancient oaks! (Enclosed gas portable stoves / pits ok when used with caution.) Dogs ok on leash but can never be left alone or allowed to bark in excess. No parties or loud music — we have neighbors surrounding us around the mountain top, please *be respectful* and quiet by 10pm. They keep an eye on the place for us and we will hear from them if they are upset about noise, fires or dogs and they will call 911 if there is an immediate hazard or disturbance. Please text us with any questions or issues. Thanks! *Alas, refunds will not be given if the issue is that you didn’t read the description fully - some not-so-kind folks seem to be trying to game the system by complaining about things that are clearly stated and/or pictured - eg, that it is a mountain top / ridge, that there are neighbors at the bottom of the hill, that there is no toilet, etc.
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$30
 / night
94%
(356)

Arber-Moore's Ranch

6 sites · RVs, Tents22 acres · Oak View, CA
Beautiful natural campsites in the Valley of the Moon (Ojai Valley). Our sites are within an eighth of a mile of walking, running, biking, and riding trails from Ojai to the beaches of Ventura. On many days you can experience Ojai’s famous pink moments. You can hike the trails above Ojai, boat, eat, or picnic at Lake Casitas. Travel to nearby Ventura to shop, fish the pier, or take a deep sea fishing charter or Island charter to Whale watch or fish around the Channel Islands. Please note the aerial view of the camping area recently placed by Hipcamp is NOT AT ALL REPRESENTATIVE of the current camping sites and shows a photo that is many years old when the site was merely land. That photo is without any of the existing amenities or improvements. The actual sites are all Larger than Federal Park and Statepark guidelines, with averages of 20'x30' for campsites and 20'x40' for a long RVCampsite. We have planted many young trees and continue to plant trees and native shrubs around and near the sites. We have picnic tables, table coverings, fire pits, and camping rugs/footprints. There is also an outdoor shower, a shower tent with hot water, and an upgraded porta-potty with a sink. Note: During times when high heat is predicted, we strongly recommend that our Hipcampers bring pop-up shade tents or canopies for their sites. The Hipcamp is adjacent to our working ranch, and any photos of old sheds, trucks, a wood lot, or other equipment are NOT on the Hipcamp, but you will drive past that property to get to the separate Hipcamp area. Wineries, Farmer's Markets, Craft Breweries, dispensaries, and more are within 10 to 15 minutes of our site. Our location allows moments when you may see Hawks, Owls, Geese, Swallows, Robins, Bluebirds, and more. We offer both tent and RV camping. The Majority of our Guests love it here: "Vivian and Dave were exceptional hosts! Easy to contact and find our way to their property. Also gave us a plethora of places to go and things to do in the Ojai area. The area was open and spacious, and many trees and upgrades were in the works to make future stays more user-friendly. Big pluses were the shower and toilet facilities—much appreciated !!"
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$69
 / night
93%
(218)

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
92%
(42)

Rancho de Granville

6 sites · RVs, Tents7 acres · Oak View, CA
Sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the friendly horses and the curious chickens! This was the original stage coach stop between Ventura and the small community of Nordoff (Ojai) the old bunkhouse and barn remain!
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$65
 / night
100%
(2)

Park At Tar Creeks Ranch

1 site · RV, Tent13 acres · Ojai, CA
Welcome to our tranquil retreat nestled among oak and pine trees, offering a serene getaway with stunning views of the Topatopa bluffs. Our site is the perfect place to disconnect and immerse yourself in nature, with five ephemeral creeks meandering through the 13-acre property. As a Leave No Trace environment, we ask that all guests come fully self-contained. While we don't yet have a compost toilet set up, we do provide a potable water hookup for your convenience. Please be mindful of your impact on the land and practice responsible camping during your stay. Take advantage of the one-mile trail that winds through the property, leading you to fascinating sites such as the caldera of a tar volcano, ancient Chumash cupules and mortars on boulders, and a tar marsh where wildlife thrives. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, hiker, or simply seeking peace, our retreat offers something for everyone. We welcome guests to stay for a maximum of three days, but we're open to accommodating longer stays upon request. Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with the beauty of the natural world at our secluded oasis. We look forward to hosting you!
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$50
 / night
96%
(207)

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
100%
(3)

Canvas Under the Oaks

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Santa Barbara, CA
We are located just 15 minutes from Santa Barbara beaches and twenty minutes to wine country towns Los Olivos, Solvang and Ballard. Nestled among the oaks with stunning canyon views, our 14x16 foot canvas tent sits on a 28 foot redwood deck. The porch, cantilevered into the trees is a fantastic place to enjoy your morning yoga or coffee ritual, read a book, or relax with a glass of rosé.
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$250
 / night
93%
(22)

Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!

1 site · Lodging6 acres · Ojai, CA
Tucked away at the outskirts of Ojai, Caravan Outpost offers an unique experience hosted in one of our 10 Airstreams or 1 Tiny House on Wheels. Learn more about this land: This listing is for one of our 10 Airstreams located in a plush, beautiful Oasis in Ojai, California. Caravan Outpost is a garden filled with Airstreams in Ojai, CA. One of the most unique places to stay in all of America. The Outpost is family-friendly and located on the Ojai Valley bike path. Ride one of our complimentary bikes, enjoy the beautiful botanical garden, eat at a local delicious restaurant, hike one of the many trails, listen to our vinyl collection - Relax and enjoy!
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$336
 / night
Booked 1 time

Green Goat Eco Farm

1 site · Tent156 acres · Mission Canyon, CA
156 private acres of off-grid heaven, or Paradise, rather. Nestled into the protected National Forest, privacy abounds, and an opportunity to reconnect with nature emerges, whether that's down in the forest meadows under the tree canopy, up on our knoll with 360 degree views and epic stargazing, or next to our babbling creek dotted with natural plunge pools. Wake up naturally with our roosters and filtered sunlight, then enjoy what this area has to offer (hiking, road biking, mountain biking, wine tasting).
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$149
 / night
96%
(27)

-G Ranch

3 sites · RVs, Tents116 acres · New Cuyama, CA
The Cuyama Valley separates the Caliente Mountain Range from the Sierra Madre Mountain Range. Tucked away in the northern foothills of the Sierra Madre Mountain Range of the Los Padres National Forest is Cottonwood Canyon of the Cuyama Valley, located in northern Santa Barbara County. Cottonwood Canyon is known for its spectacular high desert landscapes offering open ranges, rolling hills, chaparral with oak woodlands, riparian and juniper-sage terrain, and seasonal wildflowers. Cottonwood Canyon is also home to our secluded 116-acre ranch. The flora and fauna are plentiful, the mountainous views are indescribable, and the night skies are unforgettable! Perfect for unplugging, wildlife watching, photography, meditation, and much more! Our ranch has miles of hiking, mountain biking and horseback trails and is just two short miles from the Los Padres National Forest. This is the true essence of wilderness meets country, and we can’t wait to share it with you! Even though we are in the middle of nowhere, we are conveniently located near many recreational sites. Just to name a few, about 20 miles east is Alison Canyon Park; About 30 miles east off highway 33 is OHV recreation area, Ballinger Canyon; About 35 miles east off Hudson Ranch Road is the Bitter Creek National Wildlife Refuge; About 60 miles north off Soda Lake Road is the Carrizo Plain National Monument; About 12 miles west is the Chimineas Ranch Ecological Reserve; and, about 60 miles east off highway 166 is Wind Wolves Preserve. Get a peaceful night’s sleep with full bellies! Here at -G Ranch, it’s important to us that you get the most pleasant stay that you deserve. Bring your own food to grill on our communal BBQ or possibly let us cook for you! Contact us before your stay and we can discuss food details.Learn more about this land:Come spend the night under the stars at our Grant Line camp site and event center. The Grant Line campsite is situated right next to an original 1840’s Spanish Land Grant boundary line, which is intersected by Forest Route 11N01. The grant has since been divided, but large pieces of land still remain, mostly inhabited by mountainous wildlife, ground squirrels, rabbits, coyotes and cattle. This area is also rich in Chumash history. Million-dollar views of the Caliente Mountain Range await you for evening sunsets and the Sierra Madre Mountain Range await you for your morning coffee enjoyment. Don't miss the brilliance of the famous Cottonwood Canyon Wildflowers with your front row seat. For your comfort, there is a 16x20 rustic-style shade structure (which has also been used for a dance floor!), water spigot, fire pit, small BBQ, and an outhouse. We have oak firewood available for purchase and a larger BBQ capable of cooking for 200+ guests available for rent, if needed. This site also provides plenty of parking for multiple RV’s and can accommodate larger groups.
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$75
 / night

Dog-friendly getaways

Under $50

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River, stream, or creek camping near Santa Barbara guide

Overview

Looking for a camping experience near Santa Barbara, California that's perfect for river enthusiasts? Look no further than Frog Hollow Homestead! With over 100 options in the area that offer river access, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your outdoor adventure. Whether you're looking for a secluded riverside campsite or a glamping experience with all the amenities, Hipcamp has you covered. Some of the top campsites in the area include Arber-Moore's Ranch and Harmony's Glamping. Prices start as low as $20 per night, with an average price of $99. Popular amenities such as trash disposal, cooking equipment, and campfire pits are available at many of the campsites. And with activities like swimming, fishing, and boating nearby, there's no shortage of things to do. So pack your gear and get ready for an unforgettable camping experience along the river!

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