The best camping near Santa Barbara with surfing

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Looking to combine your love for surfing with a camping adventure near Santa Barbara, California? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 150 camping options specifically tailored to your preferences. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or glamping, there's something for everyone. Plus, with popular campsites like SLO Country Camp (394 reviews), Private Beach Farm (382 reviews), and Ballard Walnut Grove (291 reviews), you can trust you'll be staying at top-notch locations. With prices ranging from $50 to an average of $100 per night, and amenities like pets allowed, cooking equipment, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. And if you're looking to explore more than just surfing, popular activities like hiking, off-roading (OHV), and wildlife watching are just a stone's throw away.

95% (1.3K) 31 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Barbara

Vintage 1948 Airstream trailer

1. Vintage 1948 Airstream trailer

99%
(40)
1.2mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site
Learn more about this land: Restored 1948 vintage Airstream Clipper trailer located on 6 acres. Complete with a double bed, mini fridge, stove, full private bathroom/shower in building next to it, private gate to Elings Park, many hiking trails, a 5 minute drive to Hendry's Beach surfing, swimming. Mountain views with rural country feeling yet in the city of Santa Barbara.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$120
 / night
Canvas Under the Oaks

2. Canvas Under the Oaks

100%
(11)
9.8mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site
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. Check in is from 3-9pm, quite hours from 10pm till 8am
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$250
 / night
Private Beach Farm

3. Private Beach Farm

98%
(620)
15mi from Santa Barbara · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$200
 / night
Carpinteria State Beach

4. Carpinteria State Beach

94%
(113)
State park 11mi from Santa Barbara · 333 sites
Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, this beach is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the southern California coast. Carve out a spot along the sun-soaked shoreline to warm your bones after a dip in what is known as Cali’s safest beach.  Grab the paddle of your choice and commune with the dolphins, whales, and seals that call these waters home. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach or along one of the dune trails. Discover tide pools full of starfish, crabs, snails, sea anemones, and sea urchins. Look out for seals, sea lions, and the occasional gray whale from December through May.  Adventurers looking to catch their own dinner have ample opportunities for fishing and clamming. Those less interested in living off the land can take a short walk to town for a restaurant meal. Dogs aren’t allowed here, so furry friends should be left at home. Truly a California experience, get ready to beach it up on these golden shores. Take your pick from more than 200 campsites at four different campgrounds: Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Anacapa. Reservations are available between 2 days and seven months in advance. Rinse the salt from your body in the coin-op showers located at each of the campgrounds. Hookups are available at Santa Rosa and San Miguel campgrounds. There are also hike or bike-in campgrounds available. Truly a Socal experience, get ready to beach it up on these golden shores.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
El Capitán State Beach

5. El Capitán State Beach

96%
(94)
State park 18mi from Santa Barbara · 133 sites
Enjoy year-round camping at this Santa Barbara-area surfer favorite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Arber-Moore's Ranch

6. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%
(578)
23mi from Santa Barbara · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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 !!"
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$69
 / night
Rancho de Granville

7. Rancho de Granville

92%
(88)
24mi from Santa Barbara · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Midway between the ocean and Ojai, the ranch is 7 acres with plenty of trees, shade and grass. A sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the chickens, horses and frogs! We DO NOT have an out house at moment was the original stage coach stop between Ventura and the small community of Ojai . The old bunkhouse and barn remain!! Please plan to arrive before 8pm.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$52
 / night
Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!

8. Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!

93%
(28)
27mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site
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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$286
 / night
Leap Lab Farm

9. Leap Lab Farm

100%
(53)
37mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site · Tent, RV
15 acres of land right nestled up against South Mountain, on an ecologically-minded property where we are building a sustainability education center. From your campsite, you'll have a sweeping view of the Topa Topa mountain range, as well as a birds eye view of our community farm. Site has access to a geodesic dome, a funky spot to hang out, meditate, do yoga, or picnic. There is one electric outlet to plug into, as well as a hookup for water. Behind the site is South Mountain, where you can scramble, look for fossils from the Sespe range (20 million years old) and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
$70
 / night
Refugio State Beach

10. Refugio State Beach

97%
(77)
State park 21mi from Santa Barbara · 67 sites
Camp beneath swaying palm trees on the California Coast.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Emma Wood State Beach

11. Emma Wood State Beach

96%
(29)
State park 24mi from Santa Barbara · 93 sites
Fish, surf, and explore WWII ruins at this Southern California beach.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Channel Islands National Park

12. Channel Islands National Park

96%
(68)
National park 29mi from Santa Barbara · 95 sites
Set sail for one of the five wildlife-filled islands that make up this offshore park.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
McGrath State Beach

13. McGrath State Beach

82%
(17)
State park 29mi from Santa Barbara · 133 sites
Discover the natural splendor of McGrath State Beach.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Lodge at Deer Creek

14. The Lodge at Deer Creek

90%
(122)
47mi from Santa Barbara · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between the majestic Santa Monica Mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sunsets and stargazing from this 25 acre ocean view property. During the day you can swim or surf the famous Malibu waves, hike or bike in the mountains, or enjoy shopping at Pt. Dume or Cross Creek. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are just 15 minutes away along the beautiful coast.
Pets
from 
$75
 / night
Lisa S.’s Land

15. Lisa S.’s Land

89%
(306)
28mi from Santa Barbara · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$85
 / night
Point Mugu State Park

16. Point Mugu State Park

93%
(64)
State park 42mi from Santa Barbara · 117 sites
Sandy beaches and mountain hikes await.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Looking to combine your love for surfing with a camping adventure near Santa Barbara, California? Look no further than Hipcamp, where you'll find over 150 camping options specifically tailored to your preferences. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or glamping, there's something for everyone. Plus, with popular campsites like SLO Country Camp (394 reviews), Private Beach Farm (382 reviews), and Ballard Walnut Grove (291 reviews), you can trust you'll be staying at top-notch locations. With prices ranging from $50 to an average of $100 per night, and amenities like pets allowed, cooking equipment, and potable water, you'll have everything you need for a memorable camping experience. And if you're looking to explore more than just surfing, popular activities like hiking, off-roading (OHV), and wildlife watching are just a stone's throw away.

95% (1.3K) 31 campsites

Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Barbara

Vintage 1948 Airstream trailer

1. Vintage 1948 Airstream trailer

99%
(40)
1.2mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site
Learn more about this land: Restored 1948 vintage Airstream Clipper trailer located on 6 acres. Complete with a double bed, mini fridge, stove, full private bathroom/shower in building next to it, private gate to Elings Park, many hiking trails, a 5 minute drive to Hendry's Beach surfing, swimming. Mountain views with rural country feeling yet in the city of Santa Barbara.
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$120
 / night
Canvas Under the Oaks

2. Canvas Under the Oaks

100%
(11)
9.8mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site
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. Check in is from 3-9pm, quite hours from 10pm till 8am
Toilets
Showers
Wifi
from 
$250
 / night
Private Beach Farm

3. Private Beach Farm

98%
(620)
15mi from Santa Barbara · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$200
 / night
Carpinteria State Beach

4. Carpinteria State Beach

94%
(113)
State park 11mi from Santa Barbara · 333 sites
Twelve miles south of Santa Barbara, this beach is one of the best ways to take in the beauty of the southern California coast. Carve out a spot along the sun-soaked shoreline to warm your bones after a dip in what is known as Cali’s safest beach.  Grab the paddle of your choice and commune with the dolphins, whales, and seals that call these waters home. Take a leisurely stroll along the beach or along one of the dune trails. Discover tide pools full of starfish, crabs, snails, sea anemones, and sea urchins. Look out for seals, sea lions, and the occasional gray whale from December through May.  Adventurers looking to catch their own dinner have ample opportunities for fishing and clamming. Those less interested in living off the land can take a short walk to town for a restaurant meal. Dogs aren’t allowed here, so furry friends should be left at home. Truly a California experience, get ready to beach it up on these golden shores. Take your pick from more than 200 campsites at four different campgrounds: Santa Cruz, San Miguel, Santa Rosa, and Anacapa. Reservations are available between 2 days and seven months in advance. Rinse the salt from your body in the coin-op showers located at each of the campgrounds. Hookups are available at Santa Rosa and San Miguel campgrounds. There are also hike or bike-in campgrounds available. Truly a Socal experience, get ready to beach it up on these golden shores.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
El Capitán State Beach

5. El Capitán State Beach

96%
(94)
State park 18mi from Santa Barbara · 133 sites
Enjoy year-round camping at this Santa Barbara-area surfer favorite.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Arber-Moore's Ranch

6. Arber-Moore's Ranch

93%
(578)
23mi from Santa Barbara · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
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 !!"
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$69
 / night
Rancho de Granville

7. Rancho de Granville

92%
(88)
24mi from Santa Barbara · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
Midway between the ocean and Ojai, the ranch is 7 acres with plenty of trees, shade and grass. A sandy yard, a tent spot with privacy near San Antonio Creek ! Challenge a friend to game of horseshoes or darts. Your neighbors are the chickens, horses and frogs! We DO NOT have an out house at moment was the original stage coach stop between Ventura and the small community of Ojai . The old bunkhouse and barn remain!! Please plan to arrive before 8pm.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$52
 / night
Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!

8. Caravan Outpost - Ojai Oasis!

93%
(28)
27mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site
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!
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from 
$286
 / night
Leap Lab Farm

9. Leap Lab Farm

100%
(53)
37mi from Santa Barbara · 1 site · Tent, RV
15 acres of land right nestled up against South Mountain, on an ecologically-minded property where we are building a sustainability education center. From your campsite, you'll have a sweeping view of the Topa Topa mountain range, as well as a birds eye view of our community farm. Site has access to a geodesic dome, a funky spot to hang out, meditate, do yoga, or picnic. There is one electric outlet to plug into, as well as a hookup for water. Behind the site is South Mountain, where you can scramble, look for fossils from the Sespe range (20 million years old) and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Water hookup
from 
$70
 / night
Refugio State Beach

10. Refugio State Beach

97%
(77)
State park 21mi from Santa Barbara · 67 sites
Camp beneath swaying palm trees on the California Coast.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Emma Wood State Beach

11. Emma Wood State Beach

96%
(29)
State park 24mi from Santa Barbara · 93 sites
Fish, surf, and explore WWII ruins at this Southern California beach.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Channel Islands National Park

12. Channel Islands National Park

96%
(68)
National park 29mi from Santa Barbara · 95 sites
Set sail for one of the five wildlife-filled islands that make up this offshore park.
Toilets
Campfires
Potable water
McGrath State Beach

13. McGrath State Beach

82%
(17)
State park 29mi from Santa Barbara · 133 sites
Discover the natural splendor of McGrath State Beach.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Lodge at Deer Creek

14. The Lodge at Deer Creek

90%
(122)
47mi from Santa Barbara · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
At The Lodge at Deer Creek you'll be nestled between the majestic Santa Monica Mountains and the beautiful Pacific Ocean. Enjoy sunsets and stargazing from this 25 acre ocean view property. During the day you can swim or surf the famous Malibu waves, hike or bike in the mountains, or enjoy shopping at Pt. Dume or Cross Creek. Grocery, restaurants, and retail are just 15 minutes away along the beautiful coast.
Pets
from 
$75
 / night
Lisa S.’s Land

15. Lisa S.’s Land

89%
(306)
28mi from Santa Barbara · 4 sites · RVs, Lodging
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$85
 / night
Point Mugu State Park

16. Point Mugu State Park

93%
(64)
State park 42mi from Santa Barbara · 117 sites
Sandy beaches and mountain hikes await.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field