97% (584) • 30 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Maria
Gaia Farm Campground
1. Gaia Farm Campground
96%
(98)
35mi from Santa Maria · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Situated on a private and peaceful non-profit farm on the Gaviota Coast, our campsites provide a unique camping experience for the whole family. The sites feature uninterrupted views of the coast, native chaparral hiking trails, and access to a farm tour (suggested donation of $25/person). Our farm raises animals such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and more. We invite you to visit with the animals, hike our trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of our incredible land.
Sites are primitive camping on gravel pads along our hiking trails. Approximately a five minute hike from parking. Water and composting toilets are provided.
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from
$44
/ night
Cuyama Oaks Ranch
2. Cuyama Oaks Ranch
99%
(771)
36mi from Santa Maria · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$68
/ night
Sanctuary Cielo
3. Sanctuary Cielo
98%
(30)
46mi from Santa Maria · 1 site · Tent
Find your inner calm. Quiet and beautiful 5 acre, mountain forest retreat with walking paths, seating areas, yoga platforms, swings, caves, boulders and a hammock. (Our neighbors had a rooster for a short time, but they moved it on!) Our sanctuary is more like a bed and breakfast, with touches of being in a warm home environment....an outdoor living room and kitchen.
Easily accessible to cliffside hiking, caves or / rock climbing and the beach. Close to the Lizard's Mouth recreational area that has acres of exquisite cliffside boulders overlooking the ocean. Close to the Playground Recreational hiking area. And close to the Chumash Painted Caves and the Santa Ynez River. Some folks like to go to Montecito to Cold Springs Hotsprings.
Tent camping, ( for a small fee, we have one if you don't). Room for a camping van.
We have a variety of games to choose from for the whole family. Kid friendly.
We have 2 friendly kitties and a small doggie.
Outdoor kitchen with grill, wash basin, outdoor shower, potable water, fire pit, electricity and wifi. Hot tub is available for a small charge. Spa upgrades such as massage are available.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$140
/ night
Los Padres National Forest
4. Los Padres National Forest
95%
(452)
762 sites · Mission Canyon, California
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
97% (584) • 30 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Santa Maria
Gaia Farm Campground
1. Gaia Farm Campground
96%
(98)
35mi from Santa Maria · 4 sites · Tents, Lodging
Situated on a private and peaceful non-profit farm on the Gaviota Coast, our campsites provide a unique camping experience for the whole family. The sites feature uninterrupted views of the coast, native chaparral hiking trails, and access to a farm tour (suggested donation of $25/person). Our farm raises animals such as cows, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, and more. We invite you to visit with the animals, hike our trails, and enjoy the natural beauty of our incredible land.
Sites are primitive camping on gravel pads along our hiking trails. Approximately a five minute hike from parking. Water and composting toilets are provided.
Toilets
Potable water
Picnic table
from
$44
/ night
Cuyama Oaks Ranch
2. Cuyama Oaks Ranch
99%
(771)
36mi from Santa Maria · 8 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
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!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$68
/ night
Sanctuary Cielo
3. Sanctuary Cielo
98%
(30)
46mi from Santa Maria · 1 site · Tent
Find your inner calm. Quiet and beautiful 5 acre, mountain forest retreat with walking paths, seating areas, yoga platforms, swings, caves, boulders and a hammock. (Our neighbors had a rooster for a short time, but they moved it on!) Our sanctuary is more like a bed and breakfast, with touches of being in a warm home environment....an outdoor living room and kitchen.
Easily accessible to cliffside hiking, caves or / rock climbing and the beach. Close to the Lizard's Mouth recreational area that has acres of exquisite cliffside boulders overlooking the ocean. Close to the Playground Recreational hiking area. And close to the Chumash Painted Caves and the Santa Ynez River. Some folks like to go to Montecito to Cold Springs Hotsprings.
Tent camping, ( for a small fee, we have one if you don't). Room for a camping van.
We have a variety of games to choose from for the whole family. Kid friendly.
We have 2 friendly kitties and a small doggie.
Outdoor kitchen with grill, wash basin, outdoor shower, potable water, fire pit, electricity and wifi. Hot tub is available for a small charge. Spa upgrades such as massage are available.
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
from
$140
/ night
Los Padres National Forest
4. Los Padres National Forest
95%
(452)
762 sites · Mission Canyon, California
From beach to mountain, California's second largest forest offers recreation in diverse ecosystems.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
L
Laura
December 2025
Tent
Beautiful landscape, lots of cute animals, and goat soap! What’s not to like?
See more
A
Amos
November 2025
Tent
With kids
We had a lovely time at Sanctuary Cielo. A peaceful setting with ample amenities. There are nice walking trails around the property that we enjoyed exploring with our two year old son. The campsite is in view of the house but there’s a privacy screen to keep things feeling private. Amber the host was warm and inviting but never intrusive. Highly recommend if you’re looking for something close to Santa Barbara!
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S
Samantha
November 2025
Tent
Great hospitality! The site was well set up and had a great view. I loved the animals, especially the dogs I met! Also, I left with a dozen farm fresh eggs…I would definitely recommend.
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A
Alaina
October 2025
Tent
With kids
I loved everything about this stay! The amazing views, warm hospitality and fun farm visit made this a treasured day for us. Ocean views, chaparral in the air, amazing stargazing landscape and friendly hosts. We even left with some farm-fresh bacon and sausage. Many thanks, we can't wait to visit again. Cheers!
See moreE
Emily
October 2025
Tent
We loved this camp site! The host, Amanda, was super welcoming and made us feel comfortable upon arrival. Amanda and her family are located on what is truly the most magical pocket of the Gaviota coast. At night, the stars are so bright it feels like you're in your very own planetarium. We even saw an insane comet (fireball??!) in the sky during our last night!!! Even though other people were staying near us, we never felt overcrowded. Amanda was super considerate in spacing out her guests so that we each felt like we were enjoying the coast all to ourselves. Would 100% recommend this site and we hope to come back again soon!
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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 :)
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S
Sam
October 2025
Tent
Amazing spot to stay, amazing hosts. Couldn’t recommend staying here enough. It’s spacious, beautiful, and you have to get a tour of the wonderful farm! Angela and Tracy are so sweet and welcoming, definitely check out their awesome soaps, lotions, and meat products! Will be back soon :)
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A
Anna
September 2025
17 ft campervan
We stayed on Nathan's farm and were the only guests for two nights (benefits of not camping on the weekend!). It was quiet except for the delightful noises from the goats, pigs, and chickens. The morning and night skies were spectacular. Our campsite was clean with an eco outhouse and separate stand-alone shower. Instructions to get to the farm were easy to follow. Nathan welcomed us into the farm when we arrived. We got to experience rain on the 2nd day--lovely. We appreciated the thoughtfulness that went into the creation our campsite.
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Dan
September 2025
16 ft car
With pets
Had a great stay at Nathan's ranch! We stayed at the Jolly Rancher site and it exceeded expectations!
Clean outhouse, shower and kitchen utensils provided. Nathan was super nice accommodating, friendly and we would definitely stay again!
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Marc
August 2025
Tent
What a wonderful property and a beautiful place to relax and get away from it all. The hosts were kind and helpful in every way. Can’t wait to come back.
See more
C
Calvin
August 2025
Tent
Amanda’s site was clean and well maintained on the family homestead. It’s a short walk from the parking area at the farm down to the site. The night we stayed was dry, warm, and calm - great full moon views of the pacific from the site. Would recommend!
See moreL
Leonardo
August 2025
Tent
Wow, what a special place! Amanda was very warm and friendly. My wife and I really felt welcomed and we plan to come back next time.
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P
Priyanka
July 2025
Tent
Group trip
The campsite was so beautiful and Amanda was amazing. Can’t recommend enough.
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Fazl
July 2025
Tent
With kids
I recently had the pleasure of staying at Cuyama Oaks Ranch, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by peaceful surroundings, breathtaking views, and a sense of calm that only a place this special can offer.
What really stood out was the hospitality of the hosts. They’ve clearly put so much thought into making guests feel at home, while still preserving the natural beauty of the land. Everything was clean, well-equipped, and thoughtfully arranged.
See moreM
Michael
July 2025
Tent
With pets
The hosts are as amazing and the surroundings are peaceful and incredibly beautiful. The campsite has everything for a comfortable stay in nature. We had an amazing time and would love to return.
See moreJ
Janne
July 2025
Tent
Really amazing staying here! So peaceful and tranquil. I loved watching the birds while having my coffee under the trees. The property is very special and they have done an excellent job of making it into the sanctuary that is it. I felt very welcomed and appreciated the freshly baked muffins that Amber brought over in the morning :) and the hiking suggestions. Thank you!
See moreJ
Jeremy
June 2025
Tent
Stunning views. You can see the ocean in the distance and at night the sky is full of stars. The host was friendly and walked me to the site when I arrived. Overall a great place to escape the city for a short trip.
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Jeannie
June 2025
Tent
With pets
Nate was so accommodating and made sure we had everything we needed to make the best of the scorching heat! It is a farmland out in the desert nonetheless, but the cute outhouses and showers built by Nate himself and having the cowboy tub available around the clock kept things cool and fun. There is also a little market 10 min drive away so close enough to pick up more ice and water if you need it. On a clear night without a full moon out, you can lay out under a starry night and maybe even catch a few shooting stars. Thank you Nate for the experience and memories!
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H
Hans
June 2025
With kids
Loved camping on this ranch with our family and friends and a total of 7 kids. Nathan was very welcoming and we enjoyed our stay.
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R
Russell
June 2025
Tent
Group trip
We had a wonderful time! Everything we needed, even the things we forgot, was thoughtfully provided. It was such a fun experience, and we’re already looking forward to coming back in the spring.
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