Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
- You can reserve one of the 66 campsites at Refugio State Beach Campground online via ReserveCalifornia. Campsites can be reserved from April through December; outside of this time, they are available on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Online reservations open six months in advance.
- Campsites can book up fast, and it’s not unusual for sites to be booked as soon as they become available, so plan ahead and reserve as early as possible.
When to Go
This state beach is hugely popular, so expect crowds and fully booked campsites through spring and summer. Come late in the season to avoid the masses—it’s still warm enough to swim through early fall—or bring your wetsuit and hit the surf in winter, when the waves are at their largest. Camping is possible year-round at Refugio State Beach Campground, but the park is subject to closures due to high rainfall from December through March.
Know Before You Go
- Refugio State Beach is set off the Pacific Coast Highway (Route 1), 20 miles west of Santa Barbara or about a 20-minute drive.
- Daily parking fees and camping reservation fees apply.
- Facilities at Refugio State Beach include a park store, restrooms, showers. Lifeguards patrol the beach year-round, and lifeguard towers are staffed in summer.
- There are no electric hookups at Refugio State Campground. Campfires are allowed in the provided fire rings only; no fires are allowed on the beach.
- There are accessible campsites and restrooms at Pomponio State Beach. The blufftop trail is also accessible, and beach wheelchairs are available by advance booking.
Refugio State Beach
Camp beneath swaying palm trees on the California Coast.
Sun, sand, surf, and swaying palms—Refugio State Beach has everything you would expect from a California beach and then some. Bring your surfboard to catch some waves, take to the water for a kayak tour, or cool off with a swim. Up for a coastal walk or bike ride? The 2.5-mile Aniso Trail (part of the California Coastal Trail) runs between Refugio and El Capitan State Beach. Campers can sleep to the sound of the surf at Refugio State Beach Campground, which has tent and RV sites right by the beachside. Better yet, book sites 34-36 or 60 for the best beach view.
Sun, sand, surf, and swaying palms—Refugio State Beach has everything you would expect from a California beach and then some. Bring your surfboard to catch some waves, take to the water for a kayak tour, or cool off with a swim. Up for a coastal walk or bike ride? The 2.5-mile Aniso Trail (part of the California Coastal Trail) runs between Refugio and El Capitan State Beach. Campers can sleep to the sound of the surf at Refugio State Beach Campground, which has tent and RV sites right by the beachside. Better yet, book sites 34-36 or 60 for the best beach view.
Activities in the park
2 campgrounds in Refugio State Beach
If the idea of falling asleep in a tent to the sound of surf and swaying palm trees sounds idyllic, add Refugio Campground to your travel list when visiting Refugio State Beach. This pet-friendly campground just 30 minutes west of Santa Barbara features 66 tent and RV sites with fire rings and picnic tables but no RV hookups or dump stations. The Read more...
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Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
Tips for Snagging a Campsite Reservation
When to Go
This state beach is hugely popular, so expect crowds and fully booked campsites through spring and summer. Come late in the season to avoid the masses—it’s still warm enough to swim through early fall—or bring your wetsuit and hit the surf in winter, when the waves are at their largest. Camping is possible year-round at Refugio State Beach Campground, but the park is subject to closures due to high rainfall from December through March.
Know Before You Go
Public campgrounds (book externally) —