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Cuyama Badlands

99%

· Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California

164 acres hosted by Songdog Ranch J.

1 lodging site · 13 RV/tent sites · 2 tent sites

Great for groups

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for larger groups.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Best legacy: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

If you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians at Painted Rock remind us of those who lived before us. **Read on for more details.** Our Carrizo Camp is surrounded by the Carrizo Plains National Monument. This is truly a get away from it all camping. That's it. You, the coyotes and your own private moon. Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets and amazing stargazing. These UPPER SITES are NOT OHV friendly, but any of our canyon bottom sites are a great base for your riding adventures up in Ballinger Canyon OHV. We'll be happy to recommend a site for you. Our Ranch House and Glamp sites are available on occasion. This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side. Our offerings include fresh air and sunshine, amazing night sky, endless views, and plenty of space and privacy to enjoy your moments in nature. You'll find our amenities and activities puposefully sparse here. Upon booking, there are about 5 miles of dirt road on the property that you are welcome to explore on foot or by bicycle. Rustic is the theme here. There is no shower, no wifi, and no electricity available, but you will enjoy your own private spigot and the cellular service is acceptable. Within a short drive, you'll find plenty of hiking/biking and adventuring, and if you enjoy exploring by car, definitely take a loop drive through Carizzo Plains National Monument, or Mount Pinos and Lockwood Valley. Enjoy a beautiful dinner at the Cuyama Buckhorn and take in the view of the Caliente mountain range. For any sites located south of Ballinger Wash, your vehicle length is limited to 22' and no more than 4' overhang from the rear axle, so you don't get stuck in the crossing and block access for others. Towing services are 1-3 hours away. The AllTrails app will give a pretty good birds eye view of hiking in the area. Our friendly cancellation policies vary between 24 hours for simple campsites and 72 hours for our Glamp sites and Group sites. We do offer a buyout opportunity for the mesa, however the cancellation policy for that much stricter at 50% refund up until 1 week before check-in time. Be sure to check the Google for distance to Cuyama Valley, and your dates for availability and site descriptions. Upon booking, you can look forward to an information packed email to help you make the very best of your trip! We look forward to seeing you! *This land was sparsely populated by the Chumash Indian and is evident by the numerous cave painting that remain here near the Caliente mountain. In the era of the California Missions, this land was a part of the Spanish land grants. Currently the property is privately owned and is adjacent to large sections of publicly held lands.

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Horseback riding

Off-roading (OHV)

Natural features

Cave

Desert

Forest

Canyon

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99%

4200 ratings · 1935 reviews

Somalee D.recommends

December 7, 2024

Draw Camp in the Far West

Essence of camping under starry sky

The mesa is beautiful. The nights were cold and full of stars. Coyotes were howling. We got ourselves a crackling fire. What is there not to love. We got a bit of rain too! An exceptionally memorable camping experience. Our hosts Jen and Jim helped us out when we got a flat exploring the neighboring national monument.

Elsie L.recommends

November 25, 2024

Grand View

Great time with a great view!

We had a great time at Sondog, it was our second time! The hosts were very thoughtful. We booked a few weeks in advance had rain scheduled for our trip, and Jen was ready to work with us by either refunding us or moving us to a lower campsite due to the rain. We really appreciated her willingness to work with us, easing our anxiety! She also gave us some great suggestions for local hikes.

Mario M.recommends

November 24, 2024

Site 3 - Songdog West Campsites.

November Camping!!

Songdog never disappoints! It’s the go to spot for every season. I always appreciate Jim and Jennie checking up making sure everything is going well. Don’t bring your store bought firewood, buy it at the ranch. It’s convenient and the wood burns forever! If you forgot fuel or marshmallows, no worries. Their little store has you covered. Thanks again Songdog!

Matt B.recommends

November 19, 2024

Base Camp site

Amazing Host and Campground

Songdog Ranch was a great first Hipcamp experience for us. We came from Lompoc and stopped at the New Cuyama Deli for a quick bite before we set up camp. Upon arriving we pulled into the property which was nicely marked and easy to find. Our Google maps directions said we had arrived at our destination about 5 min too soon so just keep driving straight and you won't miss it. Basecamp was very easy to find and while setting up our tent we found ourselves stopped for 15 min watching a hawk hunt a crow. While setting up Jen rode by and stopped to say hello and let us know if we needed anything they'd be sure to help as best as they could. While exploring the campsite we found a cute postcard along with a poster of general rules and local businesses in the area. The self service wood was great, as temps were dropping to low 30's and we needed plenty of wood to power our wood stove for our tent. Hiking around we saw rabbits, quail, huge swarms of road runners. The next morning we drove up to Taft for breakfast at The Same Place Cafe and while driving back were able to see a massive California condor by the Bitter Creek Wildlife Refuge and stopped at the SB Pistachio Co. The stars weren't very present during our first night because there was a little rain/hail/snow, which was pretty fun to be in, but wow on the second night. The moon and stars lit up the sky and it was an amazing view. We'll definitely be back and look forward to our future adventures here.

Annika J.recommends

November 18, 2024

The Barbeque

We loved this place! PERFECT for large groups who don’t want to be near other camp sites! Definitely coming back in the summer!!!!

Natalia B.recommends

November 17, 2024

Site 4 - Songdog West Campsites.

Sounddog Site # 4

I had an amazing time camping at Sounddog! The views were absolutely spectacular, and the accommodations were perfectly suited for our overnight stay. Nestled in the high hills of Cuyama, California, this ranch offers a truly serene experience. With zero light pollution, the stars shine brilliantly, creating a breathtaking night sky. The crisp, clean air, combined with the subtle fragrance of juniper bushes, adds to the charm of this place. I highly recommend visiting Sounddog—it’s a perfect escape into nature. I’ll definitely be coming back!

Location

Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Chumash, Salinan, and Kuyam First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking