The best cabin rentals in Gaviota State Park, CA
77% (22)
A geologically unique California beach just steps from the Santa Ynez Mountains.
The best cabin rentals in Gaviota State Park, CA
Blue Sky Center
1. Blue Sky Center
94%
(757)
45mi from Gaviota State Park · 31 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
1948- On January 1, 1948 a wildcatter named George Hadley, who had been oil prospecting in the valley for 10 years, made the first oil strike in the Cuyama Valley. Richfield Oil Company soon moved in and extracted nearly 300 million barrels of oil in just a few short years. To accommodate an exploding workforce in the early 1950s, the company built the town of New Cuyama, its infrastructure, public buildings, the Cuyama airstrip (L88) and all the industrial structures that are now home to Blue Sky. Richfield Oil Company, later merging with Atlantic Oil Company forming the Atlantic Richfield Oil Company (ARCO), created high-paying jobs, a safe and prosperous community, and developed schools, churches, and recreational areas for the employee-residents.1973- With dwindling production in the area and new discoveries in Alaska, Atlantic-Richfield Oil Company put the town of New Cuyama and its associated infrastructure up for sale. Word of an entire town for sale made its way to entrepreneur, Russell O’Quinn of the Foundation for Airborne Relief (FAR) and Mildred Dotson, a wealthy widow from Tulsa, Oklahoma. The two worked together to acquire the townsite and adjacent land. O’Quinn, an aviator, inventor, and test pilot, aspired to use the New Cuyama airstrip and facilities as a base for humanitarian relief and a non-profit trade school. Though not fully realized, FAR’s primary vision included utilizing converted military aircraft to airlift food and medical supplies to developing countries and global disaster areas. Dotson had loftier goals. Her plans included an 18-hole fly-in golf course, expansion of the Buckhorn Restaurant and Motel, and a 40- to 50-acre lake for amphibious landing and water sports. 1986- Another visionary, Harry Kislevitz, inventor of the popular design tool Colorforms® and founder of Future City/Villages International, sought to develop the site as a “City of Friendship,” an all-electric village of 5,000 earthen homes. The dwellings were to be designed by Nader Khalili, an Iranian-born architect who specialized in earthen structures, worked with NASA on prototypes for lunar homes and received an award from the United Nations for his work towards the development of low cost, sustainable structures for human shelter in impoverished and disaster prone environments. One 628-sq-ft Khalili prototype remains on the property today ("the Cantina"). Khalili went on to form the California Institute for Earth Art and Architecture, Cal-Earth, in Hesperia, CA.1993- Recognizing the transformative potential of clean, solar power and the attractiveness of a rural destination, entrepreneur Mike Nolan worked to develop the Solar Skypark and Big Sky Guest Ranch with Santa Barbara Architect, Barry Berkus. The Sky Park included plans for sixty-five fly-in residences on one-acre lots powered completely from clean, solar energy. The Big Sky Guest Ranch was intended to function as a clubhouse for Skypark residents complete with an equestrian center, a small subsistence farm, pool and plenty of enriching recreational activities. 2012- At the end of 2011, the Zannon Family Foundation made a long-term investment in acquiring the New Cuyama Airport property with the vision of rehabilitating the site to be a low-cost resource for programs and organizations working to advance sustainable living practices and technologies. Plans began soon after towards developing a framework and organization to develop the space and coordinate with prospective programs and institutions. In 2014 Blue Sky Sustainable Living Center ("Blue Sky Center") received 501(c)(3) not-for-profit status, endeavoring to reclaim this property for the public good. Today, Blue Sky Center provides unduplicated services and technical assistance to support small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as the local food system, with core work focused on community research and advocacy led by Cuyamans. Learn more on our website and consider supporting our community work with your donation or by hosting your next special event here!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$35
/ night
Camp Arroyo Grande
2. Camp Arroyo Grande
96%
(957)
49mi from Gaviota State Park · 21 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Welcome to Camp Arroyo Grande! Enjoy 29-acres that feature beautiful ocean views, oak woodlands, and plenty of rustic charm. All this is conveniently tucked into the hillside just steps away from the Village of Arroyo Grande where you will find restaurants, coffee, shopping, parks and Roosters.
The property is home to many youth groups and local non-profits, continuing a 135-year legacy as an Event Center and Retreat Space. The historic Tabernacle building has been hosting church and schools gatherings, dinners, fundraisers, weddings, family reunions, festivals and more since 1897. Community Events are likely to be taking place but follow quiet time guidelines.
*pool is seasonal and subject to availability
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from
$28
/ night
Lisa S.’s Land
3. Lisa S.’s Land
89%
(306)
13mi from Gaviota State Park · 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
77% (22)
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Read millions of real reviews from campers like you—so you know what to expect.Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
Anezka
3 weeks ago
With pets
I absolutely loved staying in the cabin. Booked last minute and everything was clean and ready upon arrival. The cabin is 'rustic' meaning not fully insulated from weather and sound but it comes equipped w heaters, ac and even a noise machine to block out outside sound. Bed was comfortable with plenty of extra blankets for the chilly nights and fans to use during the warmer daytime. The only hiccup I had was that the wifi was not working and it was in a dead zone for my cell. Host was immediately responsive but I was never able to get the wifi to work. Town is less then 5 minutes away so I decided to just go without during most of my stay but if this is a deal breaker for you its good to know. Overall its a delightful alternative to pricey hotels in the area or to camping w less amenities and we will definitely be back again next time we are in the area.
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Lola
January 2026
Weekend Trip to Lisa S.’s Land
So cute and nice! Peaceful and owner was so sweet and responsive!
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Kira
December 2025
With kids
This was our second stay at Camp Arroyo Grande and we loved it. Its so quiet and even though there are other guests, it feels like we have the whole place to ourselves. The only downside was our particular site didn't have a fire pit like some of the others, and we planned to cook over the fire, so we had to use our camp stove, which we luckily had with us. But no s'mores :( There's a group firepit we could have used but it was a bit far from thr cabin to go with the kids. Also, the grounds around this cabin are very steep and it was hard for our baby to walk around. The older kids were fine. I would have chosen a different cabin if I had known the particulars, but we still loved it, and had a nice cozy stay!! Can't wait to return!
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John D
December 2025
Group trip
The views from here are outstanding, I took my dog for a walk down to the village and grabbed a coffee and enjoyed the beautiful weather after a rainstorm.
The heater in the room was sufficient enough to heat the cabin. I would recommend bringing a table with you, this is glamping but you still need to have items as if you were tent camping.
We usually bring sleeping bags and pillows, blankets and/or sheets. There were very little guests there during our trip and I had the men’s facilities all to myself in the morning before 7 am.
This is extremely valuable compared to the hotels/motels in the area and is a great way to experience Arroyo’s beautiful city and surrounding areas. It is close to everything and if you’re a walker, there’s nice trials onsite that lead you offsite.
We’ll be back to experience there awesome grounds again.
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Jenny
December 2025
1 night at Lisa S.’s Land
I really love the little bunk house...this was my second time staying there. It is very convenient to Los Olivos village and quiet...It really is best for just one person unless you are a couple that are used to camping and being very close.
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yolee
December 2025
1 night at Lisa S.’s Land
Absolutely love this property .. Beautiful, peaceful and perfect for a getaway in nature .. we made a fire and and had a lovely evening.. cannot wait to come back!
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Rosalba
November 2025
With kids
So close to restaurants, cafes and stores. Very quiet and relaxing!
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Wendy
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Lisa S.’s Land
It's a really charming little cottage with a comfy single bed with a trundle. Loved the decor with an deer antler rack hanging on the wall, cow hide table covering and lovely lamps, etc. It's rustic for sure but was a great very affordable option right around the corner from the amazing Bob's Well Bread.
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pam
October 2025
1 night at Camp Arroyo Grande
this was our 2nd stay at Camp AG. We opted for a cabin since the weather was wet. Very comfortable stay. Thanks!
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Grace
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Lisa S.’s Land
The cottage was adorable and was the perfect spot for me to spend the night.
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Camille
September 2025
With pets
The cabin is very cute - shabby chic decor with a rustic touch. The bed was very comfortable and the place was clean. We had a great time!
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Sarah
September 2025
Group trip
I love this place! So cute, close to town, and just what we needed for a party of 4! Basic accommodations with a clean community bathroom. This would be a wonderful place for an event. The camp hosts are very nice and accommodating:)
Don’t forget bedding!!
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Melissa
September 2025
With pets
Cabin 2 was very charming, clean, and peaceful. The instructions were clear and easy. The location was perfect! A short 5-10 minute drive to Solvang and Los Olivos. I would stay here again. 👍🏼
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Tasha
August 2025
With kids
Always a good time when we get a cabin here. Loved the hike around the camp, saw 2 deer, and took shortcut trail down the the village. Had a great time
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Eliot
August 2025
With kids
Fantastic old cabin, full of charm on a stunning property! The cabin had everything we needed for one night, the location is within a wonderful distance to Solvang, and the backyard was spectacular.
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Malou
August 2025
Group trip
Camp Arroyo Grande provided a wonderful experience for our family. We stayed in the Rooster Mason cabin, which, while not having an in-cabin bathroom, was located just steps away from the restroom facilities. The convenience made it feel no different than walking down a hallway at home. The pool was well-maintained, safely chlorinated, and stocked with beach balls and a basketball hoop that added to the fun of the afternoon. The grounds themselves are beautiful, with plenty of space to explore and endless opportunities for great photos. Our cabin offered plenty of room, with clean and comfortable beds that suited our needs perfectly. Overall, Camp Arroyo Grande is an affordable and enjoyable place for families, and we would happily return.
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Ying
August 2025
With kids
This is our second time camp there, as last time we loved this place. Friendly, clean, quiet and great size of cabin for a family. Some improvement to the road make it easier to access the each cabin.
See mores
stacy
August 2025
With pets
We absolutely loved our stay at Lisa’s country cabin!! So cute and cosy and even better than the photos. A peaceful get away
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Trista
June 2025
With kids
My son and I have stayed in the bunkhouse multiple times and have always felt so welcome! It is just the right size for us and Lisa is always so attentive and kind. The backyard is truly a beautiful location and so peaceful to wake up in. If you are looking for a simple and cozy place to stay near all of the action this is truly the place! PS - aspen is the sweetest little dog :)
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Natalie
June 2025
1 night at Lisa S.’s Land
I stayed at the bunkhouse- it was so cute! Very cozy and so peaceful. The outdoor space was beautiful. Word to the wise, try to arrive before dark (unlike me). You’ll be able to see the pathways much better.
See more 77%
22 ratings · 15 reviews
Not the best camping experience, especially for the money. Spots are all right next to each other, on a field, under a train bridge... Amenities were ok, nothing to rave about. Beach is nice, can't actually see the sunset as it's behind the rocks (April). Host was SUPER nice though.
Adela B.
4 reviews
June 2021
This campsite is REALLY windy. I mean really, really, really windy. Not just the average wind that you would except when you are close to the beach. Like really really windy. My tent broke (that was well steaked) on the first day. It is a great lotion and the beach was awesome. The campsites are small. But, did I mention that it is windy?
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Sara D.
4 years on Hipcamp
Mixed feelings
· July 2017
Close to the beach, which is amazing, however the entire campground is shared and everyone is very close together. I've never camped this way, but everyone was very friendly so that was a plus. Just don't expect to be camping in nature. Bathrooms were in decent condition, it's dog friendly, and they have showers.
Kris S.
2 reviews
Mixed feelings
· April 2017
open spots right under a train bridge. beautiful beach & scenery, but no privacy and noisy.
Brian R.
8 years on Hipcamp
February 2017
It's not the prettiest of places to be but for trips down south from the Bay Area, it's a nice place for an overnight pit stop and can sometimes be a good place to snag a campsite if other campgrounds further down the coast are full. Beware, there's not much shade and it can get windy since it's nestled right in a valley from the sea. Try to get one of the sites out of the way of the hubub (furthest from the entrance).
Xanthe &.
27 reviews
November 2016
After reading some iffy reviews on Yelp, my friends and I decided to camp here anyways and we LOVED it! The beach is right next to the campsite, as well as easy access to some great hikes, including the Gaviota Hot Springs. The beach isn't too crowded and there's even a little campsite store where you can buy snacks and firewood if you run out. We didn't have trouble with the wind like people said we would, but it may have just been the weekend we were there. Regardless, we loved this campsite and would definitely go back.
Colleen C.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
So, what is the trick for actually reserving a spot here? I havent been able to find a single open spot at any time in the 7 monthe reservation window using Reserve America... and this would be fall and winter!
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Emily K.
9 years on Hipcamp
August 2016
Report from your shirtless host on Gaviota State Park
This is a park that is jewel in its own rusty way. The camp sites can be at times vary windy. The winds dose blow at this park. The hosts are very experience and well do what ever they can to help you.
The beach has a spectacular and a picturesque train track running right over the day use.
Unfortunately the pier on the beach is under construction and repair @ this time.
If you go camping and love hiking Gaviota is the camp to camp at. This park has miles of hiking trails. The hot springs is ouly 0.7 miles from the parking lot. The trail to Gaviota peck is a unforgettable experience on a clear day you can see the Channel Islands.
Your shirtless host Steve
Shirtless Host Steve J.
10 years on Hipcamp
August 2015
So I am from the Central Coast. I love this area. I love the outdoors. I was going to stay here with my then-boyfriend and his two kids, many moons ago, before they became my stepchildren. We drove into the campground. It was, to say the least, not impressive. My stepdaughter said it looked like camping in a parking lot. We did not stay. I think Refugio is better than Gaviota, and I would recommend the backcountry even more-- Los Padres National Forest. Yes, you miss the beach aspect. But you're not sleeping in a parking lot.
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Victoria F.
3 reviews
August 2015
The winds can get REALLY strong in the evening and throughout the night. Try not to get the campsites that's in open area and stake your tents down.
David Y.
10 years on Hipcamp
April 2015
The wind here will blow you away...literally. Come prepared, especially if you’re camping overnight.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
If you think you see an overgrown housecat, think again! Mountain lions roam this park...no need to come here, kitty kitty.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Campsites 19 and 20 are your best bet here! They get you close enough to the bathrooms for that middle of the night stumble and you’re only about two minutes from the beach.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
When the tide is out, you can do some great tidepooling underneath the pier.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp
March 2015
Watch for fossils – with a little bit of luck you can find fish fossils or petrified whale bone on the beach.
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Hipcamper
10 years on Hipcamp