El Capitan State Beach Camping plus Nearby Campground Options

El Capitan State Beach is approximately 30 minutes north of Santa Barbara and is a perfect destination for day-use and overnight camping. The beach is an excellent choice for families seeking a beach camping experience away from the city. This California State Beach offers sandy shores, rocky tidepools, scenic sycamore, and oak trees that line El Capitan Creek. Visitors can enjoy various activities such as swimming, fishing, surfing, picnicking, and camping. Access to the beach area is provided through a stairway that leads down from the bluffs.

El Capitan State Beach Beach Camping

The campground has 133 campsites. 118 standard, 9 RV only, 3 group standard, and 3 group tent. Even though they are relatively close together, most campsites have plenty of trees and offer some privacy. The most sought-after sites near the beach are 99 – 109, 85 -82, and 29 – 44. Camps at the back of the park will get freeway noise, plus the occasional sound of a train. Each campsite can have up to eight people. All the camps have fire pits and tables. Campground Reservations should be made in advance for weekends and holidays. Please visit the park’s official website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.

El Capitan State Beach Campground Rules

• Dogs must always be kept on a leash at most six feet and under adult supervision. Additionally, they must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.
• Quiet hours are from 10 pm to 6 am. Please help your fellow campers have a peaceful experience.
• Generators can operate between 10 am to 8 pm, only when needed.
• Visitors under 18 must accompany a parent/guardian after 8:30 pm.
• Only 101 RV Rentals is permitted to deliver trailers to the park.
• Trailer and camper/motorhome lengths are both up to 42 feet.

Things to Do at El Capitan State Beach

El Capitan State Beach is a great place to visit during low tide. The beach has a sandy shoreline with tide pools at the northern and southern ends. Visitors can indulge in various activities, including swimming, fishing, surfing, and picnicking. A stairway is available from the bluffs to access the beach area. Moreover, a bike trail connects the park to Refugio State Beach, which is 2.5 miles away. Depending on the tide, traveling up the coast along El Capitan Beach is usually possible until you reach Coral Canyon Beach. After that, you can join the bluff trails or the bike path, which is also open to hikers, to make your way to Refugio Beach. El Capitan State Beach is located on Highway 101, 24 miles northwest of Santa Barbara. El Capitan State Beach10 Refugio Beach Rd. • Goleta, California.

Nearby Campgrounds To El Capitan

Refugio State Beach

Refugio State Beach on the Gaviota Coast is stunning, just north of Santa Barbara. This beautiful beach is lined with palm trees and is a popular spot for day users, beach loungers, coastal anglers, surfers, bird watchers, and picnickers. If you want to spend the night, you can choose from campsites near the beach. Some of these campsites are nestled in shady palm trees. Imagine falling asleep to the soothing sounds of the waves crashing against the shore. Refugio State Beach is perfect for both tent and RV campers.

Sun Outdoors Santa Barbara – RV Resort

Sun Outdoors is an excellent option if El Capitan Beach SP is fully booked. Some people believe that it’s an even better choice. This RV resort has 24 tent sites and 64 RFV sites that are all level and well-maintained. Additionally, there is a laundry facility and a nice pool, and the sites are within easy walking distance of El Capitan Beach and hiking trails. Dogs are allowed at the resort. The only drawback to camping at this resort is that some sites are close to Highway 101 and may hear occasional train noise.

El Capitan Canyon Resort

On the other side of Highway 101 from El Capitan State Beach, there is an alternative option: Glamping (glamorous camping) and RV camping are available at the resort. El Capitan Canyon Resort offers fantastic coastal views and is just a short walk from the beach. The resort provides accommodations, including Safari Tents, Cabins, and Yurts. Imagine going camping without having to worry about anything except packing your suitcase.

Nearby Hotels Ritz-Carlton Bacara, Santa Barbara

If it’s the middle of summer and there are no beach campsites along the Santa Barbara Coast, another fantastic but costly option is the Ritz-Carlton Bacara. The resort covers 78 acres and boasts 358 guest rooms and suites. Guests can access the beach but should be mindful of tar. Alternatively, you can enjoy one of the three swimming pools available. This upscale hotel is situated on the Pacific coast, just a few miles north of Santa Barbara, and offers one of the best locations in the area. Prices start at around $700.00 per night and are subject to increase based on room type and other factors.

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Discover the Best So Cal Beach Campgrounds

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