Jalama Beach Camping: Ocean View Campsites, Cabin, Walk-Ins

Jalama Beach County Park is one of the best places to camp at the beach in California. It offers 107 ocean-view campsites and seven comfortable beachfront cabins. During the off-season, you can almost have this wonderful beach to yourself. However, every campsite is booked in the summertime, so early booking is required to secure a camping spot.

The coast along Jalama Beach is unspoiled and looks much like it did hundreds of years ago when a Chumash village was once located here.” There is nothing but wide open space and miles of rugged coastline, making it one of the most scenic places to camp along the California Coast.

Every campsite at Jalama Beach overlooks the Pacific Ocean and the wide sandy beach. Even when the campground is full, the beach is never crowded. Sunset and sunrise at Jalama Beach are unique and one of the highlights of a camping trip to Jalama Beach.

Jalama Beach Campsites

Jalama Beach is one of the unique places to camp on the beach in California. Camping rates are very reasonable considering the cost of a beachfront hotel room. Campsite reservations can be made online up to 6 months before the check-in date. Please note that summer is the busiest season, and campsites tend to fill quickly. Only 31 campsites have electrical hookups. Dogs are welcome but must always be on a leash, including on the beach. Jalama Beach Campground’s check-out time is 1 pm—online reservations.

Walk In Campsites

Jalama Beach has twelve walk-in sites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seven sites offer primary hookups, while the remaining five offer partial hookups. These sites cannot be reserved online or by phone. To secure a walk-in site, check in at 6 am when the gate opens.

Jalama Beach Cabins

Jalama Beach has seven ocean-view cottages. Cabins vary in size, sleeping 4 to 6 depending on size, and come furnished with a queen, bunk, or fold-out futon bed. Kitchens have a hot plate, convection oven, refrigerator and freezer, cookware, dinnerware, and flatware. Guest must provide their blankets, towels, and bedsheets. Each cottage has its unique name, charcoal BBQ, and fire ring.

Best Nearby Campground

If you have no luck getting a campsite at Jalama, try Lake Cachuma, another Santa Barbara County Park. Lake Cachuma’s campsites are adjacent to the lake; you can almost fish from the back of your RV or tent. During the fall and spring seasons, the lake is stocked with trout.

Jalama Beach Store & Grill

The Jalama Beach store and Grill is famous for its world-renowned Jalama burger. In addition to souvenirs and clothing to commemorate your trip to Jalama, the store also stocks all the essentials you may still need to bring. The store is open from 10 am to 5 pm. The last grill orders are taken at 4:30, so if you plan on having a Jalama burger for dinner, it’s best to order early. Breakfast burritos and sandwiches are served up to 11:30.

Vandenburg Rocket Launches

During a rocket launch event, the campground may be evacuated. You should check if a launch is scheduled during your visit. There is a slight chance of debris falling in the area if the rocket explodes, although this has never happened.

How to Get To Jalama Beach

If you are camping or just out for a day trip, you will find no better place to enjoy the California coast. Directions: Jalama Beach is a one-hour drive from Santa Barbara. To get to Jalama Beach Park, take Highway 101 north and the Highway 1 ramp to Lompoc/Vandenberg Air Force Base. After that, continue on Highway 1 for 13 miles and turn left onto Jalama Road. The 14.5-mile drive on the winding Jalama Road is a scenic experience and will lead you directly to the entrance of Jalama Beach Park.

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Places To Camp along the California Coast

Gaviota State Park Camping

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages

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