Top Camping Spots Near Santa Barbara County, CA: Explore Nature's Best
Discover the natural beauty of Santa Barbara County, CA, with an array of camping options perfect for every outdoor enthusiast. From the scenic trails of Los Padres National Forest to the stunning coastline at Jalama Beach County Park, campers can immerse themselves in breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. Experience rustic charm at the historic Refugio State Beach, where you can enjoy beachfront camping and endless ocean activities. For a serene escape, explore the hidden gems of Carpinteria State Beach, ideal for families and first-time campers alike. Whether you prefer tent camping, RV camping, or fully equipped cabins, Santa Barbara County offers unforgettable experiences amidst its picturesque mountains and pristine beaches. Start your adventure today and create lasting memories under the starry California sky!

















Fremont Campground is located in the Santa Barbara Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (just 23 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 1,027 feet. There are a total of 14 campsites including 7 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 7 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 34 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $40.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, boating, fishing, horseback riding, floating sports.
Paradise Campground is located in the Santa Barbara Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (just 23 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 961 feet. There are a total of 14 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 22 and 48 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $40.00 to $80.00. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include fishing, hiking trails.
Sage Hill Campground is located in the Santa Barbara Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (just 27 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 1,301 feet. There are a total of 5 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 99 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $150.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include fishing, horseback riding, hiking trails.
El Capitán Campground is part of El Capitan State Beach in California (just 21 min west of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 48 feet. There are a total of 129 campsites including 4 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 125 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 42 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $10.00 to $320.00. Some amenities include accessible, swimming, restroom, flush toilets. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Refugio State Beach Campground is part of Refugio State Beach in California (just 22 min west of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 12 feet. There are a total of 63 campsites including 1 tent-only site. The campground is open all year. 62 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $10.00 to $45.00. Some amenities include general store, swimming, restroom. Activities include fishing, floating sports.
Carpinteria Campground is part of Carpinteria State Beach in California (just 18 min east of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 7 feet. There are a total of 186 campsites including 1 tent-only site. The campground is open all year. 185 sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 16 and 35 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. 91 sites have electric and water hookups. Fees range from $10.00 to $290.00. Some amenities include shower, accessible, swimming, restroom, amphitheater, ramada, flush toilets.
Davy Brown Campground is located in the Santa Lucia Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 18 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 2,157 feet. There are a total of 13 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 60 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking.
Nira Campground is located in the Santa Lucia Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 24 min northwest of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 1,829 feet. There are a total of 12 campsites. The campground is open all year. 9 sites can accommodate RVs up to 24 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking.
Santa Rosa Island Campground is part of Channel Islands National Park in California (about 35 miles from Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 117 feet. There are a total of 15 campsites which are all tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Prices start at $15.00 per night. Some amenities include swimming, flush toilets. Activities include boating, fishing, hiking trails, floating sports.
Wheeler Gorge Campground is located in the Ojai Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (40 min north of San Buenaventura, CA) with an elevation of 1,810 feet. There are a total of 66 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs between 15 and 45 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Fees range from $35.00 to $70.00. Some amenities include swimming. Activities include biking, fishing, hiking trails.
Reyes Creek Campground is located in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (2 hrs 3 min north of San Buenaventura, CA) with an elevation of 3,906 feet. There are a total of 27 campsites including 15 tent-only sites. The campground is open all year. 11 sites can accommodate RVs between 20 and 50 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Fees range from $30.00 to $150.00. Activities include biking, fishing.
Ballinger Campground is located in the Mt. Pinos Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (2 hrs 1 min northeast of Santa Barbara, CA) with an elevation of 3,118 feet. There are a total of 13 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 70 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include biking, ohv allowed from campsite.
Rose Valley Campground is located in the Ojai Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr north of San Buenaventura, CA) with an elevation of 3,408 feet. There are a total of 9 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers between 20 and 30 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Some amenities include restroom. Activities include biking.
Middle Lion Campground is located in the Ojai Ranger District, Los Padres National Forest (1 hr 7 min north of San Buenaventura, CA) with an elevation of 3,150 feet. There are a total of 8 campsites. The campground is open all year. Sites can accommodate RVs and trailers up to 20 feet. All sites are currently reservable. Reservations can be booked up to 6 months in advance. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring. Prices start at $30.00 per night. Activities include biking.