Cachuma Lake Campgrounds

Cachuma Lake, Santa Barbara County, California
Cachuma Lake, Santa Barbara County, California

Cachuma Lake Campgrounds

Santa Barbara County


Cachuma Lake Campgrounds

Cachuma Lake Campgrounds are popular destinations for those who enjoy relaxing in lakeside campsites and fishing for bass and rainbow trout. .3,100-acre Cachuma Lake is located 25 miles north of Santa Barbara. No body contract is allowed with the lake's water, but visitors take advantage of the swimming pool to cool off.

Four Cachuma Lake Campgrounds offer more than 400 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents:

  • Dakota Area: Near the tip of the point, Playground, Lanford Memorial Grove, Fireside Theater; No RV Hook-ups
  • Barona Area: Close to Park Entrance, General Store, Nature Center; Full Hook-up Sites
  • Apache Area: Near Park Entrance, Marina, Snack Shop, Fun Center, Pools, Golf, Laundry; Partial Hook-ups
  • Mohawk Area: East of other Campgrounds at Martini Cove, Close to UCSB Rowing Center; No Hook-ups

Yurts sleep up to 5 or 6 and range from $65 to $90 per night.

Cachuma Lake Campgrounds have a 2-night minimum on Friday and Saturday nights and 3 nights on holiday weekends. A hundred sites have full hook-ups and another 30 have electric and water hook-ups only. Cachuma Lake Campgrounds also include 10 Group Camps and a Hike & Bike site.

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Cachuma Lake Campgrounds Basics
Cachuma Lake Campgrounds Location: 1 Lakeview Dr, Santa Barbara
25 miles north of Santa Barbara
Elevation: 900 feet
Camping Season: Open year-round
Number of Sites: 400+
Max. People per Site: 6 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: 1 (fee per night for 2nd vehicle)
Pets: On leash, always attended, maximum 2, $3 per day fee; Dog Park available
Operated by Santa Barbara County Parks
Recorded Information: (805) 686-5054
Cachuma Lake Park office: (805) 686-5055

Reservations at Cachuma Lake Campgrounds
Reservations available Cachuma Lake Campgrounds reservations can be made for camping dates up to 6 months in advance.
Maximum Vehicle Length: any length
Accessible Sites: Accessible sites available
Fees: Basic campsites: $30 - $35
Full Hook-up sites: $50 - $55
Partial Hook-up sites: $45 - $50
Premium Lake-view sites: $45
Lower rates are from October through March.
Reservations: Cachuma Lake Campground Reservations
Check-in, Check-out: 3:00 PM, 1:00 PM

Cachuma Lake Campgrounds Amenities
Campsite: Picnic table, fire ring with grill, some sites with hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, laundromat, store, amphitheater, playground, recreation hall
Showers: Yes
Dump Station: Yes
Campground Map: Cachuma Lake Campgrounds Maps
Attractions near Cachuma Lake Campgrounds:
  • Head to the marina for boat rentals (no water contact, so no jet skis, water skiing, etc.).
  • Enjoy fishing from shore or boat.
  • Cool off in the swimming pool.
  • Tour the nature center and join a Nature Walk.
  • Set out to explore the lake's hiking trails and equestrian trails.
  • Children 6-12 can participate in Junior Rangers.
  • Take your dog to the Dog Park.
  • In summer, enjoy a Nature Night or Astronomy Night at the fireside theater.








Cachuma Lake Group Campsites

Cachuma Lake has 10 group camping areas for group sizes ranging from 32 to 120. Group sites have picnic tables, food preparation tables, BBQ grills, large fire rings, and piped water. Some sites have electric lighting and outlets. the Apache Pines group site has 13 RV pads, each with water and electrical hook-ups.
Group Camping Areas Details

Fees: $230 to $865 per night
Reservations: Cachuma Lake Group Campsite Reservations


Cachuma Lake pool, CA

Cachuma Lake Pool

boy fishing



Cachuma Lake Campground, Santa Barbara County, California

Cachuma Lake Campground

Reviews from Previous Campers

2023 - 2024

  • Noisy campgrounds.
  • Ice costs $30. Stock up before you come.
  • Grounds well kept and restrooms fairly clean.
  • Very clean and spacious.

Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Beach and Lake Attractions

Visitors to Southern California beaches and lakes have so many places to explore and enjoy. For those who decide to camp at one of the Cachuma Lake Campgrounds they have not only a great fishing lake, but also a swimming pool for everyone to cool off in.

  • Enjoy the calm waters of beautiful Cachuma Lake for boating and fishing.
  • On the shore of Cachuma Lake set out on hiking trails or lake cruises. Spend time at the playground and the nature center.
  • Fish for monster bass at nearby Lake Casitas.
  • Head to the coast and surf the point at El Capitan Beach, Mondos, or Rincon Point.
  • Find excellent pier fishing off the Gaviota Pier.
  • Take off hang gliding at Douglas Preserve near Arroyo Burro Beach.
  • Spend the afternoon kiteboarding at Leadbetter Beach.
  • Take a look at the Harbor Seals near Carpinteria Beach.
  • Watch some exciting beach volleyball at East Beach.
  • Kayak the Santa Barbara coast.
  • Explore Channel Islands Harbor where you can rent a boat or take a cruise out to the Channel Islands.
  • Visit the Flight 261 Memorial Sundial at Hueneme Beach.


Key Cachuma Lake Regulations

  1. Quiet Hours are from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM. No generator use during this time.
  2. Firewood is only permitted from local sources in order to prevent the spread of insects and disease.
  3. Pets must be on leash or caged at all times and never left unattended.

    Check Cachuma Lake Recreation Area for any campground updates.


General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on snow conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.