Cachuma Lake Campground draws visitors who enjoy relaxing in lakeside campsites, taking advantage of the many shoreside amenities, and fishing for bass and rainbow trout.
Spread across a valley among the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains, 3,100-acre Cachuma Lake provides a pleasant haven for campers. Boating is high on the list for many, whether its for fishing or cruising the lake. The marina has a good inventory of rental boats available from pontoon boats to kayaks. Naturalist-led lake cruises aboard The Osprey are offered on weekends.
While no body contract is allowed with the lake's water, visitors take advantage of the swimming pool. Activities for all ages abound at the lake from Junior Rangers to Nature Walks and evening programs at the Fireside Theater. The Neal Taylor Nature Center offers exhibits about the local valley and mountain environment. Other lake attractions include disc golf and scenic hiking trails.
Cachuma Lake Campground is divided into four areas, all together offering more than 400 campsites for RVs, trailers, and tents:
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.
Camping choices include 7 Yurts which sleep up to 3, 5 or 6. The Yurts rest on a bluff overlooking the lake. Yurts have bunk beds, a ceiling light, an electrical outlet, and a heater.
Cachuma Lake Campgrounds also include 8 cabins, 10 Group Camps, and a Hike & Bike site.
Six multi-use trails are within the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Distances range from ¼ mile to 12 miles.
Sweetwater Trail 2½ miles one way to Bradbury Dam Overlook.
Mohawk Area Trails 1½ miles meander through fields and woods.
Don Wimpress Nature Trail ½ mile one way from Nature Center.
Mohawk Loop ¼ mile on Mohawk Mesa.
Live Oak Equestrian Trails Over 12 miles, begin by Live Oak Camp entrance. No hiking, biking, or dogs.
Tequepis Trail 4 miles one way, strenuous, trailhead outside Recreation Area.
The 18-hole disc golf course begins and ends in front of the Cachuma Lake Store. It is free for those who have paid their lake entrance fee. The course is 2¼ miles long. The disc golf course has concrete tees and orange powder coated DGA Mach V baskets. Pin hole placement can be adjusted to match the desires of recreational players or the seasoned pros.
| Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Cachuma Lake Campground 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 | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available | Cachuma Lake Campground 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 per night
Full Hook-up sites: $50 - $55 Partial Hook-up sites: $45 - $50 Premium Lake-view sites: $45 Yurts: $90 - $120 Cabins: $175 - $200 Lower campground rates are from October through March. |
| Reservations: | Cachuma Lake Campground Reservations |
| Check-in, Check-out: | All Check-in: 3:00 PM Campground: Check-out: 1:00 PM Yurt Check-out: 11:00 AM |
| Cachuma Lake Campground 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 Campground Maps |
| Attractions near Cachuma Lake Campground: |
Best Bass Fishing Lures |
| Updates | Last Updated March 2025 |
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
Cachuma Lake Campground
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.
Check for any campground updates:
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.
Reviews from Previous Campers
2023 - 2024