Notice: "The campground will be fully closed to camping for approximately nine months beginning Winter 2024. For the latest updates on the project, please visit the project web page at El Capitan Entrance Improvements Project. "
El Capitan State Beach Campground is 17 miles up the coast from Santa Barbara. The campground features well-spaced out campsites among the trees on bluffs overlooking the beach. These beautiful campsites are among the nicest on the California coast.
A bike trail leads west along the coast connecting El Capitan with Refugio Beach. Campers at El Capitan enjoy beach combing, fishing, surfing, picnicking, swimming, and sun bathing.
El Capitan State Beach Campground has 119 standard campsites which can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Nine other campsites are limited to RVs or trailers only. El Capitan State Beach also has 5 Group Camps.
| El Capitan State Beach Campground Basics | |
|---|---|
| Location: | Highway 101, 17 miles west of Santa Barbara |
| Camping Season: | Open year-round |
| Number of Sites: | 128 |
| Max. People per Site: | 8 (including children) |
| Vehicles per Site: | Fees cover 1 vehicle and 1 legal tow, fee per night for additional vehicles |
| Pets: | On leash, always attended |
| Operated by | California State Parks |
| El Capitan State Beach Information: | (805) 968-1033 |
| Reservations at El Capitan State Beach Campground | |
|---|---|
| Reservations available | El Capitan State Beach Campground reservations are available year-round up to 6 months in advance of your arrival date. |
| Maximum Vehicle Length: | 42 feet |
| Accessible Sites: | #8, 9, 20, 26, 33, 38, 39, 40, 80 |
| Fees: | Peak season (March - November) - $45
Premium sites peak season - $55 Hike & Bike site $10 |
| Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: | El Capitan State Beach Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM |
| Check-in, Check-out: | Check-in: 2:00 PM Check-out: Noon |
| El Capitan Campground Amenities | |
|---|---|
| Campsites: | Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups |
| Campground: | Restrooms with flush toilets, amphitheater, store |
| Showers: | Yes |
| Dump Station: | No |
| Campground Map: | |
| Attractions at El Capitan State Beach Campground: |
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El Capitan State Beach
El Capitan State Beach has 5 group sites. Two of the group sites are standard campgrounds which will accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. The other 3 group sites are tent-only sites.
Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: El Capitan State Beach Group Campsite Reservations
| 1No tents allowed at Bobcat Group Campsite
Always confirm campsite configuration and fees with the reservation website since campgrounds are sometimes reconfigured or specifications changed. |
|||
| Campground Area | Max. # of People | Max. # of Vehicles | Fee per Night |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anza | 32 people | 8 Vehicles | $235 |
| Portola | 40 people | 10 Vehicles | $285 |
| Ortega Tent Only | 50 people | 10 Vehicles | $225 |
| Cabrillo Tent Only | 60 people | 15 Vehicles | $320 |
| Drake Tent Only | 60 people | 15 Vehicles | $320 |
Haystack Rock
Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather 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.
El Capitan State Beach Campground
Visitors to El Capitan State Beach Campground are enjoying one of the nicest camping destinations in the area. All up and down the coast are places to investigate and things to do.
Check El Capitan State Beach for any campground updates.
Reviews from Previous Campers