Sanctuary Cielo

98%

24 reviews

· Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California · 5 acres

Hosted by Amber Y.

Tent pitch

· 4 guests max

Near Channel Islands National Park

Within a 30-minute drive from the Outdoors Santa Barbara Visitor Center.

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

Amber is a Star Host

Star Hosts are highly rated, responsive, and committed to providing incredible experiences.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at this Hipcamp.

Find your inner calm. Quiet and beautiful 5 acre, mountain forest retreat with walking paths, seating areas, yoga platforms, swings, caves, boulders and a hammock. Our sanctuary is more like a bed and breakfast, with touches of being in a warm home environment....an outdoor living room and kitchen. Easily accessible to cliffside hiking, caves or / rock climbing and the beach. Close to the Lizard's Mouth recreational area that has acres of exquisite cliffside boulders overlooking the ocean. Close to the Playground Recreational hiking area. And close to the Chumash Painted Caves and the Santa Ynez River. Multiple places to sleep, including on outdoor bed, a tent, ( we have one if you don't) a treehouse, or open air platforms. Room for a camping van. We have a variety of games to choose from for the whole family. Kid friendly. We have 2 friendly kitties and a small doggie. Full outdoor kitchen with grill, outdoor shower, fresh water, fire pit, electricity and wifi. Hot tub is available for a small charge. Spa upgrades such as massage are available.Come chill in a quiet, mountain, 5 acre wooded sanctuary: nature trails, sitting areas, caves, boulders, swings and more. Easy access to recreational cliffside hiking and rock climbing, as well as a short 20 minute trip to the beach. There is also a river close by for cooling off! We only allow one set of campers at a time, but there are 2 official spots to choose from, so you rule the roost! We have an occasional house guest that may enjoy the environs as well. We have a very large front yard. The Beyond Eden Campsite is on this upper floor, tucked back down the road and around the side of an out building, cradled with privacy barriers. This campground has access to all amenities. And is ‘accessible to all’. It has an outdoor living room, outdoor grill, an outdoor kitchen set up with amenities including fridge and freezer. There is electricity, WiFi , an outdoor shower, a gas fire pit, porta potty, yummy potable water from a private well. Calm and well behaved pets allowed with prior approval of host. When booking site, kindly share about the temperament of your pet. While this is a magical space, we typically only allow one child as this is a quiet and calm sanctuary. You may inquire for 2 if they are quiet and well behaved. It is not a great place for toddlers as there are a few set of steps going down. Enchanted Forest Campground is in the valley forest. It has access to power, water, a toilet and a kitchen area. There is room for a standard size van on this property. Please advise beforehand. An indoor room and bathroom, with its own entrance, may be available upon sudden inclement weather under original agreement. It can be requested ahead of time for a small fee. The hot tub and an infra red sauna are available under a towering ancient pine and avail for a small up charge. This forest is a magical get-a-way. Our trees create a community that surrounds us , and they evoke a sense of peace. Come bathe in the solace they provide. Please let us know if you are celebrating a special occasion. Choose from a list of spa upgrades, including hot tub , massage, gentle yoga and meditation class. While we prefer a 24-48 hour booking policy, you are welcome to reach out directly for shorter notice. It is set up in different ways at different times, so try us if it's not on the right setting!

What to expect

Tent pitch

You'll have this Hipcamp all to yourself.

4 guests max

Campfires allowed

Firepit, private. Propane camp fire area. No wood fires allowed.

Toilet available

Composting toilet

Pets allowed

Off leash. Animal friendly! Please let us know before arriving. Dogs must be under good voice command and stay close to campers. No cat chasers. No tying up.

Potable water available

Hose, pump or well, bottled water or jugs

Showers available

Hot water

Bins available

Compost bin, recycling bin

Cooking equipment present

Grill over firepit, bbq, private, oven, stovetop or hot plate, fridge, freezer, cookware, dishware, basic seasoning and oils, sink or other dishwashing station

Picnic table present

Wifi available

Hot Tub present

Hot tub is available for $25 per person, per stay.

Laundry absent

No playground

The whole space is a giant wonderland!

Things to know

Getting there

Check in: After 3:00 PM

Check out: Before 12:00 PM

On arrival: Meet with Host

Cancellation policy: Moderate

Minimum nights: 2 nights

Accepts bookings: 3 months out

Park at listing

No wheelchair access

Max 2 vehicles

2WD accessible

The road is a 3 minute, windy, paved, switchback road through the oaks.

During your trip

Follow the

Leave it better

Inclusion policyWe have a zero-tolerance policy against discrimination at Hipcamp. We are committed to helping our Host and Hipcamper communities be inclusive.

ExtrasAvailable at checkout

Hot tubrental

$25.00

We have a hot tub that you are welcome to use. There is a charge of $25 per person, per stay.

Reviews

98% Recommend26 Ratings · 24 reviews

Sanctuary Cielo offers an enchanting camping experience with hosts Amber and Gregory who go above and beyond to make guests feel welcome, often adding personal touches like homemade muffins or arranging scavenger hunts for children. Visitors appreciate the thoughtful amenities, including a hot tub and outdoor living spaces with ample seating, though some mention the proximity to the hosts' home and occasional noise from a nearby rooster as drawbacks. The property is well-equipped, providing both seasoned and novice campers with everything they might need, from tents to cooking appliances. Despite some minor interruptions like traffic noise, the tranquil setting and stunning views make it a favored spot for a peaceful retreat.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Abbie L.

4 years on Hipcamp

Recommends

· February 2025

Sadie Approved!

Tent · With pets

We spent two nights camping at Amber and Gregory’s place and we really enjoyed our time there! We were greeted by Amber and her cute little dog, Savannah upon arriving. We had a little difficulty finding the place at first, but after calling Amber, we found our way despite our GPS taking us to the wrong house. Amber was hospitable and helpful as she showed us around the property when we first arrived. The set up is very cute, like a little outdoor living area with lots of places to sit and relax. We didn’t realize just how close we would be to their home, but it didn’t bother us. The hot tub is definitely a must! We enjoyed reading on the lounge chairs, relaxing in the hot tub and checking out all the cool things the property has to offer. There is quite a bit of noise surprisingly, with the traffic of the main road and the area being generally busy even though you’re tucked away up in the trees. There is a rooster at a neighboring property that woke us up each night around 3AM and continues into the morning so bring ear plugs if you are a light sleeper! Overall we enjoyed our experience and would love to come back to soak up more of this little oasis. Thank you again, Amber! :)

Jenni L.

5 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· November 2024

Heavenly Views and Thoughtful Hosts

Tent

We had the most amazing stay at Sanctuary Cielo! Amber and Gregory went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. They thought of everything to make us feel comfortable, even bringing us delicious muffins in the morning—a sweet touch that really made us feel at home. The view from the property is absolutely stunning, and the star gazing at night was magical. We felt so connected to nature, with nearby access to beautiful hikes, rivers, and the beach, which was such a bonus. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape with thoughtful hosts and breathtaking surroundings, Sanctuary Cielo is the place to be! We can’t wait to come back.

Noteworthy Reactions P.

6 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· October 2024

First Camping Trip Ever

Tent

Amber and her husband Gregory were amazing hosts! It was my birthday and they decorated with a big happy birthday banner. Amber baked us fresh muffins in the morning and brought out birthday candles to go with them. I will tell you, ADD THE HOT TUB. it's one of the best hot tubs we've ever been in. The hiking around the property is fun, it's shorter and not as challenging as we expected, but there are lots of little treasures scattered throughout the hike that are wonderful to take in. They also have hand-crafted walking sticks you can use for your trip around the campgrounds, and even purchase one to take home. I really regret not getting one. We were able to find some hotsprings and a 3 mile hike, not far from the property, so we did that, but very much enjoyed returning back to base to sleep in our tent and enjoy the eternal firepit. My absolute favorite spot in the whole place was the bed swing next to the eternal firepit. I spent most of my time there relaxing and reading. I'm there in my head RIGHT NOW. Also made friends with a family of dear and Amber's little dog savannah and her orange kitty that guards the property! Thank you so much Amber and Gregory, my birthday was incredible and you will always be a part of that <3

Aaron C.

2 reviews

Recommends

· October 2024

Tent · With kids

My family loved staying at Sanctuary Cielo. Amber and Gregory's attention to detail was awesome. There were signs for trails, supplies if we forgot anything, and so many places to relax and be cozy. They are excellent hosts and made us feel welcome and safe. The location feels very remote and private but is central to all things Santa Barbara. It is a fun place to camp and this is now on our favorites list for places to stay when we visit our daughter at UCSB.

Darlene R.

7 months on Hipcamp

Recommends

· September 2024

Sanctuary Cielo

Tent · With pets

We had an overall good trip! The directions were well written and utilized. We had no difficulty finding the property and were greeted by Amber. Upon arrival, we were given very detailed information and were comfortable knowing where things were. We're an active older couple who camp often with our 2yr old pup. We were trying to find something unique, and learned about Hipcamp. This was our first, and enjoyable time with this site. We were looking for a weekend away to enjoy some peace and quiet; off grid and spend time alone together and enjoy one another's company. Nature threw us a curveball; a heat wave with advisory warnings, but Amber's generosity with fans, popsicles, and homemade organic berry & nut muffins made the trip better. The property is amazing. We look forward to returning and hoping for cooler weather to explore a bit more. I think it's important to mention, incase you are envisioning being in the middle of nowhere, catching up on rest. We were woken up several times throughout the night by a local roster. It's not a deal breaker and we are definately returning but good to know. We were looking forward to the typical sounds of nature camping, but had to wear earplugs. Again, this was an amazing place, worth going and our pup even made a friend. Amber's dog was so sweet.

Meg M.

5 reviews

Recommends

· August 2024

Tent · With pets

Lovely piece of paradise! Amber has created such a neat space full of everything you could want and need (kitchen appliances, a fridge/freezer, potable water, compost toilet with a little vanity area) as well as lots of whimsical touches. You can tell a lot of time, effort and creativity has gone into the space. Amber was so wonderful - very communicative and super nice.

Location

Santa Barbara, Santa Barbara, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Chumash and Barbareño Chumash First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking