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El Capitán Campground

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The lovely thing about all of the campgrounds in El Capitan is that they all have easy access to the beach.

In addition to the 123 tent/rv/trailer/van sites, there are also 5 group sites (Portola, Ortego, Cabrillo, Drake and De Anza), one of which is handicap accessible. Nine of the tent/rv/trailer sites are specifically set aside as RV sites. The sites are clustered fairly close together, but lots of shade and close proximity to the beach call for a great camping area. Word on the street is that 85 is the best, but 82-84 are also good, as are 101, 103, 105 and 107.
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Available campgrounds nearby

Top-rated for location, privacy, and amenities near El Capitán State Beach

More to explore nearby

95%
94 ratings · 15 reviews
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Mike S.
May 13, 2020
We stayed at El Capitan and loved it there. We enjoyed the campsite which sits high above the ocean with some magnificent views of the Pacific. Our campsite was large and full of chipmunks! The beach was rocky and full of driftwood which we used to build an awesome campfire. You can hike along the beach and enjoy all of the wildlife along the shore.
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Bea L.recommends
January 22, 2019
We’ve been here several times. This is a fantastic escape from LA. 2hrs away. You can bring the clothes on your back or go all out. Cabins, yurts, canvas tents. We’ve done it all. Each has a unique charm. The tents are fun for a couple nights just hanging out and having fun. I’ve used the cabins to really unwind, soak in the giant tub, and self care the hell out of yourself! We even escaped here after putting our beloved cat down to cry for two days straight. This place is like a warm hug. A fantastic place for kids but also perfect for a single or couple. Everything is so spread out that you all kinda find your spot. Lots of wildlife and farm animals a short hike away. Deer, raccoons, skunk ;) have all visited us.
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Gina G.recommends
November 12, 2017
hardly camping, but easy with kids
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Henry C.
September 16, 2017
I am trying to figure out if the tent/cabins shown in the first photo are really at the SB? I cant find any mention of them on the reservation site? Does anyone know?
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Marthine S.doesn't recommend
July 21, 2017
Don't stay in a site near the freeway
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Kelley C.recommends
July 12, 2017
It is incredible! From the tents to the yurts to the cabins you can't go wrong with any. Love this place 😊
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Alexandra K.recommends
June 21, 2017
Great spot, close to beach. Crowded.
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Nancy S.doesn't recommend
May 30, 2017
The group campsite is right off the highway. Train tracks also run along the site. This means that trains come all times of the day and night.
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Elsa E.recommends
March 29, 2017
no comment
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Destiny I.recommends
March 8, 2017
Bring Bikes!
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Xanthe &.recommends
February 19, 2017
For better views, try to grab a site on closest to the cliff edge.
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Gary K.
February 18, 2017
Stayed 2-13 to 2-16. Due to recent rain area A & C closed. Stayed in area D at Site "I" in Portola group area. Nice site with ocean view & close to restroom. Showers are $0.25 for 2 mins. We heard timers were water savings device to keep from looong showers. 4 mins. Worked out well for us. Nice bike/walking trails but watch out for poison oak. Beaches are very rocky, check with Ranger about tides so you don't get stranded at high tide. Rocks are slippery as well. I fell trying to get to tide pools and hurt my shoulder. Abundant wildlife around. Raccoons are VERY smart and aggressive. Got into food bin we thought was animal proof. Put water and cast iron cookery on bins and coolers and seemed to work OK. Had a great time. Will be back.
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Allison C.recommends
February 8, 2017
The raccoons are bold here! Put away and safely store your food immediately before you leave your site.
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Karim O.
September 26, 2015
Great location by the beach and close-ish to Santa Barbara for picking up bbq supplies. Great swimming beach (but occasional tar spots) and plenty of hiking across the road or up at Gaviota.
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Bryn K.
April 28, 2015
If you're looking for a group-friendly campground with an ocean view, you've found it. Just bring layers because it can get pretty cold at night.

Your guide to camping in El Capitán Campground

Overview

Biking

We think that a cruise down one of California’s most beautiful (and most popular) beaches sounds like a pretty great way to spend an afternoon, and, luckily, El Capitan State Beach offers a variety of trails that will lead you along the coast, or, if you desire, through the delicious coastal landscape that makes up most of the park. The 6 mile round trip El Capitan Beach Trail is perfect for a day trip up to Refugio State Beach. If you are looking for something a little less intensive, try visiting in the summertime and going on a ranger-led interpretive bike ride (call 805-968-1033 for info). Be sure to check out all of the trails here to map your course and get to bikin’!

Boating

That endless horizon calls sailors of all kinds, and while you may not be able to launch motorized boats here, those under the power of your own steam are more than welcome! Check out our section on kayaking and canoeing for more information.

Fishing

These sparkingly blue Pacific waters are known for some seriously good fishing, and, honestly, who could resist wading along this gorgeous coastline, fish or no fish? After you secure your fishing license, check out the fishing forecast then grab your line and pole and get to catchin’ dinner!

Hiking

So, maybe you don’t want to spend ALL day soaking up the sun and playing in the surf on the beach. Actually, that’s crazy; scratch that: of course you do. But let’s say you wanted to take a break and explore some of the awesome coastal scenery found in the park, including the delightful sandy bluffs that lead up to the shore and the lush groves of coast live oaks, sycamores, and willows. There are several trails that provide all kinds of discovery opportunities, including this easy nature hike that is less than half a mile, making it a nice jaunt for hikers of all skill levels.

Paddling

If awesome paddling adventures down the Pacific Coast sounds like your idea of a weekend getaway, look no farther than El Capitan State Beach. In addition to the wide expanses of open water that beckon all explorers (and, with it, endless opportunities to blaze your own watery trail), we like this cruise from Refugio Beach in the protected waters of the channel. Paddlers are often treated to visits from sea lions, seals, and all kinds of sea creatures. Need a rental or a guide? No problemo, as there are many in the area, like the Santa Barbara Adventure Company, who are always happy to take your water experience to the next level.

Surfing

Surfers keep a weather eye on those waters, because some of the best to be had can be found here at El Capitan. On a good day, during a west swell, waves can seem just about endless, making for an awesome ride along some of California's prettiest coastline. There are dangerous rocks along and around the point, however, meaning experienced surfers only. It does tend to get crowded along the point when the waves are up, but you’ll be camping there and have a nice early head start on the day! Check out the current surfing conditions, grab your board, and hit those beautiful waters!

Swimming

The ocean water can be a little bit chilly, but dedicated marine lovers will have no problem plunging into the protected waters off El Capitan. The south-facing beach is shielded from the heavy northern swells, making it a nice swimming spot. Bring your boogie board or skim board as well, or just enjoy soaking in the salt.

Wildlife watching

The lush forests that surround the shoreline make for some truly excellent wildlife watching, as the observant will see band-tailed pigeons, flickers, scrub jays as well as raccoons, western gray squirrels and mule deer. The creek is home to black phoebes, California thrashers and wren bushtits. Along the water’s edge, you can find scoters, western and Clark’s grebes, gulls, terns and loons. Dolphins can be seen playing offshore, and the bluff tops give a great perspective to see California gray whales during their annual migration. The park is also home to monarch butterflies and, less glamorously, Southern Pacific rattlesnakes (watch where you step!)

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