Airstreams near Santa Barbara

A prime location overlooking the Pacific Ocean makes Santa Barbara one of the most popular resort towns in California. Santa Barbara County is also a camper's dream, offering several beautiful state beaches with incredibly popular campsites—try El Capitán State Beach or palm-tree-lined Refugio State Beach just three miles further. While you're on the coast, Channel Islands National Park is also worth a visit during gray whale season, accessed via a half-day whale watching boat trip out of Santa Barbara Harbor or seen on an overnight backcountry camping trip on Santa Cruz Island. For some cool summer camping, hit Los Padres National Forest, where Paradise Campground features well-sized sites with flush toilets and access to the Santa Ynez River.

Craving some remote camping? Each of the five Channel Islands has one established campground, while Santa Cruz and Santa Rosa islands offer limited backcountry options. Scorpion Canyon and Del Norte Campgrounds on Santa Cruz are most popular, both accessed by foot, private boat, or kayak.

Springtime typically draws visitors to Santa Barbara for the annual International Film Festival and the Vintners Festival Weekend, while the warmth of June brings the outdoor California Wine Festival. Summer is, of course, peak season, when beaches are most crowded and campgrounds fill up. Expect mild weather all year, with rainfall usually between December and February. Camping is available year-round on all five islands in Channel Islands National Park. 

• The Channel Islands are only accessible by park concessionaire boats or private boats, and campers must secure advance transportation for any overnight trip.
• Advanced camping reservations are required for all Channel Islands campgrounds. No public transportation is available on the islands, and bicycles are not permitted.
• Visitors can reserve campsites at El Capitán State Beach six months in advance.
• Dogs are allowed in the El Capitán campgrounds and day-use areas, but are not permitted on the beach.
• Always safely store all food and secure trash in animal- and bird-proof containers.

• Discover the beauty of coastal camping at Rincon Parkway. Set up camp along the scenic shoreline, indulge in beach activities, and fall asleep to the soothing sound of ocean waves. Embrace the laid-back atmosphere and create lasting memories in this coastal paradise.

• Experience coastal camping bliss at Faria Beach Park. Set up camp near sandy shores, enjoy beach activities, and relish breathtaking sunsets. Embrace the laid-back beach lifestyle, listen to the soothing ocean waves, and create unforgettable memories in this beachside paradise.