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Cuyama Badlands

99%

· Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California

164 acres hosted by Songdog Ranch J.

2 lodging sites · 14 RV/tent sites · 2 tent sites

Great for groups

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for larger groups.

Amazing views

Hipcampers say this spot has amazing views.

Family-friendly

Recent Hipcampers say this Hipcamp is great for families and kids.

Best in California: Finalist

Named one of the best Hipcamps to visit in 2024.

If you've ever wondered what it might be like to camp on the moon, this is it. Completely removed from civilization and surrounded by a barren nature that is alive with the subtle presence of the universe. Seasonally, Spring wildflowers burst across the landscape. Cave paintings of Chumash Indians at Painted Rock remind us of those who lived before us. **Read on for more details.** Our Carrizo Camp is surrounded by the Carrizo Plains National Monument. This is truly a get away from it all camping. That's it. You, the coyotes and your own private moon. Our Songdog Camps are sparsely scattered atop a 200 foot mesa that looks west over a valley offering stunning desert sunsets and amazing stargazing. These UPPER SITES are NOT OHV friendly, but any of our canyon bottom sites are a great base for your riding adventures up in Ballinger Canyon OHV. We'll be happy to recommend a site for you. Our Ranch House and Glamp sites are available on occasion. This is our home but we love to share our life in the outback. We believe it will give you a better appreciation of life's simpler side. Our offerings include fresh air and sunshine, amazing night sky, endless views, and plenty of space and privacy to enjoy your moments in nature. You'll find our amenities and activities puposefully sparse here. Upon booking, there are about 5 miles of dirt road on the property that you are welcome to explore on foot or by bicycle. Rustic is the theme here. There is no shower, no wifi, and no electricity available, but you will enjoy your own private spigot and the cellular service is acceptable. Within a short drive, you'll find plenty of hiking/biking and adventuring, and if you enjoy exploring by car, definitely take a loop drive through Carizzo Plains National Monument, or Mount Pinos and Lockwood Valley. Enjoy a beautiful dinner at the Cuyama Buckhorn and take in the view of the Caliente mountain range. For any sites located south of Ballinger Wash, your vehicle length is limited to 22' and no more than 4' overhang from the rear axle, so you don't get stuck in the crossing and block access for others. Towing services are 1-3 hours away. The AllTrails app will give a pretty good birds eye view of hiking in the area. Our friendly cancellation policies vary between 24 hours for simple campsites and 72 hours for our Glamp sites and Group sites. We do offer a buyout opportunity for the mesa, however the cancellation policy for that much stricter at 50% refund up until 1 week before check-in time. Be sure to check the Google for distance to Cuyama Valley, and your dates for availability and site descriptions. Upon booking, you can look forward to an information packed email to help you make the very best of your trip! We look forward to seeing you! *This land was sparsely populated by the Chumash Indian and is evident by the numerous cave painting that remain here near the Caliente mountain. In the era of the California Missions, this land was a part of the Spanish land grants. Currently the property is privately owned and is adjacent to large sections of publicly held lands.

Activities

Biking

Hiking

Horseback riding

Off-roading (OHV)

Natural features

Cave

Desert

Forest

Canyon

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99%

4224 ratings · 1950 reviews

Emma B.recommends

January 17, 2025

Pupdog Hill

Love this magical place! Second time here with the kids and it’s the perfect escape. Thank you!

Sara L.recommends

January 15, 2025

Site 3 - Songdog West Campsites.

From the moment I booked, I received great communication with clear directions to the property as well as local information. I arrived in the dark, a little later than I had hoped. The hosts were very welcoming, friendly, and helpful. I bought firewood directly from them and they did a wonderful job directing me to my site, which was well appointed, beautiful, and peaceful. The sunrise was absolutely gorgeous. I wish I could have stayed longer than one night!

Rachel C.recommends

January 4, 2025

Grand View

We can’t get enough of this place!

We can’t get enough of this place! The sites are spacious and spacious from each other. Over the 3 days we stayed we only saw 1 car way in the distance-And that was at night so we only saw car lights. The pups always have a blast here. The postcard left for us to send out to someone special is a very thoughtful touch. Everything about this place is thought out. The firepit is great, has a grate to cook on and a wood poker! The firewood the host sells is great quality, they also have kindling available and have a camp shop available to purchase goods you may have forgotten to pack. Thank you Jim, Jen and family for another great stay on your property. See you all again, soon!

Pierre Alexandre G.recommends

January 3, 2025

Site 3 - Songdog East Campsites.

Very welcoming, quiet and stunning views. Hosts are quick to reply and super friendly. I will stay there again!

Chris F.recommends

January 2, 2025

Glamp Tank site

Amazing location. Wonderfully friendly and accommodating hosts who helped us feel right at home. Incredible star gazing. Very peaceful place to escape the hustle of LA.

Simon L.recommends

December 29, 2024

Site 4 - Songdog West Campsites.

As someone who goes camping almost religiously, i enjoyed it. Definitely, somewhere to go when it's not too hot. The sites are very far apart which is a huge plus. We did have neighbors, but thanks to the distance between the sites it we couldn't really hear them. If sun is something you want to avoid, bring a canopy. There isn't much shade other than the little wood canopy at the site. Make sure to bring a camera, the night skies are beautiful.

Location

Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Chumash, Salinan, and Kuyam First Nations according to To respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking