Cuyama Badlands

99%

1988 reviews

· Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California

164 acres hosted by Songdog Ranch J.

3 lodging sites · 15 RV/tent sites · 2 RV 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 legacy: 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. 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

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Hiking

Horseback riding

Off-roading (OHV)

Natural features

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Reviews

99% Recommend4275 ratings · 1988 reviews

Songdog Ranch offers a serene and spacious camping experience, highly recommended for those seeking solitude and stunning natural beauty. The hosts, Jim and Jenny, are consistently praised for their hospitality, ensuring campers feel welcome and well-supported. With well-maintained sites featuring amenities like fire pits, picnic tables, and even a self-service shop, campers appreciate the thoughtful details. While the remote location means limited nearby attractions, the breathtaking views, starry nights, and wildlife sightings make it a memorable escape from city life.

Summary AI-generated from real reviews

Bill H.

1 month on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

The Rustic Outdoors of SLO !

26 ft travel trailer · With pets ·

Franks Site

Campsites are nicely spaced for privacy. Location is interesting: close to the Wind Wolves Preserve (for hiking/Natural History experience), Cave paintings at Painted Rock, the Carrizo Plains National Monument, and seldom visited but kitschy New Cuyama area (pay a visit to Sagebrush Annies!). Owners are welcoming and their small mercantile is in keeping with the minimalist theme. The shade pergola w/ picnic table, trash bin, spigot and private outhouse at Frank's site were welcome "upgrades".

Jennifer H.

5 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

22 ft travel trailer · Group trip ·

The Barnyard

Once again, we loved camping at Songdog Ranch! Even though there were only a few springtime flowers, it is stunningly beautiful, peaceful and really cool. A little after sunset we heard at least two groups of coyotes, we saw the most beautiful rattlesnake, and it is super convenient to Carrizo Plains. The Hosts always quickly respond. The sites are very clean and well maintained.

Daisy M.

1 year on Hipcamp

Recommends

· April 2025

Perfect Getaway for Us & Our Dogs

Tent ·

Grand View

We had a fantastic time at this campsite everything was peaceful, clean, and welcoming. Our two dogs absolutely loved the freedom to run and explore, which made the trip even more enjoyable. We’ll definitely be coming back!

Whitney A.

3 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Beautiful spot to get away

Tent ·

Draw Camp in the Far West

This place is perfect for getting away and relaxing. The site was clean, as were the restrooms. The host was kind and helpful and even recommended a better spot for us to camp due to our large camper van (we had booked a tight spot.) The views were outstanding and the cool breezes were wonderful. The sites are great spots for a hammock, if you’re into that. The tepid tub was amazing. I would arrive during the day to make finding your site easier, although our host drove us right to it. It’s quiet and the sites are spread out, so we felt like we had the place to ourselves. We had a wonderful time and would def go back. The stargazing was phenomenal as well, although the light from the almost full moon was annoying, not that anyone has any control over that. I would recommend this ranch to my friends as they’ve done such a beautiful job there.

Jean E.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Tent · Group trip ·

Site 3 - Songdog West Campsites.

I keep coming back to Song Dog Ranch due to its quiet and clam camping atmosphere! It’s like you’re in another world! No campground out there that offers plenty of space to camp and neighbors are distant to where it seems you are alone in the was camp wilderness! Jim & Jenny are just the sweetest host you can have! I love that Jim always offer to give us a tour of his house to include other rental properties within the vicinity! Always great experience and always will be coming back! 😎⛺️👌🏻🏍️

Lidia D.

2 reviews

Recommends

· April 2025

Lovely retreat into Cuyama

Tent · Group trip ·

The Barbeque

Songdog Ranch is a beautiful property and overall great place to retreat and enjoy the surrounding landscape. The hosts are incredibly helpful and friendly too. There are also lots of hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities just on the property.

Location

Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California, United StatesTraditional, ancestral territory of Chumash, Salinan, and Kuyam First Nations according to

Native Land Digital.

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