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Cuyama Badlands

99%

· Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California

164 acres hosted by Songdog Ranch J.

4 lodging sites · 13 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 your dates for availability and site descriptions, and 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

99%

4149 ratings · 1897 reviews

Keith L.recommends

September 26, 2024

Site 3 - Songdog East Campsites.

Beauty in the high desert

Another fantastic visit to Songdog. This is my 5th time there and the beauty and magic of the location never cease to satisfy. Jim and his daughter Jenny are fantastic hosts. The sites are immaculate with all the amenities one could hope for. They are spaced out well with beautiful views of the valley and foothills. The sunrises, the sunsets, the stars! Highly highly recommend!

Lisa N.recommends

September 22, 2024

Draw Camp in the Far West

Serenity now😊

We stayed at a West campsite and it was glorious! We loved the big pergola over the picnic table, which allowed us to dine outside during a light rain. The area is beautiful, expansive, open yet private, with lots of wildlife, bird species, and a front row seat to spectacular sunsets. Our little hike to the Barn Store was fun. We picked up some goodies and met our host, Jim, along the way. A really pleasant man, and very accommodating as I found out when I woke up to a dead battery, called him, and he was there within 20 minutes to jump my van. And my new puppy had the best time on her first camping trip ever🐶. We can’t wait to go back and take some friends with us! Thanks Jim and Jen!

Jay O.recommends

September 19, 2024

Dry Creek

We will definitely be back for a longer visit. Very beautiful and relaxing

Sam M.recommends

September 19, 2024

Site 1 - Songdog West Campsites.

Awesome place for sure worth every second we stayed.

Patrice R.recommends

September 18, 2024

Site 2 - Songdog East Campsites.

Camping in the Badlands is Good

Perfect site to get away, with scenic vistas, dark skies, and complete quiet. Gracious hosts able to accommodate a variety of camping needs. We look forward to coming back for a longer stay.

Brandon D.recommends

September 16, 2024

Draw Camp in the Far West

Best Hipcamp

We stayed at the Draw Camp for 2 nights and it was spectacular to say the least. Our host was extremely friendly, knowledgeable and very helpful. We rented a tub for the nights we stayed and it was ready and waiting for us when we arrived. Our camp was very clean and even had a little post card. I cant recommend this site enough to anyone looking to stay around New Cuyama and explore the Carrizo Plains.

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