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Cuyama Badlands

99%

· Cuyama, Santa Barbara, California

164 acres hosted by Songdog Ranch J.

4 lodging sites · 10 RV/tent sites · 5 tent sites

Staff verified

Accuracy verified by Hipcamp's on-the-ground team.

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 2023.

Off-leash friendly

Pets can be off-leash at some sites.

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 remind us of those who lived before us. This is where the deer and the antelope play. 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. Our Ranch House and Glampsites 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. 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%

4069 ratings · 1830 reviews

Amber S.recommends

June 28, 2024

Grand View

Songdog Ranch was an amazing camping site. Communication with Jen was wonderful! She set up one of their tubs for us and it was the perfect refreshing dip after a warm hike in the sun. Our two year old played in the tub on and off all day! We brought our dog Georgia along as well and she roamed freely having the time of her life. There was ample space between camps which made it feel very private and enjoyable. The grand view was stunning at sunset! We got to meet Jen and her father and they could not have been more kind or accommodating. The ranch has a great energy and you certainly feel the love and dedication put into this family owned ranch. We cannot recommend it enough and definitely plan to come back!

Kara M.recommends

June 24, 2024

Songdog Double Fire

Five Stars on Song Dog

We tent camped at Double Fire for 5 days with the kids and our large family dog. This time of year its very hot during the days but the wind always blew up on the mesa and we took cover under the large pergola and splashed around in a kiddy pool. The host was wonderful and easy to contact. The firewood and shop is perfect down at the homestead for any essentials you might need. The mornings and evenings are gorgeous and mild. Amazing sunsets every night with lots of privacy. The space around the site allowed us to have our dog off leash and for us that is huge to have her in her element. This stay had it all. We will for sure be back.

Bronwen E.recommends

June 23, 2024

Site 1 - Songdog West Campsites.

I had the best night of sleep I have had in a long time. It was so quiet and still on Songdog Ranch. My camper van spot was on top of the mountain ledge overlooking the valley and it felt majestic to look out at sunset and sunrise. The camp site was perfect and had a covered picnic table and 2 lawn chairs and a trash can. There was a hose with running water to rinse off muddy shoes etc. A very pleasant stay and I recommend you try!

Rachael G.recommends

June 17, 2024

The Barbeque

Relaxing times with large group!

My friends and I had an incredibly relaxing and fun weekend to celebrate a birthday at this group campsite!! There was so much space and lots of seating available for us all. We were a group of 20 adults with 1 baby and 5 dogs, it was nice to have space to spread out. The BBQ + pergola area is honestly where we spent a vast majority of our time! The pergola was a godsend to keep us in the shade and not get super overheated! We gathered all our chairs, had a homemade wine tasting setup and the did a big potluck BBQ in the evening over the coal/wood BBQ spit! Having the bathrooms were also so nice, always great to have that while camping they were clean, well lit and well located. If we had another big group we would 100% be back, the scenery is absolutely gorgeous and the sunsets are top notch! This was our second time camping at this hipcamp before we just were at a different site. Both the host and his daughter stopped by a few times to make sure we had everything we needed, they are very friendly! On our way out we stopped at the Santa Barbara pistachio company for some goodies!

Adan R.recommends

June 17, 2024

Base Camp site

Hidden Gem

Beautiful location, kind and engaging hosts, top notch facilities, will return and would definitely recommend.

Lyle B.recommends

June 16, 2024

Songdog Glampout

The tent was perfect for a family of 5. We actually over packed for the trip. They provided the cookware, two lounge camping chairs, paper goods and the bedding for the two queen sized pads. The tent was already set up and everything was great! Hosts and cowboy tub were awesome too! Highly recommend!

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

Hosted by Songdog Ranch J.Joined in August 2015

Response rate: 100%

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