El Capitan Sb Campground
Closed — Closed for construction beginning January 2025 for approximately one year. The entrance road, bridge, and entrance kiosk are undergoing replacement as part of a major improvement project. Anticipated reopening in January 2026. Pedestrian beach access remains available during closure.
Beach Hazards Statement issued February 15 at 2:42PM PST until February 18 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf expected. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast and Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast. * WHEN...From Monday morning through Wednesday morning. * IMPACTS...There is an increased risk of ocean drowning. Rip currents can pull swimmers and surfers out to sea. Waves can wash people off beaches and rocks, and capsize small boats nearshore. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Minor coastal flooding possible around mid- morning and late-evening times of high tide on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Wind Advisory issued February 15 at 12:31PM PST until February 16 at 6:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Southwest winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts of 45 to 55 mph expected. * WHERE...Coast, coastal valleys, and the Antelope Valley. * WHEN...From 6 AM to 6 PM PST Monday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Flood Watch issued February 14 at 12:20PM PST until February 16 at 9:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. Rock and mud slides are possible near steep terrain. Debris flows are possible on burn scars. * WHERE...A portion of southwest California, including the following areas, most of Central and Southern Los Angeles County, all of Ventura County, and most of Central and Southern Ventura County, including several burn scar areas. * WHEN...From Monday morning through Monday evening. * IMPACTS...Flash flooding is possible. Excessive runoff may result in flooding of low-lying and flood-prone locations, including creeks and streams. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Extensive street flooding is possible. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A line of heavy showers and thunderstorms will sweep across the region on Monday, bringing the risk for flash flooding, rock and mud slides, and burn-scar debris flows across the Flood Watch area. After the passage of the line, scattered heavy showers and thunderstorms will continue into Monday evening, prolonging the flooding risk in isolated locations. Flooding and burn-scar debris flows are not expected for areas above the snow level, of approximately 6000 feet to 6500 feet elevation, where snow will fall instead of rain. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
El Capitan State Beach Campground sits on the scenic Central Coast of California, 17 miles north of Santa Barbara. Originally acquired by California State Parks between 1953 and 1967, the campground maintains its 1978 configuration with 132 standard campsites, 5 group sites, and hike-and-bike camping options. The park provides a classic California coastal camping experience with direct beach access, though amenities remain basic with no RV hookups available. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers with a maximum length of 30 feet, and each includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground typically operates on a reservation system through ReserveCalifornia up to six months in advance, though it may operate first-come, first-served during certain periods. Standard sites allow up to 8 people, with pets permitted in the campground but not on the beach. The beach features lifeguard coverage traditionally from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Stay limits vary seasonally: 7 consecutive days from March through November, and 15 consecutive days from December through February, with a maximum of 30 days per calendar year.
Directions
From Highway 101 (north or southbound), take Exit 117 for El Capitan State Beach Road, located 17 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara. At the end of the off-ramp, turn south toward the ocean and proceed a short distance to the park entrance. The campground is approximately 20 minutes north of Santa Barbara.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $45 - $285 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 42ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| channelcoastinfo@parks.ca.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (805) 968-1033 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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