El Capitan Sb Campground
The campground is currently closed for the El Capitan State Beach Entrance Improvement Project. The anticipated March 2026 reopening has been delayed; a revised timeline will be announced once remaining paving work and final approvals are completed. When the park reopens, campsites will initially be first-come, first-served before reservations are reactivated.
Coastal Flood Advisory issued August 10 at 8:52AM PDT until August 13 at 12:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Minor coastal flooding expected during the evening high tides. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches. * WHEN...From 6 PM this evening to midnight PDT Wednesday night. * IMPACTS...Flooding of sea water is likely, around the time of high tide, over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas such as parking lots, beaches, and walkways. Significant damage to roads or structures is NOT expected. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Coastal flooding concerns will peak each evening between about 8 PM and 10 PM due to astronomical high tides of 7.3 to 7.5 feet.
About
El Capitán State Beach campground sits atop scenic bluffs that rise dramatically from the Santa Barbara Channel, 17 miles west of Santa Barbara off Highway 101. The 132 standard campsites and 5 group camps are nestled beneath a canopy of sycamores and oaks, offering shade and privacy. Each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground also provides hike-and-bike sites with shared fire pits and food storage. A stairway leads from the bluffs down to the sandy beach below, where visitors can swim, surf, fish, scuba dive, snorkel, and explore rocky tidepools. The park features a nature trail and bluff-top bike path connecting to nearby Refugio State Beach. Restrooms and showers are available throughout the campground. Ten ADA-accessible campsites are available, primarily designed for tent camping, with accessible restroom and shower facilities nearby. A beach wheelchair can be borrowed from park staff. Dogs are permitted in the campground on a 6-foot leash but are not allowed on the beach.
Directions
From Highway 101, take Exit 117 for El Capitán State Beach, located 17 miles west of Santa Barbara. Proceed south toward the ocean.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $45 - $285 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 42ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 968-1033 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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