El Capitan Sb Group Area

About

El Capitan SB Group Area is part of El Capitán State Beach, situated 17 miles west of Santa Barbara off Highway 101. The group camping facilities sit atop scenic coastal bluffs shaded by sycamores and oaks, offering views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. Five group camps serve parties of 40-60 people: Portola and Anza accommodate tents, motorhomes, and trailers (max 30 ft), while Cabrillo, Drake, and Ortega are tent-only. Each group site includes fire rings and picnic tables, with vehicle allowances of 10-15 vehicles depending on the site. An accessible restroom/shower building is located adjacent to the De Anza Group Camp, and Drake and Ortega feature accessible parking and restrooms. The park offers 2,500 acres of backcountry to explore via the Bill Wallace Trail, plus beach access (though dogs are prohibited on the beach itself). Reservations are made through ReserveCalifornia.com up to six months in advance. The park enforces stay limits: 7 consecutive days March through November, 15 consecutive days December through February, with a 30-day annual maximum and mandatory 48-hour vacancy between stays.

Directions

From Highway 101 northbound or southbound, take Exit 117 for El Capitan State Beach. Proceed south toward the ocean to reach the park entrance.