El Capitan Sb Group Area
The campground is closed due to the El Capitán State Beach Entrance Improvement Project. The project was originally expected to complete in March 2026 but has been delayed; a revised opening timeline will be announced once remaining paving work and final approvals are scheduled. Upon reopening, camping will initially operate first-come, first-served before reservations are reactivated.
Beach Hazards Statement issued October 8 at 1:10PM PDT until October 12 at 2:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Minor tidal overflow flooding is expected. Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf expected. * WHERE...San Luis Obispo County Beaches, Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast and Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast. * WHEN...From Saturday morning through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Pooling of sea water is possible around high tide at beach and harbor areas that is uncommon with normal tidal ranges. Enhanced beach erosion is also possible. No significant damage is expected. 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...High tides of 6.6 to 7.2 feet will be common each morning, with large secondary high tides in the evening hours.
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.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $10 - $320 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 42ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| SB.SpecialEvents@parks.ca.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (805) 968-1033 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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