El Capitan Sb Hike/bike Campsite
Closed — Closed for entrance road, bridge, and entrance kiosk repair and replacement project beginning early 2025. Reservations can typically be made day-of or up to six months in advance from April 1 through November 30, with first-come, first-served camping the rest of the year.
Beach Hazards Statement issued February 15 at 12:34AM 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 14 at 12:21PM 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...A large portion of southwest California. * 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 Hike/Bike Campsite is designed specifically for non-motorized travelers exploring the Santa Barbara coastline. Located within the larger El Capitan State Beach campground, this shared camping area offers an economical option at $10 per night for cyclists and hikers. The site includes communal amenities such as fire pits, picnic tables, food storage lockers, and bike racks. The campground sits on coastal bluffs with access to a sandy beach via a stairway, and a bike path runs through the property connecting west to Refugio State Beach. The area features groves of sycamore and oak trees along El Capitan Creek, providing shade and scenic beauty. Activities include swimming, surfing, fishing, tidepooling, and exploring the coastal trail. The campground has restrooms and the beach area is staffed by lifeguards from Memorial Day through Labor Day. This is a first-come, first-served site for hike and bike campers only, with a maximum stay of 10 consecutive nights and a limit of 5 total days per calendar year. Dogs are permitted in the campground but must be leashed and are not allowed on the beach. Check-in is at 2:00 p.m. and check-out is at noon.
Directions
From Highway 101, take Exit 117 for El Capitán State Beach. Proceed south toward the ocean to reach the park entrance.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | No |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (800) 444-7275 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
Community Posts
No posts yet. Be the first to share your experience!