El Capitan Sb Hike/bike Campsite
Currently closed due to the El Capitán State Beach Entrance Improvement Project. The previously anticipated March 2026 reopening has been delayed; no revised date has been announced. When operations resume, camping will initially operate first-come, first-served before reservations are reactivated.
Coastal Flood Advisory issued August 10 at 8:58PM 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...Through 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 Hike & Bike Campsite serves non-motorized travelers exploring California's scenic Gaviota Coast. The primitive camping area offers shared amenities including fire pits, picnic tables, food storage lockers, and a bike rack. Campers have access to the park's flush restrooms and outdoor showers. The campsite enforces a two-night consecutive stay limit and a maximum of five nights per calendar year. Check-in is at 2:00 PM with checkout at noon. Quiet hours run from 10 PM to 6 AM. Dogs are permitted on a 6-foot leash but cannot be left unattended and are prohibited on the beach. The surrounding park features a bluff-top bike trail with ocean views, the 0.6-mile Nature Trail through riparian habitat, and access to 2,500 acres of backcountry via the Bill Wallace Trail. Beach wheelchairs are available at no charge.
Directions
From Santa Barbara, take US-101 north approximately 17 miles to the El Capitán State Beach exit. Note: Vehicle access is currently closed due to construction; only pedestrian access is available.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | Yes |
| Price | $10 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | — |
| Max Trailer Length | — |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| channelcoastinfo@parks.ca.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (805) 968-1033 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | None |
| Verizon | None |
| T-Mobile | None |
Availability
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