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.
Wind Advisory issued July 21 at 12:33PM PDT until July 23 at 6:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, Hot daytime conditions with high temperatures between 88 and 98 common. Very warm overnight conditions will bring little relief. For the Wind Advisory, North winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, from 10 AM Wednesday to 8 PM PDT Thursday. For the Wind Advisory, from 6 PM Wednesday to 6 AM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...There is a high risk for dangerous heat illness, especially for sensitive groups like the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Heat Advisory issued July 21 at 12:33PM PDT until July 23 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, Hot daytime conditions with high temperatures between 88 and 98 common. Very warm overnight conditions will bring little relief. For the Wind Advisory, North winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, from 10 AM Wednesday to 8 PM PDT Thursday. For the Wind Advisory, from 6 PM Wednesday to 6 AM PDT Thursday. * IMPACTS...There is a high risk for dangerous heat illness, especially for sensitive groups like the very young, the very old, those without air conditioning, and those active outdoors. Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
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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