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.
Beach Hazards Statement issued October 10 at 1:51PM PDT until October 13 at 2:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, minor tidal overflow flooding with elevated surf and dangerous rip currents are expected. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor to moderate coastal flooding can be expected near times of high tide, especially with the Sunday morning high tide. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast and Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through Tuesday afternoon. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 6 AM Sunday to 10 PM PDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Minor to moderate flooding of sea water is likely around high tide at low-lying beach and harbor areas that is uncommon with normal tidal ranges. Enhanced beach erosion is possible. The risk for significant damage is very low. 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. Large secondary high tides are also expected each evening. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High tides are expected to peak around 7.7 feet on Sunday morning, then 7.1 to 7.3 feet on Monday and Tuesday mornings.
Coastal Flood Advisory issued October 10 at 1:51PM PDT until October 12 at 10:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...For the Beach Hazards Statement, minor tidal overflow flooding with elevated surf and dangerous rip currents are expected. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, minor to moderate coastal flooding can be expected near times of high tide, especially with the Sunday morning high tide. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast and Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast. * WHEN...For the Beach Hazards Statement, through Tuesday afternoon. For the Coastal Flood Advisory, from 6 AM Sunday to 10 PM PDT Monday. * IMPACTS...Minor to moderate flooding of sea water is likely around high tide at low-lying beach and harbor areas that is uncommon with normal tidal ranges. Enhanced beach erosion is possible. The risk for significant damage is very low. 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. Large secondary high tides are also expected each evening. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High tides are expected to peak around 7.7 feet on Sunday morning, then 7.1 to 7.3 feet on Monday and Tuesday mornings.
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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