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.

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.

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