El Capitan Sb Campground
The campground is currently closed for the El Capitan State Beach Entrance Improvement Project. The anticipated March 2026 reopening has been delayed; a revised timeline will be announced once remaining paving work and final approvals are completed. When the park reopens, campsites will initially be first-come, first-served before reservations are reactivated.
Extreme Heat Warning issued August 28 at 11:16AM PDT until August 28 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...For the Wind Advisory, northerly winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. For the Heat, Hot conditions with high temperatures of 92 to 102 common, hottest Friday. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast. * WHEN...For the Extreme Heat Warning, until 8 PM PDT this evening. For the Wind Advisory, from 6 PM this evening to 6 AM PDT Saturday. For the Heat Advisory, from 8 PM this evening to 8 PM PDT Saturday. * 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 August 29 at 7:49AM PDT until August 29 at 8:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees. For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, until 8 PM PDT this evening. For the Wind Advisory, from 6 PM this evening to 6 AM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses.
Wind Advisory issued August 29 at 7:49AM PDT until August 30 at 6:00AM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...For the Heat Advisory, temperatures of 80 to 90 degrees. For the Wind Advisory, northwest winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 50 mph expected. * WHERE...Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast. * WHEN...For the Heat Advisory, until 8 PM PDT this evening. For the Wind Advisory, from 6 PM this evening to 6 AM PDT Sunday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. Hot temperatures may cause heat illnesses.
About
El Capitán State Beach campground sits atop scenic bluffs that rise dramatically from the Santa Barbara Channel, 17 miles west of Santa Barbara off Highway 101. The 132 standard campsites and 5 group camps are nestled beneath a canopy of sycamores and oaks, offering shade and privacy. Each campsite includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground also provides hike-and-bike sites with shared fire pits and food storage. A stairway leads from the bluffs down to the sandy beach below, where visitors can swim, surf, fish, scuba dive, snorkel, and explore rocky tidepools. The park features a nature trail and bluff-top bike path connecting to nearby Refugio State Beach. Restrooms and showers are available throughout the campground. Ten ADA-accessible campsites are available, primarily designed for tent camping, with accessible restroom and shower facilities nearby. A beach wheelchair can be borrowed from park staff. Dogs are permitted in the campground on a 6-foot leash but are not allowed on the beach.
Directions
From Highway 101, take Exit 117 for El Capitán State Beach, located 17 miles west of Santa Barbara. Proceed south toward the ocean.
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | — |
| Wifi | — |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | Yes |
| Electric Hookups | — |
| Water Hookups | — |
| Sewer Hookups | — |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $45 - $285 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 42ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| Phone | +1 (805) 968-1033 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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