El Capitan Sb Campground

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.