El Capitan Sb Campground
Closed — Closed for construction beginning January 2025 for approximately one year. The entrance road, bridge, and entrance kiosk are undergoing replacement as part of a major improvement project. Anticipated reopening in January 2026. Pedestrian beach access remains available during closure.
Beach Hazards Statement issued December 31 at 7:46PM PST until January 4 at 1:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf expected. Minor coastal overflows possible due to abnormally high tides between 6.7 and 7.5 feet and gusty southerly winds. * WHERE...Catalina and Santa Barbara Islands, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches. * WHEN...From late tonight through Sunday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Pooling of sea water is possible around high tide at beach and harbor areas that is uncommon with normal tidal ranges. Enhanced beach erosion is also possible. No significant damage is expected. 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.
Wind Advisory issued December 31 at 9:18AM PST until January 1 at 3:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Southeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts 35 to 45 mph. * WHERE...A portion of southwest California. * WHEN...From 4 PM this afternoon to 3 PM PST Thursday. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Flood Watch issued December 31 at 3:24AM PST until January 1 at 10:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues to be possible. * WHERE...A portion of southwest California, including the following areas, Calabasas and Agoura Hills, Central Ventura County Valleys, Eastern Antelope Valley Foothills, Eastern San Fernando Valley, Eastern San Gabriel Mountains, Eastern Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area, Interstate 5 Corridor, Lake Casitas, Los Angeles County Beaches, Los Angeles County Inland Coast including Downtown Los Angeles, Los Angeles County San Gabriel Valley, Malibu Coast, Northern Ventura County Mountains, Ojai Valley, Palos Verdes Hills, Santa Barbara County Interior Mountains, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Clarita Valley, Santa Susana Mountains, Santa Ynez Mountains Eastern Range, Santa Ynez Mountains Western Range, Southeastern Ventura County Valleys, Southern Ventura County Mountains, Ventura County Beaches, Ventura County Inland Coast, Western Antelope Valley Foothills, Western San Fernando Valley, Western San Gabriel Mountains and Highway 14 Corridor and Western Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area. * WHEN...From this evening through Thursday evening. * IMPACTS...Excessive runoff may result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, and other low-lying and flood-prone locations. Flooding may occur in poor drainage and urban areas. Low-water crossings may be flooded. Debris flow are possible near recent burn scars. There is a high risk of rock and mudslides in the canyons. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - A strong winter storm will bring moderate to heavy rainfall to the area Wednesday night and Thursday. Given the antecedent conditions from last week's rain, the forecast rainfall totals and intensities could generate some significant hydrologic impacts. - http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood
About
El Capitan State Beach Campground sits on the scenic Central Coast of California, 17 miles north of Santa Barbara. Originally acquired by California State Parks between 1953 and 1967, the campground maintains its 1978 configuration with 132 standard campsites, 5 group sites, and hike-and-bike camping options. The park provides a classic California coastal camping experience with direct beach access, though amenities remain basic with no RV hookups available. Sites accommodate tents, RVs, and trailers with a maximum length of 30 feet, and each includes a fire ring and picnic table. The campground typically operates on a reservation system through ReserveCalifornia up to six months in advance, though it may operate first-come, first-served during certain periods. Standard sites allow up to 8 people, with pets permitted in the campground but not on the beach. The beach features lifeguard coverage traditionally from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend. Stay limits vary seasonally: 7 consecutive days from March through November, and 15 consecutive days from December through February, with a maximum of 30 days per calendar year.
Directions
From Highway 101 (north or southbound), take Exit 117 for El Capitan State Beach Road, located 17 miles west of downtown Santa Barbara. At the end of the off-ramp, turn south toward the ocean and proceed a short distance to the park entrance. The campground is approximately 20 minutes north of Santa Barbara.
Nearby Campgrounds
Amenities
| Water | Yes |
| Fires Allowed | Yes |
| Toilets | Yes |
| Dump Station | No |
| Wifi | No |
| Pets Allowed | Yes |
| Showers | — |
| Electric Hookups | No |
| Water Hookups | No |
| Sewer Hookups | No |
| Camp Store | — |
| Price | $45 - $285 |
Vehicle
| Max RV Length | 42ft |
| Max Trailer Length | 30ft |
| Big Rig Friendly | No |
| Pull Through Sites | No |
Contact
| channelcoastinfo@parks.ca.gov | |
| Phone | +1 (805) 968-1033 |
Cell Service
| AT&T | Yes |
| Verizon | Yes |
| T-Mobile | Yes |
Availability
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