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.
Coastal Flood Advisory issued October 28 at 11:39AM PDT until October 30 at 2:00PM PDT by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Minor to moderate coastal flooding expected due to very high tides. * WHERE...San Luis Obispo County Beaches, Santa Barbara County Central Coast Beaches, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Barbara County Southeastern Coast, Ventura County Beaches, Malibu Coast and Los Angeles County Beaches. * WHEN...Until 2 PM PDT Friday. * IMPACTS...Minor to moderate flooding of sea water is likely over vulnerable low-lying coastal areas, especially around the time of high tide, including over beach parking lots, bike paths, and harbor walkways. Moderate to significant beach erosion is likely. Isolated damage of structures due to sea water inundation is possible to the most vulnerable areas. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...High tides will likely reach 7.5-8.0 feet (MLLW) late morning Thursday, which is 1.0 to 1.5 feet above astronomical projections. Decreasing some on Friday but still expecting near 7.5 feet (MLLW) around noon.
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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