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.
Wind Advisory issued January 3 at 1:00AM PST until January 3 at 6:00PM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...South winds 20 to 30 mph with gusts up to 45 mph. * WHERE...Central Coast, Santa Barbara County Southwestern Coast, Santa Lucia Mountains, and Santa Ynez Valley. * WHEN...Until 6 PM PST this evening. * IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Wet soils will increase the likelihood of damage due to fallen trees.
Beach Hazards Statement issued January 2 at 12:25PM PST until January 5 at 10:00AM PST by NWS Los Angeles/Oxnard CA
* WHAT...Dangerous rip currents and breaking waves due to elevated surf expected. Minor coastal flooding due to abnormally high tides between 7.0 and 7.5 feet and gusty southerly winds. * WHERE...Beaches and coasts of Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties. * WHEN...Through Monday morning. * 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. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Peak high tides are expected between 7 am and 11 am. A High Surf Advisory will likely be needed for Sunday for the Central Coast and Ventura Coasts.
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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