Gaviota Beach and Jalama Beach Camping

Santa Barbara County

Gaviota Beach, Santa Barbara County, California
Gaviota Beach, Santa Barbara County, California

Gaviota Beach and Jalama Beach Camping

Santa Barbara County


Camping at Gaviota State Park

The campsites at Gaviota State Park are located in a large circle close to the beach and nearly in the shadow of the railroad trestle.

Windy conditions can make it difficult for tent campers. Past visitors have reported times when tent poles have snapped in the heavy winds which can reach up to 50 miles per hour. Camping fees cover up to 8 people and include one vehicle and one legally towed vehicle or trailer. There is a fee for additional vehicles.

Camping Regulations

  • All vehicles must park on the pavement.
  • Dogs must be on leash and are not permitted on trails or beach.
  • Dogs must be in a vehicle or tent at night.
  • Games such as volleyball and horseshoes are not permitted in the campground or on the beach.

Gaviota Campground

  • 38 campsites, most for tents or RVs up to 28', several 30-38'
  • Restrooms with flush toilets, showers
  • Fire ring, picnic table
  • Store

Gaviota Camping Fees and Reservations

map of Jalama Beach County Park, Santa Barbara County, CA

Camping at Jalama Beach County Park

Jalama Beach County Park has more than 100 campsites for RVs or tents and 7 cabins spread along the coast next to the beach. The popular campground has recently switched to a reservation system, making it much easier for campers to be sure a spot will be waiting for them when they arrive.

Campsite Facilities

  • Picnic table and BBQ pit
  • 31 sites have electric hook-ups
  • Restrooms, hot showers (bring quarters), water
  • Dump stations

Reservations

The campsites shown in red on our map are first come, first served sites, but the rest can be reserved up to 6 months (beginning at midnight) in advance of your arrival date and all the way up to one day prior to your arrival date. There is a reservation fee.
Santa Barbara County Parks Reservations

Camping Fees

  • Basic Camping April 1 - September 30: $40
  • Basic Camping October 1 - March 31: $35
  • Premium Beachfront Sites (#53-#64) year-round: $55
  • Electric Hook-up Sites April 1 - September 30: $55
  • Electric Hook-up Sites October 1 - March 31: $50
  • Additional Vehicle: $15

Group Camping Areas

Jalama Beach County Park has two group camping areas which may be reserved - Abalone Point and Starfish Cove. Abalone Point, which is right on the beach, can accommodate up to 20 people and 8 vehicles. Starfish Cove, located farther back in the campground, can accommodate up to 40 people and 8 vehicles. A two-night minimum is required on weekends and 3 nights on holiday weekends. The rate for the groups sites is $275 or $300 per night.

Cabins

Medium and large cabins sleep up to 6, while the Accessible cabin (Cormorant) sleeps up to 4. Most cabins have 1 queen bed, 1 bunk bed, and a sleeper couch. Cormorant has no bunk beds. Cabins rent for $200 - $250 per night.

Cabin Amenities:
Kitchen with cookware, utensils, electric stove top, microwave, coffee maker, and more
Bathroom with shower, sink, toilet, and toilet paper
Living room with sleeper sofa, satellite TV, Blu-Ray DVD player
Outdoors has BBQ, fire ring, front porch, chairs or bench, fire pit
No linens are provided. Bring sheets, pillows, blankets, and towels. There is no room for a trailer or RV by the cabins.

map of Jalama Beach County Park, Santa Barbara County, CA
Jalama Beach, Santa Barbara County, California

Jalama Beach



Suggestions and Comments from Previous Campers at Gaviota State Park

  1. The few trains that pass are fairly quiet and do not disrupt sleep.
  2. Watch out for skunks prowling at night.
  3. Bring quarters for showers.
  4. Best for RV camping, not tents
  5. Outer perimeter sites have more protection from wind.


Gaviota Beach, Santa Barbara County, California

Gaviota Beach


Suggestions and Comments from Previous Campers at Jalama Beach County Park

  1. To save money, bring your own firewood. (But still obtain locally.)
  2. No cell phone reception.
  3. Protect food from raccoons, store food away at night.
  4. Be sure to have a Jalama Burger.
  5. Bring baby oil or sun tan lotion to wipe the tar off your feet.
  6. It can get windy and cold at night.

Jalama Campground Information

(805) 736-3504 Park Office
(805) 736-6316 Recorded Info
Jalama Beach County Park
Store and grill open at 10:00 AM
Dogs with current rabies vaccinations are permitted: $3 per day or $25 for an annual pass.

RV Parks

Ocean Mesa at el Capitan

100 El Capitan Terrace Lane, Santa Barbara, CA
Located across Highway 101 from El Capitan State Beach
(805) 879-5751 or (866) 410-5783
Ocean Mesa at el Capitan
Accommodations:
20 tent camping sites
80 RV sites with full hook-ups, 50 amp
All campsites have fire rings with grills and a picnic table. WiFi, cable TV
Amenities: heated pool and spa, laundry, store, horseback riding facilities
Rates: $$ - $$$

Santa Barbara Sunrise RV Park

516 South Salinas Street, Santa Barbara, CA
(805) 966-9954 or (800) 345-5018
Sunrise RV Park
Accommodations: RV sites with full hook-ups, 50 amp, cable TV available, WiFi
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, laundry, picnic tables

Ventura Oaks RV Park

255 Burnham Rd., Oak View, CA
(805) 649-9103
Ventura Oaks RV Park


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Ocean Safety

California State Parks and Recreation cautions that "large surf, cold water temperatures, backwash, sudden drop-offs, pounding shorebreak, and dangerous rip currents can turn what seem like safe activities such as playing near the surf line, wading, or climbing on rock outcroppings, deadly." Learn more about ocean safety at CA State Parks: Ocean Safety