Refugio State Beach Camping

Santa Barbara County

Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County, California
Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County, California

Refugio State Beach Camping

Santa Barbara County


Notice: "7/3/2024 - Refugio State Beach is closed until further notice. Due to complete failure of an extensive culvert system, resulting in numerous sinkholes across multiple agency jurisdictions, the park will remain fully closed for repairs. All reservations through July 31 will be cancelled and affected parties will be contacted accordingly. We anticipate reopening late summer 2024."

Refugio State Beach Camping

Refugio State Beach Campground is off Highway 101, 18 miles west of Santa Barbara. Campers at Refugio Beach enjoy palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze, warm sandy beaches, protected cove waters, and guided kayak tours. A bike trail leads south along the coast to El Capitan Beach.

Refugio State Beach Campground features 63 standard campsites which can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Refugio State Beach also has a Hike & Bike Site and several Group Camps. Although the campground is open year-round, Refugio is subject to park closures during the rainy season: December through March



Campsites can accommodate up to 8 people. Standard fees cover 1 vehicle and 1 legally towed vehicle. Reservations can be made up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.

Refugio Beach Group Campsites

Anapamu and Yananali group sites are for tent camping only and do not allow RVs or trailers. A minimum of 9 people are needed to reserve a group site.

Refugio Beach, Santa Barbara County, CA

Refugio Beach

Refugio State Beach Campground Facilities

  • Restrooms with flush toilets, showers
  • Fire ring, picnic table
  • Store, laundry, campfire center

Campground Fees and Reservations

Standard Campsite: $45 per night
Hike & Bike: $10
Group Campsites
Anapamu Site: $235
Bouchard Group Site: $350
Yanonali Group Site: $235

Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia:
Refugio State Beach Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM

Junior Rangers

Refugio State Beach offers a Junior Rangers program designed for children ages 7 to 12. Participants receive a logbook which is stamped every day they attend the program, learning about ocean safety, crafts, animals, and the environment.   California Junior Rangers

map of Refugio State Beach campground, Santa Barbara County, CA



Nearby 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 Camping Fees and Reservations

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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