Fremont Campground
3.8648 reviews5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, USA
Fremont Campground
$40.00 - $42.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$40.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard Nonelectric sites cost $40 per night with a $2 additional charge for weekends and holidays.
About this campground
Nestled beneath a canopy of ancient oaks, Fremont Campground beckons families and outdoor enthusiasts to experience the natural beauty of the Santa Ynez River valley. This welcoming retreat accommodates both tent campers and RV travelers, serving as your gateway to endless adventures. By day, explore winding trails on foot, bike, or horseback through the surrounding forest. When you're ready for aquatic pursuits, nearby Cachuma Lake offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities, making Fremont the perfect basecamp for land and water adventures alike.
Fremont Campground accommodates tent camping and RVs, with some sites being first-come, first-served. Large accessible sites are available. There are no group camping facilities or cabin options.
Historical Significancenull
Weather and SeasonsThe canyon's unique microclimate creates a fascinating weather tapestry throughout the year. Summer days can soar past 100°F, transforming the landscape into a sun-drenched paradise perfect for early morning hikes and refreshing lake swims. As coastal fog rolls in, temperatures can swing dramatically, offering welcome relief from the heat. Winter brings mild, pleasant conditions ideal for year-round camping, with crisp mornings giving way to comfortable afternoons beneath the oak canopy.
ElevationPerched at 1,000 feet above sea level in the heart of the Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area, Fremont Campground offers the perfect balance of mountain ambiance and accessibility. This gentle elevation provides cooler temperatures than the valley floor while maintaining easy access to all the region's attractions.
Natural Features and SceneryStep into a living postcard where towering oaks create a natural cathedral of shade and dappled sunlight. The campground's lush greenery thrives among rolling hills, painting a landscape that changes with each season. Morning mists often reveal wild turkeys strutting through camp, while evening brings a symphony of frogs from nearby streams. As darkness falls, listen for the haunting calls of owls echoing through the oak branches, reminding visitors they're truly immersed in nature's embrace.
Geological RegionFremont Campground sits within the enchanting Lower Santa Ynez Recreation Area, a geological wonderland sculpted by time and water. Part of the Santa Barbara Ranger District, this 1,000-foot elevation landscape showcases the region's signature rolling hills adorned with majestic oak groves. The terrain tells the story of ancient rivers and tectonic forces that created these gentle valleys and ridges, now home to diverse ecosystems that thrive in the Mediterranean climate.
Campsite details
AccessibilityLarge accessible campsites are available. Accessible toilets are provided when flush toilets are open.
Sites SizeSites are spacious, as noted in multiple reviews. "Plenty of space in each site" and "campsites are very spacious and big" were common sentiments.
Sites PrivacySites are generally well-spaced, offering privacy. "The sites are spaced apart nicely" and "you don't feel like you're on top of each other with your campsite neighbors" were noted in reviews.
Total Campsites15 campsites
Recommended CampsitesAvoid sites 1 and 2 if road noise is a concern. Sites 3 and 14 provide privacy and are farther from the road.
Best CampsitesSites 3 and 14 are noted for privacy and shade. Sites 1 and 2 are near the road, which may be noisy but offer seclusion.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in available from 11:00 AM onward.
Check-out
Check-out by 12:00 PM.
Stay Limit
Maximum consecutive stay is 14 nights within a rolling 30-day period.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum number of guests per site is 8.
Groups
Group camping is not supported at Fremont Campground.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is arranged on a gentle uphill slope. Campsites are spaced apart for privacy.
Open and Closed SeasonOpen year-round.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through Recreation.gov.
Walk-in AvailabilitySome sites are available on a first-come-first-served basis. Site availability may vary during peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyReservations can be canceled before arrival with a $10 fee. Late cancellations (within one day of arrival) incur a $10 fee plus forfeiture of the first night's fee.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available
Flush toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Fremont Campground provides access to various outdoor activities. Hiking trails such as the Aliso National Recreation Trail (2.5-mile loop) and the Santa Cruz Trail (18 miles) are nearby. Water recreation opportunities are present at White Rock Day Use Area and Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offering kayaking, boating, and fishing options. Wildlife viewing is common, with reports of wild turkeys and frogs.
Hiking
The Aliso National Recreation Trail is a nearby 2.5-mile loop, while the Santa Cruz Trail spans 18 miles and connects to other area trails. Some reviews also mention unmaintained trails near the campground.Fishing
Fishing is available at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, which is nearby. No-body-contact restrictions apply to the reservoir.Swimming
Swimming is popular in the Santa Ynez River swimming holes, accessed via trails such as Red Rock/Gibraltar Dam. Reviews warn of potential crowds and limited access during busy times.Biking
Biking trails are accessible near the campground. No specific details on terrain or difficulty were provided.Boating
Boating opportunities are available at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Kayaking is also mentioned.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife sightings include frogs, owls, wild turkeys, and crows, as noted by several user reviews.Winter Activities
Not applicable, as reviews confirm this campground is closed during winter months.Water Sports
Kayaking and paddleboarding are supported at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are permitted unless fire restrictions are in place due to dry weather conditions.
- Quiet hours are 10 PM to 6 AM.
Hazards
General hazardsHazards include poison oak, rattlesnakes, and the risk of heat-related issues during summer.
Active alertsFire restrictions may be imposed seasonally. Check local advisories before arrival.
Weather forecast
65
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Humidity: 65%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 3.3 mph
Gentle breeze, perfect for outdoor activities
Clear sky
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital (located approximately 18 miles away in Santa Barbara).
Good to know
Peak season datesJanuary 1, 2025–December 31, 2025.
Trash and recyclingNo specific details about centralized trash or recycling facilities were found in the authoritative source or user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresNear Cachuma Lake and the Santa Ynez River, which offer swimming, kayaking, and fishing opportunities.
Common complaintsMany reviews mention porta-potties in poor condition, lack of potable water, and excessive bugs and gnats during hot weather.
HostHosts are generally available from 8 AM to 8 PM and sell firewood for $10 per bundle. Hosts are described as helpful and friendly.
Campground Map
5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, USA
Driving directionsFrom Santa Barbara, take Highway 154 approximately 9 miles to Paradise Road. Turn right and follow the road to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Some reviews mention that Paradise Road leads directly to the campground, but there could be occasional closures due to fire restrictions.Nearby places
Santa Barbara (18 miles, approximately 30 minutes by car)
Nearby supplies
Firewood available for purchase from the host at $10 per bundle. Additional supplies can be found in Santa Barbara, about 18 miles from the campground. The Rancho Market on Highway 246 offers firewood for $7.
Camper Reviews
3.9
48 reviews
Fremont Campground has mixed reviews, placing it in the bottom 85% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews reveal mixed sentiments, with notable praise for the shaded sites, wildlife, and proximity to hiking and water recreation. Complaints focus on porta-potties, lack of potable water during some periods, and the campground being overpriced for its offerings.
Review Summaries
Based on 48 reviews
What Campers Love
Users appreciated the friendly hosts, spacious and shaded campsites, and wildlife sightings such as wild turkeys and frogs. "Dog friendly" and "very close to things to do" were highlighted.
Based on 48 reviewsCommon Concerns
Frequent complaints include porta-potties being in poor condition, lack of potable water, and overpriced fees ($40 per night). Temperature differences between the beach and the campsite were also...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Bring bug spray to manage gnats and yellow jackets. Purchase firewood and ice at nearby stores before arriving. Avoid sites near the main road for better privacy.
Based on 48 reviewsSeasonal Insights
Summer reviews mention unbearable heat and gnats. Porta-potties were reportedly rancid during peak season. Spring visitors noted lush greenery and wildflowers due to rain. Winter camping is...
Based on 48 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Lots of wildlife; we saw wild turkeys and heard frogs and owls at night." "The porta potties were absolutely rancid." "Campsites are very spacious and big." "The campground is small and quiet."
Based on 48 reviewsSite-Specific Reviews
Site #1 is secluded but near the road. Site #2 is near the entrance and lacks privacy. Sites #3 and #14 are more secluded and flat. Site #8 was described as uneven and exposed to sun.
Based on 48 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible flush toilets were appreciated when available. Large, accessible campsites were also positively noted.
Based on 48 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
The campground is dog-friendly, and users appreciated the ability to bring pets.
Based on 48 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025