Gaviota Campground
4.2564 reviewsGaviota State Park, 33 miles west of Santa Barbara, off U.S. Highway 101
Gaviota Campground
$10.00 - $45.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$45.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$10.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
Standard campsite rates are $45 per night for up to 8 guests, while hike/bike sites cost $10 per night. An additional reservation fee of $8.25 applies.
About this campground
Tucked away along California's rugged coastline, Gaviota Campground offers an intimate escape where the rhythmic crash of Pacific waves mingles with whispers of coastal wind. This hidden gem combines the tranquility of a secluded beach with adventures waiting on nearby hiking trails and the restorative allure of natural hot springs just a trek away.
Gaviota Campground offers tent and RV camping sites, with limited space and shade. Group camping and cabin lodging are not available.
Historical SignificanceHistory and engineering marvel meet at Gaviota, where an iconic railroad trestle stands as a testament to California's transportation heritage, its steel arches framing dramatic coastal vistas. The weathered pier nearby tells its own stories of maritime past, creating a cultural tapestry that enriches every sunset stroll and photography expedition.
Weather and SeasonsNature's drama unfolds nightly at Gaviota, where powerful coastal winds sweep through camp with gusts that can surpass 50 mph, creating a symphony of rustling trees and flapping tent fabric. Yet each dawn brings transformation—the tempest yields to golden mornings of crystalline calm, with sunshine painting the landscape in warm hues perfect for beachcombing and exploration.
ElevationPerched at the edge where land meets sea, Gaviota Campground rests at coastal elevation, offering the perfect vantage point for both ocean panoramas and inland mountain views.
Natural Features and SceneryDramatic coastal cliffs plunge toward pristine sandy beaches, creating a landscape of contrasts where terra meets aqua in spectacular fashion. The campground serves as nature's amphitheater, with Pacific Ocean vistas stretching to the horizon while playful wildlife—cottontail bunnies hopping through campsites, busy squirrels chattering in the trees, and coveys of quail scurrying along trails—provide endless entertainment for nature enthusiasts.
Geological RegionGaviota sits within California's spectacular Central Coast geological wonderland, where ancient coastal cliffs reveal millions of years of Earth's history in their layered faces. Sandy beaches below give way to upland trails that wind through coastal sage scrub and chaparral, eventually leading adventurous souls to the geological marvel of natural hot springs—where mineral-rich waters bubble up from deep within the Earth's crust, offering a primordial spa experience.
Campsite details
AccessibilityAccessible restrooms and showers are available, along with an accessible route to the beach and picnic tables. A beach wheelchair can be reserved through the camp host at site #38.
Sites SizeSites can accommodate trailers up to 25 feet. User reviews describe campsites as "tight" with minimal space, though some offer partial shade.
Sites PrivacySites are described as being close together, limiting privacy. One review mentioned that "neighbors were not very close," while another described the campsites as "overcrowded."
Total Campsites40 campsites
Recommended CampsitesSites facing the ocean are ideal for views but may be more exposed to wind. Sites with partial shade provide better comfort.
Best CampsitesSites 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 25, 29, 31, 35, 38, and 39 are highly recommended.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
2:00 PM
Check-out
12:00 PM
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit not explicitly stated.
Guests Allowed Per Site
Maximum of 8 guests per site for standard campsites.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are allowed
Primitive
Primitive are not allowed
Reservable
Reservations are allowed
Site layoutThe campground is compact, with spaces close together. Some sites face the ocean, while others face mountains or roads.
Open and Closed SeasonClosed annually from October 1 through April 1.
Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through official California State Parks reservation system.
Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come, first-served sites are available, especially during off-peak seasons.
Cancellation PolicyNo detailed cancellation policy available in provided sources.
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Lodging and accommodations
Flush toilets
Camp Store
Activities you can enjoy
Gaviota Campground offers a variety of activities, including hiking, swimming, fishing, and beach-related activities. The proximity to the beach is highly praised in user reviews, though the strong wind conditions impact camping experiences. Wildlife viewing is possible with sightings of bunnies, squirrels, and quail noted by visitors.
Hiking
A steep trail leads hikers to upland portions of the park, but accessible details about trail lengths or difficulty levels are missing. One user review mentioned hiking to nearby wind caves as an enjoyable activity for kids.Fishing
Fishing is available off the beach and pier. One reviewer stated, "The fishing is amazing; I caught 4 nice-sized surf perch in about an hour." The pier is currently closed due to storm damage.Swimming
Swimming is available, with lifeguards present on the beach. User reviews highlight beautiful and calm water, though they note occasional sightings of sharks, as mentioned by a lifeguard.Boating
Boating activities are supported by pier access, though the pier is closed due to damage. Surfers use a boat hoist for accessing the Santa Barbara Channel.Wildlife viewing
Wildlife such as bunnies, squirrels, and quail are commonly seen around the campground. One user review mentioned ticks near the marsh area.Beach activities
Beach activities are a highlight, including walking along the shoreline and sunbathing. One review noted, "The beach is small, but you owe it to yourself to walk south on a low tide. You will be the only footprints for over 2 miles."Winter Activities
The park may experience severe winter conditions, including flooding, which can lead to temporary closures.Water Sports
Boogie boarding and surfing are popular activities, with users praising the convenience of the beach access.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed but may be dangerous during windy conditions.
- Quiet hours not explicitly stated in sources.
Hazards
General hazardsSignificant wind hazards may impact tent camping, with gusts exceeding 50 mph. Sand and dust can pose additional discomfort during high winds.
Active alertsPier remains closed due to storm damage. Seasonal closures from October to April.
Weather forecast
71
°F
Aug 26
Tuesday
Clear sky
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 61%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.7 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
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
Nearest hospital is likely in Santa Barbara, approximately 33 miles away. Closest police station and emergency services are also in Santa Barbara.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates not explicitly provided in sources.
Trash and recyclingUsers did not specifically mention trash and recycling facilities, though the overall cleanliness was noted in user reviews.
Proximity to water featuresLocated directly adjacent to the Pacific Ocean, with a small beach and nearby river.
Common complaintsFrequent complaints about strong nighttime winds, damaged tents, and limited shade. Bathrooms are occasionally out of service.
HostHosts are available onsite and reportedly friendly and helpful, often assisting with wood and ice shortages.
Campground Map
Gaviota State Park, 33 miles west of Santa Barbara, off U.S. Highway 101
Driving directionsFrom U.S. Highway 101, travel 33 miles west of Santa Barbara to reach Gaviota State Park. The campground is located off the main highway.
The campground is accessible via paved roads directly from Highway 101. Seasonal closures due to winter flooding may occur.Nearby places
Santa Barbara (33 miles, approximately 40 minutes)
Lompoc (approx. 25 miles)
Santa Ynez (approx. 30 miles)
Nearby supplies
Camping supplies, groceries, and fuel can likely be found in Santa Barbara, 33 miles away. A small camp store onsite operates Friday to Monday offering basic goods and trinkets.
Camper Reviews
4.3
64 reviews
Gaviota Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews for Gaviota Campground are mixed, with positive highlights about the beautiful beach, clean facilities, and helpful staff. Complaints focus predominantly on the extreme wind conditions that challenge tent camping and sometimes cause safety concerns with campfires and flying sand. RV campers tend to have better experiences than tent campers.
Review Summaries
Based on 64 reviews
What Campers Love
Many visitors praise the stunning views, proximity to the beach, and overall cleanliness of the campground. Staff and camp hosts are repeatedly described as helpful and friendly. Facilities such as...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Common Concerns
Negative feedback is largely centered on the extreme wind conditions, which can damage tents and create discomfort for campers. Additionally, users note that campsites are small and lack privacy, and...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Visitors recommend checking the wind forecast before coming and bringing sturdy tents with long stakes, extra padding for sleeping, and quarters for the showers. RV camping is strongly preferred over...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Seasonal Insights
Wind conditions are a recurring theme in reviews across all seasons. While mornings are calm, afternoons and nights can bring winds of up to 60 mph. Winter closures and flooding also limit...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Camper Quotes
"Love this hidden gem. So peaceful and beautiful." - Robert Prescott. "It gets windy at night, so be sure to have stakes." - Chris topher Soto. "Heavy objects on the perimeter of each tent to avoid...
Based on 64 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Best campsites are listed as numbers 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 25, 29, 31, 35, 38, and 39. Site #28 is described as being impossible for tent camping due to wind conditions.
Based on 64 reviewsAccessibility Features
Accessible restrooms, showers, and picnic areas are appreciated by users. One review mentioned the availability of a beach wheelchair that can be reserved through the camp host at site #38.
Based on 64 reviewsPet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in the campground and day-use areas but are not permitted on the beach. One reviewer mentioned the presence of foxtails at campsite #30 that could be troublesome for pets.
Based on 64 reviewsLast updated August 10, 2025