How much does camping cost at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area?

Camping fees at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area range from $30-$200/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Cachuma Lake Recreation Area first-come first-served or reservation?

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area before I book?

Yes! Cachuma Lake Recreation Area has 4 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Cachuma Lake Recreation Area?

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is open April 1 - September 30. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, Cachuma Lake Recreation Area has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Cachuma Lake Recreation Area have?

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area has 400 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area?

Yes, pets are allowed at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area?

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Water Hookups, Sewer Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store, Laundry. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area?

Popular activities at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

4.40

128 reviews

2225 Highway 154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

C+Report Card

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

274 ft

Price

$30 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

400 campsites

Season

Open year‑round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

Full HookupsPull-ThroughShowers

Book on Santa Barbara County Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

274 ft

Price

$30 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

400 campsites

Season

Open year‑round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Pets Allowed

Full HookupsPull-ThroughShowers

Book on Santa Barbara County Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

$30.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping and day‑use fees apply; specific rates and day‑use/camping fees available on the official reservations website.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$55.00

Premium Site Fee$45.00

Group Site Fee$230.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

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Santa Barbara County Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

2225 Highway 154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

2225 Highway 154, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Nearby supplies

On-site marina/general store and gas station (supplies available at the park marina)

Weather at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

Best Time to Camp at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

Fall brings the best balance of warm weather and smaller crowds. Daytime highs typically run 60 to 85°F with nights in the 40s to 50s. The lake retains summer warmth for swimming and boating, and trails stay comfortable for hiking and wildlife viewing without the summer weekend rush. Fire restrictions can still apply in some years, but skies are generally clearer for sunset watching.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring offers good boating and trail conditions; lake recreation ramps up before peak season.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: April 1 - September 30. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year‑round

About Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area sits at 274 feet elevation in the Santa Ynez Valley, where Bradbury Dam forms a reservoir framed by the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains. The county-run park has 400 campsites ranging from tent and RV spots to cabins and yurts, with fees from $30 to $200 per night. A full-service marina, general store, and cafe anchor the property.

A variety of accommodations are offered including tent sites, RV sites (with full/partial hookups), cabins and yurts.

Historical Significance

Bradbury Dam created Cachuma Reservoir as part of the Cachuma Project.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best balance of warm weather and smaller crowds. Daytime highs typically run 60 to 85°F with nights in the 40s to 50s. The lake retains summer warmth for swimming and boating, and trails stay comfortable for hiking and wildlife viewing without the summer weekend rush. Fire restrictions can still apply in some years, but skies are generally clearer for sunset watching.

Natural Features and SceneryThe reservoir stretches across the valley floor with the Santa Ynez and San Rafael ranges rising on both sides. Premium waterfront sites and bluff-top yurts offer direct lake views, while elevated perches look out over the surrounding mountains. The lake supports large populations of catfish, sunfish, bluegill, largemouth bass, and rainbow trout, with general wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the 3,100-acre property.

Geological RegionSanta Ynez Valley, flanked by the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains (Cachuma Lake/Bradbury Dam)

Scenic ViewsLake views from waterfront and bluff-top sites with surrounding views of the Santa Ynez and San Rafael Mountains.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

2:00 PM

Check-out

12:00 PM

Stay Limit

Maximum 2-week stay

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation Platformshttps://reservations.sbparks.org/ (UseDirect-based reservation system)

Total Campsites400 campsites

Best CampsitesPremium waterfront sites get you closest to the lake. Yurts on the bluffs provide elevated views of the water and mountains. Sites 1 through 121 have full hookups, while sites 149 through 179 offer water and electric only.

Need help booking Cachuma Lake Recreation Area?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

On-site amenities include coin-operated hot showers, water-flush restrooms, laundry facilities, a dump station, playground, general store and gas station, marina with cafe, nature center, swimming pool, trailer storage, and picnic/BBQ facilities. The campground offers full and partial hookups at many sites (water, electric, sewer).

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Water hookups

Sewer hookups

Flush toilets

I manage this campground

RV details

Electric hookups58 of 550 sites (11%)

Water hookups35 of 550 sites (6%)

Sewer hookups12 of 550 sites (2%)

12 full hookup sites4 pull-through sites

Activities you can enjoy

Lake-centered recreation with boating and rentals at the marina, fishing, multiple shared-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, a swimming pool, disc golf, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and lake tours/cruises.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.4

128 reviews

Recommended

Cachuma Lake Recreation Area is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews are largely positive, praising scenic lake and mountain views, well-maintained sites, fishing and hiking opportunities, and on-site amenities; occasional complaints mention fees and food/pricing at the on-site restaurant.

Review Summaries

Based on 128 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic lake and mountain views; premium waterfront sites and bluff yurts recommended for vistas; clean showers and laundry; marina, cafe and general store; full/partial hookup sites; family-friendly...

Based on 128 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

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Cachuma Lake Recreation Area

$30.00 - $200.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Camping and day‑use fees apply; specific rates and day‑use/camping fees available on the official reservations website.

Standard Site Fee$35.00

Hookup Site Fee$55.00

Premium Site Fee$45.00

Group Site Fee$230.00

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

256,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

Santa Barbara County Parks

Provider

Go if

Waterfront sites and bluff-top yurts are the reason to book here. Fall is the sweet spot: warm days, cooler nights, fewer weekend crowds, and the lake still fishable for bass, bluegill, and trout from shore or a rental boat.

Skip if

Campers expecting a quiet, stripped-down experience will find this place busy and fee-heavy. The on-site restaurant draws consistent complaints about price and quality, so plan to cook or bring food from Santa Barbara.

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