Fremont Campground

Star3.77
89 reviews
5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, USA

Quick Facts

1,000 ft

Price

$40 - $42/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly
Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

January 2026
Fremont Campground
$40.00 - $42.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Nonelectric sites cost $40 per night with a $2 additional charge for weekends and holidays.
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

Get Notified When Available

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

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground
Recreation Dot Gov
Provider
805-434-1996customerservice@pmcparks.com
Help improve this page
See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

3.77

Mixed Reviews

Based on 89 reviews

58 Google reviews

Most mentioned

shadespaciousfriendlysites

Some mention

bugs

"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."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105, USA

Fremont Campground

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.

Best Time to Camp at Fremont Campground

The 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.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
2.0 / 5

Summer reviews cite >100°F heat, gnats and porta-potty issues making peak-season stays uncomfortable.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
3.5 / 5

Fall likely pleasant with milder temps and shaded sites; fewer negative seasonal comments.

Best
Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring visits praised for lush greenery and wildflowers after rains; reviewers positive about spring.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round; mild winter conditions but limited winter-specific recreation noted.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: January 1, 2025–December 31, 2025.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed seasonally. Check local advisories before arrival.

About Fremont 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.
Advertisement

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

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.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

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.
HikingThe 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.
FishingFishing is available at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, which is nearby. No-body-contact restrictions apply to the reservoir.
SwimmingSwimming 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.
BikingBiking trails are accessible near the campground. No specific details on terrain or difficulty were provided.
BoatingBoating opportunities are available at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area. Kayaking is also mentioned.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include frogs, owls, wild turkeys, and crows, as noted by several user reviews.
Advertisement

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsHazards 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.
No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Weather at Fremont Campground

Reviews

3.8
89 reviews
Mixed Reviews
Mixed 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 89 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 89 reviews

Common 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...
Show more
Based on 89 reviews

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 89 reviews

Seasonal 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...
Show more
Based on 89 reviews

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 89 reviews

Site-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 89 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible flush toilets were appreciated when available. Large, accessible campsites were also positively noted.
Based on 89 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground is dog-friendly, and users appreciated the ability to bring pets.
Based on 89 reviews

0
0 review
1
2
3
4
5

Add your voice to the Outdoorithm community

Been to Fremont Campground? Your review helps fellow campers discover what makes this place special—and what to expect.


Last updated January 13, 2026
Advertisement

Nearby Campgrounds

Campgrounds you may also like

Popular campgrounds in California

Campgrounds
Los Padres National Forest
Fremont Campground