Paradise Campground

Star4.22
261 reviews
5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USA 93105

Quick Facts

1,000 ft

Price

$40 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Opens Los Padres National Forest Recreation site

Official Website
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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
Paradise Campground
$40.00 - $80.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard non-electric sites are priced at $40-$80 depending on occupancy. Extra charges apply for additional people ($10 per person per night beyond...
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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

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Provider
805-434-1996parksman@fix.net
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What Campers Say

4.22

Satisfactory

Based on 261 reviews

127 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanrestroomsshade

"User reviews vary significantly, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Complaints often focus on summer heat, bugs, restroom cleanliness, and lack of water in the nearby river, while positive feedback highlights the natural beauty, spacious sites, and helpful camp hosts."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USA 93105

Paradise Campground

5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USA 93105

Driving directionsFrom Santa Barbara, take Highway 154 for approximately 9 miles to Paradise Road. Turn right and continue on Paradise Road to the campground.
The campground is accessible via paved roads. Seasonal road conditions may apply and travelers should check for closures during extreme weather events. Reviews indicate some challenging road terrain such as large potholes.
Nearby places
Santa Barbara (18 miles, ~25 min drive), Cachuma Lake Recreation Area (10 miles), Solvang (~25 min drive)
Nearby supplies
Groceries, fuel, and camping supplies can be procured in Santa Barbara (~18 miles away). The nearest fee dump station for RV users is at Cachuma Lake County Park, about 11 miles away.

Best Time to Camp at Paradise Campground

Paradise Campground transforms with the seasons, each offering its own unique charm. Summer brings warm, sun-drenched days perfect for lounging in the shade of mighty oaks, though temperatures can climb high under the California sun. Winter ushers in a cooler, more contemplative atmosphere with occasional rain showers that awaken the forest floor. But it's spring that truly lives up to the campground's name—when wildflowers carpet the meadows, temperatures hover in that perfect sweet spot, and the entire landscape bursts with vibrant green renewal.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.0 / 5

Summer praised for shade but many complaints about heat, flies, ants and dust.

Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5

Milder temps and good trail conditions implied; fewer bug complaints off-peak.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Seasonal water features and mild weather suggest very pleasant spring camping conditions.

Best
Winter(Dec-Feb)
4.0 / 5
Top 12% in CA

Reviews note cooler temps, fewer bugs and quieter conditions in winter; campground open year-round.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Peak season pricing applies year-round.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Reservations available for rolling 6 months in advance.
  • Current Alerts: Fire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather. Check campone.com for updates.

About Paradise Campground

Escape to Paradise Campground, a hidden gem tucked within the enchanting Los Padres National Forest where ancient oak trees create a natural cathedral overhead. This intimate retreat features just over a dozen thoughtfully spaced campsites, each offering a perfect blend of seclusion and community. Whether you're seeking a family adventure or a peaceful weekend immersed in nature, Paradise delivers an authentic outdoor experience where the only sounds are rustling leaves and birdsong echoing through the woodland canopy.
Paradise Campground caters primarily to tent and RV campers, with accommodations for single and double-family groups. Group camping and luxury options are not mentioned.
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Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers
Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in
Check-in starts at 2 PM.
Check-out
Check-out is at 12 PM.
Stay Limit
You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Amenities available

Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Food storage lockers
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Paradise Campground offers a range of activities including hiking, biking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Nearby Cachuma Lake Recreation Area provides additional opportunities for boating and fishing. The Santa Ynez River offers seasonal swimming and fishing opportunities. The campground is close to popular trails like the Aliso National Recreation Trail (2.5 miles) and Santa Cruz Trail (18 miles).
HikingHiking trails are plentiful. The 2.5-mile Aliso National Recreation Trail begins nearby, while the 18-mile Santa Cruz Trail offers more challenging options. Trails near the Santa Ynez River are also accessible.
FishingFishing is available at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area (10 miles away), where trout, carp, and bass are common catches. The Santa Ynez River offers seasonal fishing opportunities.
SwimmingSwimming is feasible in the Santa Ynez River, though seasonal water flow may affect usability. 'We swam at the river nearby via an access tunnel,' said one reviewer.
BikingCampground roads and nearby trails are suitable for biking. 'Bring bikes for the nearby trails!' recommended a reviewer.
BoatingBoating activities are primarily available at Cachuma Lake Recreation Area, a no-body-contact reservoir.
Wildlife viewingWildlife sightings include wild turkeys, bobcats, and various bird species. "Wild turkeys running around campsites!" noted a reviewer.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include red ant infestations (reported at site #14), poison oak near tree lines, and dry, windy conditions during summer. Low water levels in nearby rivers during drought.
Active AlertsFire restrictions may be imposed during hot, dry weather. Check campone.com for updates.
Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are provided to help secure food and minimize wildlife interactions.

Weather at Paradise Campground

Reviews

4.2
261 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Paradise Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews vary significantly, with ratings ranging from 1 to 5 stars. Complaints often focus on summer heat, bugs, restroom cleanliness, and lack of water in the nearby river, while positive feedback highlights the natural beauty, spacious sites, and helpful camp hosts.
Review Summaries
Based on 261 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive themes include clean restrooms, attentive camp hosts, proximity to hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and peaceful surroundings. Several users praised the spaciousness and shade provided by...
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Based on 261 reviews

Common Concerns

Common issues include extreme summer heat, flies, ants at certain sites, trash left by previous campers, and limited privacy at some sites. Some users also noted challenges with RV maneuverability...
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Based on 261 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Tips include avoiding summer months due to heat and bugs, bringing bikes for nearby trails, stocking up on supplies beforehand, and checking for seasonal river water levels. Site #11 is recommended...
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Based on 261 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Reviews highlight cooler temperatures, fewer bugs, and quieter conditions during off-peak winter months. Summer reviews often complain about heat, dust, and flies.
Based on 261 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'We swam at the river nearby via an access tunnel.' 2. 'Bathrooms were spotless and had real flushing toilets.' 3. 'The sites are nicely spaced apart and shaded under trees.' 4. 'Be cautious with...
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Based on 261 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #11 is frequently praised for privacy and spaciousness. Site #14 has complaints about ant infestations and challenges for RVs. Site #15 offers sunny conditions but limited shade.
Based on 261 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessibility features include paved parking spurs and accessible flush toilets. However, RV users noted difficulties with maneuvering due to boulders and trees.
Based on 261 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pets are permitted, and many users enjoyed bringing their dogs, especially for nearby hikes and river access.
Based on 261 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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