How much does camping cost at Paradise Campground?

Camping fees at Paradise Campground are $40 - $82/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Paradise Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Paradise Campground 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 Paradise Campground before I book?

Yes! Paradise Campground has 10 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 Paradise Campground?

Paradise Campground is open January 01 to December 31. 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 Paradise Campground?

Paradise Campground does not have shower facilities. Plan accordingly—nearby alternatives may include day-use areas or towns.

Is there cell service at Paradise Campground?

Cell phone service at Paradise Campground is generally available. Cell service is available. Coverage may vary by carrier and exact location within the campground.

How many campsites does Paradise Campground have?

Paradise Campground has 15 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Paradise Campground?

Yes, pets are allowed at Paradise Campground. 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 Paradise Campground?

Paradise Campground offers: Restrooms, Potable Water, Pets Allowed. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Paradise Campground?

Popular activities at Paradise Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Paradise Campground

4.20

360 reviews

5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USA 93105

Top 10% in CAFall

B-Report Card

Featured in:Camping Near Channel Islands National Park Winter Camping California

Quick Facts

1,000 ft

Price

$40 - $82/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Los Padres National Forest Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,000 ft

Price

$40 - $82/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

15 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV Friendly

Book on Los Padres National Forest Recreation Official Website

Get Directions

Paradise Campground

$40.00 - $82.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $80.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $40.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday). Plus...

Standard Site Fee$40.00

Get Notified When Available

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Provider

805-434-1996parksman@fix.net

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USA 93105

Paradise Campground

5050 Paradise Road, Santa Barbara, CA, USA 93105

Nearby places

Santa Barbara (18 miles, ~25 min drive), Cachuma Lake Recreation Area (10 miles), Solvang (~25 min drive)

Weather at Paradise Campground

Best Time to Camp at Paradise Campground

Best season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild, stable weather (typically daytime highs around 70–85°F and nights 50–60°F) and low marine layer, making trails dry and views crisp. Hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and photography are at their peak as the summer crowds thin and oaks and chaparral show warm autumn tones. Crowds are generally lighter than summer weekends, but expect steady use on holiday weekends — it's the most comfortable time for multi-day back-to-back outdoor activities. Peak months: October, November, April, May

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Top 10% in CA

Fall noted as best season: mild temps, low marine layer and crisp views; reviewers praise fall visits.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: January 01 to December 31. Book 2-3 months ahead.

About Paradise Campground

Paradise Campground sits in the oak-shaded foothills of Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara. Operated by the Forest Service, this small campground offers tent and RV sites with flush toilets, potable water, and fire rings. Visitors hike nearby trails, fish, and swim, with attentive camp hosts maintaining clean facilities and peaceful surroundings under mature oaks.

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.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: fall. Fall offers the best balance of mild, stable weather (typically daytime highs around 70–85°F and nights 50–60°F) and low marine layer, making trails dry and views crisp. Hiking, mountain biking, wildlife viewing and photography are at their peak as the summer crowds thin and oaks and chaparral show warm autumn tones. Crowds are generally lighter than summer weekends, but expect steady use on holiday weekends — it's the most comfortable time for multi-day back-to-back outdoor activities. Peak months: October, November, April, May

Elevation1000 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryOak trees dominate the campground, providing shade over most sites. A central meadow opens up views and is a gathering spot. The Santa Ynez River runs nearby, though reviewers note it often runs dry in summer. Trails lead into the surrounding forest. At this elevation, coastal and mountain ecosystems overlap, creating a mix of chaparral and woodland vegetation. Wildlife sightings are common.

Lodging & AccommodationsHotel-style lodging is not available; the campground is strictly for tent and RV camping.

Programs & ActivitiesCultural or educational programs are not explicitly mentioned.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

You may stay up to 14 nights during a visit.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum number of people per single site is 8. For double sites, up to 16 guests are permitted.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made via Recreation.gov, mobile apps, or by contacting the office.

AccessibilityFlush toilets are accessible, and parking spurs are paved. However, some users mentioned challenges with backing large RVs due to boulders and low-hanging tree branches.

Site SizeSites vary in size; some are spacious enough for multiple tents, while others may feel more compact, especially for larger RVs.

PrivacySites are organized in a circular loop with moderate spacing. Some sites provide better privacy (e.g., Site #11, described as 'tucked away'), while others are close to the road or adjacent sites.

Total Campsites15 campsites

Recommended SitesSite #11 is secluded and away from other campers. Site #14 offers proximity to rock formations but is noted for red ant issues during summer.

Best CampsitesSite #11 gets the most specific praise for privacy and shade, described as tucked away from the main loop. Sites #1 and #9 near the meadow offer more space. Some sites sit close to the road or adjacent campsites, reducing privacy.

Need help booking Paradise Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

Recreation.gov Guide

Booking tips & windows

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Paradise Campground offers more than a dozen tent and RV sites nestled in oak woodland with ample shade. Amenities include flush toilets, drinking water, picnic tables, fire rings with grills, and pedestal grills. Firewood is available for purchase from the campground host. Parking spurs are paved but utility hookups are not provided. The nearest fee dump station is approximately 11 miles away at Cachuma Lake County Park.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Food storage lockers

Picnic tables

Firewood available

I manage this campground

RV details

Things to do at Paradise Campground

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).

Hiking4.0/5

Fishing3.5/5

Fishing accessible at Cachuma Lake (10 mi) with trout/bass; Santa Ynez River nearby but seasonal/dry in summer.

Swimming3.0/5

Water Sports3.0/5

Kayaking available at nearby Cachuma Lake (~10 mi); not an on-site offering.

Winter Activities

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Meadow, mature oaks, wildlife and night skies provide strong photo opportunities.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Food Storage RequiredBear lockers are provided to help secure food and minimize wildlife interactions.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

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

Rate Paradise Campground

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From Booking Sources

4.2

360 reviews

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 360 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 360 reviews.

Site #11Loved
Site #11 is frequently praised for privacy and spaciousness.
Site #15Loved
Site #15 offers sunny conditions but limited shade.
Site #14Issues noted
Site #14 has complaints about ant infestations and challenges for RVs.

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...

Based on 360 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...

Based on 360 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...

Based on 360 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 360 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...

Based on 360 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 360 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

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

Based on 360 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

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Paradise Campground

$40.00 - $82.00 / night

Campsite Fees

STANDARD NONELECTRIC- Double Site: $80.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $40.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday). Plus...

Standard Site Fee$40.00

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

Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-434-1996parksman@fix.net

Go if

You want shaded sites near hiking trails with clean facilities and a peaceful, wildlife-rich setting.

Skip if

You're visiting in summer and can't tolerate dry conditions, insects, or rough access roads.

Nearby Campgrounds

5050 PARADISE ROAD, SANTA BARBARA, CA 93105, USA

Los Prietos sits in Los Padres National Forest near Santa Barbara, offering shaded oak-canopy camping along a creek corridor. The mid-sized campground accommodates tents and RVs with flush toilets, potable water, and spacious sites popular with anglers, swimmers, and mountain bikers. Wild turkeys and other wildlife frequent the grounds, and trailheads connect directly to forest paths.

Paradise Campground

Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Ask Camp Sage about Paradise Campground

Campground Map

Weather at Paradise Campground

Best Time to Camp at Paradise Campground

Planning Tips

About Paradise Campground

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Paradise Campground?

Amenities available

RV details

Things to do at Paradise Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Get Notified When Available

Go if

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Ask Camp Sage about Paradise Campground

Best Time to Camp at Paradise Campground

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Paradise Campground?

Amenities available

Things to do at Paradise Campground

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns