How much does camping cost at Sage Hill?

Camping fees at Sage Hill range from $150-$152/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Sage Hill first-come first-served or reservation?

Sage Hill 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 Sage Hill before I book?

Yes! Sage Hill has 6 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 Sage Hill?

Sage Hill 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 Sage Hill?

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

How many campsites does Sage Hill have?

Sage Hill has 10 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Sage Hill?

Pets are not allowed at Sage Hill. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Sage Hill?

Sage Hill offers: Restrooms, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Sage Hill?

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

Sage Hill

Q: Can I have a campfire at Sage Hill?

Fire policies at Sage Hill: Don't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

4.28

75 reviews

3505 Paradise Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Featured in:Camping Near Channel Islands National Park

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,237 ft

Price

$150 - $152/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on PMC Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,237 ft

Price

$150 - $152/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

10 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Book on PMC Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Sage Hill

$150.00 - $152.00 / night

Campsite Fees

GROUP EQUESTRIAN: $150.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday); GROUP STANDARD NONELECTRIC: $150.00 (+$2.00 weekend) (+$2.00 holiday). Plus...

Group Site Fee$150.00

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Recreation Dot Gov

Provider

805-434-1996parksman@fix.net

I manage this campground

Plan a trip to Sage Hill

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Campground Map

3505 Paradise Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Sage Hill

3505 Paradise Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Nearby places

Santa Barbara (30 minutes drive)

Solvang (approximately 45 minutes drive)

Weather at Sage Hill

Current alerts(12)

A boating fee is charged for entrance to lake
All visitors must ford the river to reach the campground
Be bear aware; keep all food out of sight in approved containers or locked inside your vehicle and remove all food from area after eating
Be cautious of snakes in the area

Best Time to Camp at Sage Hill

Best season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of wildflower displays, comfortable temperatures (daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to low 70s°F and nights around the mid-40s°F), and higher river flows that make hiking, wildlife viewing, and the nearby fishing especially rewarding. Trails are green and shaded by oak canopies, equestrian access is pleasant before summer dust and heat, and crowds are moderate compared with peak summer weekends. Spring rains earlier in the season boost the riparian habitat, Peak months: April, May, March, October

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring is best: mid‑60s temps, wildflowers, higher river flows improving scenery and fishing.

Planning Tips

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

About Sage Hill

Sage Hill is a small, premium-priced campground in the Los Padres National Forest foothills near Santa Barbara, operated by PMC Parks during peak season. The site offers flush toilets, potable water, and access to hiking, fishing, and swimming. Reviewers praise clean facilities, attentive hosts, and spacious group sites, though limited shade and insects are common complaints.

Sage Hill Campground primarily caters to group camping and equestrian activities, with spacious sites and facilities to support large gatherings.

Weather and SeasonsBest season: spring. Spring offers the best combination of wildflower displays, comfortable temperatures (daytime highs commonly in the mid-60s to low 70s°F and nights around the mid-40s°F), and higher river flows that make hiking, wildlife viewing, and the nearby fishing especially rewarding. Trails are green and shaded by oak canopies, equestrian access is pleasant before summer dust and heat, and crowds are moderate compared with peak summer weekends. Spring rains earlier in the season boost the riparian habitat, Peak months: April, May, March, October

Elevation1237 ft above sea level

Natural Features and SceneryAncient oaks scatter across relatively level terrain at 1,237 feet, casting varying amounts of shade depending on which site you draw. The Santa Ynez River runs nearby, supporting riparian habitat where deer browse at dawn and dusk. The campground's position in the east-west trending Transverse Ranges creates diverse microclimates compared to typical north-south California ranges. Wildlife sightings are common. Expect tarantulas, coyotes, and bats.

Lodging & AccommodationsThe campground does not offer additional lodging accommodations like cabins or lodges.

Programs & ActivitiesNo cultural or educational programs are mentioned in the campground's features.

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

Each campsite accommodates up to 50 people
the equestrian site accommodates up to 60 people.

Groups

Each group campsite accommodates up to 50 people, with the group equestrian site holding up to 60. Users have praised the spacious layout and ample parking.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made on Recreation.gov or through the contact center.

AccessibilityThe campground is located on flat terrain, which may make it suitable for some accessibility needs. However, no specific ADA-compliant features have been mentioned.

Site SizeSites are spacious enough to accommodate up to 50 people for standard group sites, and up to 60 for the group equestrian site.

PrivacyThe sites provide some degree of privacy with oak trees offering shade, but user reviews indicate that shade coverage varies by site. Some users recommend bringing extra shade structures.

Total Campsites10 campsites

Recommended SitesFor large groups, the Caballo and Cactus Loops are recommended for their size, shade, and proximity to trails. Equestrian groups should consider the Caballo Loop for its horse corrals.

Best CampsitesReviews favor Caballo Loop for equestrian groups and families with young kids, Cactus Loop for shade and clean facilities, and Live Oak Loop for large gatherings. Ask the camp host for site-specific recommendations when you book.

Need help booking Sage Hill?

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

Sage Hill Campground, located in the Santa Ynez Mountain Range, offers a variety of amenities catering to both group and equestrian campers. "Flush toilets, drinking water and paved roads are included, in addition to an extra large parking area to accommodate horse trailers." However, there are no showers on-site, and Wi-Fi is unavailable. A notable feature is the group equestrian site, which includes 12 corrals and a hitching post, making it attractive for horse enthusiasts. The closest dump station is at Cachuma Lake, which is approximately seven miles west of the campground.

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Group Sites

I manage this campground

Activities you can enjoy

Sage Hill Campground offers a wide range of recreational activities, including fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Nearby attractions like the Cachuma Lake Recreation Area add opportunities for boating and kayaking. The Aliso Canyon Trail, located at the rear of the facility, connects to other regional trails, making it ideal for avid hikers.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

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.

Fire PolicyDon't Move Firewood: Protect California's forests from tree-killing pests by buying your firewood locally and burning it on-site. For more information visit firewood.ca.gov.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but users are advised to bring their own means to transport waste, such as wheelbarrows for manure disposal at the equestrian site.

Cell CoverageSome users report having cell service in most of the campsite, while others found it unreliable. There is no official confirmation of consistent coverage.

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 Sage Hill

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From Booking Sources

4.3

75 reviews

Satisfactory

Sage Hill is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews highlight Sage Hill as a clean and spacious group campground with scenic surroundings. Positive feedback emphasizes the cleanliness of flush toilets, the attentive camp host, and the availability of hiking trails. Negative comments point out the lack of showers, occasional rodent issues in restrooms, and varying levels of shade at campsites.

Review Summaries

Based on 75 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean restrooms, attentive camp hosts, scenic hiking trails, spacious group sites, wildlife sightings, and proximity to Santa Barbara.

Based on 75 reviews

Common Concerns

No showers, varying shade levels, rodent issues in restrooms, absence of Wi-Fi, and the need to ford the river to access the campground during high water levels.

Based on 75 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites like 'Caballo' and 'Cactus' have received specific praise for their spaciousness and cleanliness. Users recommend the 'Live Oak' site for large groups.

Based on 75 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring extra shade structures, plenty of water, and bug repellent. For equestrian campers, bringing a wheelbarrow is advised for manure disposal. It’s recommended to book reservations early during...

Based on 75 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The campground's environment varies by season, with the river potentially drying out by late summer. Wildlife activity and temperature extremes are notable seasonal factors.

Based on 75 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Amazing campground! We booked Sycamore on Halloween, and saw so much wildlife!" - Crystal Lua. "Beautiful campgrounds with clean bathrooms, accessible cooking areas, and enough shade to set up...

Based on 75 reviews

Accessibility Features

No detailed user reviews explicitly addressing accessibility for disabilities.

Based on 75 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

No specific reviews address pet policies or pet-related features.

Based on 75 reviews

Outdoorithm Community

Be the first to review this campground

Every adventure creates another. Share what you learned so the next camper feels a little more prepared heading out.

Go if

You want a managed group camping experience near Santa Barbara with flush toilets and trail access.

Skip if

You need shade, showers, or want to avoid seasonal insects.

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.

Sage Hill

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Real-Time Availability

Quick Facts

Get Notified When Available

Plan a trip to Sage Hill

Campground Map

Weather at Sage Hill

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Sage Hill

Planning Tips

About Sage Hill

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sage Hill?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews

Go if

Skip if

Overview

Activities

Plan a trip to Sage Hill

Current alerts(12)

Best Time to Camp at Sage Hill

Planning Tips

Best Campsites

Reserving a campsite

Need help booking Sage Hill?

Amenities available

Activities you can enjoy

Policies & Safety

Trip Planning Tools

Reviews

What Campers Love

Common Concerns

Site-Specific Reviews