Refugio State Beach Campground

Star4.25
99 reviews
10 Refugio Beach Road, Goleta, CA 93117
SwimmingSummer Destination

Quick Facts

23 ft

Price

$45 - $350/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

66 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyShowers

Opens California State Parks 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
Refugio State Beach Campground
$45.00 - $350.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Group campsites range from $235 to $350 depending on size. Standard campsites are $45 per night with additional fees for extra vehicles. Reservation...
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Standard Site Fee$45.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$350.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Reserve California
Provider
805-968-1033null
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What Campers Say

4.25

Satisfactory

Based on 99 reviews

1328 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanlocationwaterbeach

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews are mixed, generally praising the scenic beauty and beach access while noting some maintenance and privacy issues. The campground is described as family-friendly but crowded."

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Campground Map

10 Refugio Beach Road, Goleta, CA 93117

Refugio State Beach Campground

10 Refugio Beach Road, Goleta, CA 93117

Driving directionsRefugio State Beach is located 20 miles west of Santa Barbara on Highway 101 at Refugio Road.
Access is via Highway 101 and Refugio Road. Roads are paved and accessible year-round. No challenging terrain is noted.
Nearby places
Santa Barbara (20 miles, ~30 minutes), Goleta (22 miles, ~30 minutes), Buellton (27 miles, ~35 minutes)
Nearby supplies
The Refugio Beach Store is available within the park and sells camping supplies, souvenirs, ice, beverages, groceries, fishing bait, and tackle.

Best Time to Camp at Refugio State Beach Campground

Blessed with California's signature Mediterranean climate, Refugio State Beach welcomes visitors with warm, inviting weather throughout the year. Summer months bring glassy, calm waters perfect for swimming and paddling, while autumn transforms the campground into a tranquil retreat with crisp, soothing evenings ideal for campfire gatherings under star-filled skies. The gentle coastal breeze keeps temperatures comfortable even during the warmest days.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season: calm glassy waters, excellent beach activities but crowded (Memorial-Labor Day peak).

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5
Top 5% in CA

Milder crowds, good weather and clear views make fall especially pleasant for visits.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring offers pleasant weather and good beach activity without peak-summer crowds.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.5 / 5
Top 23% in CA

Open year-round; quieter and scenic but cooler water and fewer lifeguards/services in winter.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round. Lifeguard towers staffed Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
  • Current Alerts: Aniso Trail partially closed due to coastal erosion.

About Refugio State Beach Campground

Nestled along California's stunning coastline, Refugio State Beach Campground invites you to experience beachfront camping at its finest. With 66 family-friendly campsites and 3 spacious group sites, this coastal haven places you just steps from the sand, where the rhythmic waves create nature's perfect soundtrack. Wake up to breathtaking ocean vistas and spend your days immersed in endless recreational adventures, from morning beach walks to sunset kayaking sessions.
Refugio State Beach Campground accommodates tent camping, RV camping (without hookups), and group camping. Hike/Bike sites are available for cyclists and hikers.
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Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Check-in
2p.m.
Check-out
12 p.m.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay of 7 consecutive nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Flush toilets
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Firewood available

Activities you can enjoy

Refugio State Beach Campground offers a range of recreational activities. Coastal fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and beachcombing are popular. The Aniso Trail provides hiking and biking opportunities with scenic views of the Channel Islands. Swimming is available in calm waters suitable for kids. Wildlife viewing, including dolphin sightings, is common. Seasonal educational programs and astronomy events are sometimes held.
HikingThe Aniso Trail offers hiking opportunities with views of the Pacific Ocean and Channel Islands. Portions are closed due to erosion, but other sections remain accessible.
FishingCoastal fishing is popular, with halibut among reported catches. Fishing licenses are required but not sold on-site.
SwimmingSwimming is available in calm waters suitable for children. Reviews describe the beach as clean and inviting.
BikingBiking is allowed on roadways and the Aniso Trail, which connects to El Capitan State Beach. Trail conditions vary, with some sections closed.
BoatingKayaking and paddleboarding are popular activities. The calm waters are ideal for beginners and families.
Wildlife viewingDolphin sightings and diverse bird species, including yellow-rumped warblers, are reported. Wildlife viewing is a rewarding activity.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsFreeway noise at night and proximity to train tracks may disturb some campers. Tar balls on the beach pose a minor nuisance. Wildlife, including squirrels and ants, can be problematic if food is not stored properly.
Active AlertsAniso Trail partially closed due to coastal erosion.

Weather at Refugio State Beach Campground

Reviews

4.3
99 reviews
Satisfactory
Satisfactory
Refugio State Beach Campground is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are mixed, generally praising the scenic beauty and beach access while noting some maintenance and privacy issues. The campground is described as family-friendly but crowded.
Review Summaries
Based on 99 reviews

What Campers Love

Beautiful beachfront location, clean facilities, accessible amenities, calm waters for kids, and friendly staff are frequently mentioned.
Based on 99 reviews

Common Concerns

Limited privacy, crowded sites, occasional maintenance issues with bathrooms/showers, and freeway noise are user concerns.
Based on 99 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve sites early for privacy (#34 and #62 recommended). Bring quarters for showers and tar remover for beach use. Check weather and tide charts for safe hiking.
Based on 99 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer reviews highlight crowded conditions but enjoyable beach activities. Winter reviews note quieter conditions and beautiful views.
Based on 99 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The closest to the beach after Thornhill in Point Magu.' - Brian Prado 2. 'Refugio feels like a beautiful private beach. So quiet, so few people.' - Ralph Dias 3. 'The palm trees are iconic, it...
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Based on 99 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site #34 and #62 are recommended for privacy. Site #61 is close to the swing set and may be noisy.
Based on 99 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible features like campsites (#1, #8, #38, #52, #62) and Building #5 are praised. Beach wheelchairs are available for free.
Based on 99 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Dogs are allowed in the campground but not on the beach. Some users expressed dissatisfaction with the limited areas for pets.
Based on 99 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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