Gaviota State Park Campground

California's Best Camping

Gaviota State Park, Santa Barbara County, California
Gaviota State Park, Santa Barbara County, California

Gaviota State Park Campground

Santa Barbara County


Gaviota State Park Campground

Gaviota State Park Campground is located along the coast, off Highway 101, 33 miles northwest of Santa Barbara. The campsites at Gaviota State Park are a few hundred yards inland along Gaviota Creek and nearly under the shadow of an overhead railroad trestle. Visitors to the park and beach here enjoy fishing from the pier and sunning near the rolling waves.

A boat hoist on the pier can be used to lower smallcraft into the ocean, but changes in its use are underway. See Boat Hoist - Frequently Asked Questions. The major drawback of the campground is the wind, which can ravage poorly anchored tents. RV and trailer campers don't seem to mind as much.

Gaviota State Park Campground has 38 campsites arranged a loop. Good campground amenities such as showers and a camp store are available.

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Gaviota State Park Campground Basics
Gaviota State Park Campground Location: Highway 101, 33 miles northwest of Santa Barbara
Camping Season: Open April through late October, weather permitting
May be open on weekends during off-season. Call to confirm.
Number of Sites: 38
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: Fees cover 1 vehicle and 1 legal tow, 2 vehicles max
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
Gaviota State Park Information: (805) 968-1033

Reservations for Gaviota State Park Campground
Reservations available Reservations are available for camping dates whenever the campground is open.
Reservations can be made for camping dates up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum Vehicle Length: Trailers 25 feet, RVs 27 feet
Accessible Sites: None designated
Fees: Peak season (March - November) - $45
Off-season - $35
Hike & Bike site $10
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Gaviota State Park Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-in, Check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Gaviota State Park Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, store
Showers: Yes
Dump Station: No
Campground Map: Gaviota State Park Campground Map
Attractions near Gaviota State Park Campground: Find a comfortable beach. Enjoy nice hiking trails through the park. Visit nearby Gaviota Hot Springs. Make use of the Boat Hoist for smallcraft. Enjoy the picnic area. Try surfing, fishing, kayaking, or diving. Head to the Beattie Park Disc Golf in Lompoc. Visit scenic Nojoqui Falls Park. Tour the Solvang Vintage Motorcycle Museum. Head south to Cachuma Lake.

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General Camping Information

Opening and closing dates of campgrounds are only estimates, usually dependent on weather conditions. Not all campsites can accommodate trailers or RVs of all lengths. If using a reservation website, check to be sure your vehicles will fit in the parking space for your campsite.

In order to prevent the spread of invasive insects, obtain firewood locally.



Gaviota State ParkCampground, CA

Gaviota State Park Campground

Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties Beach and Lake Attractions

Visitors to Southern California beaches find many great attractions along the coast. Visitors who camp at Gaviota State Park Campground are next to the ocean and not far from other fine beaches.

  • Experience excellent pier fishing off the Gaviota Pier.
  • Surf the point at El Capitan Beach, Mondos, or Rincon Point.
  • Hike along self-guided nature trail on El Capitan Point or the Bill Wallace Trail leading up El Capitan Creek.
  • Enjoy swimming, surfing, and fishing at Emma Wood State Beach.
  • Head out wildlife viewing along the Ventura River estuary.
  • Spend the afternoon kiteboarding at Leadbetter Beach.
  • Fish for monster bass at Lake Casitas.
  • Enjoy the calm waters of beautiful Cachuma Lake.
  • Take to the air hang gliding at Douglas Preserve near Arroyo Burro Beach.
  • View the Harbor Seals near Carpinteria Beach.
  • Watch some exciting and competitive beach volleyball at East Beach.
  • Kayak along the Santa Barbara coast.
  • Explore Channel Islands Harbor where you can rent a boat or take a cruise out to the Channel Islands.
  • Visit the Flight 261 Memorial Sundial at Hueneme Beach.


Key Gaviota State Park Campground Regulations

  1. Quiet Hours run from 10 PM to 6 AM.
  2. Generator operation hours are from 10 AM. to 8 PM, as needed.
  3. Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than six feet and under adult supervision at all times. Dogs must be confined to a vehicle or tent at night.

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