Refugio State Beach Campground is located off Highway 101, 20 miles west of Santa Barbara. Campers at Refugio Beach enjoy palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze, warm sandy beaches, protected cove waters, and guided kayak tours. A bike trail leads south along the coast.
Refugio State Beach Campground has 63 standard campsites which can accommodate RVs, trailers, and tents. Campsites #34 - 36 and 60 are designated as Premium sites and cost an extra $10 per night. Refugio State Beach also has a Hike & Bike Site and several Group Camps. Refugio is subject to park closures during the rainy season: December through March.
Enjoy the wonderful beach only a few steps from your campsite. Follow hiking trails in the area. Try surfing or surf fishing. Join a ranger-led kayak tour, or experienced kayakers explore the coast of their own. Cycle along the bike trail. Take the 3-mile Ansio Trail from Refugio to El Capitan Beach. Visit the Goleta Butterfly Grove. Hike through Nojoqui Falls Park.
Refugio State Beach has 3 group sites - Anapamu, Yanonali, and Bouchard. The first two can accommodate up to 32 people and 8 vehicles, while Bouchard can hold as many as 80 people and 25 vehicles. Not all vehicles may be covered by the registration fee. Anapamu and Yanonali are for tents only and do not permit RVs or trailers.
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.
Refugio State Beach Campground
Santa Barbara County Beach and Lake Attractions
Visitors to Santa Barbara County find wonderful beaches and attractive lakes with great camping choices. Campers at Refugio State Beach Campground have a wonderful stretch of sand within steps of their campsite and many other attractions nearby.
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.
Spend the afternoon kiteboarding at Leadbetter Beach.