Refugio State Beach Campground

California's Best Camping

Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County,  California
Refugio State Beach, Santa Barbara County,  California

Refugio State Beach Campground

Santa Barbara County


Refugio State Beach Campground

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.

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Refugio State Beach Campground Basics
Refugio State Beach Campground Location: Highway 101, 20 miles west of Santa Barbara
Camping Season: Open year-round
Number of Sites: 63
Max. People per Site: 8 (including children)
Vehicles per Site: Fees cover 1 vehicle and 1 legal tow, fee per night for additional vehicles
Pets: On leash, always attended
Operated by California State Parks
Refugio State Beach Information: (805) 968-1033

Reservations at Refugio State Beach Campground
Reservations available Reservations are available year-round up to 6 months in advance of arrival date.
Maximum Vehicle Length: Trailers 27 feet, RVs 30 feet
Wheelchair Accessible Sites: #1, 8, 38, 52, 62
Fees: Peak season (March - November) - $45
Premium sites peak season - $55
Hike & Bike site $10
Online Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Refugio State Beach Campground Reservations
or call (800) 444-PARK (7275) between 8 AM and 6 PM
Check-in, Check-out: 2:00 PM, Noon

Refugio State Beach Campground Amenities
Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring with grill; no hook-ups
Campground: Restrooms with flush toilets, amphitheater, store
Showers: Yes
Dump Station: No
Campground Map: Refugio State Beach Campground Map
Attractions near Refugio State Beach Campground: 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.

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Refugio State Beach, CA

Refugio State Beach

Refugio State Beach Group Campsites

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.

Fees: $235 and $350 per night
Reservations at ReserveCalifornia: Refugio State Beach Group Campsite Reservations



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.




Refugio State Beach Campground, CA

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.
  • Fish for monster bass at Lake Casitas.
  • Enjoy the calm waters of beautiful Cachuma Lake.
  • Experience excellent pier fishing off the Gaviota Pier.
  • 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 Refugio State Beach Campground Regulations

  1. 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.
  2. Quiet Hours extend from 10 PM to 6 AM.
  3. Generators may only be operated from 10 AM to 8 PM, as needed.
  4. Voices, radios, and other sound-producing devices must not be audible beyond your immediate campsite at any time of day or night.
  5. Curfew: All visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian past 8:30 PM.

    Check Refugio State Beach for any campground updates.