El Capitan State Beach
1 El Capitan State Beach Rd, Goleta, CA 93117
Overview
Located 17 miles west of Santa Barbara off Highway 101, El Capitan beach is a spectacular beach in California full of stunning views of the Pacific Ocean.
An excellent choice for oceanside camping, El Capitan beach has over 100 standard campsites which can accommodate RVs up to 42 feet, trailers, and tents, but has no hookups or dump stations.
There are a total of five group campsites available ranging from $235 to $320. Two of them can accommodate trailers, TVs, and tents, while three of them can only accommodate tents.
Open all year round, this wheelchair-accessible beach is known to attract most campers in spring and in fall. Peak seasons are usually between March to November.
The El Capitan beach allows dogs that are kept on a leash. However, they are not permitted into any buildings on the beach and must be kept in a vehicle or tent at night.
Best Campsites at El Capitan State Beach
These are the better options for campsites within El Capitan, especially if you’re looking for something close to the beach or with ocean views.
Sites 31, 32, 34, 35
- Some shade cover
- Very close to the beach!
- Right next to camp store and extra parking lot
Sites 80-86
- Well spaced campsites
- Very close to facilities
- Beach/ocean views
- #83 is an ADA site
- Possible downside is Garza group site is across the road
Site 123
- No neighboring campsites on one side, very separated on the other
- Shade coverage
- Very close to beach access point!
Unique Experiences
- In the mood for fish? Enjoy quality bonding moments with your group while fishing for monster bass at Lake Casitas.
- Go sit near the beautiful Cachuma Lake and enjoy the calming effect of water. Meditate, do yoga, read a book; whatever floats your boat!
- Experience the thrill of hiking and follow a self-guided nature trail! There’s a few you can find: El Capitan Point, the Nojoqui Falls Park, or the Bill Wallace Trail (near El Capitan Creek).
- In the mood to catch some waves? Immerse in the energy of the ocean by surfing the point at El Capitan Beach, Mondos, or Rincon Point.
- Jump on a cruise towards Channel Islands and visit the national park, dubbed “the American Galapagos” and home to eight indigenous mammal specials only found there.
- Go beach hopping and explore Refugio State Beach by taking the 3-mile Aniso Trail.
- Feeling active? Engage your friends (or strangers!) in an exciting game of competitive beach volleyball at East Beach.
- Go for a paddle and explore the coast from a kayak. Things look different from the water!
- Loads of biking await you around the area so grab your wheels and hit the trails!
- Explore the beautiful Goleta Butterfly Grove and witness the spectacular migration of Monarch butterflies from November through March. Remember to bring those binoculars and cameras!
El Capitan State Beach Campground Rules
Max Trailer/RV Length
42 FeetMax People per Site
8Max Vehicles per Site
2 (1 included)Fires allowed?
Only in designated fire ringsPets allowed?
Yes, but not on beach/trailsEl Capitan State Beach Reservation Information
Reservations Allowed?
Reservations Required?
YesPlanning a visit to El Capitan Beach? Reservations can be made as early as six months before the expected date of visit.
You can make reservations online at www.parks.ca.gov or by calling (800) 444-7275 between 8 AM and 6 PM.
A night at El Capitan Beach costs $45 from March to November, $55 for premium sites, and hike and bike sites cost $10. Hookups are not available so you may need to fire up the generator for power, which is allowed between 10 AM to 8 PM.
Ensure you have the following information to make a reservation:
- Park selections
- Date you wish to start camping
- Type and size of camping equipment
- Number of people that will occupy the campsite
- Number of nights you wish to camp
- Alternative park and camping date choices
- Your phone number and area code
- Method of payment/Credit card number and expiration date
- Mailing address
Group Camping Reservations
There are 5 group sites at the El Capitan Beach Group that can be booked for between .
For $320, you can book a tent-only group site that covers 60 people and a maximum of 15 vehicles. If you’re a group of fewer than 60 people, you may reserve a tent for $225 that covers 50 people and 10 vehicles.
With $235, you may reserve a standard group site that accommodates 32 people and 8 vehicles. For $285 you may reserve a tent for 40 people and 10 vehicles.
You can make group campsite reservations through ReserveCalifornia or by phone: 1-800-444-PARK (7275).
Campsite Reservation Cancellations
Reservation cancellations may be made through ReserveCalifornia or by phone: 1-800-444-PARK (7275). There is a $7.99 cancellation fee as a penalty if cancellation is done after 6 PM on the day of arrival.
El Capitan State Beach Campground Cost
Standard Campsite
$45Premium Site
$55Group Campsite
$235 - $320Activities
Hiking
Fishing
Surfing / Windsurfing
Canoeing / Kayaking
Volleyball
Amenities
RV/Trailers
Hookups
Pull Through Spots
Pet Friendly
ADA Sites
Showers
Picnic Tables
Campfire Rings
Trash
Wifi
Alcohol
Cell Service
Potable Water
Directions
FAQs
Nearby Campgrounds to El Capitan State Beach
Although, The California State Parks have a shared goal of being beaches and open spaces that enrich the quality of life, still, these parks are somewhat different in features and amenities. Unlike El Capitan State Beach, some other beaches may have to hook-up compatibility and a no-pet policy.
Doheny State Beach
Like the El Capitan State Beach, the Doheny State Beach has no hookups and is a pet policy. However, the Doheny State Beach isn’t as group-friendly as the El Capitan. There is only one group campsite at Doheny and it only supports up to 40 people. However, smaller groups may enjoy the notable advantage of the campfire program and surf lessons on the Doheny State Beach.
Carpentaria State Beach
If you would like to experience the basic features of El Capitan Beach at a lesser price, Carpentaria State Beach may be your go-to. In addition to the regular features of El Capitan, this beach offers full hookups and even group tents. Campers get to enjoy these for as little as $180/night.
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Leo Carrillo Sate Beach differs from El Capitan Beach primarily with its 50A electrical hookups and water. Although they have smaller vehicle requirements like a maximum of 2 vehicles per site, they allow RVs/Trailers just like the El Capitan Beach.
